Discover the Charms of the South Vietnam in 5 days

If you fancy the lovely natural beauty, rich culture and hospitable people in Vietnam, a tour of five days is never enough. But, we will guide you through alternatives that can offer you a unique taste of all you ever ask for: history relics, culture sites, relaxing beaches and many more. During your five day stay in the Southern Vietnam, you will be free to choose whatever you prefer from areas stretching from Mekong Delta to Vung Tau beach and more. 

In this South Vietnam itinerary of 5 days, we will show you as much as we can, the amazing charms of South Vietnam that you may have missed or never think of!

Day 1: Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City – the most bustling urban life in Vietnam

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! This city is the business and financial center of Vietnam, so there is no doubt about the bustling and energetic vibe here. After a short rest to recover from your long-time flight, you will start your 5 days in Southern Vietnam journey in this crowded and busy city in the afternoon. You will have the chance to stroll through many world-famous landmarks such as Reunification Palace, Cho Lon (Chinatown) or Thien Hau Pagoda. You can also visit many shopping boulevards with fashionable boutiques and hill tribe crafts, high-quality linens and house-wares. Our recommendations are: 

• Chinatown/ Cho Lon: It is an old Chinatown in Vietnam and used to be the biggest Chinatown in the world. Cholon is an ideal place for tourists to take a look around and shop without the fear of being hassled.
• Thien Hau Pagoda: This is a Buddhist temple, worshipping the goddess of the Sea, Mazu, who plays an important role in the Vietnamese culture. 

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Since you will stay in Ho Chi Minh city for 2 days, you can take your time, bring your camera with you and try some famous street food like Banh Trang, Com Chay or Sugar Canes Juice. In the evening, you will be free to choose whichever restaurant to have your dinner, so you should visit the ones with Vietnamese specialties to enjoy the authentic Vietnamese cuisine like Cơm tấm sườn nướng (com tam suon), Bún thịt nướng (bun Thit nuong), Bún bò Huế (bun bo Hue). 

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After dinner, you should visit the Walking street to see the great nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City! There are a lot of interesting things to do here, but if you need some rest for the next day’s exploring the South Vietnam for 5 days, a relaxing night at your lush hotel doesn’t sound bad! 

Day 2: What remained from the past at Cu Chi Tunnel and HCMC

This morning, you will see a very famous historic remnants during the Vietnam War: Cu Chi Tunnel. These tunnels used to be the American Army’s worst nightmare when small yet strong Vietnamese soldiers appear out of nowhere, pull their enemies onto many traps underground or disappear into the underground maze and could not be tracked. Today, these remaining tunnels is a major tourist attraction providing unique experiences for tourists to have a glimpse of how extreme underground life was during the U.S – Vietnam War. 

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The Cu Chi Tunnels consist of more than 200 kilometers of underground tunnels. You be overwhelmed when seeing how smart and creative Vietnamese people with countless of trap doors, bizarre tunnels leading to specially constructed facilities namely meeting room, kitchen, weapon storage. If you want to explore everything here, you will crawl through dark, narrow tunnels but don’t worry – everything is safe since the most dangerous areas are off-limits.

After the trip, you will be driven back to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch, then in the afternoon, you should spend time trolling around for a city tour to visit the rest of famous places that you’ve missed on your 1st day such as the Reunification Palace, the Opera House and the Hotel de Ville, and the moving War Remnants Museum. 

• Reunification Palace: This place is seen as a symbol of Vietnam’s independence. Visiting here, tourists will have the chance to see hidden rooms, secret chambers with antique-look corridors, along with a beautiful tropical garden on the outside. 
• Opera House: The famous three-floor Opera house is a colonial building in Saigon. Because of its unique look, this place is a MUST when you check in Vietnam.

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• War Remnants Museum: This is where to see how a 30-year war between Vietnam and the USA has affected this S-shaped country. Tourists will be mind-blown by written letters, information and presentation of the War, seeing how a small, poor country regain their independence after 3 decades.
• The Hotel de Ville: Also called Ho Chi Minh City Hall or Hôtel de Ville de Saïgon, this gorgeous French-colonial styled site was built between 1902-1908. Even though this elegant building is not open to the public, you can still have great photos for your Instagram feed just by standing outside. You can visit this place at night since the building and its grounds are lit up.
• Dong Khoi Street: This street is the city’s main shopping places because here, you can easily reach the most luxurious and customized clothes and accessories shops of famous as well as new Vietnamese designers. This area is also the place to buy some unique souvenirs and enjoy a nice drink with city view.. 

Source: Unsplash – Peter Nguyen

This evening, how about you let fate lead the way and choose whichever local restaurants or street stalls that are crowded with Vietnamese? What to eat in the South Vietnam in 5 days can, in all honesty, be decided by that and you will be blown away with the result. As high chances are, these places are the hidden gems that this never-sleep city offers to you!

Day 3: A journey to the mesmerizing Mekong Delta

Today, you will spend the whole day exploring the mesmerizing Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is located in the southernmost region of Vietnam, where most rice in Vietnam are produced, not to mention all the tropical fruits and flowers. Therefore, you are guaranteed a wonderful view of the evergreen vegetation of the canals and fresh air with tranquil atmosphere while visiting this place on a private boat. You should take a walk along the waterfront and visit several French-inspired houses and shops in the region. So this is, for sure, a fascinating and rewarding experience for all visitors in their trips in the Southern Vietnam for 5 days.

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But first off, you need to leave Ho Chi Minh City and after a mere two-hour trip, you’ll arrive at the lush My Tho – Tien Giang Province’s capital and the gateway to the Mekong Delta. In order to explore here, you will cruise on a private boat through the green vegetation of the canals to an orchard. There, you will be treated to a delicious lunch in a bonsai garden in the heart of the Mekong, complete with tropical fruits. 

You will also visit the snake farm, Dong Tam, located in Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province. Just 12km away from My Tho City Centre. This Snake Farm is one of the country’s largest centers producing snake-related products like venom, skin or wine for local use and export. Here, you will have the chance to see more than 50 species of snake. Run by the military, this snake farm also has a big collection of reptiles and animals other than snakes such as crocodiles, turtles, bears, sheep, and ostriches. There are chances you come across a mutant, which is the evidence of the American’s Agent Orange in the Mekong Delta during wartime.

The weather and soil conditions in the Mekong area are so perfect that there are countless bonsai gardens here for tourists to visit. So you should spend some time visiting a bonsai garden in Trung Luong before heading back to Ho Chi Minh for an overnight stay.

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Day 4: Vung Tau Beach Break 

Today is all about relaxing, so the best thing you can do is heading to Vung Tau – a famous beach city in Vietnam. Known as Cap Saint-Jacques under French occupation and is just 125 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, in the past, this seaside city was a popular beach destination for French and American servicemen. Vung Tau is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Vietnam, with sandy beaches and transparent warm blue water all year round. 

You should wake up early and head to Vung Tau in the morning so that you have enough time exploring. The two most famous beaches here are Bai Sau (Back Beach) and Bai Truoc (Front Beach). You can also choose the less crowded Bai Dua (Pineapple Beach) or Hon Ba (Women’s Island). These beaches, even though they are not as stunning as world-famous spots, they ensure you excellent chance to swim, enjoy the sunset, and of course, fresh and delicious tropical seafood.

History and culture lovers can also be joyful coming here since Vung Tau has many historical and religious sights such as White Palace (Bao Dai’s King summer retreat built in the French style), Thang Tam Temple (Dinh Thang Tam) with three local legends and a whale skeleton to worship, and so on. When traveling through Vung Tau’s immense rubber, cashew nut plantations and scenic rice fields, you can see many many religious statues like the Niet Ban Tinh Xa, Nirvana Meditation Retreat, or the Thich Ca Phat Dai. If you want an Instagrammable picture, then the French-built lighthouse will make a perfect background for your feed!. 

Around 6 pm, you will be taken back to spend your evening in Ho Chi Minh City. This is your last night staying in Ho Chi Minh City in this 5 – day trip through the Southern of Vietnam.

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Day 5: Departure 

This is the last day in a 5-day journey in Southern Vietnam, so many people choose this day to go around for souvenir shopping or jogging around Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy the unique energy of this city to wait for their transfer to the airport for the departing flight.

Some recommended souvenir shops to buy gifts:

• Ben Thanh Market and Cho Lon Wanders (Chinatown): These two markets are the most famous spots for foreign tourists to visit and to buy typical souvenirs like Non-La, Coffee or Ao dai. One thing you should keep in mind is that: there is no such thing as a fixed price there, so you can bargain as much as you like to have the best deal.
• The House of Saigon: They have everything you can think of as gifts, from food to clothing, from handmade accessories to impressive arts made from recyclable materials.
• Authentique Home: If you want to buy furniture with Vietnamese cultural breathe, this place is perfect for you because it is specialized in home decors such as dinnerware, wooden furniture or cutlery.

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You have free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own and do whatever you like in most evenings in this 5 days Vietnam itinerary. So here is a list of what to see and what to do on the busy, bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City:

• Street beer at Bui Vien: This is also called “pho Tay”, which means “the street of the foreigners” since this place attracts travelers of all countries and nationalities with its cross-culture style. A night out at Bui Vien street with friends or family members, munching on delicious Vietnamese snack with some beer here is the experience you should never miss. 
• Enjoy classy cocktails at rooftop bars: There are plenty of sky bars you can try in this modern city, giving tourists a wide range of options to suit your needs, regardless of whatever it is.

Source: Unsplash – Van Thanh

• Listening to live music at bizarre coffee shops: There is no better way to experience the nightlife of Vietnam than enjoying a nice cup of coffee with live music playing.
• Karaoke: this can be considered one of the most popular activities among Westerners. The song list is very variated, too, from ABBA, Eminem to the Kpop sensation BTS – it is all up to you. 
• Nightclub in Saigon: The “pho Tay” aka Bui Vien Street is considered the heart of fancy nightclub in Ho Chi Minh city, so I’m sure you will not be disappointed going there.

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Luxury Travel believes that our 5-day itinerary around Vietnam will help you understand our beautiful country more, have some time off for yourself just to chill and enjoy the moment while you are at it. Should you have any questions or inquiries, feel free to ask us any time!

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About Luxury Travel

Luxury Travel specializes in custom-made holidays with several choices of high-end services for leisure travel, business travel and MICE serving a wide range of luxury travelers from 1 to 1000 people. Taking into consideration every little detail from our dear customer, Luxury Travel promises you the perfect tailor-made holiday for everyone: from couples and honeymooners, families, group tours to foodies, golfers or wellness/spa enthusiasts and other travel interests of your liking.

Contact Us

Address No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: (+84) 4 3927 4120

Email: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com

Hotline: (+84) 1234 68 69 96

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Explore Hon Mieu: A stunning island in Nha Trang

I. Where is Hon Mieu Island

Hon Mieu Island as known as Tri Nguyen island or Bong Nguyen island is all the names to call the nearest island from Nha Trang city center. The 1.3-kilometer-square island is only 10 minutes away from the main Bay if you choose to go by ferry, or you can rent a boat and sail there yourself. The island is not only famous for its refreshing and lovely natural landscape, but also for its huge miniature ocean called Tri Nguyen Aquarium.

II. Best time to visit Hon Mieu

Nha Trang and its lovely islands enjoy lovely weather all year round with the average temperature is between 26 and 27°C. Yet, the best time to travel here is between February and May. 

III. What to explore at Hon Mieu Island? 

You will be amazed by how many exciting activities you can try in this small island!

1. Tri Nguyen aquarium or Ho Ca Tri Nguyen

Address: Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

Price range‎: ‎150,000 for adults and 80,000 for kids 

Opening hours‎: ‎07:00 AM – 05:30 PM

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Do you ever imagine of an aquarium in the shape of a fossil ship with clinging moss? Tri Nguyen Aquarium is a great place to visit since this ocean miniature has many special marine species, especially coral reefs. Designed to be divided into two separate areas, tourists have much to see, namely:

• Floor 1: a lake designed to be a glass tunnel to help tourists see various marine species, especially groupers, sharks, eels, and so on.
• Floor 2 and 3: Place for tourists to buy souvenirs and enjoy special dishes from the aquarium’s seafood restaurants. 
• Outside area: This is where the owner keeps a huge number of familiar fish like tuna, rays, squids, etc.

2. Bai Soi beach 

Source: Instagram @hoatranhdanbo

Located on the Southeast of Hon Mieu, Bai Soi in Vietnamese means “beach of rocks” may give you a brief imagine. This is a very special beach without sand. Containing only small rocks and piled gravel, Bai Soi is actually a wonderful place to swim and have a clear vision of corals and thorns. You will love it here since Bai Soi’s water temperature is warm all year round with crystal clear water and gentle waves. This place is also famous for snorkel diving, too.

3. Bai Tranh beach

Source: Instagram @nnt_journey

This beach is much more energetic than Bai Soi since it is the home to many water sports such as parachute-pulled canoeing, jet-skiing, snorkel diving, and coral watching by boats with a glass bottom. A perfect place for party-lovers, yet this beach also has a beautiful stretching shore of golden sand, which is perfect for a relaxing afternoon with fresh seafood.

4. Hon Mieu fishing village

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Of course on an island, the most popular job in the past is a fisherman. Located in the Southwest of Hon Mieu island, most people here earn a living by aquaculture and fishing. Coming to this special tourist attraction, you will have the chance to see how people keep squid, crabs, oysters, snails, lobsters, and fish in the ocean farm. And of course, you can enjoy a huge feast of seafood provided by the farm. They also have the traditional Vietnamese basket boat so that you can try and have some fun experience, or you can just sit in a small ferry dragged by a rope. Either way, you will see that this unique experience is truly interesting and memorable.

IV. Explore Hon Mieu Island with Luxury Travel

For more details and itinerary, please have a look at these trips. Or feel free to contact Luxury Travel. Let’s check.

Nha Trang River Tour

Sunset Cocktails & Dinner on Emperor Cruise Nha Trang Bay

Nha Trang Beach Escape 4 days

Nha Trang Half-Day City Tour

Nha Trang Islands & Snorkeling Full day Tour

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Address No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: (+84) 4 3927 4120

Email: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com

Hotline: (+84) 1234 68 69 96

Website: https://luxurytravelvietnam.com

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A 5-Minute Guide For An Unforgettable Beach Escape To Binh Ba Island

When the major beaches in Nha Trang have been crowded with tourists, Binh Ba Island, on its far-off ocean, is an appealing destination for an off-the-beaten-track holiday. It has everything you need for a trip: blue sky, sunshine, soft white sands, and stunning coastline. If you are about to visit this land, this post is for you. 

I. Where is Binh Ba Island?

Binh Ba Island is a small island nestled around 60 kilometers from Nha Trang and 390 kilometers from Saigon. It covers an area of 3 square km, belonging to Cam Binh Commune, Cam Ranh City, Khanh Hoa Province. 

Nature on Binh Ba Island is well preserved and not that affected by mainstream tourism. The picture-book landscape with pristine beaches and blue water has made Binh Ba an awesome place for a beach escape. Not only does it attract domestic travelers but foreigners are also appealed by its exquisite scenery. 

So, how to get to Binh Ba Island?

Source: Pixabay @Quangpraha

You have to reach Ba Ngoi Pier to get on the ferry to the island. The pier is 15 km from Cam Ranh Airport, and it is also a 15 km distance from this port to Binh Ba Island. There are fixed schedules for the boat and it won’t wait for anyone. Therefore, make sure you get there 5-10 minutes in advance not to miss it. 

II. Best time to travel to Binh Ba Island

When to visit Binh Ba Island? The southern beaches and islands are beautiful all year round, yet there are still weather variations that would determine whether your trip is successful or not. 

The ideal time to travel to Binh Ba is between March and September. This period boasts clear blue skies, mild wild, lots of sunshine, and high visibility. Importantly, to stay away from the crowd, it’s better to visit the island on weekdays. 

III. Top things to do in Binh Ba Island

1. Sunbathing On The Beach

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You are visiting an island, so how to leave without a trip to the beach? Binh Ba possesses awe-inspiring coastline with stretching sugary sand and transparent blue water. There are 7 beaches but only 3 of them are accessible to tourists, namely Nha Cu Beach, Nom Beach, and Chuong Beach. These almost isolated destinations offer a great space for tourists to bask in the sunshine. 

2. Diving To Watch The Coral Reefs

Beaches in Binh Ba, namely Nha Cu and Sa Huynh, are also wonderful for snorkeling. It is home to the spectacular coral reefs. You don’t need to dive deep to observe it and even the starters can try this activity. 

Source: Pixabay @joakant

Interestingly, as the environment here is well protected, the water is exceptionally clean, thus being much easier for you to behold the beauty of marine life. 

3. Observe The Sunrise And Sunset

Another thing to do at Binh Ba Beaches is to witness the gorgeous sunrise and sunset. Wake up early and head to the beach so that you won’t miss one of the most beautiful daybreaks of your life. Twilight can be observed on its stunning beaches, also. 

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Taking a Binh Ba tour, you will be able to take a broad glimpse over the mesmerizing sunrise without being blocked by any concrete buildings or signs of crowded tourists. Nom Binh is located in the south of the island, so you can’t catch the sunrise or sunset here. Instead, the waves here are quite strong, making it ideal for surfing. 

4. Motorbiking Around The Island

After having spent an enjoyable time swimming and diving at the beach, you can take a tour around this small island by motorbike. It is for rent at VND 100,000/day (around $4). You can buy a Binh Ba Island map before going to prevent getting lost.

It’s amazing to ride your scooter along the winding roads around the island to behold the untouched beauty of this land while breathing the cool breeze from the ocean. You will also come across the local market and village, where you would be welcomed by the shiny smiles of the lovely villagers.

Moreover, you can stop at some high points to catch a panoramic view of the island and its surrounded crystal-clear sea or visit a seafood eatery for a quick sumptuous meal. 

5. Sample Fresh Seafood

Last but not least, don’t forget to try the fresh seafood before leaving this island. The foods in Binh Ba Island are exceptionally cheap if compared to their freshness, quality, and variations. It costs you only $5-10 for a full plate of shrimp, fish, or the like. Lobsters are more expensive, but the price is still much lower than what you will get at the restaurant on the mainland. 

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You can pick the seafood you like and ask the locals to cook it for you. Complicated recipes are of no use because just steaming or grilling can make the dish heavenly tasty already. 

IV. Where to stay in Binh Ba Island?

Since the island is still less known to mass tourism, there are not so many choices of accommodation there. Some hostels and small hotels are open for tourists, yet they are not “luxury” enough if you look for high-end facilities. That said, all are fully equipped with essential interiors and of course, en-suite bathrooms. It costs from 100 – 300,000 VND/night for a standard room. 

Source: Pixabay @jeltevanoostrum

Homestay is also available there with just half the price of the hostel. 

You should contact with the locals and hostel-owners in advance to book for your overnight stay. Of course, if you are going on a trip arranged by a reliable tour operator, then you don’t need to do so. 

V. To Wrap Up

With unspoiled nature, Binh Ba Island Vietnam is the wonderful destination for a beach getaway. If you get too feared by the crowded flocks of tourism at famous Vietnamese beach hotspots, this quiet island is where you should head to. 

Source: Pixabay @Quangpraha

That said, because tourism service is not well developed here yet, it is not a piece of cake to come here on your own. You had better go for a much safer and better-organized option: booking a tour with a Vietnam tour operator. With their support, you won’t need to care about little things like transportation, accommodation, etc. All you have to do is to behold the beauty of Binh Ba Island as much as you can. 

If you feel interested and need our help, feel free to contact Luxury Travel at any time. We are always more than happy to have you as our dearest clients. 

Contact Us: 

Address No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: (+84) 4 3927 4120

Email: sales@luxurytravelvietnam.com

Hotline: (+84) 1234 68 69 96

Website: https://luxurytravelvietnam.com

 

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Phu Yen: A guide to explore the beautiful land of Southern Vietnam

Quiet beach with romantic scenery, isolated islands and marvelous stone cliffs, Phu Yen is truly a precious gem in Southern Vietnam. Let’s find out why Phu Yen is so attractive and alluring!

I. Phu Yen’s location 

Phu Yen is a coastal province, lying in the Central of Vietnam, between Binh Dinh Province (Quy Nhon) and Khanh Hoa Province (Nha Trang). The biggest and most populated city in Phu Yen is Tuy Hoa city, yet the city remained unknown to the mass public because its government did not invest much in fields of tourism. It is not until the launch of the movie Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass (Toi thay hoa vang tren co xanh) which was shot in Phu Yen that these picturesque landscapes started to draw attention from tourists in Vietnam. They, since then, flocked to this untouched and beautiful place to discover Phu Yen.

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Encompassing a wide variety of mountains lagoons, fertile plains, and rivers with over 200 kilometers of shoreline along the curving south-central coast of Vietnam. With less reputation than the famous Nha Trang, Phu Yen is a great alternative for those who fancy a quiet and peaceful beach shore where they can enjoy patches of golden sand to themselves.

If you are a person who always yearns for adventures, then Phu Yen can also provide you with one of the most exciting ones with all its ancient remnants and water sports here. There are also ports, mountains and bays nearby where tourists can explore a tropical forest full of rare and exotic plants and animals. You are about to have one of the vacations of your life in Phu Hoa with all the relaxation and services it has to offer here.

II. A Brief History of The Land and why it’s worth visiting

Phu Yen once belonged to the Champa Kingdom, who ruled central Vietnam from the 2nd to 17th century until Dai Viet (a strong and powerful kingdom, in Northern Vietnam) invaded the land and claimed it their own. They absorbed the Champa kingdom and remained the land “Phu Yen” as it is called today. In Vietnamese, “Phu Yen” means future prosperity and peaceful – the hope that did not last when the Vietnam War happened.

In 1975, Phu Yen was set free from the Saigon government’s ruling after the end of the Vietnam War. Step by step, this land grows into the ideal point of interest like it is now.

III. Weather and Best time to visit Phu Yen

Because Phu Yen is beach-front, it has all the features of a tropical island one can ask or. So basically, you just need to avoid the storm season which takes place from September to November every year, then you are all good to go any time.

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Its sunny season starts from January to mid-August. This time is also the period when most exciting local festivals taking place, which is a perfect time for sight-seeing.

From April to May, the weather in Phu Yen is especially hot, combined with Vietnam’s signature humidity, it is a great ideal that tourists bring sun cream, water, and long-sleeves clothes with them.

May to July is the peak of domestic tourist season, so if you plan to visit Phu Yen at this time, prepare to see crowds in the hottest spot of this tropical island. If you prefer quiet and relaxing holidays, it is a good ideal you avoid this period.

IV. How to get to Phu Yen, Vietnam

Since Phu Yen is a province located in Vietnam’s South Central Coast, it would make an ideal additional destination in your Ho Chi Minh City Tour. There are many ways you can get to Phu Yen from there, namely by train, plane or bus.

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By bus or private van

With just 180,000 to 300,000 VND per ticket at East bus station, you can travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Yen. With people who prefer maximum relaxation and comfort, a private van is a perfect choice! 

By Train

You can also choose train to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Yen by train SE2 or SE4. If you should take the night train, you will get to Phu Yen in the following morning with full rest to enjoy your holiday there!. 

By Airplane

If you are not in Ho Chi Minh or just want to travel by plane, you can get to Tuy Hoa Airport from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City airport! Tuy Hoa airport is just 10 km away from the city center, so tourists will need to arrange their own transportation to the booked accommodation beforehand or they’ll have to call a cab or private van to pick them up to move on.

V. Where to visit in Phu Yen?

Phu Yen province is the heart of many religious and historic remains, but today, it is best known for its beaches and bays. You can combine these destinations or choose among them based on your preference.

1. Bai Xep

This short beach, especially the two sets of sea cliffs on either end is so beautiful that it attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world to come here and take some pictures for your Instagram feed. With just 500 meters in length, the beach looks exactly like a small kingdom that is isolated.

Source: Instagram @tphien1912

If you climb up the cliff, there is a good chance you can clearly see your friend beneath – and who can deny the temptation of fresh air with the unique smell of the green grass and salty vibe from the ocean? Its tranquility and breathtaking features will absolutely blow your mind.

Bai Xep is over 14 kilometers far from Tuy Hoa. Located in district Tuy An, Bai Xep is not something you can walk to if you stay in Phu Yen’s capital town – but the distance is worth it when you witness the beauty of this place.

Source: Instagram @chubby1603

2. Mon Beach – Mui Dien (Dien Cape)

The very own charm of Mon beach is the tranquility and comfort coming from its own wild and untouched nature. You can expect all the freshness and relaxation when coming here while watching its crystal clear seawater and golden sand stretching out the shore. From here, there is one activity you can not miss: watching the sun rises since Mon beach is located at the easternmost point of the country. In other words, this place is also called “Vietnam’s earliest dawn land”.

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Being the very first place in the country to watch the sunrise, Mon beach, especially Dai Lanh Cape is very attractive for both domestic and international tourists. Therefore, even though Dai Lanh Cape is 35 kilometers from the capital city of Phu Yen, many go a long way here just to catch the sunrise; or, you can easily choose an accommodation here.

3. Vung Ro Bay

The location of Vung Ro Bay is very ideal in Vietnam’s geology since it overlooks many beautiful beaches and ocean, yet has forested mountains to back it up, such as Hon Ba, Deo Ca, and Da Bia peak. Spreading over an area of 16.4 square kilometers, Vung Ro Bay is a tourist hot spot since it is nestled in the commune of Dong Hoa District, Hoa Xuan Nam, and at the edge of Ca Pass so the drive, from wherever you are, is absolutely scenic.

Source: Instagram @simon_w_vietnam

Visiting Vung Ro Bay, you can watch everything, from the unbroken scenery of the bay’s crystal clear water with tranquil fishing villages, green mountains, to energetic and clear white sandy beaches. The main bay is where hundreds of fish farms, wooden fishing boats, and floating homes gather.

Coming here, do not forget to enjoy a cool beer while floating on the blue lagoon. There are several seafood restaurants that offer fresh-catch dishes and centers providing recreation options such as snorkeling, jet-skiing, and visiting historical relics for interested visitors.

4. Van Hoa Plateau

Source: Instagram @lilinhly

Van Hoa Plateau is nestled at 400 meters height, Son Hoa District. If you are fond of tropical forest nature, the beauty of mountainous features like the trees, wild animals and even the gentle light of the sun and the smell of the wind can open the door to heaven on earth for you.

There are also national historic relics for history lovers to discover like the Uncle Ho House of worship or the military center of Phu Yen province base. And one more thing: Do not leave Van Hoa Plateau without trying some pineapples or jackfruits – these are the regional specialties.

5. Da Dia Reef (Ganh Da Dia)

The name Da Dia Reef, in Vietnamese literally means “the sea cliffs of stone plates” – and from this very exciting name, you, for sure, can’t miss this unbelievable destination.

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The whole thing is simply a natural masterpiece with millions of basalt rocks inconceivable shapes stacked together to become an amazingly high and large complex of columns. The rocky landscape spreads over a kilometer of the area and just along the sea’s edge. Some even call this site a giant black beehive. The reason for its unique structure is because of the eruption of a volcanic from millions of years ago. When the burning lave fell into the cold seawater, the molten lava was cooled down and harden, creating its shape to today’s organized rocky phenomenon.

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Unlike many other places in Phu Yen, Da Dia Reef is always crowded since, besides these places, there are only three more places on earth that bear a similar magnificent phenomenon. So there are no surprises that people from all over the world HAVE TO come to this famous reef to take pictures and admire magical views. Many couples come here for their wedding shoot, while others just need a picture of the out-of-this-world-view for their Instagram feed. But remember to bring sun cream, hats, and water with you since this area is really sunny and hot.

6. Nhan mountain 

If you climb to the top of Nhan mountain, you will surely have the overview of Tuy Hoa City with its lush rice paddles and evergreen forest. You will also have an amazing experience of watching the panoramic view of the sunset from this 64 meters high summit. Tourists will have the chance to discover an ancient Champa relics from the 11 century  built on the top of the mountain.

Source: Flickr – Dũng Mạnh

This Champa structure is called Nhan Tower – a symbol of Phu Yen’s original founders, the Cham people. You are free to visit its worshipping place, enjoy the evergreen scenery of the forest and Tuy Hoa City as well as taking some photos to show your friends at home.

7. Mang Lang Church 

Built in 1892 by Joseph de La Cassagne, Mang Lang church is one of the oldest ones in Vietnam and Indochina combined. With its long and mysterious history, this is one of the hottest tourist spots in Phu Yen. The church, also known as Eglise de Mang Lang is just a 10-minute ride away from the famous Da Dia reef.

Source: Flickr – Ba Khang

From the first look, you will understand why this church is so famous for its gothic structure with grey paint covered the whole artistic style of the church. Not only inspired many poets and artists for its aesthetic vibe, but the church is also home to Bishop Alexandre de Rhode and, more important, home to Vietnam’s first national book. You can witness the book preserved in a glass cabinet along with many other important pieces of historical evidence for over 120 years. With its unique beauty and glamour of history and artistry, Mang Lang church is a big MUST for those visiting Phu Yen.

8. Xuan Dai Bay

Covering 13,000 hectares, this wide, beautiful and rare bay is an ideal destination for those loving tranquility since it is still little-known to the public. 50 kilometers away from the capital city – Tuy Hoa, this bay has so many small and beautiful beaches with untouched scenery. Tourists can visit many hot spots from here, such as Mu U peninsula, small islet, like Ong Xa islet, as well as Da Mai mountain. You can also visit the famous Ganh Dia reef from here.

Source: Instagram @nny.by

And the special thing about this beautiful bay is that, after enjoying the scenic beauty of natural, tourists can also watch the daily life of the local fishermen living nearby. They just need to get to Om beach, an ideal beach for camping – lovers. You can totally camp there to enjoy a morning sunset, or have an unforgettable experience when watching how Vietnamese fishermen work while listening to all the stories and legends in the region.

9. Ong Cop Bridge

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The bridge is also called Tuy An Bridge. It is the longest wooden bridge in Vietnam, connecting Tuy An District with Song Cau District. With its length for about 400 meters, the bridge starts to get noticed by international media in 2007 by appearing in a reality show in Vietnam Amazing Race. Opposed to its old and simple structure, the bridge is well-preserved so do not be afraid and just step on it! You will need only 10 minutes to walk across it, but if you bring a camera with you, you may need a little more time to totally catch all aesthetic scenes!

10. Chop Chai mountain

Another mountain helping you get a bird view of the lovely Tuy Hoa city is Chop Chai mountain. But one thing special about this peak is that you will see a military unit guarding on it, so you must talk to the soldiers there to get in to take pictures, but there is a high chance the station photography will be refused.

Source: Instagram @vinhvien93

But do not worry, this mountain has more than that. With its 391 meters in height, you will see everything, from the tranquil paddle field to crystal clear ocean and even several historic and religious temples in the region like Minh Son, Hoa Son, Khanh Son, and Bao Lam pagoda on the foot of the mountain.

11. Da Trang Pagoda and Mountain 

Da Trang mountain is a place where visitors can explore both the beauty of nature and the myth of historical temples. One of the most famous religious sights is Da Trang Pagoda, a holy place that attracting many domestic visitors and pilgrims every year. The pagoda is a lovely and small place to cool down after a hard mountain hiking.

For history and culture hypers, the pagoda has much to say. It was 100 years old and honored by the emperor in 1889, but then burnt to the ground in 1929. Thanks to a huge number of Buddhists all over Vietnam, Da Trang Pagoda was restored and recognized as a crucial cultural heritage site.

12. Hon Yen

If you are tired of adventures in the forest, it is time to merge yourself in the cool fresh water from a beautiful beach in Vietnam: Hon yen beach. Hon Yen is a very small island so it is easy for travelers to have panorama sights of it. Many tourists call this “heaven for diving and coral seeing” for a reason. The wind, the water, and humidity on this small island make it a perfect site for sight-seeing and coral diving. You can also rent a canoe to have a short ride around this lovely pearl.

13. The pretty nature of Phu Yen

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In Phu Yen, during summer and spring, people are all about the picture-perfect wheat fields and wildflower gardens. There are a lot of flowers you can expect to see like sunflowers, tulips, lavender and so on. And do not forget the stunning, picturesque wheat fields with layers of lovely white, feather-like plants covering a large area of the mountain and some drops of palm trees behind.

Every year, many young Vietnamese girls dress up (this year’s trend is boho!) to take photoshoot here, do not be surprised if you see so many young and pretty girls wandering around this area!

14. And one last thing: Watching sunrises!

Wherever you go, whichever place you visit, it is a pity if you come to the very point of Vietnam without watching the magical sunrises in Phu Yen. And it is not just about the natural, but they’re also early-risers who are fishermen, farmers, and students who need to wake up early for a long day ahead.

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You will experience first-hand how an early day starts in this lovely city of Vietnam with traditional boats quietly make it way to the ocean for a morning catch, the sound of the cocks, and the fantastic moment when light starting to coloring the whole landscape like a wake-up call. And for those interested, you may see some cows – yes, cows, strolling along the beach if you are lucky enough.

VI. What to do in Phu Yen?

1. Exploring Tuy Hoa city

Tuy Hoa is the capital city of Phu yen, so for sure, you will have the chance to see and experience a lot here. Apart from all the beautiful natural and historical sites, Tuy Hoa is also the center of economic life, so you will love taking a walk around this city to see how different life is from Vietnam’s cities and your own country.

You will also love going to the suburbs of Tuy Hoa, with many traditional villages here. The most prominent is Ngoc Lang commune – the home to endless fields of green herbs and vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, and coriander. You can also see many temples and pagodas with a unique design, which plays a crucial part in Vietnam’s daily life. 

2. Visiting the 1st April Square in Phu Yen

In the afternoon, you can go to the “1/4” square (named after the peace date in Phu Yen province) and drink sugarcane juice (sugarcane, natural sweet juice) with the sea breeze. And this is also the focus area of many children, young people, city people at night time to come here to exercise, walk, talk to each other … Sitting here you can feel the beat Everyone’s life is quite slow compared to other cities.

3. Visit Salt Making Village

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Tuyet Diem, in Vietnamese means “salts that as white as the snow” – and you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the small village that producing these pure white salt grains. The village has a 300-year experience of making salt and today, they are still living on salt farms and collecting salt mineral by hand. This is a wonderful chance for kids and youngsters to see how salt is processed from scratch and even make some themselves! Tourists can also buy some of these interesting souvenirs to bring home.

In Phu Yen, there are two more traditional salt making villages, namely Trung Trinh and Le Uyen.

4. Camping on Lao Mai Nha islet 

Source: Instagram @huuanhnguyen

If you are up to some adventurous experience, do not miss out on the chance to camp on Lao Mai Nha islet, a small islet that just 4km away from O Loan lagoon. With just 1.2 kilometers of area, it is surprising that nature here remains completely untouched. The beauty of the beach and peace of nature make Lao Mai Nha islet an ideal place for camping and fish hunting on the beach.

5. Sailing, kayaking, and swimming

With all the beautiful beaches in Phu Yen, you should never miss out on the chance to enjoy the cool and clear water here or engaging yourself in several water-related activities like sailing, kayaking, and even zip-lining!

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Where to do it? Most travelers love swimming in the mainstream beaches like Mon beach or Long Thuy beach. However, you should try sailing and kayaking on small islets, like Lao Mai Nha or Xuan Dai Bay, and O Loan Lagoon. Importantly, if you are an early riser, there is a high chance that you will be treated to a spectacular sunrise swim at dawn – it is the experience of a lifetime! 

6. Biking or driving its coastal highway 

For adventure seekers, Phu Yen can be the best place to enjoy outdoor activities that you would love like biking or driving on its coastal highway. With the fabulous terrain, you are free to discover Phu Yen’s picturesque highway alongside the beach, enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the mountain, or have some party on the private boat while enjoying the fresh scene of the bays.

7. Hiking Nhan mountain

Source: Unsplash – Usman Omar

Talking of mountain hiking, there is no way Nhan mountain is missed out. This famous mountain is the most famous hiking destination for both domestic and international travelers every year. With Nhan Tower on the top and stunning scenery of wild nature, all efforts and hardships to climb such a high mountain will be worth it!

8. Nightlife in Phu Yen

If you think Phu Yen has some highly-charged places like many big cities do all around the world, you are totally wrong. Phu Yen is not exactly a place of nightlife hypers, but you will find some special places to savor a nice cold beer or pubs with acoustic live music with open space for all to enjoy.

Source: Unsplash – Kelly Sikkema

You can also walk down the streets to find some local restaurants and enjoy what local people eat – these places can be a hidden gem that you never know until you order the food. For disco lovers, Tuy Hoa’s lushest hotels have so many to offer. Prepare to drink some tropical fruity cocktails and enjoying the glittering view of city life on the highest floor of the hotel or bar. If you like the sky lounges, Tuy Hoa has a few for you, too.

9. Phu Yen Shopping 

Buying souvenirs while traveling is a big must for most travelers, and like any other places with booming tourism, Phu Yen has a wide range of goods for tourists to choose (or buy them all). Most head for Tran Hung Dao Street, where numerous local shops and the huge Tuy Hoa market are located. This is where you can find everything, from handmade crafts, food to clothing and more. If you prefer shopping center, Phu Vuong Street is the place to go, with pleasant, luxurious and high-end goods.

You can also buy goods from traditional villages outside Tuy Hoa city. One of the most famous souvenirs is the dried bird-nest soup, which used to be a nutrient and luxurious dish exclusively for the royal in the past. The birds make their nests from their own saliva and the nests are harvested twice a year. And its price? It can go as high as $2,000 per kilogram because all Asians believe that the food helps eaters to be more healthy and boosting virility.

VII. The food you should not miss when visiting Phu Yen

It comes as no surprise to people as Phu yen is the heart of the most amazing seafood because it is right on the coast. But tourists may be surprised by what is on the menu. Here, you will see dishes that beyond your imagination like Tuna’s eye soup, fermented fish or beans. There are also normal dishes that can satisfy the pickiest eaters like fish cake noodle soup (Banh Canh He), chicken rice (Com Ga), and fresh Vietnamese spring rolls

1. Salted anchovy

If you need to talk about just one Vietnam’s seasoning in its hundreds of herbs, powders, and fermented stuff, that thing must be the fish sauce, made of salted fish. And in Phu Yen, you will have the chance to witness how fishermen catch their anchovy in the early months of the year. Here in Phu Yen, people make fish sauce with anchovy (Mắm Cá Cơm) to have the thickest and most delicious fish sauce all over Vietnam. You will have the chance to see people make the sauce from 300 to 400 kilograms of fish, put them in a wooden box for more than half a year until the fish starts to melt into the thick and full-of-protein sauce. 

Source: Pixabay – asjjuni0

You should try some slices of pineapples with this Salted Anchovy since the sauce reduce the sour and acid in pineapple while the fragrant of the fruit reduces the strong smell of the sauce. If Westerners have Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as the dynamic duo, here in Phu Hoa, pineapple and salted anchovy is the perfect couple for a rainy day.

2. Seafood

As mentioned above, tourists can enjoy all kinds of fresh seafood when coming to Phu Yen, namely grilled tuna, steamed tuna eyeball (which is believed to be very good for kids’ eyes) and even a delicious boat of fresh-cut sashimi! With several fishing villages and harbors, the large, freshly-catch tuna and other fish are brought into a huge warehouse to be chopped up and packed to overland in just a short amount of time.

3. And other famous Vietnamese dishes

Source: Instagram @foodholicvn

You can enjoy other famous Vietnamese food, such as Banh Canh Hẹ (Cake soup with Chinese Chives), Chả Dông and Nem Nướng (Spring roll with grilled chopped Dong mixture), Bánh Bèo (Water Fern Cake). The main focus of Phu Yen cuisine is fresh vegetables with strong and sweet sauce, served with grilled or steamed protein. Generally, these kinds of combinations are very healthy, yet still, remain delicious!

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