TRAVEL GUIDE TO QUY NHON: COASTAL GEM IN VIETNAM

Quy Nhon is nestled along Vietnam’s central coast and has quietly emerged as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking pristine beaches, cultural richness, and culinary delights. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Quy Nhon, as well as the top attractions in this city.

Quy Nhon

1. Where is Quy Nhon?

Quy Nhon is the capital of Binh Dinh Province, situated in Vietnam’s South Central Coast region, 1,065 km from Hanoi and 650 km from Ho Chi Minh City. This serene city boasts a stunning coastline stretching along the turquoise waters of the South China Sea, flanked by lush green hills.

Quy Nhon is known for its tranquility and lack of bustling crowds, this is an ideal destination for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. 

Quy Nhon is one of the top city that you must visit when traveling to Vietnam.


2. How to get there?

-By Plane: Phu Cat Airport is approximately 30 kilometers from Quy Nhon City. Direct domestic flights from major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are available. International travelers can connect via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The ticket prices range from 1.500.000 – 3.000.000 VND/person (60 to 120 USD).

-By Train: The Reunification Express stops at Dieu Tri Station, about 10 kilometers from Quy Nhon. Trains from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City offer a scenic route, though the journey is slower. 

-By Bus: Quy Nhon is well-connected by sleeper buses from nearby cities like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. 

-By Car or Motorbike: For adventure enthusiasts, traveling by car or motorbike along Vietnam’s coastal highways offers breathtaking views and flexibility. It takes 12-14 hours to travel to Quy Nhon by motorbike or car from Saigon.

3. The ideal time to visit Quy Nhon

The best time to visit Quy Nhon is from January to August, when the weather is warm, and the seas are calm. 

-January to April: Ideal for those seeking mild temperatures and clear skies. 

-May to August: Perfect for beach lovers, as the sea is at its most inviting. 

Avoid the rainy season from September to December, as heavy rainfall may hinder outdoor activities. 

4. Top attractions in Quy Nhon

4.1. Ky Co Beach

Ky Co Beach, located in Nhon Ly Commune about 25 km from Quy Nhon’s center, is often referred to as Vietnam’s Maldives due to its blue sea, white sand, and golden sunshine. Visitors can reach Ky Co by canoe from Eo Gio or travel by road, then take a canoe tour to explore Eo Gio or nearby coral diving spots. 

Ky Co Beach

Entry to Ky Co costs 100.000 VND per person (4 USD), with an additional 40.000 VND (1.6 USD) for the last-mile shuttle bus.

Beyond swimming and diving, visitors can enjoy activities like jet skiing, parasailing, renting beachside huts, camping, or staying at a hotel within the area. Surrounded by mountains and hills on three sides and the sea on the other, Ky Co’s calm waves and clear waters make it perfect for a relaxing summer getaway.

Address: Nhon Ly Commune, Quy Nhon City.

Opening Hours: open all day.

4.2. Hon Kho Island

Hon Kho Island is an attractive destination thanks to its wild beauty and honest, simple people. From the fishing village, visitors take a canoe or boat to Hon Kho in just about 10 minutes with a round trip cost of 100.000 VND per person (4 USD).

Hon Kho Island

Hon Kho is a place to go on a day or a half tour. There are not many tourist services on Hon Kho yet, but there is currently a wooden bridge built on the island that attracts visitors to take pictures. A day tour to Hon Kho costs only 220.000 VND per person (8.8 USD).

In addition to the dry season from April to September, you can visit Hon Kho during the seaweed season from May to July. At this time, Hon Kho is like a golden field under the clear blue sea that will captivate anyone.

Hon Kho in Quy Nhon in seaweed season.

Address: Nhon Hai Commune, Quy Nhon City.

4.3. Cua Bien Tourist Area

Cua Bien Tourist Area, this amusement park spans a vast area on both land and water, offering an array of outdoor activities such as ziplining, artificial rock climbing, archery, cycling, kayaking, and a floating water park. Visitors can enjoy unlimited access to all games with a full-day ticket priced at 300.000 VND for adults (12 USD) and 200.000 VND for children (8 USD). Alternatively, individual game tickets are available for 50.000 VND each (2 USD). 

The park also features picturesque spots for photography, areas for tent camping, campfires, and beachfront barbecues. Guests staying overnight in the park’s bungalows can access all activities at no additional cost.

It has a variety of outdoor activities for you to experience.

Cua Bien Tourist Area is one of the top attractions in Quy Nhon.

Address: Hoi Son Commune, Quy Nhon City.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily.

4.4. Trung Luong Picnic Area         

Trung Luong Picnic Area is a popular spot for young travelers, offering a variety of attractions, including camping, overnight tent stays, swimming, sea games, restaurants, cafes, and scenic photo opportunities. The space is beautifully landscaped with ornamental plants and flowers, surrounded by stunning rocky mountains and beaches, making it ideal for group trips with friends or family. 

For those looking to stay overnight, tents can be rented for about 300.000 VND for two people (12 USD).

Trung Luong Picnic Area

Address: Trung Luong Town, Cat Tien Ward, Quy Nhon City.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fees: 40.000/person (1.6 USD).

4.5. Thap Doi Cham Towers

Thap Doi Cham Towers, also known as Hung Thanh Towers, are located about 4 km southeast of Quy Nhon’s coast, making them the closest Cham towers to the sea in Binh Dinh. 

Thap Doi Cham Towers

This architectural gem consists of two towers showcasing typical Cham design, with a base, body, and top adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures like Garuda birds and elephant-lion hybrids.

Inside the main tower, the Linga and Yoni symbols, representing fertility, are worshiped. Recognized as an Architectural and Artistic Monument in 1980, the Twin Towers remained a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.

Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, Dong Da Ward, Quy Nhon City.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fees: 20.000 VND/person (0.8 USD)

4.6. Lang Song Minor Seminary

Lang Song Minor Seminary, also known as Lang Song Church, is situated in Quang Van Village. You take the new National Highway 19 can easily reach this landmark and include nearby attractions like Vo Long Phuoc Pagoda, Thien Hung Pagoda, and Banh It Tower in their itinerary. 

The church and monastery are surrounded by sprawling rice fields, creating a serene backdrop. Upon entering through the gate, visitors are greeted by a pathway lined with ancient star trees that provide a refreshing canopy of greenery.

Lang Song Minor Seminary

With prior arrangements, visitors can explore the church’s interior and a special section housing records and documents from Vietnam’s first printing house to produce books in Quoc Ngu (the Vietnamese script).

Address: Quang Van Village, Phuoc Thuan Commune, Tuy Phuoc District.

4.7. Bai Xep Village

Located about 13 kilometers from the city center along National Highway 1D, Bai Xep fishing village lies by the Quy Hoa Sea. The area offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly homestays and motels to luxurious resorts.

Experience seaweed harvesting with the people of Bai Xep fishing village.

Bai Xep is known for its striking natural rock formations emerging from the water and its soft, golden sand, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. Visitors to Bai Xep can immerse themselves in its untouched natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere while also experiencing the daily life of local fishermen.

Enjoy fresh seafood right on the peaceful beach.

Address: Quy Nhon City.

4.8. Cu Lao Xanh

Cu Lao Xanh also known as Van Phi Island, is located near Xuan Dai Bay in Nhon Chau Commune. Visitors can explore the island’s lighthouse, visit the Suoi Tien well, enjoy swimming in the sea, watch turtles nesting, camp overnight in tents or stay in homestays, and even join local fishermen for squid fishing trips.

Nature beauty of Cu Lao Xanh

To reach Cu Lao Xanh, you can take a bus to Ham Tu Port and either book a canoe tour or travel independently on a wooden boat. A round-trip canoe ride without a tour costs 350.000 VND (14 USD), while a one-day guided tour of the island is priced at 700.000 VND per person (28 USD).

Cu Lao Xanh not only has attractive destinations but also owns many beautiful beaches such as: Bai Nho, Bai Dong, Bai Nam. The beaches all have clear, clean sea water, gentle waves and open, quiet space. Therefore, these are ideal places for tourists to swim, relax and watch the sunset on the smooth white sand.

Immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of beautiful beaches.

Address: Xuan Dai Bay, Nhon Chau Commune, Quy Nhon City.

4.9. Quy Nhon Night Market

Quy Nhon Night Market is a familiar shopping and experience destination for tourists when visiting Quy Nhon. This market has a total area of ​​about 5100 m2 and is divided into many areas with different themes.

Quy Nhon Night Market

When coming to this market, you will find two main areas: shopping and cuisine with a variety of goods, rich with more than 300 stalls operating at the same time.

The culinary paradise at the night market will bring you the feeling of experiencing the delicious dishes here. When coming to Quy Nhon Night Market, you can enjoy many of the following delicious dishes prepared in unique styles: snail dishes, grilled skewers, snacks and desserts.

The night market has delicious dishes that give you an unforgettable culinary experience.

Address: No. 86, Le Duan Street, Quy Nhon City.

Opening Hours: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.