Ha Tien: Jewel of the Mekong Delta is an exceptional destination in Vietnam's southwesten corner. It is uniquely framed by the Giang Thanh River, Dong Ho Lagoon, the Gulf of Thailand and striking limestone hills. Famous for its historic temples, hidden caves, and scenic beaches, this coastal town serves as a strategic gateway to Phu Quoc Island and Cambodia.
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Growing up, I often heard my father tell stories about his younger days in Ha Tien. Ha Tien is his favorite city in Vietnam - and maybe the world. He loved exploring the limestone caves, hanging out around Thach Dong and spent a lot of time swimming in the beautiful Pacific ocean.
Thus, our itinerary for the day included a vist to Thach Dong (Stone Cave), also known as Thach Dong Cave Pagoda - a shrine built inside a natural limestone cave - and time for a dip in the ocean at Mui Nai Beach.
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The Memorial Monument for victims of the 1978 Pol Pot (Khmer Rouge) massacres in the Ha Tien/ An Giang border region.
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Thach Dong Scenic Landscape, a prominent heritage and geological site in Ha Tien City, 3km from Cambodia border.
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| Pedestrian path leading to Thach Dong with shops along the side. |
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Steps leading up to the cave.
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| Reaching the cave. |
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Inside the cave.
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| Thach Dong cave pagoda. |
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Thach Dong ground and landscape.
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The four sisters - taking a break .
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Vietnam -Cambodia border, about 3 km from Thach Dong.
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A short drive from the border, we reached Mui Nai Beach where we stopped for lunch and a swim. |
Mui Nai Beach located in The Gulf of Thailand, with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.
Getting ready for lunch.
A delicious seafood lunch at the beach.
 | Mui Nai Beach
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| Relaxing under the coconut tree at Mui Nai. |
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| Hoang finds it's more fun to swim in the hotel pool! |
We went back to the hotel for a few hours to break. Once the heat of the day eased off, we were ready to explore the city.
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Travel in style - Xe Dap Doi ( Surrey Bike).
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| Ready .... GO! |
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| Having fun - Surrey Bike Racing! |
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| The prominent Ha Tien Roundabout. |
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Ha Tien Roundabout -Dong Ho or "East Lake" lagoon (inlet) - overlooking the main ferry terminal for Phu Quoc Island.
 | | The Phu Quoc - Ha Tien ferry seen across the river. |
Ha Tien City Center.
Making stop at Ha Tien Church, a primary Catholic place of worship in Ha Tien and also in the Mekong Delta.
 | The Church sanctuary
 | The Church bell tower.
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Across the street from Ha Tien Church is Sac Tu Tam Bao Temple, an ancient, historic temple found in 1730 by Mac Cuu, founder of Ha Tien .
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Tuk tuk parking lot at the temple.
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| Sac Tu Tam Bao Temple. |
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Sac Tu Tam Bao Pagoda.
Phat Da Pagoda, or Lo Gach (Brick Kiln Pagoda) established in 1945 by Thich Chi Hoa who used an abandoned local brick kiln as the main hall.
Phat Da Pagoda |
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| Phat Da Pagoda |
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| Phu Dung Pagoda |
We wrapped up our Ha Tien tour by visiting the bustling night market in the city center, a short distance from our hotel.
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Night ride to the market.
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| Leaving the night market. |
It was a fun, busy day exploring Ha Tien's popular highlights. We now understand why this city remains my father's absolute favorite in Vietnam. Staying an extra night here was the right choice. Tomorrow, we look forward to our next adventure on Phu Quoc Island.
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