Ke Ga sits on the coast south-west of Phan Thiet, about forty minutes from Mui Ne, and its landmark is a tall, whitewashed lighthouse standing on a small rocky island just offshore. The tower was built by the French in the late 19th century and is counted among the oldest working lighthouses in Vietnam. Visitors can reach it by a short boat ride from the mainland and, in good conditions, climb to the top for sea views. The surrounding coast is quieter than Mui Ne, with a long beach, fishing boats and seafood restaurants, which makes Ke Ga a calm place for a half-day excursion.
The lighthouse
Ke Ga Lighthouse is a tall round tower, painted white, standing on the island of Hon Ke Ga. It guided ships along the coast for well over a century, and the French-era design is still obvious in its stonework. Boats leave from a small landing on the shore, with the crossing taking around fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on the sea.
Waves can make the landing awkward, and boats do not run when the sea is rough, so treat the trip as weather-dependent. If the island is open, a staircase leads to the lantern gallery, and the view back along the coast is the reward.
The bay and beach
The long beach at Ke Ga is wide, pale and much less developed than Mui Ne, with a scattering of small resorts and seafood places. Fishermen work from the shore, and the bay has a calm, local feel. Some half-day tours include a seafood lunch here, and the setting is a pleasant place to swim if the water is calm. Take care with currents, and swim only where others are in the water.
Practical tips
Most travellers see Ke Ga as part of a half-day tour that also includes Poshanu Cham Towers and Ta Cu Mountain, which makes a full and varied day. If you go independently, hire a taxi or motorbike and arrange the boat on arrival, agreeing the price first. Wear shoes that cope with wet rocks, bring water, sun protection and a light towel, and check the sea conditions before you set out.
Entry rules for the island can change with the season and with the lighthouse's maintenance, so ask your guide whether climbing is possible on the day. Even if the island is closed, the view of the tower from the beach is worth the trip.
What to expect
The experience
A visit to a quiet southern beach and a boat ride to a historic lighthouse on a rocky islet.
Best time
Calm mornings, when the sea is gentler. Boats may not run in rough weather.
How long
Two to three hours on site, within a half-day tour.
Tips
Wear shoes for wet rocks, bring water and sun protection, agree the boat price in advance and ask whether climbing is open.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who like quiet coast, history and a short boat trip.
- Families
- The boat ride is a highlight for children, but the landing can be bumpy.
- Couples
- A calm, scenic half day away from the main strip.
- Pair with
- Poshanu Cham Towers and Ta Cu Mountain on a half-day tour.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours, or half a day with other stops.
Good questions
How old is the Ke Ga Lighthouse?+
It was built by the French in the late 19th century and is counted among the oldest in Vietnam.
How do I reach the island?+
By a short boat ride from the mainland landing, which takes about fifteen to twenty minutes.
Can I climb the lighthouse?+
Sometimes. Access depends on the season, sea conditions and maintenance, so ask on the day.
How far is Ke Ga from Mui Ne?+
Roughly forty minutes to an hour by road, depending on traffic.
Is it a good place to swim?+
The beach is wide and quiet, but check currents and swim only where it is safe.
