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Kê Gà Lighthouse

Kê Gà Lighthouse near Mũi Né is a historic French-built lighthouse dating to 1897-1899. Take a short boat ride to the rocky islet for panoramic views of Bình Thuận's coast - climbing the 183 spiral steps to the top has traditionally been allowed, though access can now depend on border guard or station permission.

Colonial LighthouseBoat CrossingPhotographyRocky Islet
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Overview

Best Time to Visit
Nov - Apr is clearly the best window (dry, calm seas, clear water); May - Aug is still generally visitable but hot with strong midday sun; Sep - Oct brings occasional rain showers, so it's worth checking the forecast before heading out in that window. March specifically has the lowest tides of the year, occasionally low enough to walk across the exposed reef to the island
Entry Fee
No standard entrance fee is generally charged for the lighthouse; the main cost is the boat crossing from the mainland, typically around 50,000-100,000 VND per person round trip, though prices are negotiable and can vary by season and group size
Opening Hours
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Address
Tân Thành, Hàm Thuận Nam, Bình Thuận

Things to Know

Crowds
Very few visitors compared to Mũi Né; often feels isolated and peaceful even during peak hours
Difficulty
When accessible, the climb to the top is a genuine physical effort - around 183 steps with no lift - though manageable for most visitors at a comfortable pace with a few pauses. Access to the top itself isn't always guaranteed and can depend on border guard or station permission
Safety
The tower and staircase are open to the public and well-maintained; take care on the rocky shoreline of the islet, which can be slippery near the waterline
Accessibility
Located on an island a short boat ride from shore; requires a boat to access, and some scrambling over rocks on the islet itself. The spiral staircase to the top isn't accessible for visitors with mobility limitations
Seasonal
Best in the dry season (Nov-Apr) when the sea is calm; rough conditions in the rainy season (May-Oct) can suspend boat crossings entirely

About This Place

What Makes Kê Gà Lighthouse Special

Kê Gà Lighthouse stands on a small granite islet a few hundred metres off the Bình Thuận coast. The waters here were once notorious for dangerous underwater reefs that wrecked or damaged many passing ships, prompting French colonial authorities to survey the area and build a lighthouse to guide vessels safely through - designed by French engineer Chnavat, construction began in February 1897, and the lighthouse became operational in 1899. At over 125 years old it is the oldest standing lighthouse in Vietnam, and - at 35 metres tall (65 metres above sea level, roughly equivalent to a 12-storey building) - it's also recognised as the country's tallest. The French-era granite tower, built without mortar from interlocking carved blocks shipped over from France, sits in marked contrast to the granite boulders and scrub vegetation of the islet around it. Climbing the roughly 183 spiral steps to the top has traditionally been free and open to visitors - the interior is narrow (under 3 metres across, narrowing further near the top), so a little dizziness isn't unusual - taking in the view through small windows along the way before reaching a 360-degree lookout at the summit. Access to the top isn't always guaranteed, though: heritage preservation rules and border-security oversight mean it can sometimes require permission from the border guard post or lighthouse station on the day, so treat the climb as likely but not certain. 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; in March, when the tide runs unusually low, it's sometimes possible to walk across the exposed reef to the island without a boat at all, a distinctive and little-known way to make the crossing. 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 short 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 has traditionally been open to visitors - the climb to the top involves a narrow spiral staircase of around 183 steps and gives a 360-degree view over the coast on a clear day, and it's a genuine climb rather than a token gesture. Access can sometimes be limited or require on-the-spot permission from border guard or station staff, tied to heritage preservation and security rules, so ask when you arrive rather than assuming the top is open. 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. 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, including the climb if it's open on the day, 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, a possible climb, and a boat trip rather than beach activities. Sunrise and sunset are both popular times to visit for photography, with golden light over the water and fishing boats.

Insider Tips

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

Take a boat in the late afternoon to catch sunset views from the islet or the mainland shore before returning
Negotiate boat prices in advance; rates run roughly 50,000-100,000 VND per person for the round trip
Avoid eating at the restaurants immediately near the lighthouse dock; better value and quality is generally found elsewhere
The boat from the mainland beach takes just a few minutes - boats run continuously during operating hours and can be flagged from the shore. Negotiate the price with the boatman before boarding rather than after
Climbing the tower has traditionally been free and open to visitors - around 183 spiral steps lead to the top, taking roughly 10-15 minutes, with small windows along the way to pause and look out, and the 360-degree view is the highlight for those who make it up. That said, access to the top has reportedly become more restricted at times, tied to heritage preservation rules and border-security oversight - it may depend on getting permission from the border guard post or lighthouse station on the day, so don't assume it's guaranteed and ask locally when you arrive
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 roughly 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 granite tower (shipped stone by stone from France) and keeper's quarters are well-preserved and make for a distinctive set of photographs
Avoid eating at the restaurants immediately around the lighthouse dock - prices tend to run high for the quality on offer; better value is usually found back toward Tân Thành or Mũi Né
Overnight camping on the islet is possible, but you need to contact the border guard station in advance for permission, and bring everything yourself - tent, food, and water - since there are no services on the island
At low tide, the large rocks around the islet are a decent spot for fishing or squid fishing if that interests you
Buy fresh seafood from local fishermen on the mainland shore and grill it on the beach - a simple, popular way to end the day here
Two boat options serve the crossing: a motorised canoe (used when the tide is higher) or a small basket boat (thuyền thúng) when conditions allow - either way, agree the price before boarding, and don't leave it too late in the day, since boat availability can dry up in the late afternoon
Bring ID (CCCD/driving licence if self-driving), sun protection, and a swimming aid if you're not a strong swimmer - the water near the lighthouse itself is notably deep

FAQ

Common questions from travelers who've visited this place.

Can I climb inside the lighthouse?›
Traditionally, yes - climbing to the top has been free and open to the public, via around 183 spiral steps with small windows to pause at along the way, ending in a 360-degree view from the summit. However, access has reportedly become more restricted at times due to heritage preservation and border-security rules, and may require on-the-spot permission from the border guard post or lighthouse station - don't assume it's guaranteed, and ask when you arrive.
How much does a boat ride cost?›
Boat costs typically range from 50,000 to 100,000 VND per person for a round trip. Negotiate with the boatmen at the dock before boarding.
How long does the boat journey take?›
The crossing itself only takes a few minutes. Plan for 1-2 hours at the island in total once you include the climb (if accessible on the day), exploring the compound, and photos.

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