Phan Thiet - 50 years of a journey: From liberation to a modern and dynamic coastal tourist city

Proud of Phan Thiet Liberation Day

In the spring of 1975, the entire nation entered the climax of the general offensive and uprising, determined to liberate the South and unify the country. In Binh Thuan , the revolutionary spirit rose to an unprecedented high. Under the direction of superiors, the army and people of Binh Thuan continuously launched strong attacks on enemy forces. By April 13, 1975, the army and people of Binh Thuan had liberated a large rural area, controlled Highway 8, cut off Highway 1 at many important sections, and forced the enemy to Phan Thiet in a completely isolated situation.

On April 18, the Coastal Army's forward command decided to deploy the main force, including the tank brigade and the 2nd infantry corps, in coordination with local forces, to advance along Highway 1 to liberate Phan Thiet. At exactly 6:30 p.m., our army's 130th battalion continuously and fiercely bombarded positions in the town center and the sub-region, logistics warehouses, fuel and ammunition depots. At 7 p.m., the 2nd army corps reached the Phu Long bridge area and contacted the 15th battalion. From here, the tanks divided into 2 attack directions, one prong attacked in the direction of Phu Hai, the other prong advanced straight along Highway 1. Our infantry and tanks divided into many prongs to rush into the town and capture the headquarters. By 9 p.m., the Binh Thuan sub-region and its offices had fallen into the hands of the liberation army. At 10 p.m. the same day, a tank company liberated the port and Thuong Chanh cape. By 11:30 p.m., we had completely captured the airport and enemy outposts at the Port.

At its peak at 2am on April 19, our forces liberated Phan Thiet prison – freeing more than 400 people and soldiers who were detained. At 5am on April 19, the forward command and provincial and municipal agencies entered the town. A company from Battalion 482 was sent to capture Hai Long sub-region in Mui Ne. Another company advanced to the South to liberate Nga Hai sub-region. Phan Thiet was completely liberated.

After liberating Phan Thiet on April 19, 1975, the Party Committee and people of the town carried out the rear mission to contribute to the liberation of Saigon on April 30, 1975 - also the day of complete liberation of the South and national reunification.

Turning point of astronomical phenomenon to tourist city

After the liberation of the homeland, Phan Thiet town at that time had 9 wards and communes with 88,800 people. The consequences of the war were extremely severe: severe hunger and unemployment because people were previously forced into the inner city by the enemy; infrastructure, production facilities, and means of production were almost non-existent. Despite numerous difficulties, the Party Committee, Government, and people of Phan Thiet with their tradition of resilience and creativity in the resistance war, the entire town united in their efforts to overcome the consequences of the war, restore production, and reorganize people's lives.

Many generations of Phan Thiet town leaders have gradually overcome difficulties with a proactive spirit, daring to think, daring to do, daring to take responsibility, promoting internal strength, and effectively exploiting local potential. From desolate lands, Phan Thiet has gradually revived, creating a solid foundation for sustainable socio -economic development in the future.

On October 24, 1995, a total solar eclipse occurred in our country, stretching from Phan Thiet to Loc Ninh - with Phan Thiet being the most favorable observation location. This event attracted hundreds of scientists and tens of thousands of tourists to research and experience. From here, Phan Thiet began to be recognized as a land with rich tourism potential with "blue sea, white sand, yellow sunshine", opening an important turning point for the smokeless industry. October 24 was then chosen as "Phan Thiet - Binh Thuan Tourism Day".

Next, on August 25, 1999, Phan Thiet received the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces and was recognized as a type III urban area. By 2009, the city officially achieved type II urban area status. These milestones marked a new period of development, further fueling the pride and aspirations of the Party Committee, government and people of the heroic coastal city.

Break through and grow strong

Entering the period of 2020 - 2025, Phan Thiet City has transformed strongly. A series of key infrastructure projects have been completed such as Dau Giay - Phan Thiet Expressway, Vo Nguyen Giap, Le Duan, Hung Vuong streets, new residential areas and Phan Thiet airport will soon be completed and put into operation... creating momentum to promote urban and socio-economic development.

Awarding certificates of merit from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to the collective of cadres and people of Phan Thiet, photo by N.Lan

Le Duan Avenue, photo by N.Lan

A corner of Phan Thiet City, photo by N.Lan

Tourism continues to promote its role as the city's spearhead economic sector with a variety of high-quality, environmentally friendly tourism products. The Ham Tien - Mui Ne tourism brand continues to be maintained and developed according to the Master Plan for the development of Mui Ne National Tourism Area. Meanwhile, Tien Thanh, with the focus on NovaWorld Tourism Area, is growing strongly thanks to a series of large-scale cultural, entertainment and festival events, attracting a large number of tourists. In particular, in 2023, together with the province and city, successfully organized a series of activities of the National Tourism Year "Binh Thuan - Green Convergence", creating a positive effect, spreading the image of a vibrant and attractive destination.

Tien Thanh tourism is bustling

In addition, industrial production, handicrafts, seafood exploitation, and traditional fish sauce processing continue to be stable. Phu Hai and Nam Cang Phan Thiet industrial clusters operate effectively, contributing positively to the budget. Agriculture is associated with new rural construction, focusing on transforming crop structure, improving product quality, and improving people's lives.

In the period of 2020 - 2025, the total budget revenue of Phan Thiet City is estimated to reach more than 8,500 billion VND, an average of over 1,700 billion VND per year. The city focuses on investing in transport infrastructure, urban beautification, and gradually modernizing the appearance. Nearly 650 billion VND is allocated to develop infrastructure to serve the socio-economy. Key projects such as the Ca Ty river embankment continue to be renovated and expanded, creating highlights for the coastal city...

Key project Ca Ty Apartment

Chairman of Phan Thiet City People's Committee Phan Nguyen Hoang Tan inspects and urges projects in the area.

Phan Thiet promotes administrative reform and digital transformation

Regarding administrative reform, Phan Thiet City focuses on streamlining the apparatus, improving the quality of cadres and civil servants; promoting digital transformation, building e-government, digital government with people and businesses as the center of service. The Phan Thiet Smart City Operation Center (IOC) has expanded its functions, connecting with the operating system of Binh Thuan province. Political security, social order and safety are maintained; national defense continues to be strengthened...

Over the past 50 years, Phan Thiet has gone through many difficult stages to become a dynamic and livable tourist city. With a strategic vision and aspiration for sustainable development, Phan Thiet has gradually affirmed its role as a key economic and tourist center of the South Central Coast region and the whole country.

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/phan-thiet-50-nam-mot-chang-duong-tu-ngay-giai-phong-den-do-thi-du-lich-bien-hien-dai-nang-dong-129537.html