Phan Thiet, the jewel of Vietnam’s South Central Coast, captivates visitors not only with its long white sandy beaches and vibrant red sand dunes under the golden sun but also with the bounty of the sea. When visiting Phan Thiet, immersing yourself in the world of fresh seafood at its renowned markets is a must. These markets are not just culinary paradises but also places where you can vividly experience the rhythm of local life. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to explore the unique seafood markets where you can fully savor the taste of Phan Thiet’s ocean.
Phan Thiet Central Market (Cho Lon Phan Thiet): A Culinary Cultural Gem in the City Center
Located in the heart of the city, Phan Thiet Central Market (Cho Lon Phan Thiet) on Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Duc Nghia Ward, opens daily from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM and is a familiar destination for locals and tourists alike. Rich in the cultural imprint of the long-established Chinese community, Phan Thiet Central Market is a vibrant tableau of cuisine and commerce.
A bustling scene at Phan Thiet Central Market with vendors and customers.
The market’s highlight is the diversity of fresh seafood, ranging from familiar types like shrimp, crab, and shellfish to specialties unique to Phan Thiet’s waters. You can easily find newly-docked hauls of mackerel and tuna, incredibly fresh squid glistening with silver, or baskets of lively green crabs. In addition to fresh seafood, the market also sells dried seafood, fish sauce, and other local specialties, catering to the diverse needs of visitors.
More than just a shopping venue, Phan Thiet Central Market is a culinary haven with countless enticing dishes. You can enjoy a hot, fragrant bowl of “banh canh cha ca” (fish cake noodle soup) or a crispy, flavorful plate of grilled baby squid tentacles, imbued with the taste of the sea. Besides, street food delights like fresh spring rolls with fish cake, Quang noodles, sweet soup, and “banh mi xiu mai” (pork meatball baguette) are also excellent choices for exploring Phan Thiet’s street food scene.
Mui Ne Fishing Village: Where Fishermen’s Life Meets Seafood Cuisine
Situated along Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Mui Ne Ward, Mui Ne Fishing Village is an unmissable destination if you want to experience the life of local fishermen and enjoy fresh seafood right on the beach. The market operates during two main time frames: from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Boats filled with fresh catch arriving at Mui Ne Fishing Village beach.
Visiting Mui Ne Fishing Village in the early morning, you’ll witness the bustling scene of basket boats brimming with freshly caught fish and shrimp arriving ashore. Local fishermen sell seafood right on the beach, creating a unique and lively market atmosphere. You can choose the freshest seafood such as grouper, snakehead fish, shrimp, clams, oysters, squid, and more at affordable prices.
A special feature of Mui Ne Fishing Village is that you can enjoy fresh seafood right at small eateries along the coast. Simple dishes like “goi ca mai” (Mai fish salad), grilled squid, steamed crab, prepared in local style, will offer you unforgettable culinary experiences. You can savor fresh seafood while gazing at the vast ocean, feeling the cool breeze, and listening to the gentle sound of waves.
Mui Ne Fishing Village not only supplies seafood to local markets and traders but is also an attractive destination for tourists due to its rustic beauty and unique cultural experiences.
Ham Tien Market: A Unique Feature of Mui Ne Tourist Area
Located on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ham Tien Ward, Ham Tien Market opens from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM daily and is a small but bustling market, primarily serving tourists visiting and staying in Mui Ne.
The entrance of Ham Tien Market with various stalls displaying goods.
Compared to Phan Thiet Central Market and Mui Ne Fishing Village, Ham Tien Market is smaller in scale and mainly sells dried fish and local specialties. However, the market is still an interesting place to shop for souvenirs for family and friends.
Around Ham Tien Market, there are many eateries, from affordable street food stalls to luxurious restaurants, serving a variety of local dishes. You can easily find street food like “banh can” (mini savory pancakes), “banh xeo” (crispy pancake), spring rolls, or grilled, hotpot, and steamed seafood dishes.
A highlight of Ham Tien Market is that you can buy fresh seafood and have it prepared on the spot by vendors. This ensures you will enjoy the freshest dishes at reasonable prices.
Suggested Famous Seafood Restaurants in Phan Thiet – Mui Ne
To complete your seafood market exploration in Phan Thiet, don’t forget to visit these famous seafood restaurants:
- Bo Ke Tu Minh Restaurant: Pham Van Dong (Ca Ty River embankment, Phan Thiet City), Open 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Price from 50,000 VND – 500,000 VND.
- Bo Ke Thu Ty Pub: 63 Pham Van Dong, Binh Hung (Ca Ty River embankment, Phan Thiet City), Open 3:30 PM – 12:00 AM, Price from 70,000 VND – 500,000 VND.
- Mui Ne Xua Restaurant: 360 Nguyen Thong, Phu Hai Ward, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet (within the Old Fishing Village Museum Mui Ne), Open 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Price from 60,000 VND – 390,000 VND.
- Mui Ne Deli Seafood Restaurant: 360 Nguyen Thong, Phu Hai Ward, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet (Nguyen Thong – 706B roundabout, within the Old Fishing Village Museum Mui Ne), Open 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Price from 60,000 VND – 390,000 VND.
- Bi Bo Quan Mui Ne: 191 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Open 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Price from 15,000 VND – 150,000 VND.
- Bo Ke 888 Mui Ne: 181 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Phan Thiet, Open 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Price from 50,000 VND – 200,000 VND.
- Cay Bang Mui Ne Restaurant: 2 – 4 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien, Mui Ne, Open 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
- Lang Chai Quan Mui Ne: 159 Huynh Thuc Khang, Mui Ne, Open 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Conclusion
Exploring seafood markets in Phan Thiet is an unmissable experience for those who love cuisine and want to discover local culture. From the bustling Phan Thiet Central Market to the rustic Mui Ne Fishing Village and the vibrant Ham Tien Market, each market carries its own unique charm, contributing to the diversity and richness of Phan Thiet’s cuisine. Come to Phan Thiet and explore these unique seafood markets for yourself to create memorable experiences in this beautiful coastal land.