Things to do
ARCHITECTURE
Bình Thuan is rich with architectural wonders. Mysterious and beautiful, the historical site of Tháp Pô Sah Inu is a significant landmark of Cham architecture. Rooted deeply in Cham spirituality, the intricately carved towers are built from red brick – and date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. A visit to Ta Cu Mountain will reward you with views of traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture such as Linh Son Truong Tho, sporting tiers of curved roofs, decorative dragons and a 49-metre-long reclining Buddha statue.
CULTURE
You can’t visit Bình Thuan without a trip to Van Thuy Tu Temple. More than just a must-see, it’s the preservation of a legacy: an ode to the local fishing community in Phan Thiet. And nowhere is this more prevalent than in the temple houses – where you’ll find skeletons from more than 600 whales – the largest of which weighs in at a massive 65 tons, earning it the title of ‘largest in Southeast Asia’.
DAY TRIPS
In-keeping with the fishing theme, one of the hidden treasures of Bình Thuan is Phu Quy Island – a collection of traditional fishing villages that invite you to step into vibrant local life. Learn to cast nets and haul fish; snorkel; bask on pristine, sun-soaked shores; or simply sit back and enjoy fresh local seafood from the island restaurants. Or trade the Big Blue for the Red Sand Dunes near Mui Ne Binh Thuan: an ever-shifting canvas of reds, rusts and oranges. Thrill-seekers can traverse them by sandboard, quad bike, camel or 4x4.