Discover Quy Nhon: The Coastal Paradise of Vietnam’s Central Region

Quy Nhon, located in Binh Dinh Province in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam, is 1,065 km from Hanoi and 650 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Nestled between the sea and mountains, Quy Nhon features picturesque, crescent-shaped beaches, golden sands, and mesmerizingly clear waters.

When to Visit Quy Nhon

The rainy season lasts only 2-3 months towards the end of the year. The rest of the year enjoys dry weather, especially from March to September. Summer, from May to September, is sunny but not overly hot, making it ideal for tourists to engage in various activities both onshore and underwater without the interference of storms.

Getting There

Several airlines in Vietnam, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways, operate flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Quy Nhon. Round-trip fares range from approximately 1,500,000 to 4,000,000 VND per person, depending on the season.

From Phu Cat Airport to Quy Nhon city center, there are buses costing 50,000 VND per person, suitable for individual travelers, or taxis priced at 200,000 – 250,000 VND per trip. Besides flights, travelers can also take buses or trains from neighboring provinces.

Within the city, you can rent a motorbike for 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day or hire taxis or cars for farther destinations. For groups of 8-15 people traveling within central areas, electric vehicles are available at 25,000 VND per km and 250,000 VND for 60 minutes.

Accommodation

Travelers looking for budget-friendly accommodation can choose homestays, hostels, or 2-3 star hotels ranging from 150,000 to 400,000 VND per night. For a quieter and more comfortable stay, consider hotels on Tay Son, An Duong Vuong, or Han Mac Tu streets. If you prefer beachfront locations, look for hotels on Nguyen Hue, Xuan Dieu streets near the Nguyen Tat Thanh monument, or at Bai Xep, Ky Co, and Eo Gio.

For a more luxurious experience with amenities like swimming pools, private beaches, spas, gyms, or ocean-view rooms, consider resorts such as Crown Retreat, Avani Quy Nhon, FLC Quy Nhon, Casa Marina, and Aurora. Prices for 4-5 star resorts range from 1,500,000 to 5,000,000 VND per night this summer.

Dining and Specialties

Quy Nhon offers a wide array of specialties that every visitor should try, including fish cake noodle soup, shrimp pancake, noodle soup with pork and offal, grilled pork, spring rolls, bread with stew, and more. Additionally, fresh seafood such as snails, clams, oysters, lobster, crabs, and various fish are a must-try.

Exploring the city, you’ll find many affordable eateries:

• Ngoc Han Cong Chua Street for seafood
• Ngô Văn Sở Food Street
• Bread with stew, 132 Ngo May
• Mini pancakes, 19 Han Thuyen
• Rice cakes, Nguyen Tat Thanh Street
• Fish noodle soup, 157 Nguyen Hue
• Grilled pork at Co Tuyet, Hai Thuong Lan Ong
• Chicken rice at Que Huong, Le Hong Phong Street
• Rice at Mau, 179a Phan Boi Chau
• Rice at Bep Nha 1989, 159 Phan Boi Chau
• Thao Nguyen – Seafood at Bai Xep
• Hoa Hoa Seafood, Quy Nhon Port

While Quy Nhon’s coffee, tea, and bar scene is still developing, there are some popular spots among both locals and tourists. Trendy cafes include Adiuvat, Mango Tree, Kho Book & Cafe, Marina, Green Cafe, and Surf Bar. Drinks are reasonably priced, with coffee, tea, and smoothies costing between 20,000 and 50,000 VND in a pleasant atmosphere.

Things to Do

Nhon Hai – Hon Kho

From the city center, cross Thi Nai Bridge, and turn right towards Nhon Hai fishing village. Hon Kho and Nhon Hai are attractive for their pristine beauty and genuine local charm. A boat or canoe ride from the fishing village to Hon Kho takes about 10 minutes and costs around 100,000 VND round-trip. Hon Kho is ideal for a day tour or a half-day visit. Though tourism services are limited, there is a wooden bridge on the island that is popular for photo opportunities. A day tour to Hon Kho starts from 220,000 VND per person.

Ky Co – Eo Gio

Ky Co, often likened to Vietnam’s Maldives, is located 25 km from the city center in Nhon Ly Commune. With its turquoise sea, white sand, and golden sunshine, it’s perfect for a beach getaway. You can travel by canoe from Eo Gio to Ky Co or take a land route to Ky Co and then a canoe tour to Eo Gio or snorkeling spots. Entrance fees for Ky Co are 100,000 VND per person, with a shuttle fee of 40,000 VND. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, you can rent beach huts, enjoy water sports, set up camp, or stay at local hotels. Ky Co offers serene waves and crystal-clear water, ideal for a short summer retreat.

Nearby Eo Gio features a walking path along the mountain slope with spectacular sea views. Entrance to Eo Gio is 25,000 VND per person. After visiting the walking path, you may have time to explore Tinh Xa Ngoc Hoa and Linh Phong Son Tu. A one-day tour including a canoe ride, snorkeling, and seafood lunch at Ky Co – Eo Gio costs around 700,000 VND per person.

Cu Bai Beach Tourist Area

Just across Thi Nai Bridge from the city center is the Cu Bai Beach Tourist Area. This entertainment park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as zip-lining, rock climbing, archery, biking, kayaking, and inflatable water parks. Admission is 300,000 VND for adults and 200,000 VND for children, with unlimited playtime. Individual activity tickets are available for 50,000 VND each. The park also features picturesque spots for photos, camping, bonfires, and beach barbecues. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Overnight stays in bungalows include free access to all activities.

Trung Luong Camping Area

Located in Trung Luong Village, Cat Tien Commune, Phu Cat District, this camping area is a favorite among young people. It includes camping grounds, tent accommodations, swimming areas, and dining options, all set against a backdrop of natural beauty with lush trees and rocky beaches. It’s ideal for group trips or family outings. Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. Entrance fee is 40,000 VND per person, and outside food and drinks are not permitted. Tent rental costs around 300,000 VND for two people per night.

ExploraScience Center

Located 5 km south of the city at 10, Dai Lo Khoa Hoc, Ghenh Rang Ward, the center offers a range of scientific activities for children and adults. Admission is 40,000 VND for children. For astronomy activities at the Public Observatory from 6 PM to 10 PM, the fee is 150,000 VND per person. Special discounts may apply, so contact the center beforehand.

Ghenh Rang Tien Sa

About 3 km southeast of the city center, Ghenh Rang Tien Sa features a collection of attractions including Ghenh Rang rocky area, Tien Sa beach, Hoang Hau beach, Han Mac Tu’s tomb, and Ghenh Rang church. From the Ghenh Rang peak, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Quy Nhon city and Crescent Moon Beach. This tourist site is open for free.

Cham Towers

Binh Dinh is home to many Cham Pa relics, especially ancient towers from the 13th-14th centuries. Near Quy Nhon, you should visit the Double Towers and Banh It Towers. Other significant Cham sites include Canh Tien Tower and Duong Long Tower. These locations are open to the public with small entrance fees, and visiting hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM daily.

La Bang Orchid Garden

Located about 15 km west of Quy Nhon, La Bang Orchid Garden is known for its rich orchid collection. The garden is ideal for those interested in botany and taking photographs amidst an array of orchids. Entrance is free, and the garden is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM.

Phu Yen Beach

Phu Yen Beach, situated 40 km north of Quy Nhon, offers a tranquil escape with its pristine environment and stunning landscapes. It’s less crowded and perfect for a relaxing day trip. Visitors can enjoy various water activities and explore the scenic surroundings.

Tiểu Chủng Viện Làng Sông

The Làng Sông Seminary, located near Quy Nhon city center, is a peaceful spot known for its historical architecture. The seminary’s beautiful garden and ancient architecture are worth a visit. It is open from 7 AM to 11:30 AM and 2 PM to 5:30 PM daily.

Sample 4-Day Itinerary

Option 1

• Day 1: Phu Cat Airport – Double Towers – Nhon Hai Fishing Village – Hon Kho
• Day 2: Ky Co – Eo Gio Tour – Food Street – Night Market
• Day 3: Ghenh Rang Tien Sa – ExploraScience Center – Bãi Xép Fishing Village
• Day 4: Cu Bai Beach – Làng Sông Seminary – Banh It Towers – Phu Cat Airport

Option 2

• Day 1: Phu Cat Airport – Double Towers – Ghenh Rang Tien Sa – Bãi Xép Fishing Village
• Day 2: Thi Nai Bridge – Ky Co Tour – Eo Gio – Night Market
• Day 3: Ham Tu Boat – Cu Lao Xanh Day Tour – Food Street
• Day 4: Chùa Ông Núi – Trung Luong Camping Area – Phu Cat Airport

With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse culinary options, Quy Nhon is an ideal destination for an unforgettable trip. Enjoy your visit to this charming coastal city!