Located in Binh Thuan
province, Phan Thiet is 200 km from Saigon and lies south of Cam Ranh
bay on the southernmost stretch of Central Vietnam. Binh Thuan was once
a part of the Cham kingdom. In 1692, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu captured the
area and named it Binh Thuan Dinh. Binh Thuan is quite important in
Vietnam's history, as it was because of this area that in 1306 King Tran
Nhan Tong agreed to the marriage of princess Huyen Chan to King Jaya
Sinhavarman III of the Cham Kingdom. During the revolution against the
French, it was in this area that the two patriots Phan Chu Trinh and
Tran Quy Cap had their start. Furthermore, according to local lore, the
area around Phan Thiet is where Han Mac Tu, the disfigured poet, spent
his time forlornly as he waited for Mong Cam, the lady of his dreams.
Fish industry
Phan Thiet is the largest town
in Binh Thuan province with an estimated population of close to 100,000
people. The town sits on the borders of Ca Ty river, is 20 Km from the
ocean and swells with boats during the fishing season in the summer
months. Fishing is Phan Thiet's largest industry. According to local
statistics, some 100 different varieties of fishes are caught here with
an annual yield of over 70,000 tons. As a result, Phan Thiet is famous
for its Nuoc Mam (fish sauce), a seasoning used in Vietnamese cuisine.
Most visitors to Phan Thiet
will notice the pungent odor that is associated with fish sauce
production. This is a process where anchovy-like fishes are caught,
cleaned and place in large vats of brine. The whole concoction is cured
over a period of eight months to a year before the fish by-products are
strained and the liquid is then diluted into less concentrated solutions
to be bottled. Fish sauce from Phan Thiet is available throughout
Vietnam. Today, the annual production of nuoc mam in Phan Thiet is 16-17
million liters per annum. The salt used in the production of fish sauce
is also a local product of Binh Thuan province. Although fishing is a
big industry in Phan Thiet, it still remains a family business for many
people in the region. While the men are out at sea, women and children
often stay home to support the business by mending nets and tending to
shore related chores.
With only a 10% humidity
during most of the year, Binh Thuan is the dryest province in Vietnam.
Most of its terrain consist of rocky mountains and sandy hills.
Agriculture is almost non existent since few crops can grow on this arid
land.A few kilometers East of Phan Thiet are some of the most beautiful
stretches of beaches in Vietnam. Some are lined with tall coconut trees,
others lean against vast red sand dunes.
During the period between July
and October, the fishing season is at its pinnacle in Phan Thiet as
fishermen go out to sea. These boats form a magnificent display of
lights at night and can be seen from shore. In fact, the scene is liken
to a floating city by the locals.
Bairang
Bai Rang or Rang Beach is probably the most beautiful beach in Phan
Thiet. It is located 15 Km northeast of Phan Thiet and is described by
the locals as the beach that is nestled in the middle of a coconut palm
forest. Other landmarks in the area of Rang beach are Da Ong Dia
(boulders of the Earth God), and Suoi Tien (Celestial stream).
Muine Sand Dunes
However, by far the most popular among tourists are Mui Ne Sand
Dunes and Mui Ne Beaches located 12 miles East of Phan Thiet. The sand
dunes in this area are shaped by the elements of the wind and therefore
is a spectacular site to the visitors.
Muine Fishing Village
Mui Ne gets its name from the
local fishermen using this area as a shelter during the stormy season.
Mu~i meaning nose or peninsula and Ne meaning to duck or to take
shelter. The combination of sun, sand and deep turquoise water of the
pacific ocean create a breath taking and spectacular site to the
visitors.
