Phan Thiet

Phan Thiet is traditionally known for its nuoc mam (fish sauce), producing 16 to 17 million litres of the stinky stuff per annum. The population includes descendants of the Cham, who controlled this area until 1692. During the colonial period the Europeans lived in their own segregated ghetto stretching along the northern bank of the Phan Thiet River, while the Vietnamese, Cham, Southern Chinese, Malays and Indonesians lived along the southern bank. The river flowing through the centre of town creates a small fishing harbour, which is always chock-a-block with boats, making for interesting photos. To get to Pnan Thiet's beachfront, turn off Đ Tran Hung Dao (Hwy 1A) into Đ Nguyen Tat Thanh - the road opposite the Victory Monument, an arrow-shaped concrete tower with victorious cement people at the base. The main attraction of Phan Thiet is the Ocean Dunes Golf Club (1Đ Ton Due Thang, per round US$65), a top-notch 18-hole, par 72 course designed by Nick Faldo, near the beachfront,at the Novotel. Very reasonably priced golf package tours are available if you book from HCMC - contact the resort's HCMC marketing office ( New World Hotel, 76 Đ Le lai).