Ha Tien
Lying just 8km from the Cambodian border, Ha Tien is on the Gulf of Thailand and has a vastly different feel from other delta settlements. All around the area are lovely, towering limestone formations, which support a network of caves, some of which have been turned into temples. Plantations of pepper trees cling to the hillsides. On a clear day, Phu Quoc Island is easily visible to the west. The town itself has a sleepy charm, with crumbling colonial villas and a colourful riverside market. It sees only a handful of visitors, who come to explore the unique sights out of town.

Ha Tien was a province of Cambodia until 1708. In the face of attacks by the Thais, the Khmer-appointed governor, a Chinese immigrant named Mac Cuu, turned to the Viet­namese for protection and assistance. Mac Cuu thereafter governed this area as a fiefdom under the protection of the Nguyen Lords. He was succeeded as ruler by his son, Mac Thien Tu. During the 18th century the area was invaded and pillaged several times by the Thais. Rach Gia and the southern tip of the Mekong Delta came under direct Nguyen rule in 1798.

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Getting there & away
Contents
Land
Bus
Buses from HCMC to Ha Tien leave three times daily from the Mien Tay bus station; the trip (around 110, 000d) takes eight to 10 hours.

Ha Tien bus station (Ben Xe Ha Tien) is on the other side of the floating toll bridge from the centre of town. Buses leave from here to HCMC, Can Tho (67, 000d, five hours, three daily), Chau Doc (41, 000d, four hours, four daily) and Rach Gia (22, 000d, two hours, frequent) among other destinations.

Car & motorbike
Ha Tien is 92km from Rach Gia, 95km from Chau Doc, 206km from Can Tho and 338km from HCMC.

Boat
Passenger ferries dock at the ferry terminal, which is not far from the To Chau Hotel near the floating bridge. Daily ferries depart to Phu Quoc (55, 000d, 8.30am), but these are worn, wooden boats that may not be seaworthy. It’s wise to take a more reliable hydrofoil from Rach Gia.

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