At just three-hours from Ho Chi Minh
City, Phan Thiet and its beach at Mui Ne
offer a great break from the hustle and
hassles of the big city. The town itself
retains some of its charm, and the
colourful harbour, home to Phan Thiet's
large fishing fleet, is a popular sight
with visitors. The fleet ensures that
the restaurants and resorts in town and
along Mui Ne beach are always able to
offer some Vietnam's best seafood
dishes. Indeed, dining is one of the
many delights of a stay in Phan Thiet.
In recent years, the 21km stretch of
golden sand along Mui Ne has witnessed a
transformation as numerous
international-standard resorts have
opened along the beach front. That said,
the area is not overdeveloped and the
resorts tend to be sympathetically
designed and constructed. The range of
accommodation is wide, from basic
bungalows costing just a few dollars to
super-luxury resort complexes and hotels
offering enough facilities to satisfy
all but the most jaded travellers.
Accommodation in town is limited to a
few mini-hotels, plus the excellent
four-star Novotel Coralia Ocean Dunes
Resort. This hotel also boasts an
award-winning 18-hole golf course
designed by Nick Faldo, which is open to
non-guests.