Tucked away in a quiet unsuspecting coastline is Phu Yen Province, and its capital city Tuy Hoa.
It is yet one more of Vietnam's hidden gems, and unless you actually looked for it, you'd pass it by. Wouldn't that be regrettable? For it could be a nice springtime holiday for yourself and loved ones. The best time for your Phu Yen spring holiday is during the holiday period of Tet. Which happens anytime onwards from the middle of January.
Taking part in the Lunar Year festivities is a special event, an unforgettable experience. Arriving the following month, say in April you'll have missed the festivals, but is that what you want? Life in the province will have returned to normal by then. As a traveling tourist you then enjoy the sense of the quietness and peacefulness.
The whole of Phu Yen is amazing, so much variety in landscape beauty and feature rich attractions. To your bemusement you may trouble yourself with what to see and do during your holiday vacation. That being so, continue your reading for greater detail why Phu Yen should be your next holiday spot.
Phu Yen Province is for those who are seeking a very unique experience, away from the usual tourist areas. In many areas' mountains tower over the landscape, creating feelings of great wilderness. It's the perfect place to be if you're seeking a nature inspired holiday, for those of you who like solitude. On the flip side, there are coastal beaches, hidden coves and secret bays.
The city is one of Vietnam's hidden gems but don't believe for one moment there is no attraction for you. In fact, there is. Wide leafy boulevards greet you, and they're lined with coconut palms providing shade. Sit outside enjoying life go past at one of the street cafes letting life slow down for you. There is more: modern facade rich shopping malls at every turn, of which the TNR Grand Palace is the city's best.
The mall is a huge complex. It houses a:
This is a province undergoing huge changes, with many large construction projects. The investment pouring into this province is due to surging numbers of foreign tourists.
There are more than enough 4 and 5 star rated hotels and resorts ready for accepting paying tourists. That's inclusive of local domestic tourists as much as international tourists. We say domestic tourists, because they're also discovering the rugged nature of Phu Yen Province. Local governments are in full swing marketing mode to boost tourism.
Phu Yen Province has many attractions. Those that we visited during our two day stay were (in order of importance):
The province of Phu Yen does let you to unwind, relax and declutter your thoughts. March is the best time to travel, it's the most enchanting time to be here and tourists are trickling in by now. April is a good time too (quiet), but by May crowds are everywhere. As we said the province is seeing an upturn in tourism year-on-year, which is great for communities. But reflect on this fact, and consider Easter is an ideal time for a short holiday?
All the beaches along the Phu Yen coastline are small, hidden and secluded. Each beach, once you've found it, is an amazing time for couples ― families too. The waters are calm and clear, be sure of packing swimwear for everyone and sunscreen. A few beaches may have coconut palms offering lots of shade. Nearby villages have fresh food served daily. It's bliss to be here. Before you get to the beach there is nothing more thrilling than seeing the beach from a height of a cliff edge.
Hurriedly you make your way down to the sandy beach, trying to contain your excitement. We encountered so few people on the beaches, one or two locals and that was it. The beaches are your tranquility making traveling all the more worth it.
Standing on the shore looking far out into the distance feels like a dreamland fantasy. The best moments to capture ― and what you will remember for ever ― take place at sunset. It is one of the most beautiful attractions in the whole of Phu Yen Province, believe it. If you love nature and photography, it's an artist's paradise. The province is a place of romance, you can touch it almost, there is love and warmth for you all around. Perfect for couples, any sunset will set the mood for romance and love.
With Dong Chay Mountain in the backdrop, you need to head for Quan Cau Pass from Tuy Hoa City. Hire a taxi (or rent a motorbike) to get yourself north of the capital 22km distant to Tuy An District. By taxi it's a journey of about an hour from leaving your hotel.
Some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the whole of Vietnam can be found in Phu Yen Province, and one such location must surely be Vung Ro Bay. Travel south from Tuy Hoa City along the length of the coast (gorgeous views) for an hour ― 30 odd kilometers ― until you arrive. It's a recommendation actually to rent a motorbike for most occasions when in Vietnam. When traveling out side a city, that is: the roads are well maintained and traffic is typically light and most Vietnamese drivers are cautious.
Vietnam roads are therefore low risk for accidents. In the city though, use the taxies, they're more accessible. It's a few kilometers distant from this bay you will find the most stunning beaches mentioned above, and they're mostly deserted: Mon Beach, Goc Beach, Bang Beach, and Dai Lanh Beach.
Vietnam's coastline oozes with great beauty and wonder, but why this particular location? This is a top tourist landmark, and it attracts thousands of tourists every month. Like the natural occurring rocks of Ireland, there are steppingstones of natural origin. The black basalt rock formation is only 35km out of Tuy Hoa City, or an hour's drive by taxi. The recommended thing to do is book a half day guided tour, all inclusive. Tours use local guides; they are happy to share local knowledge you can trust. Hassles free too and convenient.
The rocks stack up on top of each other as they stretch across the shore for some distance. It's possible to step from one rock onto another, but step with care. Wearing shoes with a rubber sole is essential. Don't wear any footwear made from plastic, such as sandals. The closer you get to the water, the more slippery the volcanic rock becomes.
Such a beautiful place and peaceful too. Sitting for hours watching local fishermen go about their business, you'd be content. The attraction is at its busiest in the months of May, June and July. You may want to plan on sightseeing before the peak season begins, which is why we say March is a better time.
Vietnam is world renowned for having some of the most beautiful mountain passes. Ca Pass is no different, and in fact it's one of Vietnam's more difficult passes to travel through. But worth it. For 12 kilometers you enjoy some of the best picturesque scenery in the whole of Vietnam. Facing the sea on one side and the mountains opposite, you feel dwarfed by both but in a good way. The sensation is quite invigorating and not every trip gives you that. Quite empowering.
The pass is for the brave only, when renting a motorbike. The roads are in excellent condition of course but there are many tight bends. The swings one way and then the other ― often with steep gradients. For those who are brave enough, there's a certain amount of excitement. The challenge to conquer the pass brings people from all over the world to Ca Pass. For one of the best mountain adventures you could imagine, come to Phu Yen Province.
The pass is around about an hour from Tuy Hoa City center, meaning you can fulfill your ambitions in one day. Rent a motorbike for the whole day and return late, after sunset. It's possible to negotiate with the rental agency or owner for extended hours. Avoid the pass during the rainy season (from late April, onwards), for fear of landslides.
Vietnam has some amazing tropical Islands, aside from Phu Quoc Island of course. Read our travel guide (link below) if you want to discover other Islands besides Diep Son Island. The Island is actually more accessible from Nha Trang City (60km distant) to the south than from Tuy Hoa City. You are further north but it's still worthwhile you make the journey south. Diep Son Island is one of the most beautiful Islands off Nha Trang's coast. Going there, you'll understand why.
The Island sits in calm warm waters in the Van Phong Bay. Remarkable in stature for its size the Island isn't huge, a submerged sandbank leads the way. In fact, you learn when you arrive, this path actually connects three small Islets. Their names are Bip, Giua and Duoc. The 800m path is often found under water, but still usable. In many places you can be wading through water knee high and happy to do so. The water is warm for a March, and we strayed off the sandbank to go swimming, like the others. There are hours of fun to be found here.
It's the perfect place to head to, to cool off. Especially the summer months with temperatures reaching up to 90°F for June. The three Islands may be small but there are places on them you'll find quietness and even seclusion. Arriving early morning for sunrise is the best time, by mid-morning there are more people. Diep Son Island is often referred to as the "Maldives of Vietnam". That's believable. Do you love kayaking? You can rent a kayak for a few hours for hours of enjoyment.
Vietnam's coastal seas are pristine clean and clear, you want to be in the water as much as possible.
With established bus and rail networks, its easy traveling to the province capital. It's actually better and more convenient for you were you to be in Nha Trang City or Qui Nhon City to begin with. Either of those cities, to the south and north makes Tuy Hoa City a real prospect for a 3D2N holiday retreat:
Traveling from Ho Chi MInh City, your intended destination will most likely be Nha Trang City. Leaving you to make provision for the lesser known Tuy Hoa City and its province. Outside HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City), Nha Trang is the tourist magnet on Central Vietnam's east coast. Traveling from either city (Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang City) travel by overnight sleeper bus or train.
Pack snacks and bottled water for the journey, hunker down to arrive in the morning fresh and full of energy. Or book in advance a domestic flight with either Vietnam Airlines or VietJet Air. Both airlines fly daily from Hanoi City, Da Nang City and Ho Chi Minh City to places all over Vietnam. The airport from the Tuy Hoa city center is 10 minutes by taxi ― 4km ― so you'll unpack and ready to explore in no time at all.
The early half of the year is your best bet to choose when to visit in south and central Vietnam. It's hot from January until the middle of August. As guaranteed, the rainy season has arrived by September time, coming to an end by December. Year round, you can expect temperatures averaging 72°F in January to peak at 90°F come August. Despite the rain, it is still warm when in the low to mid-80's Fahrenheit for a nice Christmas and New Year break.
Da Nang City by the way has much the same temperatures for a winter break. For a Christmas and New Year holiday vacation, the city is very inviting. A few light rain showers but they'll of little consequence to your holiday, so no worries there.
Phu Yen Province may be the last piece of Vietnam untouched by international tourism. That thought may appeal to you ― it did for us, because it's easy to appreciate great beauty in nature. If you feel the same way, springtime should be enough to motivate you to find your way to Tuy Hoa City.
The sense of seclusion during the springtime will change of course. Vietnam is a beautiful country. The Vietnamese very friendly and the street food some of the best in the world. Who can neglect such things?
If it's a beautiful coastline you seek for a blissful holiday, Da Dia Reef and Diep Son Island are waiting for you. Both are assets to the province and what's more are the local communities, they're assets. Daily, there is tasty fresh seafood caught and prepared, dishes that are delectable.
It's reason why so much effort is made to promote the province. Tourism is sustaining small, localized villages and their traditional ways of life. The balance swings in their favor due to their cuisine, in our opinion. In closing words, it's the "off the beaten track" destination you've never heard about. Pristine beaches, the busy fishing villages and coastline, all cause a sensation.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.