Ha Tien – Gateway town with markets, caves & beaches
Ha Tien is a small coastal town in Kien Giang Province, where the Mekong Delta meets the Gulf of Thailand. Its setting is striking: a mix of river channels, a mangrove-fringed lagoon, open sea, and limestone hills rising from the flat delta landscape.
The town’s history is shaped by its position on the frontier. In the late 17th century, Chinese immigrant Mac Cuu founded a settlement here, which later came under Vietnamese rule. Centuries later, during the 1970s, Ha Tien suffered cross-border raids by the Khmer Rouge, a reminder of its vulnerable borderland role.
Today, Ha Tien is best known for its fishing life and as a gateway to Cambodia and Phu Quoc Island. Life here feels slower than in larger Mekong cities, with a cultural mix of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese communities reflected in temples, markets, and food. Tourism is growing thanks to new ferries and border routes, but the atmosphere remains relaxed compared to nearby Phu Quoc.
This mix of history, culture, and landscapes makes Ha Tien worth more than a stopover — and in the next section we’ll explore the best things to do in Ha Tien.
Best things to do in Ha Tien
The best things to do in Ha Tien range from quiet beaches and lively markets to sacred caves and temples. While many travelers pass through on the way to Cambodia or Phu Quoc, spending a day or two here gives you a glimpse of everyday Mekong life mixed with unique history and scenery. Below are the top sights and activities to explore in and around town.
1. Dong Ho Lake & Ngoc Tien Monastery
Dong Ho Lake is a large brackish lagoon on the edge of Ha Tien, surrounded by mangroves and open views of the river meeting the sea. Rising above it, the Ngoc Tien Monastery sits on the slopes of To Chau Hill, visible from many streets in town.
Visitors can climb the steps up to the monastery for sweeping views across Ha Tien, the Cambodian borderlands, and even Phu Quoc on clear days. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light and cooler weather, making this one of the most rewarding things to do in Ha Tien for photographers and anyone wanting a sense of the town’s landscape.
2. Ha Tien Markets (Fish, Food & Night)
The riverfront market zone is the beating heart of Ha Tien, alive with activity from dawn until night. The fish market is especially worth seeing before sunrise, when boats unload their catch and traders gut and prepare seafood on the spot. Alongside it are vegetable and meat stalls, as well as small food counters serving local specialties.
This is the place to try dishes like bún mắm or bún kèn, which are staples of the Mekong region. In the evening, the night market takes over with stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, and more seafood dining right by the river. It can feel touristy at times, but the atmosphere is lively, and bargaining is expected. Exploring the markets is one of the most authentic activities in Ha Tien.
3. Mui Nai Beach (with its “mud spa” sand)
Just west of town, Mui Nai is Ha Tien’s main beach, set in a sheltered bay with calm, shallow water. Unlike the white-sand beaches of Phu Quoc, the sand here is dark brown, mixed with mineral-rich mud that locals believe has health and skin benefits.
The beach is lined with casual seafood restaurants and small cafés where you can spend an afternoon. It’s not Vietnam’s most beautiful beach, but it’s great for swimming, relaxing with fresh crab or fish, and watching the sun set behind Cambodia. For many visitors, Mui Nai is one of the simplest yet most enjoyable things to do in Ha Tien.
4. Bai No Beach (quiet local spot)
Bai No is one of the more hidden beaches in Ha Tien, lined with coconut palms and dotted with colorful fishing boats. Unlike Mui Nai, it has not been developed for tourism and retains a simple, local charm.
For travelers looking to escape the crowds, Bai No is a peaceful option to relax by the sea. Facilities are minimal, so bring your own drinks or snacks, but the quiet setting makes it one of the more authentic things to do in Ha Tien if you prefer offbeat spots.
5. Da Dung Mountain & Tien Son Pagoda
Da Dung is a limestone mountain just outside town, riddled with 14 interconnected caves. Many chambers hold Buddhist shrines, altars, and incense smoke curling through natural openings in the rock.
Climbing the walkways takes effort but rewards you with balcony views over rice fields, Cambodia, and the Gulf of Thailand. The highlight is Tien Son Pagoda, a temple inside the cave dramatically lit by a natural skylight. Visiting Da Dung is among the most impressive sights in Ha Tien, especially for those interested in history and landscapes.
6. Thach Dong Cave Temple
Thach Dong is another limestone cave temple, located on the road to Mui Nai Beach. It is remembered as the site of a Khmer Rouge massacre in 1978, with a memorial plaque at the entrance. Inside, the chambers house shrines to the Jade Emperor, the Goddess of Mercy, and other deities.
The cave itself is small but atmospheric, and from the upper paths you can enjoy views across green rice fields towards the Cambodian border. It’s not a must-see for everyone, but its mix of natural setting and historical significance makes it one of the more meaningful things to do in Ha Tien.
7. Hill of Tombs & Mac Dynasty Temple
The Hill of Tombs is the resting place of Mac Cuu, the Chinese founder of modern Ha Tien, and his descendants. Shady trees and stone pathways lead to dozens of old graves, including Mac Cuu’s tomb built in 1809. At the base stands the Mac Dynasty Temple (1846), decorated with incense, murals, and Chinese-style motifs.
Even if you are not a history enthusiast, the area offers a calm walk and a glimpse into the town’s multicultural roots. As one of the most historic sights in Ha Tien, it’s best visited in the cooler hours of the morning or late afternoon.
8. Xa Xia Khmer Temple
Xa Xia Temple sits near the Cambodian border and is an important sanctuary for the local Khmer community. The complex features colorful murals, elaborate statues, and ornate temple roofs.
It is slightly outside town, so a motorbike or taxi makes the trip easier. For travelers interested in Khmer culture, this temple adds diversity to the list of things to do in Ha Tien, contrasting with the Chinese-style Mac Dynasty sites.
9. Wandering Ha Tien’s Backstreets & Riverfront
Part of Ha Tien’s appeal is simply wandering its compact, walkable streets. Shady alleys reveal crumbling shop houses, small local temples, and old colonial-era buildings. Along the riverfront, markets and cafés bring the town to life.
Midday is quiet and almost sleepy, while evenings are lively with outdoor dining and the sight of swifts circling overhead. Exploring without a plan is one of the most rewarding activities in Ha Tien, giving you a feel for its relaxed rhythm.
10. Hai Tac Islands (Pirate Islands / Ha Tien Islands)
Just off the coast lie the Hải Tặc Islands, also called the Ha Tien Islands, a small archipelago of around 16 islets. The main one, Hải Tặc or Pirate Island, is inhabited by a small fishing community and linked to legends of pirate activity in the Gulf of Thailand.
Visitors can reach the islands by ferry from Ha Tien, though access for foreigners has varied over the years. If open, expect simple accommodations, snorkeling opportunities, and quiet beaches.
Best time to visit Ha Tien
The best time to visit Ha Tien depends less on the town itself and more on whether you plan to connect to Phu Quoc or Cambodia. Ha Tien has a steady flow of breezes from the sea and hills, so the climate is easier to handle than in many other Mekong Delta towns.
The dry season (November to May) is considered the most convenient time. Seas are calmer, ferries to Phu Quoc run more reliably, and sunsets from Mui Nai Beach are at their most dramatic.
The rainy season (June to October) brings short but heavy downpours, which can sometimes delay ferries or border travel. On the positive side, the surrounding countryside turns lush and green, and there are far fewer tourists.
If you are staying only in Ha Tien, the season makes little difference — the town’s markets, caves, and temples can be visited year-round. Timing matters more if you want smooth connections onward to the islands or across the Cambodian border.
How to get to Ha Tien
Ha Tien sits at Vietnam’s southwestern tip, right on the Gulf of Thailand and just a few kilometers from the Cambodian border. Despite its remote location, the town is well connected by bus, boat, and road, making it a practical stop between the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, and southern Cambodia.
From Ho Chi Minh City
The most common route is by sleeper bus, which takes around 8–9 hours. Buses leave frequently, roughly every 1–2 hours during the day and night. The most reliable operator is Phuong Trang (Futa), known for its orange buses and decent service. Tickets cost around 150,000–250,000 VND.
From Can Tho
Ha Tien is about 4 hours by bus from Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. Several daily departures make the trip straightforward. If you are continuing directly to Phu Quoc or Cambodia, some agencies and accommodations in Can Tho sell transfer combos that include your bus, ferry, or onward transport, saving you the need for an overnight in Ha Tien.
From Chau Doc
From Chau Doc near the Cambodian border, the journey is around 93 km and takes about 3 hours. Direct buses run every two hours, costing roughly 100,000 VND (~4 USD). This is a convenient route if you are combining Ha Tien with visits to the Mekong River towns of An Giang Province.
From Rach Gia & Other Mekong hubs
Rach Gia is 90 km away and about 2 hours by road. From there, it’s easy to reach Ha Tien by bus or private car. Ha Tien also has regular bus connections to other Delta hubs like Long Xuyen, Ben Tre, and Ca Mau, making it accessible from most parts of the Mekong.
By Air
Ha Tien itself does not have an airport. The nearest is Rach Gia Airport, with daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City (about 40 minutes). From the airport, you can continue by bus or car to Ha Tien. Flights are limited but useful if you want to cut down travel time from Saigon.
By motorbike or car
For adventurous travelers, driving from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien is a scenic option. The distance is around 300 km, and the route passes through classic Mekong Delta scenery — canals, rice fields, and small villages. Most travelers split the trip into one or two days, with stops in places like Can Tho or Chau Doc. The roads are mostly flat, making the ride doable by motorbike as well as car.
Traveling to or from Cambodia
Ha Tien is one of the most convenient places in Vietnam to cross into southern Cambodia. The official border point is the Xa Xia – Prek Chak crossing, located just a few kilometers west of town.
Many travel agencies, hotels, and even cafés in Ha Tien sell through-tickets that combine bus transport with the border crossing. These are the easiest way to continue directly to Kampot, Kep, Sihanoukville, or Phnom Penh, as your ticket usually covers all legs of the journey. Buying a combo ticket also means less hassle with finding onward transport once you enter Cambodia.
At the border itself, travelers can obtain a Cambodian visa on arrival, usually around 30 USD, but procedures and prices can change, so it’s wise to confirm the latest rules before traveling. Expect some contrasts at the crossing: the Vietnamese side is fairly simple and worn, while the Cambodian side has new buildings and large casinos.
If you need detailed advice about visas, requirements, or exemptions, see our dedicated Vietnam visa guide.
Traveling to or from Phu Quoc
Ha Tien has now overtaken Rach Gia as the main port for ferries to Phu Quoc Island, thanks to its shorter sailing time and better transport links. For many travelers, this is the most practical way to reach the island.
Several operators run daily ferries. Superdong and Phu Quoc Express both operate fast passenger boats that take about 1h15–1h30, while Thanh Thoi runs larger car ferries that take closer to 2.5 hours. The first boats usually depart around 07:30, and the last ones leave around 13:45, so plan your arrival in Ha Tien accordingly.
Tickets can be booked at the ferry terminals, through local agencies and hotels in Ha Tien, or online in advance. Prices are reasonable, but it’s best to book ahead if you are traveling in high season or around public holidays.
Sailings are most reliable during the dry season (November–May), when seas are calm. In the rainy season (June–October), delays or cancellations can happen, though crossings generally continue unless conditions are very rough.
Tips for staying and visiting Ha Tien
Accommodation
Most places to stay in Ha Tien are in the budget to midrange category. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and prices are lower than on Phu Quoc. For a more atmospheric stay, consider the Mui Nai beach area, where you’ll find guesthouses and small hotels close to the water. At the moment, there are no true luxury resorts, though tourism growth may change that in the future.
Food & Drink
Ha Tien’s food reflects its Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese mix. Street stalls are the best place to try local specialties such as bún mắm (fermented fish noodle soup), bún cá (fish soup), and bún kèn (a Phu Quoc-style coconut fish noodle). Seafood is fresh and abundant — look for simple riverside stalls, the restaurants at Mui Nai Beach, or the local favorite Hải Sản Bờ Kè, which is cheaper than the night market.
For drinks, stop at the breezy Thủy Tiên floating café on Dong Ho Lake or enjoy the shady courtyard at Xuan Mai Café.
Getting around
Ha Tien is compact and walkable, especially around the riverfront and markets. Reliable taxis are available through Mai Linh, which is the safest choice for short trips or reaching Mui Nai Beach. For more freedom, most accommodations rent scooters for around 150,000–200,000 VND per day. Cycling would be an excellent way to explore the flat countryside, but rentals are limited, so this option is less practical.
Facilities in town
Ha Tien has all the basic services travelers need, including ATMs, small shops, and pharmacies in the town center. The markets are also practical for picking up cheap local meals, fresh fruit, or simple essentials. Don’t expect big malls or modern facilities, but for everyday needs, the town is well equipped.
Is Ha Tien worth visiting?
For most travelers, Ha Tien is simply a gateway stop on the way to Phu Quoc or Cambodia. But if you pause here for even one or two nights, you’ll discover a small town with its own character — lively markets at dawn, cave temples and pagodas, quiet beaches, and a mix of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese influences that you won’t find elsewhere in the Mekong Delta.
Ha Tien feels more authentic than larger Delta hubs like Can Tho or Ben Tre, where tourism is more developed. It’s not a destination of big-ticket attractions, but if you enjoy small towns, history, and everyday life, Ha Tien offers a rewarding detour. For those seeking only major sights, it may not feel essential — but for travelers who value atmosphere and cultural mix, it’s worth the stop.
