Ham Thuan Nam

Hàm Thuận Nam is a coastal rural district in southern Bình Thuận Province, with its capital at Thuận Nam town. Covering an area of 1,052 km², the district has a population of about 117,000. It stretches along the coastline south of Phan Thiết and inland towards the mountainous border with Đồng Nai Province.

The district's economy is based on fishing, agriculture (rice, dragon fruit, cashews), and a growing tourism sector drawn to its beaches and natural attractions. Tà Kóu Mountain is the district's most prominent landmark, offering panoramic views and a cable-car ride. The climate is tropical monsoon — dry from November to April, rainy from May to October.

By Plane

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, about 160 km west (3 hours by road), is the nearest major airport.

By Train

By Car / Road

National Route 1A runs through the district, connecting it to Phan Thiết (about 50 km north) and Ho Chi Minh City (about 160 km west). Provincial roads lead to the coast and Tà Kóu Mountain. Buses from Phan Thiết and Ho Chi Minh City serve the district.

Motorbike taxis (xe om) and local buses connect towns within the district. Renting a motorbike is recommended for visiting Tà Kóu Mountain and the coastal beaches.

Tà Kóu Mountain (Núi Tà Kóu) – A 649 m mountain offering a cable-car ride to the summit with views of the coastline and inland plains. The mountain is home to a large reclining Buddha statue and pagoda.

Kê Gà Lighthouse (Hải Đăng Kê Gà) – One of Vietnam's oldest lighthouses, built by the French in 1897 on a rocky offshore island. Accessible by boat from the mainland. The surrounding beach is popular for swimming.

Thuận Nam Beach – A quiet sandy beach along the coast, less developed than Phan Thiết's beaches.

Ride the cable car to the summit of Tà Kóu Mountain. Visit the Kê Gà Lighthouse by boat. Swim and relax at the district's beaches. Explore the fishing villages along the coast. Birdwatching and hiking on Tà Kóu Mountain.

Seafood is the highlight — fresh crab, prawns, and fish served at beachfront restaurants. Bánh xèo and bún cá are local favourites. Roadside stalls along National Route 1A serve phở and cơm tấm.

Vietnamese coffee and fresh coconut water are available at roadside cafés. Sugarcane juice is a popular refreshment. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Guesthouses in Thuận Nam town and near Kê Gà beach, from 200,000–400,000 dong per night.
• Mid-range: Beachside hotels and homestays, 400,000–800,000 dong per night.
• Upscale: Limited options; most visitors stay in Phan Thiết or Mui Ne and visit as a day trip.

Fresh seafood is available at coastal markets and fishing villages. Local produce includes dragon fruit and cashew nuts. The market at Thuận Nam town sells daily necessities and local goods.

• Phan Thiết (50 km north) – Provincial capital with Cham towers, markets, and the Mui Ne resort strip.
• La Gi (40 km south-west) – Coastal town with beaches and fishing harbours.
• Bình Châu Hot Springs (70 km west, Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu province) – Natural hot springs and mud baths.
• Mũi Né (70 km north-east) – Famous for sand dunes, kite-surfing, and beach resorts.