I’ve been in Phan Thiết for a few days now, and I think it’s time to share more about the city itself: the food, the atmosphere, and the things you can do while staying here.
Phan Thiết is not a huge city, but it feels very lively. There’s always movement in the streets: people on motorbikes, small markets along the sidewalks, and restaurants opening their doors from early morning until late at night. When it comes to eating, you really have options for every taste and every budget. Street food is everywhere, and it’s usually the most affordable choice, but you’ll also find plenty of small restaurants and cafés with air conditioning. Vietnamese food dominates, of course, but there are also Korean, Japanese, and other international places. No matter where you go, it’s almost impossible not to eat well.
One thing that can be a bit challenging is the language barrier. Many places don’t have English-translated menus, so I quickly realized how practical it was to keep a small notebook with the names of common dishes and ingredients. Having a quick reference helped me order much more easily and avoid surprises. Here are some examples I’ve found the most useful:
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Bò – beef
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Gà – chicken
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Phở – noodle soup
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Bún – rice noodles
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Bún Bò Huế – spicy beef noodle soup
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Cơm – rice
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Cơm Tấm – broken rice, usually with toppings of your choice
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Bánh tráng mắm ruốc – grilled rice paper with fermented shrimp paste
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Bánh mì – baguette with meat, pâté, greens, and pickled carrot and daikon (sometimes with fish)
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Bánh xèo – Vietnamese pancakes with shrimp or meat
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Gỏi cuốn – spring rolls → crispy, fresh, and so tasty!
Phan Thiết is also famous for its dragon fruit. You’ll find it in local markets, on the roadside, and in many of the families supported by the Thiện Chí Center. You will definitely have plenty of opportunities to try some.
Eating is, of course, a big part of the experience here, but Phan Thiết also has a lot to offer in terms of activities. In the city itself, you can walk around and soak up the atmosphere, explore the lively Phan Thiết Market, enjoy a tea or coffee in one of the cafés overlooking the ocean, or visit cultural landmarks like the Pô Sah Inư Cham Towers, the Bửu Sơn Temple, and Thanh Thất Đức Nghĩa.
On weekends, when there’s more time to explore, you can venture a bit further. Mũi Né is the most famous nearby destination, known for its spectacular red and white sand dunes, beautiful beaches, and more touristic vibe.
It’s just a short Grab ride away (around 30minutes). I had a great time there and even met a few people who live in Phan Thiết. I can’t wait to see them again. Another option is NovaWorld, a newly built complex offering modern attractions and entertainment. Both are close by and make for a refreshing change of scenery.
My advice: be ready to try new things. You never know what you’ll discover until you give it a chance. Phan Thiết is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to taste, explore, and connect with people.
Leticia