Things To Do
in Rạch Giá
Rạch Giá is a coastal city located in the Kien Giang province of southern Vietnam. It is known as the largest city on Phu Quoc Island. Rạch Giá features a bustling seafood market where visitors can sample fresh local delicacies.
The city also serves as a gateway to explore the beautiful islands and beaches in the surrounding area.
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin lỗi" - Sorry
- "Tạm biệt" - Goodbye
- "Bạn khỏe không?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the famous Rạch Giá market, where you can enjoy local delicacies and buy fresh produce. Afterward, take a stroll along the waterfront to soak in the morning sun and scenery.
Visit the Nguyen Trung Truc Temple, dedicated to a national hero. Enjoy some traditional Vietnamese coffee at a local café nearby.
Have dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor. Watching the sunset while enjoying fresh seafood will be a memorable experience.
Catch a boat to nearby islands such as Hòn Tre for stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Relax and swim or enjoy water sports on the sandy shores.
Visit the local fishing villages on the islands to learn about the local culture and lifestyle. Have a picnic lunch on the beach with local snacks.
Return to Rạch Giá and enjoy a quiet dinner at a beachside restaurant. The gentle waves and the evening breeze will make your meal special.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches, ideal for relaxation and leisure activities.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and local festivals.
- Delicious seafood and local cuisine with a variety of dishes.
- Friendly local community and welcoming atmosphere.
- Potential for tourism development and investment opportunities.
- Limited infrastructure and amenities compared to larger cities.
- High humidity and heat, which may be uncomfortable for some visitors.
- Transportation options may be limited, making travel more challenging.
- Economic opportunities might be fewer than in more developed cities.
- Potential issues with garbage and pollution in some areas.
Best Activities in Rạch Giá
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a ferry from Rạch Giá to visit the beautiful Phu Quoc Island known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing on this picturesque island.
Embark on a nature adventure at the U Minh Forest, home to diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can go on guided eco-tours, birdwatching, and boat rides to discover the rich biodiversity of this wetland ecosystem.
Enjoy cycling along the coast of Rạch Giá and explore the surrounding countryside. There are scenic routes where you can take in the beautiful landscapes, interact with the locals, and experience the charming rural life of Vietnam.
Tours
Uncover the best of Rạch Giá with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Rạch Giá
Visit one of these nice places.
Phu Quoc Island offers stunning views and photo opportunities with its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and picturesque sunsets.
Tam Bạc Lake provides a scenic setting for capturing reflections of the surrounding landscape, especially during calm and clear weather.
Ngọc Hồn Island features breathtaking coastal views and opportunities to capture the natural beauty of the area.
Food in Rạch Giá
Rạch Giá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional southern Vietnamese dish featuring vermicelli noodles, broth, and a distinct flavor from the ken, a species of small clam found in Rạch Giá's waters. Best enjoyed at local eateries such as Bún Kèn Hồ Tùng Mậu.
Must-Try!
A savory fried cake made from rice flour, grated coconut, and green onion. Found at street food stalls like Bánh Cống Gốc Vú Sữa.
A specialty dish featuring grilled snakehead fish served with herbs, rice noodles, and dipping sauce. Available at Cá Lóc Nướng Trui Thạch Sanh restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Rạch Giá better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore an array of local street food vendors offering fresh seafood, grilled delicacies, and unique snacks like coconut rice cakes.
A vibrant street food hub where visitors can savor an assortment of dishes such as seafood hotpot, grilled octopus, and banh xeo.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Rạch Giá, it is important to show respect for elders by using proper titles and greetings, such as addressing them as 'ông' (for older men) and 'bà' (for older women). It is also customary to defer to their opinions and show consideration for their wisdom and experience.
When greeting others in Rạch Giá, it is polite to offer a slight bow and a warm smile. Handshakes are common, but it's important to be gentle and respectful. Additionally, it is customary to greet people with a friendly 'Xin chào' (hello) or 'Chào anh/chị' (hello sir/madam) when meeting for the first time.
Rạch Giá holds deep-rooted traditions and customs, and it is important to show respect for these practices. This may include participating in local customs such as tea ceremonies or observing traditional festivals. It's also essential to be mindful of cultural taboos and show sensitivity towards local beliefs and practices.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Rạch Giá with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Rạch Giá
Ensure a smooth experience
In Rạch Giá, Vietnam, tipping is not a common practice. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for other services.
Cash is still widely used for transactions in Rạch Giá. Credit cards may be accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but it's advisable to carry cash for most expenses. ATMs are also available in the city for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Rạch Giá.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool and dry weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Considered a popular time to visit Rạch Giá.
Moderate temperatures and occasional rain. Good time for exploring the local flora and fauna.
Hot and humid weather with some chances of rainfall. Perfect for beach activities and water sports.
Mild temperatures and occasional showers. Ideal for cultural events and festivals in the region.
Rạch Giá at Night
Hiking in Rạch Giá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic beach area ideal for short hikes along the coastline, offering beautiful views of the sea and sunset.
A small island with trails suitable for hiking, surrounded by lush greenery and opportunities to enjoy nature.
A vast ecological reserve with walking paths through the mangroves and wetlands, perfect for hiking and bird watching.
An island with various trails and paths for hiking, providing a chance to explore local flora and fauna.
A national park featuring diverse ecosystems and well-maintained hiking trails through forests and hills.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Rạch Giá through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Rạch Giá by plane.
Located in Ho Chi Minh City, this is the largest airport in Vietnam and serves as a major international gateway.
Situated in Can Tho City, this airport serves domestic and a few international flights and is a key airport for the Mekong Delta region.
Located near Qui Nhon, this airport primarily serves domestic flights but can connect to larger airports for international travel.
Located in Cam Ranh, near Nha Trang, this airport serves both domestic and international flights, catering to the tourism sector.
Situated in Hue, this airport operates domestic flights and occasional international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Kinh people are the majority ethnic group in Vietnam, comprising the largest demographic in Rạch Giá.
The Khmer are a significant ethnic minority in Rạch Giá, primarily consisting of those with cultural ties to Cambodia.
The Hoa, or ethnic Chinese, are another minority group in Rạch Giá, involved primarily in commerce and trade.
The Soul of Rạch Giá
Discover the essence of Rạch Giá through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Rạch Giá, with many local teams and a strong following among fans.
Badminton is widely played in Rạch Giá, both casually and competitively, and is popular among all age groups.
Volleyball is a favored sport in schools and communities in Rạch Giá, often played on beaches and in courts.
Basketball has been gaining popularity in Rạch Giá, especially among the youth, with various courts available for play.
Traditional boat racing is a significant cultural event in Rạch Giá, celebrated during festivals, showcasing local teamwork and craftsmanship.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rạch Giá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While many local dishes feature seafood, vegetarian and vegan options such as cơm chay (vegetarian rice) and vegetarian pho are available at specialized eateries like Chay Xe Lua.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can opt for rice-based dishes like bánh xèo (rice pancake) and fresh seafood with rice, readily found at various dining establishments.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Rạch Giá with these cultural adventures.
