Hunting, fishing, an ocean view, seafood and "grand air" are featured in an ad for the Hotel de Ngoc-Lam, appearing in the 1937 Guide Taupin. 

According to the guidebook, the photogenic fishing port of Phan Thiet had 27,000 inhabitants, nuoc mam (fish sauce) factories and beautiful beaches as well as a hospital, bank, garage and gasoline station. It was reachable by the transindochoinois railway line and there were at least two good hotels.

Interesting excursions from town included trips to Dalat, the Vinh Hao mineral springs, Cham ruins and the Nui Ong mountain.