About Rach Gia
Rach Gia is the capital city of Kien Giang Province, located in the southwest of Vietnam and part of the Mekong Delta. Positioned about 90 km from the Cambodian border, it serves primarily as a gateway for ferries to Phu Quoc Island and smaller islands off the coast. Unlike many coastal cities, Rach Gia does not have a developed beach area or significant tourist infrastructure, making it less of a vacation destination.
The city is notable as the first in Vietnam where land reclamation projects were implemented, transforming it into one of the largest new urban areas in the region. While its wide boulevards and modern developments reflect its strategic importance, the city itself remains more practical than picturesque. For travelers, most of the things to do in Rach Gia revolve around its role as a transit hub or its local markets and cultural diversity.
Is Rach Gia worth to visit?
Rach Gia is not a destination worth visiting on its own due to its lack of notable sights or atmosphere. While it has coastal access, there are no beaches suitable for relaxation, and the city itself lacks charm. However, Rach Gia plays an important role as a transit point for ferries to Phu Quoc and nearby islands. If you’re traveling through the region and need a stopover or have specific reasons to explore the city, a brief visit or overnight stay may suffice. For most travelers, it is more of a practical waypoint than a destination.
Best time to visit Rach Gia
Rach Gia is located in the southern region of Vietnam, where it shares a tropical climate similar to other Mekong Delta destinations like Can Tho. The weather here is consistently warm throughout the year, with two main seasons: dry and rainy.
The best time to visit Rach Gia is during the dry season, which runs from December to April, with the months of January to March offering the most pleasant weather, as temperatures are slightly cooler and there’s minimal rainfall.
During the rainy season, which lasts from May to November, expect heavy but brief downpours, usually in the afternoons. While travel is still possible, the rains can make exploring less convenient, especially if you’re planning to catch a ferry or explore the Mekong Delta.
How to travel to Rach Gia
Rach Gia is a key transit hub in the Mekong Delta, primarily for ferries to Phu Quoc Island and other smaller islands. While it has good transport connections, most visitors only pass through the city on their way to these destinations.
Flights to Rach Gia
Rach Gia has its own airport located right next to the town, with a single flight route connecting to Ho Chi Minh City. While convenient, it’s not the most practical airport if you’re heading to Phu Quoc, as flying directly to the island is a better option. Rach Gia Airport is mainly useful for those visiting smaller islands off the coast.
For more flight options, Can Tho Airport is a better alternative, located about a 2.5-hour drive from Rach Gia, while Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is at least 5.5 hours away by road.
Bus options
- From Ho Chi Minh City, there are plenty of bus options to Rach Gia. The journey takes around 6 hours, and both daytime and overnight sleeper buses are available. Prices start at $6 for basic buses, but the more comfortable options, which cost slightly more, are worth it.
- From Can Tho, you can travel in luxury vans that take about 2.5 hours. These vans often drop passengers directly at the port for ferry departures.
- From other parts of the Mekong Delta, such as Ha Tien, local buses are available. However, these can be challenging to navigate as a foreigner due to less organized schedules and minimal English assistance.
Private car with driver
Hiring a private car is the most flexible option, especially if you need to reach the ferry port from remote areas of the Mekong Delta. Private cars are a better alternative to taxis, offering a fixed price and the convenience of visiting Rach Gia or nearby attractions along the way. This is ideal for those on tight schedules or requiring reliable transport to catch a ferry.
Rach Gia ferry port
For most travelers, Rach Gia is a transit hub to reach Vietnam’s islands, particularly Phu Quoc, but it also provides ferry access to several lesser-known islands that are worth exploring for their natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
Ferry to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is the most popular destination from Rach Gia, with multiple ferries departing daily.
- Travel time: 3 hours
- Ferries: Superdong, Thanh Thoi Ferry, Lightning 68
- Start times: 07:10, 08:00, 09:18, 10:30, 12:30, 13:10
Travel Tip: Ferry departures are only in the morning and early afternoon, so if you’re coming from Can Tho or further in the Mekong Delta, leave early to arrive on time. Alternatively, consider traveling to Ha Tien for a shorter ferry ride to Phu Quoc.
Ferry to other islands
Beyond Phu Quoc, there are a few other islands accessible from Rach Gia, each offering unique experiences:
- Nam Du: A pristine tropical island with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and a relaxed vibe, perfect for nature lovers.
- Hon Son (Lai Son): Known for its untouched beauty, it’s an ideal destination for hiking, swimming, and enjoying unspoiled beaches.
- Hon Tre: A quiet island with local fishing communities and serene landscapes, offering a glimpse into authentic delta life.
Getting there by ferry
The Superdong ferry connects Rach Gia to Nam Du, Hon Son (Lai Son), and Hon Tre, making stops at each island before returning.
- Departure time: 07:20
- Arrival times and costs:
- Hon Tre: Arrives at 07:55 (35 minutes) – 70,000 VND
- Hon Son (Lai Son): Arrives at 08:45 (1 hour 25 minutes) – 140,000 VND
- Nam Du: Arrives at 09:40 (2 hours 20 minutes) – 210,000 VND
Important Tip: The ferry does not operate daily, so check the schedule and plan your trip carefully to ensure both your arrival and return journeys are feasible.
Sights in Rach Gia
Rach Gia does not have many notable tourist sights and is generally not a destination you would go out of your way to visit. However, if you happen to be in the city, perhaps due to an early ferry the next day, here are a few things to do in Rach Gia.
1. Riverside & docks
Rach Gia’s rivers and canals come together to form a network of waterways, where boats of all sizes pass through daily. On the outskirts of the city, stilt houses are built right along the river’s edge, offering a glimpse of traditional riverside life. While there isn’t much to do here, taking a stroll along the river can be a relaxing way to see a quieter, more authentic side of the city.
2. Cho Rach Gia (Central Market)
The city’s main market, located in the center of town, is a lively spot to witness local life. Vendors sell everything from fresh seafood to groceries, catering mostly to residents. While it’s not a typical tourist attraction, visiting the market gives you a real taste of what life is like in this coastal town. The friendly vendors add a welcoming touch, but don’t expect much beyond the typical sights and sounds of a Vietnamese market.
3. Nguyen Trung Truc Temple
Dedicated to Nguyen Trung Truc, a resistance leader from the 1860s, this temple commemorates his heroic efforts against the French. The main hall features a portrait of Truc, and the temple itself has been rebuilt and expanded over the years. Truc is celebrated for his daring acts, such as burning a French warship, as well as his ultimate sacrifice to save hostages. The temple is small but culturally significant, offering insight into the local history of the Mekong Delta.
4. Phat Lon Pagoda
Phat Lon Pagoda is a Khmer temple with striking architecture that resembles Cambodian designs rather than traditional Vietnamese styles. Located in a spacious compound, it features intricate golden motifs, statues, and ancient trees. Recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic, the pagoda is a significant spiritual and cultural site for the Khmer people in the region.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the pagoda holds historical importance. It served as the site of a massacre during the French occupation in 1948, where 32 revolutionary soldiers were executed. A memorial stele now commemorates their sacrifice. Visiting the pagoda offers a chance to appreciate both its peaceful atmosphere and its connection to local history.
5. Kien Giang Museum
Housed in a charming colonial-era building, the Kien Giang Museum is small but worth a quick visit if you have time to spare. The museum focuses primarily on the region’s revolutionary history, with exhibits on Nguyen Trung Truc’s resistance against the French and artifacts from the American War. There’s also a small collection of Oc Eo pottery, reflecting the ancient culture that once thrived in the Mekong Delta.
Although the museum is basic, it provides insight into the cultural and historical identity of Kien Giang Province. Outside, a whale skeleton and the picturesque building itself add to the charm. It’s not a must-see, but for history enthusiasts or those with extra time, it’s a pleasant distraction while waiting for a ferry.
Things to do around Rach Gia
To get a better idea of the surrounding area, check out our Kien Giang travel guide, which includes more things to do in this region of the Mekong Delta.
1. Visiting islands
The islands near Rach Gia offer some of the best tropical getaways in Vietnam. Phu Quoc, the largest and most famous, boasts stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant markets. For a quieter experience, head to lesser-known islands like Nam Du, Hon Son, and Hon Tre, where you’ll find pristine beaches, fewer crowds, and authentic local life. These islands are accessible by ferry from Rach Gia, making them perfect for a short trip or an extended island-hopping adventure.
2. U Minh Thuong National Park
Located about 65 km from Rach Gia, U Minh Thuong National Park is one of Vietnam’s most important wetland reserves. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species, and features a maze of canals and mangroves. Visitors can explore the park by boat, take a guided trek, or simply enjoy the tranquility of this unspoiled natural area.
3. Rural life
The countryside surrounding Rach Gia offers a glimpse into the everyday life of the Mekong Delta. Fishing villages, rice paddies, and stilt houses along the river dot the landscape, creating a serene and picturesque environment. A day trip to explore the rural areas allows you to interact with friendly locals and experience the region’s rich agricultural and fishing traditions.
Where to stay
Rach Gia has plenty of hotels, and there’s no need to book far in advance unless you’re traveling during a major holiday. Most travelers stay here overnight to catch an early ferry the next day. The majority of accommodations are budget-friendly local hotels, with prices starting at around $15 for a basic private room.
City center
The city center has a few hotel options, all of which are cheap and very local. These accommodations are fine for a short overnight stay and conveniently close to the ferry port. However, don’t expect anything fancy or unique in terms of comfort or atmosphere.
Duong So (Reclaimed Land Area)
This newly developed area of Rach Gia feels very different from the rest of the city. With wide, straight streets, usable sidewalks, and identical modern houses, it lacks the typical local charm but offers a quieter and more organized environment. There are plenty of hotel options here, including more modern accommodations. This area is also very close to the ferry port, making it a convenient and peaceful choice for travelers.
South of the city center
South of the city center offers the widest variety of accommodations, with an abundance of local budget hotels and a few midrange options, some even featuring pools. While this area is further from the port, it’s still only a 10-15 minute taxi ride, making it a practical choice if you’re looking for something more comfortable or slightly more upscale.
