Ke Ga Lighthouse | Phan Thiet

Ke Ga Lighthouse – A Detailed Guide

The Ke Ga Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in Binh Thuan Province, located in Ke Ga, about 30 km southeast of Phan Thiet city and 50 km from Mui Ne. This historic lighthouse, built in the late 19th century, sits on a small island off the coast and offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding coastline. It’s one of the tallest and oldest lighthouses in Vietnam, making it a popular destination for visitors looking for a unique and scenic spot.

1. Overview of Ke Ga Lighthouse

• Location: The Ke Ga Lighthouse is situated on Ke Ga Island, which is about 200 meters offshore from the mainland. It’s located within Ham Thuan Nam District, part of Binh Thuan Province.
• History: The lighthouse was constructed by the French in 1899 to help guide ships navigating the South China Sea. At the time, it was one of the most advanced lighthouses in Southeast Asia. The lighthouse has withstood the test of time, continuing to serve its purpose today.
• Height: The lighthouse stands at a height of 65 meters (213 feet), making it the tallest lighthouse in Vietnam.

2. What Makes Ke Ga Lighthouse Special?

a) Historical Significance

• The Ke Ga Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Vietnam, with a history dating back over 120 years. It was built by the French colonialists as part of their effort to improve navigation in the region and prevent shipwrecks.
• The lighthouse features French architectural design, making it a remarkable historical structure to explore and photograph.

b) Scenic Views

• Ke Ga Lighthouse is situated on a small island surrounded by rocky outcrops and blue waters, providing visitors with some of the best panoramic views in the region. From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can admire the vast ocean, rolling waves, coastal cliffs, and the green hills in the distance.
• The views are particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, where the changing light paints the landscape in vibrant hues.

c) Peaceful and Isolated Location

• The lighthouse is located in a more remote part of Binh Thuan Province, making it a tranquil and peaceful destination for those seeking solitude. The surrounding waters, sandy beaches, and rocky islands add to the area’s untouched natural beauty.

3. Things to Do at Ke Ga Lighthouse

a) Climb to the Top of the Lighthouse

• One of the main activities is to climb to the top of the lighthouse. The lighthouse is accessible by a set of stairs, and after climbing about 184 steps, visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the sea, coastline, and nearby islands. The top provides the best vantage point of the surrounding landscape.

b) Beach and Swimming

• Ke Ga Beach is located near the lighthouse, offering a peaceful setting to relax by the sea. The beach is often less crowded compared to other beaches in the area, making it perfect for a swim, a beach picnic, or simply lounging by the water.
• The beach is known for its clear waters and gentle waves, ideal for those who enjoy swimming or wading in the ocean.

c) Photography

• The lighthouse, rock formations, and blue waters make for incredible photography opportunities. Whether you’re interested in capturing the historical structure itself or the surrounding natural beauty, Ke Ga Lighthouse offers a wealth of visual inspiration.
• Sunrise and sunset at the lighthouse are particularly captivating and provide a perfect setting for photographs.

d) Explore the Surrounding Area

• Fishing Villages: Ke Ga is home to a local fishing village, and visitors can often see traditional fishing boats and activities happening around the area. This adds an authentic cultural touch to the visit.
• Rocky Islands: The area surrounding Ke Ga Lighthouse has unique rock formations and small islands that are great for exploring, either by boat or on foot.

4. Best Time to Visit Ke Ga Lighthouse

Morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM): The early morning hours are perfect for a visit, as the lighthouse is less crowded, and the temperature is cooler. The sunrise views are also breathtaking, casting a warm glow over the lighthouse and ocean.

Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): The late afternoon is another great time to visit to catch the sunset views over the lighthouse and surrounding coastline. The sunsets here are especially beautiful and are perfect for photography.

Avoid Midday: As with many outdoor attractions in Vietnam, midday can be quite hot. Visiting in the morning or afternoon avoids the peak heat of the day.

5. How to Get to Ke Ga Lighthouse

From Mui Ne (~50 km):

• By Motorbike: The most popular way to reach the lighthouse from Mui Ne is by motorbike. The ride takes around 1-1.5 hours and will cost you about 100,000-150,000 VND for a rental motorbike per day. The journey offers scenic views of the countryside and coastal roads.
• By Car/Taxi: Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Mui Ne to Ke Ga Lighthouse. The ride will take about 1-1.5 hours and cost around 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-20 USD).

From Phan Thiet (~30 km):

• By Taxi or Car: From Phan Thiet, you can take a taxi or private car to Ke Ga Lighthouse. It’s about a 30-minute drive and will cost approximately 150,000-200,000 VND ($6-8 USD).
• By Motorbike: Rent a motorbike and enjoy the ride to the lighthouse.

By Boat: For the more adventurous, you can also take a boat tour to Ke Ga Lighthouse from the mainland. This is a great way to see the islands and rock formations surrounding the lighthouse.

6. Things to Keep in Mind

Bring Sunscreen: The sun can be intense, so it’s important to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

Wear Comfortable Footwear: If you plan to climb the lighthouse or walk around the surrounding area, wear comfortable shoes for the uneven terrain and stairs up to the lighthouse.

Respect the Environment: Keep the area clean by avoiding littering, as the lighthouse and surrounding areas are a natural treasure.

Boat Ride to the Island: If you want to visit the lighthouse by boat, make sure to check the weather conditions, as the seas can be rough during the rainy season.

7. Why Visit Ke Ga Lighthouse?

The Ke Ga Lighthouse is one of the most unique and picturesque spots in Binh Thuan Province. Here’s why you should consider visiting:

• Historical Significance: The lighthouse has over 120 years of history, built during the French colonial era.
• Stunning Views: From the top of the lighthouse, enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, ocean, and surrounding islands.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Located in a more remote area, the lighthouse offers a tranquil and isolated environment for relaxation and exploration.
• Photographic Opportunities: The lighthouse and surrounding landscapes make for beautiful photographs, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply someone looking to enjoy scenic views, the Ke Ga Lighthouse is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Phan Thiet or Mui Ne.