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Kê Gà Lighthouse

Kê Gà Lighthouse is a French colonial lighthouse built in 1899 on a granite islet off the Bình Thuận coast - reached by a short boat crossing from the mainland, it is the oldest standing lighthouse in Vietnam and a striking landmark on the south-central coast.

🏛️ Colonial Lighthouse🚣 Boat Crossing📸 Photography🏝️ Rocky Islet
🧭 Get Directions

Overview

Best Time to Visit
📅 Nov - Jul (dry season with calm seas; avoid Aug - Oct when rough conditions make the boat crossing unreliable)
Entry Fee
🎟️ ~30,000 VND; boat ~50,000 VND return
Opening Hours
🕐 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Address
📌 Tân Thành, Hàm Thuận Nam, Bình Thuận

Things to Know

👥Crowds
Very few visitors compared to Mui Ne; often feels isolated and peaceful even during peak hours
⚠️Safety
Lighthouse interior closed to public for safety reasons; visitors cannot climb to the top
🚶Accessibility
Located on an island 5 minutes by boat from shore; requires rental boat to access. Some climbing on stone beach required
ABOUT THIS PLACE

What Makes Kê Gà Lighthouse Special

Kê Gà Lighthouse stands on a small granite islet 500 metres off the Bình Thuận coast, built by French colonial authorities in 1899 and still operational today. At over 125 years old it is the oldest standing lighthouse in Vietnam, and the French-era stone construction - a 35-metre tower with a keeper's quarters attached - sits in marked contrast to the granite boulders and scrub vegetation of the islet around it. The lighthouse is reached by a short boat crossing from the mainland beach at Tân Thành, making it one of the more accessible island landmarks on the south-central coast. The surrounding water is clear enough for snorkeling and the islet itself is walkable in 20 minutes - the combination of colonial architecture, coastal scenery, and the short boat adventure makes Kê Gà a compact but rewarding stop.

How to Get There

🚗 Getting There

Kê Gà is located in Tân Thành commune, Hàm Thuận Nam district, approximately 30km south of Phan Thiết and 40km from Mũi Né. By motorbike from Mũi Né, follow the coastal road south past Hàm Tiến - the journey takes about 45 minutes. From Phan Thiết city, the drive is around 30 minutes south on Highway 1A then coastal road. The mainland beach at Tân Thành village is the embarkation point; small wooden boats make the 500-metre crossing to the islet on demand throughout operating hours.

What to Expect

👀 On the Ground

The boat lands on a concrete pier at the base of the islet. A path leads up through granite boulders to the lighthouse compound. The tower is open to visitors - the climb to the top involves a narrow interior staircase and gives a 360-degree view over the coast and the South China Sea. The keeper's quarters and outbuildings are intact and the overall compound is well-maintained. The rocky shoreline of the islet descends directly into clear water with coral patches visible from above. The crossing itself is enjoyable - the islet looks picturesque from the mainland beach and the approach by boat gives a different perspective on the lighthouse.

Travel Tips

🧳 Tips

Kê Gà works best as part of a broader Bình Thuận coastal itinerary - the lighthouse visit takes 1-2 hours and the mainland beach at Tân Thành is pleasant for swimming afterward. The Bình Thuận coast between Kê Gà and Mũi Né has several underdeveloped beaches and fishing villages that reward slow travel by motorbike along the coastal road. For travellers based in Mũi Né who have exhausted the standard sand dunes and fishing village circuit, Kê Gà provides a half-day excursion with a different character - colonial history and a boat trip rather than beach activities.

Insider Tips

Based on real traveler experiences and commonly mentioned advice from multiple visitors.

Take a boat late afternoon to enjoy sunset views from the shore or island before returning
Negotiate boat prices in advance; rates range 50,000-100,000 dong per person for round trip
Avoid eating at restaurants near lighthouse; overpriced for tourists with poor quality food
The boat from the mainland beach takes 5-10 minutes - boats run continuously during operating hours and can be flagged from the shore
Climb the lighthouse tower for the best view over the surrounding coastline and the granite rock formations of the islet
The rocky shore of the islet has clear water suitable for snorkeling - bring gear as there is nothing to rent on the island
Kê Gà is 30km south of Phan Thiết and close to Mũi Né - it works well as a half-day excursion from a Mũi Né beach base
The lighthouse is still operational - the French-era stone tower and keeper's quarters are well-preserved and make for a distinctive set of photographs

FAQ

Common questions from travelers who've visited this place.

Can I climb inside the lighthouse?›
No, the lighthouse interior is closed to visitors for safety reasons. You can view and photograph it from outside only
How much does a boat ride cost?›
Boat costs range from 50,000 to 100,000 VND per person for a round trip. Negotiate with fishermen at the dock before boarding
How long does the boat journey take?›
The boat ride to the island takes approximately 4-5 minutes. Plan one hour at the island for exploration and photos

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