ハティエン

December to April is the best time. The weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm. May to November is the rainy season, with showers most afternoons and rougher seas. Ferries to the islands can be delayed in bad weather.

• Thạch Động is a cave temple inside a limestone hill, with shrines and a view over the plain.
• Núi Đèn is a hill with a view over the coast, near the lighthouse.
• Hải đăng Núi Nai is a small lighthouse on the hill above the sea.
• Mạc Cửu tomb is a hillside burial site east of the town. The Mạc family, who founded and ruled Hà Tiên, are buried in tombs on the hills nearby.
• Phù Dung cổ tự is an old pagoda in the town.
• Tháp 7 tầng is a seven-storey tower in a temple complex.
• Night market and Chợ Hà Tiên are the night market and the town market.
• Chùa Xà Xía is a temple site near the Cambodian border.

• Eat at the night market: Grilled seafood, noodles and sweet drinks by the river.
• Climb Thạch Động: A short climb with temple halls and views.
• Watch sunset by the sea: Sit at the harbour front or the lighthouse hill.
• Take a boat to the islands: Local operators run island-hopping trips.
• Taste pepper and seafood: The region is known for pepper, fish sauce and fresh fish.

• Phu Quoc: ferries run from Hà Tiên to Phú Quốc in about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
• Hòn Phụ Tử: a pair of rocks off the coast, reached by boat.
• An Giang: the next province inland, with Châu Đốc and the Seven Mountains.
• Kampot and Kep: across the Cambodian border, about 1 to 2 hours by road.

• Island: Phu Quoc is reached by ferry.
• Inland: An Giang has temples and hills.
• Delta: Mekong Delta is the wider region.

• By bus: Buses run from Ho Chi Minh City to Hà Tiên in about 8 to 9 hours.
• From Rạch Giá: Buses and shared vans take about 2 hours.
• By air: The nearest airports are at Rạch Giá and Phú Quốc. Phú Quốc has more flights.
• To Phú Quốc: Ferries leave from the Hà Tiên port.
• To Cambodia: The Xà Xía border crossing is open to foreign travellers with a visa.

• Motorbike hire: Easy and useful for the hills and temples.
• Taxi: A few taxis serve the town.
• Cyclo and bicycle: Good for the river and the old centre.
• Walking: The centre is small and walkable.

• Is a car worth it? For the town, no. A car or driver is useful for the hills and temples.
• Roads: Coastal roads are flat and quiet.
• Border: Check visa rules before driving to Cambodia.

Hà Tiên has a mixed Vietnamese, Khmer and Chinese food culture. Try bánh tằm bì, noodles with shredded pork and coconut sauce, and bún kèn, a coconut fish noodle soup. Dried squid, pepper and fish sauce are common gifts.

Seafood stalls near the market and river are the most popular places to eat.

Hà Tiên is quiet and safe for visitors.

• If you cross to Cambodia, carry your passport and visa.
• Currents near rocky shores can be strong. Swim in calm bays.
• Use sun protection and drink bottled water.
• Check ferry times and weather before travelling to the islands.

Hà Tiên was founded in the 17th century by Mạc Cửu, a Chinese trader who ruled the area and later gave it to the Nguyễn lords. His family built the town into a trading port and a centre of Chinese and Vietnamese scholarship.

The Mạc tombs and temples date from this period. In the 20th century Hà Tiên suffered during the border conflicts with Cambodia, and it has grown again as a quiet resort and crossing point.

Quick practical facts for Vietnam at a glance: