adminNo 3, Vol.11 , October – November 2015
Bau Trang or White Lake, Binh Thuan Province, 2008.Photo: Do Huu Tien
Binh Thuan features a gorgeous, nearly 200 km-long coast line, stretching from Tuy Phong to Bac Binh, Mui Ne, Ham Thuan Nam and Ham Tan. Captivating tourist attractions in Binh Thuan such as Mui Ne, Co Thach, Bau Trang, Doi Hong, Suoi Tien, Ke Ga and Ta Cu have gradually become common knowledge.
Binh Thuan has always been generous in serving guests with its unique, natural yields; tropical warm sunlight, long beaches lined with fine sand, lots of sea breezes and clear blue water. Countless secluded streams, waterfalls and rapids are found in the primal forests that make up Truong Son mountain range in the West of Binh Thuan.
Releasing a boat model, a ritual in the Whale Worship Festival, Binh Thuan Province, 2014.Photo: Tran Khanh Hung
This land, moreover, is also extremely attractive to curious tourists who are interested in learning about the local history and culture. Cham culture has been in Binh Thuan for ages. Through many changes, Poshanu Cham tower is still solemnly standing on the top of Ba Nai Mountain, contemplating the universe’s transformation. The Cham traditional dances, music, festivals and handicrafts have been maintained and conserved until today.
Mui Gio, 30 km away from Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province, 2015, Photo: Nguyen Minh Tan
Ke Ga lighthouse, which was established in 1900, plays an essential role in the international maritime routes in the East Sea area. The water tower is Phan Thiet city’s symbol. It was designed by the Kingdom of Laos’ Prince, Suphanuvong, in 1928. This is also the symbol of the Vietnam – Laos nation’s friendship.
Inside the Truong Tho Linh Son Pagoda on the Ta Cu mountain top lies a statue of Buddha entering Nirvana.
Watering on the farm, Phu Long Town, Binh Thuan Province, 2014. Photo: Truong Anh Vu
It is a totally refreshing and different experience to wake up early in the morning and visit the fish landings scattered along the Binh Thuan coastal line. The festive atmosphere of those fish landings cheerfully ignite a new day. The seaside air has imbued Binh Thuan people with certain characteristics; hard-working, honest and especially friendly. 
Co Thach Beach,Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan Province,2015. Photo: Vo Hoai Huy
As a place rich in marine life, fish sauce-making has been Binh Thuan’s special and famous profession since ancient times. The fresh, sweet and healthy blue dragon fruit is another distinctive specialty of Binh Thuan.
The formation and development of Binh Thuan tourism began with ‘the Pearl’ Mui Ne. Beside the natural potential, policies and plans of the local government and the support of local people, there are also great and meaningful contributions from investors from all over the world. 
Kite surfing in the sea Binh Thuan Province, 2015. Photo: Nguyen Quoc Huy
Today, Binh Thuan welcomes millions of new and old tourists every year, thanks to its own glamour. Those who come to visit Binh Thuan find the activities at sea most interesting. Outdoor sports such as water jetting, surfing, windsurfing and ballooning take place here.
Bringing a dead whale to the shore for a funeral, Binh Thuan Province, 2012. Photo: Pham Ngoc Hoang
Sea Links City stands out among all Binh Thuan’s tourism projects. This is an architecture ensemble with 5-star hotels, high-class restaurants, villas for rent, golf courses and many other entertainment services.
Most notable is probably the Champagne Castle, where there is a wine cooling cellar, demonstrations of champagne making procedures and a display of many kinds of rare champagne from all over the world.
A festival of Cham peopler praying for rain, Binh Thuan Province, 2014.Photo: Do Huu Tuan
Bau Trang (White Lake), a magnificent landscape, has been planned and conserved into a wonderful eco-tourism zone in Binh Thuan. This place offers you not only a chance to enjoy nature, but also a thrilling experience of driving an ATV on a winding road over the sand dulls.
Together with the overall booming of the province, Phan Thiet City has also renewed itself to be a young, fresh and potential urban area. Investors and international brands are pouring here to do business and service of all types, contributing to the whole land’s development. 
Dragon and unicorn dances, Binh Thuan Province, 2014. Photo: Dang Thanh Lan
Ca Ty River charmingly runs through the ports before pouring into the ocean, adding to the special beauty that is full of the vitality of Phan Thiet.
After 20 years of planning and developing, Binh Thuan Province has become a renowned destination with millions of local and international tourists every year. One of the most interesting features of Binh Thuan tourism is: ‘Binh Thuan – Green Convergence’. It is the harmony of heaven and earth, of mountains and seas of rivers and lakes and the unity of cultures.
A dragon fruit plantation in Binh Thuan Province, 2015.Photo: Do Huu Tuan
Text from film Binh Thuan – Green Convergence 2015, script writer Phan To Hoai, Director Tran My Ha
Photos from the Vietnam Heritage Photo Awards 2015, photos selected for display at 8 exhibitions in Vietnam