A Vibrant Summer on the Coastal Road of Central Vietnam: Quy Nhon – Binh Dinh – Phu Yen

Quy Nhon, a coastal city of Binh Dinh, is the starting point with its gentle charm, while Phu Yen is famed as the land of “Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass,” carrying an untouched and poetic beauty.

The Quy Nhon – Phu Yen coastal road belongs to the South Central Coast region, stretching over 100 kilometers along the shoreline, winding past white sandy beaches and majestic natural landscapes.

The ideal time to explore this route is summer, from May to August, when the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and there are no storms.

See also: The most beautiful beaches in Vietnam voted by the world

You can choose to travel by motorbike or car to freely enjoy the scenic views along coastal routes like Highway 1D and DT640. If you’re not comfortable with long-distance driving, buses are also a convenient option, with many routes connecting Quy Nhon and Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen). A 4-day-3-night itinerary is perfect for experiencing both destinations without rushing—just enough time to enjoy nature, culture, and cuisine.

To explore this most beautiful coastal road in Vietnam, travelers can begin by booking a flight with Vietjet to Quy Nhon, with fares starting at just 95,000 VND, and then rent a vehicle to continue the journey.

The Quy Nhon – Phu Yen coastal road winds along the blue sea, ready for you to discover.

Quy Nhon, the charming coastal city of Binh Dinh, is the perfect starting point for exploring the Central Vietnam coastal road. Below are some of the must-visit spots in Quy Nhon, where you’ll encounter breathtaking nature, rich history, and unique culture:

• Quy Nhon Beach: Located right in the city center, Quy Nhon Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, boasting a coastline over 5 km long, golden sand, and clear turquoise water. It’s an ideal place for swimming, strolling, or watching the sunrise.
• Ky Co – Eo Gio: Nicknamed the “Maldives of Vietnam,” Ky Co lies about 25 km from Quy Nhon’s center, in Nhon Ly commune. This beach stands out for its crystal-clear water where the seabed is visible, and sand framed by dramatic cliffs. To reach Ky Co, visitors can take a boat or canoe from Eo Gio (about 15–20 minutes). Nearby is Eo Gio, a small strait with a scenic cliffside walking path built along the mountain. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, or paragliding.
• Cu Lao Xanh (Green Islet): Also known as Nhon Chau Island, this small island is about 20 km from Quy Nhon. You can reach it by canoe (about 30 minutes) from Ham Tu Port. On the island, you can cycle along small paths, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy fresh local seafood.
• Banh It Towers & Twin Towers: Located about 15 km from Quy Nhon, Banh It Towers are a cluster of four Cham towers built in the 11th–12th centuries, featuring intricate carvings and unique Cham Pa architecture. Right in the city stands the Twin Towers (Thap Doi), two parallel towers about 20 meters high, built around the 12th century.
• Ghenh Rang – Tien Sa: Just 3 km southeast of Quy Nhon, Ghenh Rang – Tien Sa is a famous scenic area with poetic natural beauty. Here you’ll find Egg Stone Beach, where large, rounded stones resembling eggs scatter along the shore, creating a unique landscape. The area also offers a small beach for swimming and many picturesque photo spots, especially at sunset.

The beautiful coastal city of Quy Nhon in summer.

Quy Nhon is not only famous for its stunning beaches but also a paradise for food lovers, offering dishes rich in the authentic flavors of Central Vietnam. Here’s a detailed list of must-try specialties when you visit Quy Nhon:

• Lobster: Particularly from Nhon Ly and Cu Lao Xanh, lobsters in Quy Nhon are incredibly fresh as they are caught directly from the sea. The meat is firm, sweet, and rich, often prepared as grilled lobster with garlic butter, steamed lobster with lemongrass, or lobster porridge.
• Grilled Squid: Fresh squid, either broad squid or tube squid, is caught daily by local fishermen. The squid is marinated simply with chili salt, lemongrass, or chili sauce before being grilled over charcoal, retaining its aromatic and chewy texture. You can easily find this dish at Quy Nhon Night Market or Nhon Ly seafood restaurants near Eo Gio.
• Jumping Shrimp Pancakes (Banh Xeo Tom Nhay): A rustic specialty of Quy Nhon. The shrimp used are small live shrimp, giving the pancakes a unique flavor. Crispy pancakes are served with fresh herbs and sweet-and-sour fish sauce with garlic and chili. Gia Vy Pancake Shop (Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Quy Nhon) is a long-standing favorite among locals.
• Fish Cake Noodles (Bun Cha Ca): A popular breakfast dish, Quy Nhon’s fish cake noodles are known for their clear, sweet broth simmered from fresh fish bones, combined with tomato, onion, and herbs. The fish cakes are made from mackerel, lizardfish, or marlin, giving them a distinctive chewy and fragrant texture. For an authentic taste, visit Ba Tam Restaurant (Nguyen Hue Street, Quy Nhon).
• Banh It La Gai (Little Black Leaf Cake): A popular dessert or gift in Quy Nhon, reflecting the culinary culture of Binh Dinh. Made from glutinous rice flour and ramie leaves, filled with mung beans or peanuts, and wrapped in banana leaves before being steamed. You can find them at Quy Nhon Market or Ba Xe Cake Shop (Le Hong Phong Street).

Beyond natural beauty, Quy Nhon – Binh Dinh is a land rich in cultural traditions, from martial arts to daily life. Here are some cultural highlights not to be missed when exploring this part of Vietnam’s coastline:

• Explore Binh Dinh Martial Arts Villages: Binh Dinh is known as the cradle of traditional Vietnamese martial arts. In Quy Nhon, you can visit martial arts villages or training schools such as Ho Sy Thang Dojo or An Vinh Martial Arts Village to learn about its history. During Lunar New Year, you can also attend Dong Da Festival, featuring martial arts performances, lion dances, and vibrant cultural activities.
• Quy Nhon Night Market: Located along Xuan Dieu Street, right next to Quy Nhon Beach, the night market is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere while exploring local culture through street food and handicrafts. Open from around 5 pm to 10 pm, the market has dozens of stalls selling everything from snacks to souvenirs.
• Join Traditional Festivals in Fishing Villages: Coastal villages such as Nhon Ly and Nhon Hai often hold fishermen’s festivals, the most notable being Cau Ngu Festival. Usually held in the 2nd, 3rd, or 7th lunar months, the festival is dedicated to praying for calm seas and abundant catches.

Phu Yen is home to unique natural wonders and pristine beaches, offering visitors unforgettable experiences. Here are some must-see attractions in Phu Yen during the summer:

• Ganh Da Dia (Da Dia Reef): Located in An Ninh Dong Commune, Tuy An District, about 40 km from Tuy Hoa City. This natural wonder consists of thousands of basalt columns stacked like a beehive, formed millions of years ago when lava met cold seawater and solidified. The glossy black columns, about 0.5–1 meter high, create a majestic sight alongside the crashing waves.
• Mui Dien – Dai Lanh Lighthouse: Located in Hoa Tam Commune, Dong Hoa District, about 35 km south of Tuy Hoa. Mui Dien is considered the easternmost point of Vietnam’s mainland and the first place to welcome the sunrise. The highlight is Dai Lanh Lighthouse, built by the French in 1890, standing about 26 meters tall. After climbing about 100 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the sea and Bai Mon Beach.

Panoramic view of Ganh Da Dia, with ocean waves beside it.

• Bai Xep: Located in An Chan Commune, Tuy An District, about 14 km north of Tuy Hoa. This unspoiled beach gained fame from the movie “Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass”. Stretching 500 meters, Bai Xep is framed by rocky headlands at both ends, with golden sand, turquoise waters, and lush grasslands on the hills above.
• Vung Ro Bay: Situated in Hoa Xuan Nam Commune, Dong Hoa District, about 30 km south of Tuy Hoa. Vung Ro is one of Phu Yen’s most beautiful bays, surrounded by the Ca Pass, Da Bia Mountain, and Hon Ba, creating a dramatic natural setting.
• O Loan Lagoon: Located in An Hiep Commune, Tuy An District, about 22 km north of Tuy Hoa. Covering 1,570 hectares, O Loan Lagoon is recognized as a national scenic heritage site. It’s home to diverse aquatic species, particularly the famous blood cockles.

See also: Tuy Hoa Beach in Phu Yen with its stunning white sand

Phu Yen is a paradise for seafood lovers, offering fresh catches and specialties rich in Central Vietnam flavors. Here are some must-try dishes when visiting Phu Yen in summer:

• O Loan Blood Cockles: Considered a famous local delicacy, the cockles are harvested from O Loan Lagoon, cleaned, and prepared in various ways such as steamed with lemongrass and chili, grilled with scallion oil, or stir-fried with garlic.
• Grilled Grouper: Especially popular in Vung Ro, grouper fish here is fresh and flavorful thanks to direct harvesting from the sea. The firm and naturally sweet meat is usually grilled and served with fresh herbs and green chili salt.
• Tuna Eyes: A unique Phu Yen specialty, tuna eyes are braised with traditional medicinal herbs like jujube, goji berries, and ginger, creating a rich, nourishing dish with a fatty yet aromatic flavor.

• Tuy Hoa Chicken Rice: A simple yet delicious dish, perfect for lunch. The chicken is boiled, shredded, and served with rice cooked in the flavorful chicken broth. Ba Tam Restaurant (Le Thanh Ton Street, Tuy Hoa) is known for its authentic version.
• Chive Noodle Soup (Banh Canh He): A typical breakfast dish in Tuy Hoa, featuring a light fish-bone broth, chewy noodles, and fried or steamed fish cakes, topped generously with fresh chives. You can try it at Co Ha Restaurant (Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Tuy Hoa).

Phu Yen is not only blessed with natural beauty but also rich in cultural traditions, with local festivals and daily life reflecting the identity of coastal fishermen. Here are some cultural highlights to enjoy in summer:

• Join the Cau Ngu Festival: An important spiritual event for fishermen, usually held in summer (around the 6th or 7th lunar month) in fishing villages like Hoa Hiep and An Chan. The festival prays for favorable weather and abundant catches.
• Explore Tuy Hoa Night Market: Located on Le Duan Street near 1/4 Square, the market is the perfect place to experience local culture through street food and handicrafts.
• Discover Cham Culture at Nhan Tower: Built in the 11th–12th century on Nhan Mountain in Tuy Hoa, this ancient Cham Pa relic is a must-see. During summer, it often hosts Cham cultural exchange events (usually in August), featuring art performances, traditional costume displays, and exhibitions.
• Visit Mang Lang Church: Situated in An Thach Commune, Tuy An District, about 35 km from Tuy Hoa, this Gothic-style church, built in 1892, is one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches. With its twin bell towers, pale yellow façade, and peaceful surroundings, it’s a serene spot. Inside, you’ll find colorful stained-glass windows and a crypt preserving the story of Saint Andrew of Phu Yen, Vietnam’s first martyr.

A ritual during the Cau Ngu Festival with locals in traditional attire.

Overall, exploring the Quy Nhon – Phu Yen coastal road is an unmissable summer adventure. Beyond breathtaking natural landscapes, the journey offers rich cultural experiences and the authentic flavors of Central Vietnam, leaving you with unforgettable memories. To make your trip even more enjoyable and budget-friendly, you can book flight tickets with Vietjet today. Don’t miss the daily domestic and international 0 Dong promotions available from 12:00 to 14:00. See details HERE.

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