How to Journey Beyond the Beaten Path in Quy Nhon - Discovering Vietnam’s Coastal Gems and Cultural Wonders 

Beautiful beaches, lips-smacking seafood and delightful cultural experiences… These are the three top reasons why you would wish to visit Quy Nhon, Vietnam’s lesser-known coastal paradise. The destination is also known for its breathtaking landscapes and towering mountains which shelter indigenous biodiversity. If these things appeal to you, then you should definitely add Quy Nhon to your bucket list.    

Getting to Quy Nhon 

There are many ways you can navigate to this destination so it actually depends on where you are located. All the airports in the country offer domestic flights to Quy Nhon. Foreigners can reach Phu Cat Airport and travel to their accommodation via the shuttle bus or a taxi. 

Buses are easily accessible from locations such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Capital.  It takes around 20 hours to reach Quy Nhon from Hanoi and 14 hours from Ho Chi Minh. Since buses travel at length to reach their destination, they are designed with convenience in mind.   

Trains are available from destinations like Hue, Nha Trang or Da Nang. If you take the train from Hanoi Station you will be able to reach Quy Nhon in around 22 hours. Expect a 10-hour rail ride if you are to travel to Quy Nhon from Ho Chi Minh. If the thought of feasting your eyes in the wonderful sceneries along the way enthrals you, then it is best to go for this money-saving option. Check out the train travel services timetables online and make a pre-booking for a hassle-free journey. 

The ideal time to visit the destination 

The best time to pack your bags and head off to Quy Nho is between March and September. Though this is the dry spell, it also provides the perfect setting in which you can go swimming or engage in watersports. The waves are gentle, the water is cool and crystal clear and the temperature usually ranges between 24 °C to 35°C. It is also the best time to engage in mountain explorations since hardly any rain is expected. 

Offbeat experiences 

One of the sights that is hard to miss during your Quy Nhon travels is the towering brick architecture dotting the city. These are the surviving structures of ancient Champ temples dating from the 11th century. Thap Banh It and Thap Doi are the two most famous places from the lot and are must-visits for all those who enter the city. What is striking about these two tower clusters is that each tower in these groups has its distinct architectural features. Perched on top of a hill in Dai Le village, Banh It tower features styles from the My Son A1 style to Binh Dinh style. Thap Doi comprises twin towers and features carvings of monkey figurines and the Hindu deity, Garuda.

Ms Sarah Welch, Thap Banh It, Nhon Hoa 01, CC0 1.0

Local cuisine 

Seafood varieties are in abundance in Quy Nhon. Therefore it is a major part of the island’s cuisine. Tingle your taste buds with some local delicacies like jumping shrimp pancakes, bun ram (crab noodles), and Tre Binh Dịnh (pork parcels). Guests at Avani Quy Nhon Resort can even immerse themselves in the region’s food culture by treating themselves to private cooking classes at Chef’s Academy. You will be introduced to the ingredients and culinary techniques used in Vietnamese cooking by the culinary experts at the property. The icing on the cake is the final lesson in the schedule – unveiling the art of coffee making in Vietnam.   

Places to explore 

Are beach escapes at the top of your list during your Quy Nhon holiday? Then pick a Quy Nhon resort close to your favourite beach and you will lose no time in frequenting the destination. Quy Nhon is known for its immaculate beaches because it is situated along the South China Sea's coast.  Each beach has its own unique features so it is best to select one or two which meet your tastes. Those looking for some peace and tranquillity can venture onto sites like Bai Xep Beach, Quy Hoa Beach and Bai Nom Beach. If you do not mind mixing with the crowd and are looking to enjoy some water activities, then go to places like Ky Co Beach. You can explore the underwater world via snorkelling and try your hand at some fishing too.  

For those who are looking to experience some local culture, it is best to pay a visit to destinations like Nhon Ly and Bai Xep fishing villages. Nhon Ly is nestled at Phuong Mai Point and has lively settings adorned with brilliant murals. Bai Xep will allow you to get a sneak peek at the lifestyle of the fishing folk.