The Road up Chop Chai Mountain to Admire Phu Yen’s Panoramic Beauty

Chop Chai Mountain (Nui Chop Chai) sits between Bình kien Commune and Hòa kien Commune, in the outskirts of Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province. This unique mountain, rising like a massive pyramid in the middle of the plains, is about 394 meters above sea level. Located right next to National Highway 1A and only about 4 km northwest of downtown Tuy Hoa, it offers sweeping views of Phu Yen and convenient access to other famous local sites.

Besides its common name, Chop Chai, the mountain also goes by some equally “unusual” nicknames. At the summit is a military zone equipped with military radar, as well as television and radio transmission towers for the entire city. During the rainy season, this area is often struck by lightning, which has led locals to refer to Chop Chai Mountain as “the mountain that gets struck by lightning.” Another name is “Nui Cổ Rùa” (Turtle Mountain or Quy Sơn), as its shape resembles a turtle crawling through the surrounding rice fields toward the Đà Diễn River.

Chop Chai Mountain in the middle of the plains, shaped like a turtle, also known locally as Nui Co Rua.

To this day, Chop Chai Mountain bears many historical traces, along with various structures around it. For instance, there’s Hang Dơi (Bat Cave), which is about 5 meters wide and extends deeply into the mountain. On each of the mountain’s four sides—east, west, south, and north—there are four temples: Hòa Sơn, Minh Sơn, Khánh Sơn, and Bảo Lâm.

At only 4 km from Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen, it’s quite straightforward for visitors to reach Chop Chai Mountain:

To get to Chop Chai Mountain, you first need to travel to Tuy Hoa City, and then continue on by road toward the city outskirts. Here are several ways to reach Tuy Hoa:

• Airplane: This is the fastest mode of transportation, saving you a lot of travel time. You can fly to Tuy Hoa City within 1–2 hours from various domestic airports. Vietjet offers multiple flights to Tuy Hoa Airport starting from just VND 90,000 (excluding taxes, fees, and checked baggage fees).
• Train: This is a more budget-friendly option, with moderate travel speeds, and it’s perfect if you want to enjoy the scenery along the way. From Sai Gon Station, a ticket to Tuy Hoa Station costs around VND 320,000 – 640,000, while from Hà Nội Station, fares vary between VND 770,000 – 1,400,000. Prices depend on seat type or sleeper berths.
• Bus: You can easily purchase a bus ticket to Tuy Hoa at any intercity bus station. Though taking the bus is often more cost-effective, it does involve a longer journey. From Ha Noi, buy tickets at Nước Ngầm Station for roughly VND 600,000. If departing from Sai Gon, you can catch a bus at Mien Dong or An Suong Bus Station, with fares averaging VND 250,000 – 500,000.

Once you’re in downtown Tuy Hoa City, it’s only another 4 km to reach Chop Chai Mountain . With this short distance, you have several economical transportation options:

• Motorbike Rental: This choice lets you travel independently to Chop Chai Mountain while easily visiting other attractions in Phu Yen. Rental fees range from VND 100,000 – 120,000 per bike (depending on whether it’s a scooter or a manual bike). It’s best to choose a manual bike, as the road up Chop Chai Mountain can be steep. You can follow Nguyễn Tất Thành Street until you reach Bao Lâm Temple, located on the mountain’s eastern slope.
• Ride-hailing Services/Taxi: These are convenient because you can rely on local drivers without worrying about getting lost on the way up Chop Chai Mountain. A 4 km taxi ride generally costs between VND 50,000 – 60,000.

Chop Chai Mountain in Phu Yen boasts a prime location just 4 km from Tuy Hoa City, with its eastern side facing the sea. From the summit, you can take in the entire city from above, soaking up the serene atmosphere surrounded by mountains, sea, and clear skies.

In addition to panoramic city views, you can also see Nhạn Tower from Chop Chai Mountain.

If you visit during spring or autumn, you may come across clusters of blooming flowers or vibrant green shrubs along the road up the mountain, creating a lively palette against the crystal-clear sky of this peaceful suburb. With four temples—Hòa Sơn, Minh Sơn, Khánh Sơn, and Bảo Lâm—situated on each slope (east, west, south, north), you can also stop by these tranquil spots after your mountain excursion.

A highlight of visiting Chop Chai Mountain (Nui Chop Chai Phu Yen) is indulging in the local specialty: goat raised freely on the mountain slopes. The goats here are known for their lean, fragrant meat, which is prepared into numerous delectable dishes that locals and visitors alike enjoy.

• Goat Wrapped in Betel Leaves: The goat meat is minced, then marinated with lemongrass and spices according to a special recipe. It’s then wrapped in large betel leaves and grilled over charcoal. Apart from the goat’s natural sweetness and aroma, the distinct flavor also comes from roasted sesame seeds and a secret dipping sauce.

Free-range goats on Chop Chai Mountain produce firm, tasty meat used in many specialty dishes.

• Steamed Goat with Mơ Leaves: After the goat meat is cleaned and deodorized, it’s steamed with fresh chili, ginger, lemongrass, celery, Vietnamese coriander, and quế basil, giving it a unique aroma. The meat is then paired with greens such as mustard leaves, cilantro, and shredded banana flower, with mơ leaves being the highlight. The finishing touch lies in the dipping sauce—either a special type of fermented soy sauce or a shrimp paste—prepared according to a local recipe.
• Goat Neck Cooked in Beer: The neck meat is chopped into bite-sized pieces and simmered with bone broth, vegetables, a splash of beer, and distinctive spices. This hearty dish is perfect when enjoyed with crusty bread dipped in the savory broth.

Other must-try goat dishes from Chop Chai include goat kebabs, steamed goat leg, and the rich, creamy goat’s milk.

Chop Chai Mountain is considered one of Phu Yen’s iconic landmarks. To ensure a smooth and memorable trip, keep the following in mind:

• Best Time to Visit: From January to August (dry season), when the weather is relatively rain-free—ideal for outdoor activities—or during fall (September to November), when the weather is mildly cool, and there may be a light drizzle.
• Military Zone: Parts of Chop Chai Mountain are under military supervision. Visitors are only allowed in designated areas and should avoid venturing deeper to take photos.
• Lightning Strikes: Since the mountain is prone to lightning, avoid using mobile devices or any equipment that amplifies signals during rainy days.
• Environmental Conservation: Keep the area clean by disposing of trash properly and respecting the natural surroundings of Chop Chai Mountain.

See more: Essential Tips for Traveling to Tuy Hoa – Phu Yen

With its awe-inspiring natural beauty and some of the best views in Phu Yen, exploring Chop Chai Mountain is an experience you shouldn’t pass up. If you’re planning a trip to Phu Yen, be sure to add this spot to your itinerary. Don’t forget to seize the chance to book 0 đồng tickets to Tuy Hoa from 12 PM to 2 PM daily with Vietjet HERE.

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