Rach Gia is a sprawling coastal town in southern Vietnam in Kien Giang Province. It lies on the edge of the Mekong Delta yet is the main jumping off point for visits to Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand.
Unfortunately there’s not too much to see in Rach Gia and it’s certainly not worthy of a visit itself all the way from Ho Chi Minh City. There are one or two decent attractions for those who have spare time before visiting Phu Quoc Island, however, including some pagodas and the market. Nguyen Trang Truc Pagoda is definitely worth a look, along with the Rach Soi Market to the east of town.
Visitors will find the majority of sights, hotels, and restaurants on the small island within the Cai Lon River. Most of these are along Tran Phu Street and bordering the island’s park, Rach Gia Park.
Getting There & Away
You can fly to Rach Gia from Ho Chi Minh City in under an hour, as well as to and from Phu Quoc Island in 20 minutes. Buses and minibuses come in from Ho Chi Minh City throughout the day in 7 hours and in 3 hours from Can Tho. Ferries take about 8 hours to Phu Quoc Island or just 2 hours, 30 minutes by hydrofoil.
Things to Do
Rach Gia Attractions
- Nguyen Trang Truc Pagoda
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This pagoda just out of town is dedicated to nguyen trang truc, who led attacks against the french colonialists. the bust of nguyen trung truc is the main feature.
- Rach Soi Market
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A fine morning outdoor market a few kilometers out of town near the bus station.