Ha Tien – Limestone Caves and the Gulf of Thailand

Ha Tien is a coastal town in Kien Giang Province on the Gulf of Thailand, 90 km from Chau Doc (2 hours) and just 7 km from the Cambodian border. It is a charming, relatively undiscovered destination with a relaxed, slightly sleepy atmosphere compared to the tourist trail. Key attractions include Thach Dong Cave (a limestone cave temple housing altars and offering valley views), the scenic Ho Mac Cuu historical complex, the peaceful To Chau Beach and several Buddhist pagodas. Most importantly, Ha Tien is the departure point for the fast ferry to Phu Quoc Island (45 minutes, several departures daily) – making it a logical stop on an overland route from the Mekong Delta to Phu Quoc. Ha Tien was a prosperous trade port in the 17th–18th centuries under the Mac family warlords.