Top Things to Do in Rach Gia

About the City

Discover the Duality of Rach Gia, Vietnam Nestled on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Rach Gia serves as the vibrant gateway to Phu Quoc Island. This bustling town is a mélange of color and chaos, with scooters zipping through streets lined with an assortment of markets and street food vendors that tantalize your taste buds with aromatic pho and banh mi. Nature lovers revel in nearby mangroves and serene beaches, perfect for a sunny escapade. The tapestry of local life unfurls at the fishing port, where the catch of the day promises a seafood feast of epic proportions. Yet, Rach Gia is not without its foibles. The rapid urban sprawl has birthed pockets of the city where charm gives way to concrete. Traffic, not uncommon in Vietnamese urban centers, can test the patience of saints, while the cacophony from incessant honking becomes the day's relentless soundtrack. Weather-wise, this region isn't shy about flaunting its tropical monsoon temperament, with hefty downpours occasionally gatecrashing your plans. Convenience may also take a hit, as Rach Gia's modest airport is a hop compared to the stride offered by larger cities. Despite these quirks, Rach Gia remains an authentic slice of Vietnam, unpolished yet homey, waiting to unfold its story to the curious traveler.

Things to Do in Rach Gia

Crack Into Ngán Dishes

Food & Drink

Hold on to your forks because ngán is where the flavor's at! It’s a unique shellfish that's kinda like a clam but more adventurous, often grilled, stir-fried, or added to spicy soups. Spoiler alert: Y...

Revel in the Rustic Serenity of Sunset Bird Watching

Outdoors

As the golden hour descends, find yourself in the midst of nature's symphony with some epic bird watching. It's a chilled-out activity for the nature enthusiasts, looking to spot some exotic feathered...

Snap a Shot with the Giant Crab

The Unexpected

Who wouldn't want to share a moment with a ginormous crab? Give your friends something to be shell-shocked about by snapping a pic with the huge crab statue at Rach Gia's seaside! It's claw-some!

Pamper Your Palate with Banh Pia

The Unexpected

Got a sweet tooth? Unleash it on Banh Pia, a treat that's as fun to say as it is to eat! These tantalizing mooncake-like pastries are stuffed with a delightful mix of mung bean paste, durian, and salt...

Discover the Delights of Vietnamese Puppetry

The Unexpected

Puppets? Fun. Puppets dancing on water? A boatload of whimsy! Check out a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show for an evening splash of culture and a barrel of laughs. Truly, it's entertainment th...

Buzz Through the Backstreets on a Xe Ôm

The Unexpected

Rev up for some authentic Vietnamese transport, Xe Ôm style! Zip through the buzzing streets of Rach Gia on the back of a motorcycle taxi. Feel the breeze, dodge the chaos, and maybe even strike up a ...

Stand-Up Paddleboarding Experience

Outdoors

Get ready to balance it out, folks! Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP if you wanna sound cool, is an awesome mix of chill vibes and sneaky core workout, as you paddle around on the calm waters. Perfect ...

Embark on a Mangrove Forest Kayak Exploration

Outdoors

Put your paddling skills to the test and embark on a kayak journey through the lush mangrove forests. Navigate the serene and mysterious waterways, with nothing but the sounds of nature and the occasi...

Get Your Zen on in a Seafront Yoga Session

Outdoors

Imagine rolling out your yoga mat on the tranquil shores of Rach Gia, with a gentle sea breeze and the calming sounds of the water to guide you through your sun salutations. This is the perfect opport...

Master the Ways of Traditional Vietnamese Fishing

Outdoors

Fancy yourself as a local fisherman! Learn how to cast a net, set a trap, and read the tide, under the guidance of friendly local experts. It's a hands-on experience that you'll never forget—plus, you...

Crunch on Bánh Còng

Food & Drink

This is the snack you crunch, munch, and absolutely can't have just one! Bánh còng is a delectable deep-fried savory delight, made from rice flour batter with a mung bean and pork heart stuffing. It's...

Gaze at the Big Buddha

Sights

Ready to look up and say 'wow'? Meet the Big Buddha at the Phat Lon Pagoda, towering sky-high and blessing all of Rach Gia with his serene vibes. This humongous statue is so chill, you'll instantly fe...

Dangle Your Feet off a Rach Gia Pier

Sights

What's better than chilling with the ocean breeze in your hair? Not much! Head over to a Rach Gia pier, swing those legs over the edge, and let the sea tell ya its secrets. Best spot for a bit of refl...

Uncover the Charm of Kiet Historic House

Sights

Step back in time at Kiet Historic House, where the whispers of yesteryears fill the air. This abode is a mash-up of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Western architecture—a real treat for the culture buff in ...

Birdwatching Bliss at U Minh Thuong National Park

Sights

Get your binoculars ready for a riot of feathers at U Minh Thuong National Park. Glide through the mangroves and keep your peepers peeled for some of Vietnam's most exotic birdlife. It's a tweet, I me...

Snap a Selfie with the Grandiose Rach Gia Cathedral

Sights

You can't miss the towering spires of the Rach Gia Cathedral. It's an architectural masterpiece that'll make your jaw drop—snap a pic but remember, no filters needed for this level of magnificence!

Chow Down on Hu Tieu My Tho

Food & Drink

Get ready to send your taste buds on a joyride with the slurp-worthy Hu Tieu My Tho, a soup sensation that combines clear pork broth with tender pork, juicy shrimp, and a heaping helping of noodles. I...

Taste the Sweetness of Bánh Pía

Food & Drink

Ever heard of a dessert that's a well-kept secret? Well, say hello to bánh pía! These delightful pastry cakes, filled with a mix of mung bean, taro, or durian and lotus seeds, could be your next sweet...

Feast on Duck Porridge

Food & Drink

Get yourself a hearty bowl of cháo vịt, my friend! It's basically a warm hug in a bowl - rice porridge cooked to creamy perfection, combined with tender, flavorful duck and aromatic herbs. It's a tumm...

Paddle a Basket Boat

The Unexpected

Why stick to regular boats when you can float around in a basket? Get your sea legs ready and paddle a traditional Vietnamese basket boat. It's like a normal boat, but way rounder and, let's face it, ...