Introduction to Phu Yen

If you are looking for a Vietnam that feels raw, cinematic, and refreshingly untouched, Phu Yen is your answer. 

Sandwiched between the popular hubs of Nha Trang and Quy Nhon, this coastal province remained a sleepy secret until the movie “I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass” introduced its rolling green hills and dramatic cliffs to the world. 

Unlike its bustling neighbors, Phu Yen moves at a gentle, rhythmic pace. It is a land of geological masterpieces—from the honeycomb basalt columns of Ganh Da Dia to the wind-swept Mui Dien, where the first rays of sunlight touch the Vietnamese mainland. 

Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood in the quiet of a lagoon, drive along deserted coastal passes, and find pristine bays where your only company is the rustle of casuarina trees.

Quick Facts about Phu Yen

Before diving into details, here’s a quick snapshot to help you understand what makes Phu Yen such a worth experiencing destination.

What’s in Phu Yen

• Pristine Beaches
  • Bai Xep – quiet and scenic, great for swimming and slow mornings, became legendary after featuring in Victor Vu’s famous film. It’s a surreal sight: a golden beach guarded by black rock headlands, topped with a grassy plateau where children fly kites and cacti bloom in the sun.
  • Bai Mon – remote beach with clear water, perfect after visiting Mui Dien Lighthouse
• Geological Masterpieces: Phu Yen’s geography is defined by its volcanic history. The star attraction is Ganh Da Dia (The Sea Cliff of Stone Plates), a natural wonder formed by cooling lava that cracked into perfect hexagonal columns. Further south, the coast becomes rugged and wild, anchored by the historic Dai Lanh Lighthouse and the untouched sands of Bai Mon.
• Mui Dien Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse sitting on dramatic cliffs. Many visitors come here for one of Vietnam’s earliest sunrises.
• Rural Landscapes: Phu Yen is full of rice fields, lagoons, and quiet coastal roads ideal for slow drives, bike rides, or photography.
• Architectural Icons: In Tuy Hoa city, the Nghinh Phong Tower stands as a modern symbol, its design inspired by the basalt columns of Ganh Da Dia. For history buffs, the Gothic Mang Lang Church houses the first book ever printed in the Vietnamese romanized script (Quoc ngu).

How to plan a trip to Phu Yen

How long to stay

• 3 Days: To truly appreciate the leisurely rhythm of Phu Yen without rushing. This allows for a relaxed itinerary. Spend one day exploring the northern geological sites, another for the southern coastal loop and sunrise, and a third to savor the culinary scene in Tuy Hoa.

Best time to visit Phu Yen

Money & Connectivity

• Cash is Essential: While upscale hotels in Tuy Hoa accept cards, the authentic seafood establishments at O Loan Lagoon often prefer cash.
• Connectivity: 4G/5G is reliable along the main coast, ensuring you stay connected even in remote coves.

Local etiquette

Vietnamese culture is warm and welcoming, and a little cultural awareness goes a long way.

• Smile often – It’s the universal language here and opens doors everywhere.
• Dress modestly When visiting cultural sites like Mang Lang Church or local pagodas, please cover shoulders and knees.
• Respect the Sanctuary: Phu Yen is prized for its cleanliness and lack of crowds. We encourage visitors to maintain this pristine environment by leaving no trace at wild beaches like Bai Mon.
• Tipping isn’t mandatory, but a small gesture (5–10%) is always appreciated at restaurants, cafés, and by guides or drivers.
• Use both hands when giving or receiving something, especially to elders — it shows respect.
• Take your shoes off when entering someone’s home or certain traditional spaces.
• When in doubt, follow the locals — and don’t be afraid to ask. Vietnamese people are happy to share their customs if you show interest.

Getting to Phu Yen

• By Air: Tuy Hoa Airport (TBB) is conveniently located just 10 km from the city center. Daily flights connect from Ho Chi Minh City (~1 hour) and Hanoi (~1 hour 40 mins), offering the most comfortable route.

Planning ahead? Many travelers require a visa to enter Vietnam. Check our Vietnam Visa Guide here to see if your country is on the visa-required list and how to apply quickly.

• By Private Car: For those combining destinations, a private car transfer from Quy Nhon (1.5 hours) or Nha Trang (2.5 hours) is highly recommended. The coastal drive via National Highway 1D is spectacular and allows you to stop at viewpoints at your leisure.
• By Train: Tuy Hoa is a major stop on the Reunification Express. For a touch of nostalgia, the train journey from Da Nang to Tuy Hoa hugs the coastline, offering views of emerald bays that are inaccessible by road.
• Getting Around:
  • Private Car & Driver: The most comfortable way to navigate the province. The distances between sights (e.g., 35km to Ganh Da Dia) make a private car ideal for staying cool and relaxed.
  • Motorbike: For the adventurous soul, renting a scooter offers freedom, but ensure you are comfortable riding on coastal passes and have international driving license. 

Local festivals & events

🐳 Cau Ngu (Whale) Festival (Jan–Jun Lunar Calendar): Coastal villages worship the whale deity (Ca Ong) for safety at sea. It is a colorful, spiritual event featuring traditional Ba Trao singing.

🚣🏻‍♀️ O Loan Lagoon Boat Racing (7th day of Lunar New Year): A spirited local event celebrating the fishing culture of the lagoon, offering a glimpse into the community’s vibrant traditions.

Best Things to Do in Phu Yen

With pristine beaches, coastal cliffs, and villages untouched by mass tourism, Phu Yen is made for travelers who love mellow landscapes and local charm.

1. Visit Mang Lang Church
One of Vietnam’s oldest churches, Mang Lang blends Gothic architecture with rural scenery, offering a quiet stop to learn about early Catholic history in Phu Yen.

2. Hike Da Dia Reef (Ganh Da Dia)
Walk across striking basalt rock formations shaped like stacked columns—best visited early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.

3. Watch Sunrise at Mui Dien Lighthouse
Located near Vietnam’s easternmost point, this lighthouse is a popular sunrise spot, with sweeping views over the sea as the first light hits the horizon.

4. Relax on Bai Xep Beach
A peaceful crescent of sand framed by green hills, Bai Xep is ideal for a slow afternoon swim or simply unwinding by the water.

5. Visit a Fishing Village at Dawn
Arrive early to watch fishermen bring in the morning catch, boats lining the shore as baskets of fish and squid are sorted on the sand.

6. Check in at Nghinh Phong Tower
A modern coastal landmark inspired by Phu Yen’s natural landscape, Nghinh Phong Tower is best visited in the late afternoon, when sea breezes and soft light make it ideal for photos and a relaxed stroll by the shore.

7. Walk or Cycle Along Coastal Roads
Quiet seaside roads wind past cliffs, rice fields, and small villages—perfect for an easy bike ride or sunset walk.

8. Trek to Bai Mon Beach
A short trail leads down to this small, secluded beach near Mui Dien, where clear water and soft sand reward the effort.

9. Discover Hon Yen Island
At low tide, a natural path appears across the sea, allowing visitors to walk out and explore coral reefs and coastal life up close.

Want to experience it with expert guidance? Join with Ginkgo Voyage — comfortable transport, insightful stories, and everything arranged for a meaningful visit.

What to Eat in Phu Yen

Phu Yen cuisine is bold, fresh, and famous for unique delicacies that define the region’s culinary identity.

Street Food Must-Try:

• Ocean Tuna Eyes: A dish for the adventurous gourmet. Stewed in a clay pot with Chinese herbs and spices, the texture is rich and fatty, often compared to bone marrow.
• Chicken Rice: Distinct from other regions, the rice here is cooked in chicken broth and turmeric, served with free-range chicken, pickled onions, and a pungent ginger fish sauce.
• One-Sun Dried Beef : Premium beef marinated and sun-dried for exactly one day, then grilled and served with a unique yellow ant salt (muoi kien vang)—a tart, citrusy seasoning native to the region.
• O Loan Lagoon Seafood : The seafood here is exceptionally fresh. Look for oysters and the region’s signature blood cockles, celebrated for their plumpness and flavor.

Tips for a smooth trip

• Sun Protection: The central coast sun is intense. High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are essential.
• Dining Timing: Unlike big cities, many local restaurants in Phu Yen may close early (around 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM). We recommend planning your dinners accordingly.
• Advance Booking: During the domestic high season (June-July), the best boutique accommodations can fill up quickly.

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Where to Go Next?

• Quy Nhon: Just a 1.5-hour drive north. It is the perfect twin destination to Phu Yen, offering upscale resorts (like the Anantara or Maia) and a similar focus on relaxation.
• Nha Trang: 2.5 hours south. Head here if you desire a change of pace—bustling nightlife, luxury island retreats, and world-class spas.

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