Ke Ga Lighthouse

The Ke Ga Lighthouse is located in Tan Thanh commune, Ham Thuan Nam district, Binh Thuan province. This lighthouse was built by the French in February 1897 and became operational in 1899. Therefore, to date, the lighthouse has reached the age of 125 years. The engineer behind the design of this structure was the Frenchman Chnavat.

The total height of the lighthouse above sea level is 65m. The lantern tower of the lighthouse reaches a height of 35m. The width of the lighthouse is 3m at the base and 2.5m at the top. The wall thickness of the lighthouse ranges from 1m to 1.6m, thicker at the base and gradually thinning towards the top.

This lighthouse has the distinctive feature of being isolated in the vast sea, requiring visitors to take a boat or canoe to reach it. Therefore, stormy and unfavorable weather, especially during rainy and windy days, is not the ideal time for tourists to visit.

According to travel experience in Binh Thuan, the best time for tourists to fully enjoy the grandeur of the lighthouse and explore the area is from February to July and from September to January of the following year. These are periods with favorable weather, calm seas, and smooth waves, allowing visitors to travel easily and safely.

It’s best to travel to Mui Ke Ga in the morning. Around 1 p.m., you can start taking a boat to the lighthouse. After exploring the surroundings, around 3 p.m., you can begin “hunting” for sunset photos over the sea, which is incredibly beautiful. If you only plan to go for a day trip, it’s advisable to leave the island early because as the evening approaches, the temperature drops, and the waves become larger.

The tourist who wants to visit Ke Ga Lighthouse needs to travel to Phan Thiet first, and then from Phan Thiet to the lighthouse.

Travelers from northern provinces need to book a flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and then proceed to Binh Thuan by land transportation. From Saigon, you can reach Phan Thiet by:

The lighthouse you want to visit is located about 30km from Phan Thiet city, and the route is quite straightforward. From Phan Thiet, you can take bus number 6 on the Lagi – Ke Ga route. Bus tickets are very affordable, starting from only 15,000 VND per ticket, making it suitable for students. You can also choose to take a motorbike taxi (xe ôm) or a regular taxi.

For adventurous young people coming from Vung Tau, traveling by motorbike is a viable option. The motorbike route starts from Ba Ria, goes through Long Hai, Phuoc Hai, the Loc An fishing port, and Ho Tram. Next, you will reach Ho Coc, follow the coastal road to Binh Chau, then turn right towards LaGi, Ham Tan. Continuing about 20km past Thay Thim’s temple, you will arrive directly at Ke Ga.

To ascend to the top of the lighthouse, you will need to traverse a path with steep staircases and rows of hundred-year-old almond trees planted on both sides. In late July, each tree competes to showcase its blossoms, creating an incredibly picturesque scene. The sweet fragrance of almond blossoms wafting in the sea breeze will captivate the soul of any traveler. And, of course, this is a must-visit spot for tourists, especially during the blooming season, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

The primary material used in constructing the lighthouse is blocks of granite imported from France, lending it a timeless beauty. Each granite block is intricately shaped and meticulously carved to fit together seamlessly without the need for any binding agents.

The remarkable thing is that, to this day, after more than a century, each granite joint remains tightly fitted, showcasing the skill of the French architects. Whenever sunlight shines upon it, the lighthouse sparkles, majestic and resolute, resembling a sword of the open sea. In front of the lighthouse’s entrance, there is a large granite slab engraved with the year 1899, marking the year of its inauguration.

To reach the top of the lighthouse, you’ll have to conquer a spiral staircase with 183 steps made of reinforced concrete. Due to the interior space narrowing to just 3m and gradually tapering upwards, some people may find it a bit dizzying. It can be a challenge to ascend the 65m tower, but what you experience afterward is absolutely worthwhile. An indescribable sense of awe washes over you as the panoramic view of the vast sea and sky unfolds before your eyes.

Bao quanh hải đăng Kê Gà là những bãi đá nằm ngổn ngang vô tình mà như hữu ý. Những tảng đá tự nhiên với kích thích lớn nhỏ khác nhau và muôn hình vạn trạng được thời gian và sóng biển bào mòn tạo nên một cảnh tượng vô cùng kỳ vĩ. Đây là điểm được nhiều du khách lựa chọn để nằm phơi nắng hay chọn một mỏm đá lớn để buông cần ngồi câu.

The most beautiful time at the lighthouse is during sunset. The evening glow paints the space with shades of red, and the sea surface reflects the brilliance, creating a scene that is both romantic and spectacular. This is also the moment of low tide, revealing white sandy beaches and rocky outcrops surrounding the lighthouse. The majestic natural scenery guarantees you’ll capture a thousand beautiful pictures, no matter where you point your camera. On top of the lighthouse is the prime spot to enjoy the most stunning sunset in Binh Thuan.

In the afternoon, as the tide recedes, the large rocky outcrops become the favorite fishing spots for local residents. If you enjoy this leisurely pastime, you can join in by casting a fishing line to try your skill at catching fish. Alternatively, if fishing is not your preference, you can visit the shore to buy fresh seafood from the local fishermen and organize a seaside barbecue right there by the sea.

When visiting Ke Ga Lighthouse, many groups of young people also organize overnight camping. To camp, you need to contact and obtain approval from the border guards on the island beforehand. You’ll have to bring all camping equipment, including tents, food, and drinks, as there are no services available on the island. Camping on the island gives you the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the sea.