Phu Yen: The Untamed Beauty of Vietnam’s South-Central Coast
Tucked between Quy Nhon and Nha Trang (just a 3-hour drive from either city), Phu Yen is a destination for travelers seeking Vietnam’s raw and untouched side. While its neighbors have embraced tourism, Phu Yen still feels like a secret—an unspoiled land of beaches, rice paddies, and timeless fishing villages.
Here, you won’t find the bustle of crowded resorts or noisy nightlife. Instead, you’ll discover peaceful coastal roads, hidden coves where fishermen mend their nets, and local markets where the day’s catch is sold fresh from the sea.
Phu Yen’s diverse landscapes are its biggest treasure:
- 🏖 Pristine beaches & lagoons that stretch for kilometers without a single footprint.
- 🪨 Unique volcanic rock formations, sculpted by nature over millions of years.
- 🌾 Rice terraces & fishing villages, where traditional life continues unchanged.
- 🏛 Historic Cham relics and French-era churches, reminders of the region’s cultural depth.
The province enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with year-round temperatures between 26.5°C and 30°C. This makes Phu Yen an all-season escape: a refuge from Saigon’s heat in summer and Hanoi’s chill in winter.
💡 Fun fact: Phu Yen was one of the filming locations for the famous Vietnamese movie “I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass” (2015), which brought its dreamy rural landscapes into the spotlight.
Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Phu Yen
From surreal natural wonders to quiet cultural landmarks, Phu Yen offers an exciting mix of outdoor adventure and slow-paced exploration. Here are the province’s most unforgettable highlights:
2.1 Ganh Da Dia – The Cliff of Stone Plates
📍 An Ninh Dong commune | 🎟️ 20,000 VND (adults)
Phu Yen’s most iconic natural wonder, Ganh Da Dia is a geological masterpiece. Nearly 35,000 hexagonal basalt columns, formed by volcanic eruptions more than 200 million years ago, rise dramatically from the sea like a giant honeycomb. Stretching 2 km along the coastline, the rocks shimmer under sunlight, creating a surreal landscape that looks almost man-made.
💡 Travel tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most magical lighting. Bring sturdy shoes, as the rocks can get hot and slippery.
2.2 Dien Cape (Mui Dien) & Bai Mon Beach
Standing proudly as Vietnam’s easternmost point, Mui Dien Cape is where the country greets its very first sunrise each day. The highlight is the 19th-century Mui Dien Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline and turquoise waters below. At the foot of the cape lies Bai Mon Beach—a crescent of golden sand lapped by crystal-clear waves.
💡 Don’t miss: Climbing to the lighthouse early in the morning to catch the first rays of light spreading across the sea.
2.3 Bai Xep Beach
Just 14 km from Tuy Hoa, Bai Xep is a hidden paradise where golden sand meets cactus-studded hillsides. At only 500 meters long, this compact beach is one of Phu Yen’s most photogenic spots—its dramatic contrast of desert-like terrain and turquoise waters feels otherworldly.
💡 Fun fact: Bai Xep appeared in “I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass”, making it a must-visit for fans of Vietnamese cinema.
2.4 O Loan Lagoon
Covering 17.5 km², O Loan Lagoon is a tranquil body of water bordered by rice fields, mangroves, and small fishing hamlets. Known for its rich biodiversity, it’s a haven for migratory birds and an emerging eco-tourism site.
💡 Best experience: Order freshly caught seafood from floating restaurants—grilled scallops are a local specialty.
2.5 Vung Ro Bay
Nestled beneath the dramatic Deo Ca Pass, Vung Ro Bay is a natural harbor of calm turquoise waters and forested mountains. Once a secret Viet Cong supply route during the Vietnam War, today it’s a peaceful destination for snorkeling, boat trips, and seafood feasts.
💡 Don’t miss: A seafood lunch at a floating raft house on the bay.
2.6 Ong Cop Bridge – Tiger Bridge
At over 400 meters long, Ong Cop Bridge (also called Tiger Bridge) holds the title of Vietnam’s longest wooden bridge. Built entirely of planks and bamboo, it stretches across the Da Rang River, accessible only by motorbike, bicycle, or foot. Crossing it feels like stepping back in time.
💡 Tip: Sunrise or sunset is the best time for photography.
2.7 Hon Yen Islet
A marine paradise just off Phu Yen’s coast, Hon Yen Islet is surrounded by coral reefs and turquoise waters. At low tide, the reefs rise close to the surface, creating surreal landscapes that photographers love. Snorkeling here reveals vibrant marine life.
💡 Best time: Visit between March and August for the clearest waters and calmest seas.
2.8 Mang Lang Church
Built in 1892, Mang Lang Church is one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches. With its French Gothic architecture, mossy façade, and stained-glass windows, it tells the story of Vietnam’s colonial past and the spread of Christianity.
💡 Highlight: The church houses the first catechism book printed in Vietnamese, written by priest Alexandre de Rhodes in the 17th century.
2.9 Nhan Tower
Standing tall on the north bank of the Da Rang River, Nhan Tower is a Cham relic from the 11th–12th centuries. Built of red bricks, the tower is believed to have been dedicated to Hindu deities and remains a sacred spiritual site today. Its name comes from the swallows (nhan) that nest in its spire.
💡 Tip: Visit in the evening when the tower is beautifully lit against the night sky.
2.10 Nghinh Phong Tower
A striking modern landmark in Tuy Hoa city, Nghinh Phong Tower was inspired by the basalt columns of Ganh Da Dia. Its two soaring structures are designed so that when the sea wind passes through, they produce hauntingly beautiful sounds. The tower has become a symbol of modern Phu Yen, blending art, architecture, and nature.
💡 Best time: Evening, when the tower is illuminated, and locals gather for music and cultural performances.
What to Eat in Phu Yen – Local Specialties
Phu Yen’s cuisine is as authentic as its landscapes—simple, fresh, and full of character. Thanks to its long coastline and fertile farmland, the province is a seafood paradise with plenty of unique local twists. Don’t leave without trying:
🐟 Tuna Eye Soup (Mắt Cá Ngừ Đại Dương)
Phu Yen is Vietnam’s tuna capital, and one of its strangest yet most iconic dishes is tuna eye soup. Cooked in a clay pot with medicinal herbs, green pepper, and local spices, the dish is believed to boost eyesight and health. While it may look intimidating, the rich, savory broth and tender tuna are surprisingly delicious.
💡 Where to try: Small seafood eateries in Tuy Hoa city—locals will be happy to point you in the right direction.
🍗 Phu Yen Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà Phú Yên)
Unlike Hoi An’s famous chicken rice, Phu Yen’s version is lighter and more fragrant. Tender shredded chicken is served over yellow-tinted rice (cooked in chicken broth with turmeric), topped with fresh herbs and a bowl of tangy fish sauce for dipping.
💡 Best for lunch: Look for family-run stalls near Tuy Hoa Market for the most authentic flavors.
🥢 Chive Noodle Soup (Bánh Canh Hẹ)
If there’s one dish that defines daily life in Phu Yen, it’s bánh canh hẹ. This hearty noodle soup features thick tapioca noodles, fish cakes, quail eggs, and generous handfuls of fresh chives—giving it its signature bright green color. Affordable, filling, and comforting, it’s a dish locals eat any time of day.
💡 Street food price: Around 20,000–30,000 VND per bowl.
Other must-try bites include:
- O Loan blood cockles – a briny seafood specialty from O Loan Lagoon.
- Banh beo & banh hoi – rice cakes and vermicelli sheets served with pork and fish sauce.
- Fresh lobster – especially at Vung Ro Bay’s floating seafood restaurants.
How to Get to Phu Yen
Phu Yen is accessible by air, rail, and road, making it easy to include in your Vietnam itinerary:
- ✈️ By Air: The fastest option. Fly into Tuy Hoa Airport, just 10 km from the city center. Round-trip flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City cost €160–€300 depending on the season.
- 🚂 By Train: A scenic and budget-friendly choice along the North–South railway. Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City connect to Tuy Hoa Station. Tickets can be booked at dsvn.vn.
- 🚌 By Bus: Comfortable sleeper buses run from Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang. Travel times range from 3 to 8 hours depending on the route.
💡 Tip: If you’re combining Phu Yen with Quy Nhon or Nha Trang, the coastal bus ride is particularly beautiful.
Best Time to Visit Phu Yen
- February – August (Dry Season): The ideal time to visit. Expect blue skies, calm seas, and warm temperatures—perfect for beach days, island-hopping, and outdoor adventures.
- September – January (Rainy Season): Heavy rains, occasional storms, and flooding can disrupt travel. However, the landscapes are lush and green, making it appealing for photographers.
💡 Best months overall: March to May for mild weather and blooming countryside.
Where to Stay in Phu Yen
Whether you’re looking for luxury comfort or a cozy homestay, Phu Yen offers a growing range of options:
🌟 Luxury
- Zannier Hotels Bai San Hô – A world-class eco-resort with private villas, infinity pools, and pristine beach access.
- Sala Grand Tuy Hoa Hotel – Modern design, rooftop pool, and city views.
- Stelia Beach Resort – Mediterranean-inspired villas with direct beach access.
💼 Mid-Range & Budget
- Sam Stay – Chic boutique stay with friendly hosts.
- Royal Hotel – Affordable rooms near Tuy Hoa city center.
- Tuong Vi Hotel – Clean, budget-friendly option popular with local travelers.
💡 Traveler tip: For a unique experience, look for local homestays in fishing villages—perfect for cultural immersion.
Conclusion
Phú Yên may not be as famous as other destinations in Vietnam, but that is exactly what makes it so special. With its unspoiled beaches, dramatic cliffs, lush rice fields, and authentic local culture, the province offers travelers a rare chance to experience Vietnam at its most genuine and serene. Whether you’re watching the sunrise at Ganh Da Dia, tasting fresh seafood by the coast, or simply enjoying the slow pace of life, Phú Yên will leave you with lasting memories. If you’re looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, cultural charm, and tranquility, Phú Yên deserves a spot at the top of your Vietnam travel list.
