Rach Gia: Discover Vietnam's unique reclaimed sea city

Historical and cultural imprints

A journey to explore Rach Gia ( Kien Giang ) would not be complete without visiting the time-marked relics, which preserve the soul of the Southern land.

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple

This is the place to worship the national hero Nguyen Trung Truc, who is famous for his immortal saying: "When the Westerners have uprooted all the grass in the South, then the Southerners will stop fighting the Westerners." To commemorate his merits and spirit, the local people built a temple. Every year, his death anniversary takes place from the 26th to the 28th of the 8th lunar month, attracting millions of pilgrims to attend, becoming one of the biggest festivals in the West.

Nguyen Trung Truc communal house in Rach Gia — Nguyen Trung Truc communal house. Photo: Tran Tuyen

The Three Jewels Pagoda

Located on Su Thien An Street, Tam Bao Pagoda is an ancient temple with a history of hundreds of years. The temple is not only a spiritual place but also a revolutionary relic, once a place to hide weapons and documents for the Southern Uprising in 1940. Legend has it that the temple was once granted the title “Sac Tu Tam Bao Tu” by King Gia Long, however this precious title was lost during the resistance war.

Tam Bao Pagoda, an ancient temple in Rach Gia — Tam Bao Pagoda. Photo: Tran Tuyen

Tam Quan Gate

Built in 1955, Tam Quan Gate on Nguyen Trung Truc Street has become an architectural and tourist symbol of the city. With a design consisting of a large gate in the middle and two small symmetrical gates, bearing the appearance of a traditional Vietnamese village gate, this work is a historical witness to the development of the coastal city and is deeply attached to the spiritual life of the people.

Kien Giang Museum

The Kien Giang Provincial Museum, more than a century old, was originally the residence of an ancient landlord. The building impresses with its unique architectural fusion between the East and the West. Inside the museum are displayed many valuable artifacts about the history, culture and people of Kien Giang, especially artifacts of the Oc Eo culture found locally.

Modern life on the West Coast

Besides the old values, Rach Gia also has a modern breath with new constructions, giving visitors interesting experiences.

Urban area reclaimed from the sea

This is the pride of Rach Gia people as it is the first sea encroachment area in the country, with a total area of up to 420 hectares. The project has transformed a coastal marshland into a bustling urban area with a 2km long artificial beach, white sand, and a system of parks, entertainment areas and modern services, bringing a new living and tourism space.

Panoramic view of Vietnam's first sea-encroaching urban area in Rach Gia — Panoramic view of the country's first reclaimed land area. Photo: Phuong Vu

An Hoa Park

Located at the foot of Rach Soi Bridge, An Hoa Park is an ideal destination for recreational activities and relaxation. With its beautiful design, green trees, flower gardens and brilliant lights at night, the park is especially attractive to visitors. The highlight is the 20m high sun wheel, from here visitors can fully enjoy the view of the city and the sea at night.

Rach Gia Wharf

Not only is it an important waterway traffic hub connecting the mainland with Phu Quoc and Nam Du, Rach Gia wharf is also a favorite check-in location. The unique bridge pier architecture and the bustling scene of ships coming and going create a lively scene. This is an ideal place to welcome the sunrise or watch the sunset over the sea.