Awesome experience in Ha Tien, January 2023

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THE FIRST DAY

Join my journey to Ha Tien, as I set off on the Phuong Trang sleeper bus https://futabus.vn/ at 12:30 afternoon. To make the most of my time, I stay in a hotel close to the market area, where I can savor delicious local cuisine right after getting off the bus.

THE SECOND DAY

Rent a motorbike, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per day, and immerse yourself in the full splendor of this picturesque land.

In the morning, I hit the road on the motorbike and headed to the Mui Nai beach area for a day of adventure - skating down Ta Pang mountain and taking a dip in the sea.

Located just 10 minutes away by motorbike, Mui Nai beach is a hidden gem that's beloved by many tourists. With its unspoiled natural beauty and serene surroundings, it's the perfect place to swim, admire the scenery, sample delicious seafood, and enjoy some fun in the sun. Come see for yourself why Mui Nai is such a popular destination!

Take the dare and soar up the slopes with the ultimate mountain sled game! It is designed to thrill, with safety as a top priority, and is manufactured according to rigorous German standards. It's the newest, most cutting-edge game in Southeast Asia, and you can only find it in the Southwest!

Conquer the top of Ta Pang mountain in a matter of minutes, without breaking a sweat. Treat yourself to a hot cup of coffee while taking in the breathtaking panoramic view of Ha Tien, Cambodia, Phu Quoc Island, and the Pirate Islands. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sled and hit the mountain top!

After a refreshing swim and seafood feast at Mui Nai beach, it's time to recharge at the hotel.

In the afternoon, embark on a spiritual journey and visit the historic Tam Bao Pagoda, Phu Dung Pagoda, Mac Cuu Mausoleum, and Thach Dong.

Tam Bao Pagoda, located on Phuong Thanh Street in Ha Tien Town, was built in the early 18th century by General Mac Cuu. This ancient temple still stands tall today, leaving its mark on the old city's walls.

Phu Dung Pagoda, also known as Phu Cu Pagoda, was built by Mac Thien Tich in honor of his concubine, who left home. With its unique architecture, it's a popular tourist destination for those seeking a spiritual experience.

Mac Cuu Mausoleum, located in the Binh San Mountain complex on Mac Cuu Street, is a cluster of historical relics, including the Binh San Mountain, the Temple of the Mac family, and the tombs of Mac Cuu and his generals. This mausoleum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Ha Tien and the contributions of the Mac family to the land.

So come and explore these spiritual destinations, and uncover the rich history of Ha Tien!

Step into the world of legends and myths at Thach Dong, also known as Thach Dong Thon Van. This towering green rock, standing at 80 meters tall, sits majestically in the middle of a sprawling land. Thach Dong is a famous tourist destination in Ha Tien, and one of the ten stunningly beautiful ancient scenes mentioned in poetry.
Take a journey back in time and imagine the story of Thach Sanh, who killed an eagle to save Princess Quynh Nga in the old fairy tale. And as you stand in the middle of the mountain, soak in the breathtaking panoramic view of the picturesque Ha Tien town and the mysterious Cambodian villages hidden at the foot of the hill.

Step into Thach Dong, and be transported to an enchanting world of towering stalactites, each more spellbinding than the last. Within this mystical cavern lies a small niche that opens up to the unknown. Legend has it that many brave people ventured down, and never come back.

Curious people once decided to test the depth by sending a carved coconut down. To their surprise, the coconut resurfaced on the Mui Nai sea, revealing the connection between this cave and the ocean. This same path was taken by Thach Sanh in the timeless tale of meeting King Thuy Te.

Today, the entrance to this mysterious niche has been sealed off for safety, but the inside of Thach Dong remains a popular destination for tourists seeking to snap a picture and explore its fascinating formations.

And in the heart of the cave rests the ancient Tien Son pagoda, built in 1790, a peaceful oasis dedicated to the worship of Shakyamuni Buddha and the compassionate Bodhisattva Quan The Am.

Take a sip of sweet, refreshing jaggery juice near Thach Dong. This delicious drink has a sweet taste of sugar and a distinct aroma, making it the perfect thirst quencher. Not only does it provide a boost of energy, but it's also packed with essential minerals such as Fe, Ca, P, Zn, and vitamins that are good for your body. And the best part? It's made from completely natural jaggery cotton, without any preservatives or processing, so it's safe for everyone to enjoy.

Discover the cultural richness of Ha Tien, a famous land for culture and tourism in the Mekong Delta. Its location next to Kampot, a province in the south of Cambodia, means that Ha Tien is influenced by Cambodian culture, especially its cuisine. One dish that you won't want to miss is the famous Kampot burnt chicken. With its rich and aromatic flavor, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. The chicken is cooked to perfection, with a shiny yellow color, soft and tender meat, and spices that are evenly absorbed. The aroma of lemongrass and chrysanthemum leaves will have your mouth watering.

When the sun sets in Ha Tien, the buggy scene comes to life! No more dust and noise, just a smooth and relaxing ride. While during the day, you might only spot a few buggies on the streets, as soon as 5 pm hits, nearly 100 beautifully lit buggies line up, ready to whisk you away to your destinations.

Ha Tien market is where the real fun begins! It's noisy, lively, and full of excitement. Stroll through the aisles, checking out all the goodies on display, from cosmetics and colorful fabrics to handicrafts made of stone, snail shells, glass, and plastic. There are even gold and precious stones for sale right on the sidewalk!

Foodie or not, you'll find what you're craving at Ha Tien night market. Plus, being so close to Cambodia, you can indulge in some unique Cambodian cuisine or pick up some gifts made by Cambodian artisans. Don't miss out on the Ha Tien night market experience!

THE THIRD DAY

Have ye heard of the famous Crocodile Cave? From afar, it resembles a giant croc with its jaw wide open, ready to chomp. This land was once a watery land filled with crocodiles, earning it the moniker. Although the water has long receded and the crocs have moved on, the name still sticks.

Ba Lua Islands, part of the stunning archipelago in Kien Giang, is a paradise for island hoppers and adventure seekers. With its untamed beauty and crystal-clear waters, it's the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When the tide recedes, you can walk from one island to the next, discovering all that this wild paradise has to offer.

While the islands are full of beauty, they're also a bit undiscovered, so not all of them have tourist services. To make the most of your trip, consider visiting the "Ba Hon Dam" islands: Hon Duoc, Dam Duong, and Hon Gieng. These three islands are neighbors and create a stunning beach in the middle of the ocean, with calm waters, shallow depths, and a flat ocean floor, making it easy to swim from one island to the next.

Get ready for an unforgettable island-hopping experience!

I also ran into a pack of fun-loving Gen Z dudes from Long Xuyen who was in the "Ba Hon Dam" islands. They were all smiles, and super friendly, and we ended up having a blast eating and drinking together. One of them was even a hot TikToker with nearly a million followers, known as "Bin Yet" on the app!

After a day of island hopping, head back to the mainland and explore the stunning trio of Hon Phu Tu, Hang Pagoda, and Diamond Cave - all located in the same enchanting spot!

Get ready to be wowed by the stunning father-and-son duo of Hon Phu Tu Island! These two towering rock blocks rise high above the sea, standing tall at 33.6m and 30m, respectively. Picture this - a proud dad and his devoted son, both wrapped in tangerine, overlooking the vast ocean. Located in the picturesque Chua Hang Tourist Area, Hon Phu Tu has been a symbol of the beauty of Kien Giang for years and was officially recognized as a national scenic spot in 1989. Don't miss out on this stunning sight!

Hang Pagoda, aka Hai Son Tu, is a must-visit and spiritual hub for travelers to Ha Tien. This majestic Buddhist cave is nestled in a dark and rugged mountain, with its walls standing tall like a beacon of hope. Located close to the shore and surrounded by lapping waves, this pagoda is rooted at the base of An Hai Son Mountain in An Binh commune, Kien Luong district. But the beauty doesn't stop there - the pagoda is situated in a limestone mountain that's been carved by the elements for thousands of years, and behind it lies a vast cave that leads directly to the sea, where the majestic Phu Tu Islet stands tall.

Diamond Cave is a sparkling gem hidden in the heart of the Hon Phu Tu tourist area. This cave is a stunning masterpiece crafted by Mother Nature, made of limestone rocks stacked upon each other and shaped by the sea.

Step inside and be dazzled by the sparkling stalactites, formed over millions of years from water dissolving and flowing down from the cave's roof. Each stalactite is a work of art with its own unique shape, from the striking Cobra to the nurturing Mother's Breast, the majestic Eagle to the cute Baby Elephant, and the most magical of all, the dazzling Diamond Rocks that shimmer and shine. It's a glittering world of natural wonder waiting to be discovered!

Last night in Ha Tien, I dined at the 5 PH Lua restaurant and oh boy, was I in for a treat! The food was delicious and I went all out with my order. The price was just right and I was impressed by how spacious and breezy the place was. But the real cherry on top was the staff - they were hilarious and full of energy! A fantastic dining experience all around.

THE FORTH DAY

Fueled up with a delicious breakfast from Ha Tien market, I hopped aboard the cozy Phuong Trang sleeper bus and drifted off to dreamland on my way back to Saigon. This is one trip you definitely don't want to miss!