Phu Yen, Vietnam: A comprehensive guide for visitors

Contents

1. When is the best time to visit Phu Yen, Vietnam?

Phu Yen weather is characterized by two main seasons: the rainy season (from September to December) and the dry season (from January to August). The best time to visit Phu Yen is during the dry season, when the sunny and warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities, beach fun, and exploration. Additionally, planning your visit around festive periods, often during the early-year Tet holiday, allows you to experience the local culture and enjoy Bai Choi singing, a recognized intangible heritage of Vietnam.

Where is Phu Yen Vietnam? It is located in the South Central Coast (Source: Collected)

2. Where to go on your trip to Phu Yen Province?

Are you planning a Phu Yen tour? Don’t miss out on these 15 must-see attractions in Phu Yen Vietnam, which promise various unforgettable experiences.

2.1. Xuan Dai Bay

Xuan Dai Bay in Phu Yen Province is among the most beautiful Vietnam bays, which stretches approximately 50 kilometers through diverse landscapes, including limestone mountains, forests, and the deep blue sea. Here, visitors will be enchanted by the picturesque scenery. The bay is also renowned for seafood, including snails, shrimp, and crabs. The clear waters of the bay, with vibrant coral and seaweed, make it an ideal spot for activities like scuba diving, sailing, and surfing. Xuan Dai Bay, once a busy trading port, has also witnessed many historical events, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the province’s culture.

2.2. Da Dia Reef

One of Phu Yen Province’s most famous attractions is Da Dia Reef, a mesmerizing natural wonder with large, black basalt columns arranged in striking, otherworldly formations extending into the sea. Covering an area about over 200 meters long, these formations resemble thousands of black gems set against the backdrop of the sea and waves, creating a breathtaking landscape. Standing on the reef, visitors can take in the vast ocean view and listen to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocks. 

Just one kilometer away from Da Dia Reef is Ganh Den Lighthouse. The lighthouse, standing 22 meters above sea level, offers visitors a panoramic view of the expansive, magnificent sea.

Exploring Da Dia Reef is among the best things to do in Phu Yen Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.3. Dai Lanh Cape (Dien Cape)

While you are in Phu Yen Vietnam, make sure to visit Dai Lanh Cape (also known as Dien Cape), the easternmost point on Vietnam’s mainland. Following a small trail, you can explore the historic Dai Lanh Lighthouse, which is over 100 years old. From here, you can take in the vast ocean view, watch ships sailing by, and experience moments of tranquility. Dai Lanh Cape is also home to Bai Mon Beach, a small beach about 400 meters long with fine white sand, clear turquoise water, and gentle waves. You can camp overnight on the beach, enjoy the fresh air, and savor delicious seafood while waiting to catch the first rays of sunrise.

2.4. Vung Ro Bay

Mentioning Phu Yen tourism, one cannot ignore Vung Ro Bay, a beautiful bay steeped in history. The bay’s calm, crystal-clear water is home to various marine life, including vibrant coral reefs. It is a popular anchorage for boats. The bay is surrounded by tall rocky cliffs and pristine sandy beaches. A visit to Vung Ro Bay in Phu Yen Province allows you to enjoy its serene beauty while learning about the stories of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war against the U.S. You can also explore the local life by observing the process of lobster farming and the daily activities of the fishermen.

Vung Ro Bay is an excellent spot for relaxation (Source: Collected)

2.5. Bai Xep Beach

Bai Xep is one of the most stunning Phu Yen beaches, located in An Chan Commune, Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province. This beach features a 500-meter-long stretch of golden sand, bordered by vast casuarina forests and rugged cliffs adorned with cacti, making it an ideal spot for photography. Standing atop the cliffs, you can admire the serene sea below, which blends seamlessly with the green of the grasslands and the yellow of the wildflowers. You can also feel the cool sea breeze, listen to the sounds of the waves, and find rare moments of peace away from the bustle of everyday life.

2.6. Hon Yen Island

Located over 20 kilometers from Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Vietnam, Hon Yen Island has one of the most beautiful beaches in Central Vietnam, known for its colorful coral reefs. Besides coral seeing, visitors to Hon Yen Island can admire the picturesque scenery, where rugged cliffs rise sharply from the blue sea, surrounded by sands. Other activities in Hon Yen include taking a basket boat tour to explore the island, visiting lobster farms, learning about the traditional method of harvesting bird’s nests, and walking along the 20-meter-long path that connects Hon Yen Island to Hon Dun Island when the tide recedes.

Hon Yen Island – a must-visit on the Phu Yen Province Vietnam map (Source: Collected)

2.7. Nghinh Phong Square

Nghinh Phong Square in Phu Yen Province is listed among the top places to visit in Central Vietnam. This square is highlighted by the unique Nghinh Phong Tower, which features a design inspired by Da Dia Reef. This iconic structure stands tall between the blue sea on one side and a straight road on the other. As a symbol of Phu Yen Province’s development, the tower is a must-see for visitors. At Nghinh Phong Square, you can also stroll around, immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, and enjoy vibrant 3D mapping and laser light shows every evening.

2.8. Nhan Tower

Another must-see attraction in Tuy Hoa is Nhan Tower, a national relic located on Nhan Mountain. Nhan Tower is an ancient structure built in the late 11th century in the artistic style of the Cham people, featuring massive brickwork and intricate reliefs. This is one of the largest and oldest Cham towers, offering visitors a chance to appreciate architecture and delve into the history of the region. Additionally, from the top of Nhan Mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of Tuy Hoa City, with its vibrant blend of the blue sea, green vegetation, and urban landscapes.

Nhan Tower in Phu Yen Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.9. Mang Lang Church

Mang Lang Church, one of the oldest churches in Vietnam, deserves a spot on your Phu Yen travel itinerary. Situated on the banks of the Ky Lo River, about 35 kilometers north of Tuy Hoa City, Mang Lang Church was built in 1892 in the classic Gothic style, with intricate decorations and a distinctive gray-blue color. Here, you can admire the architecture, soak in the serene ambiance, and learn about the local spirituality. The church also preserves many interesting artifacts, such as the first book printed in Vietnamese script by the missionary Alexandre de Rhodes in 1651.

2.10. O Loan Lagoon

Nature lovers visiting Phu Yen Vietnam should not miss out on O Loan Lagoon, a picturesque body of water surrounded by lush villages and gentle mountains. Covering an area of 1,570 hectares with an average depth of about 1.3 meters, the lagoon is a rich source of seafood, particularly known for blood cockles and crabs. Some memorable activities at O Loan Lagoon include savoring fresh seafood dishes, strolling around, marveling at the lagoon’s breathtaking beauty during sunset, joining the local fishermen on evening fishing trips, and participating in the lively boat races held on the seventh day of the first lunar month.

You can watch the dreamy sunset over O Loan Lagoon (Source: Collected)

2.11. Dong Cam Dam

For an unforgettable Phu Yen tour, don’t miss out on Dong Cam Dam. Built by French engineers nearly 100 years ago, this dam was designed to channel water and bring fertility to the rice fields of Phu Yen Province. Beyond its economic value, Dong Cam Dam is a fascinating tourist site. Here, visitors can admire the massive structure, watch the foamy water rushing through, and see flocks of birds resting on the rocks. On hot summer days, the area around Dong Cam Dam, with its fine sand, clear water, and cool air, becomes a perfect gathering place for travelers near and far.

2.12. Van Hoa Plateau

About 40 kilometers away from Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Vietnam, Van Hoa is a fertile basalt plateau. It is often likened to Da Lat due to its cool climate and mist-covered landscapes. Located at an elevation of 400 meters above sea level, the road to Van Hoa Plateau leads you through vast fields of sugarcane, corn, cassava, and pepper, which create a poetic scene. Here, you can enjoy the fresh air, take photos at Bac Ho Church and Tra Ke Church, explore the Ede ethnic village, visit Ba Ha River Dam, camp amidst the lush greenery, and savor local dishes.

Enjoy the beauty of nature at Van Hoa Plateau (Source: Collected)

2.13. Xom Ro Moss Beach

Another intriguing site for photographers in Phu Yen Vietnam is Xom Ro Moss Beach, located in Phu Dong Ward, Tuy Hoa City. Here, concrete wave breakers have been submerged in seawater over time, and now they are covered in green moss, creating a stunning landscape that captivates every visitor. The green moss clings tightly to the rocks, becoming even more shimmering under the sun or when the waves crash against the shore. Don’t miss out on this unique photography spot when visiting Phu Yen Province, where you can capture some truly one-of-a-kind photos!

2.14. Vuc Hom Waterfall

Vuc Hom Waterfall, about 45 kilometers away from Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province, is a fantastic place for those looking to escape the heat and immerse themselves in nature. This waterfall, standing 20 meters tall, is nestled among basalt columns, creating a majestic scene with water cascading down in white foam. At the base of the waterfall is a wide pool surrounded by a lush forest. Visitors can simply sit by the waterfall and enjoy the view, swim in the pool, take photos of the stunning scenery, or picnic with friends and family to enjoy the fresh air here.

The majestic beauty of Vuc Hom Waterfall (Source: Collected)

2.15. Nhat Tu Son Island

Nhat Tu Son Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Xuan Dai Bay, Phu Yen Province. To reach the island, visitors need to walk along a submerged path that only reveals itself when the tide recedes, which then offers a spectacular sight. On the island, visitors can hike through a primeval forest, explore deep caves with intricate nooks, or stand atop the peak to take in the panoramic views of the serene sea and majestic mountains. Visitors can also relax in nature in a hut built right on the water, visit lobster farms to learn about the local life, and enjoy fresh seafood.

Explore: Phu Yen Vietnam map: Guide to the best destinations & foods

3. What to eat in Phu Yen Province?

The cuisine of Phu Yen Vietnam makes the most of the local ingredients, especially seafood, to create a wide variety of delicious dishes that embody the rich flavors of Central Vietnamese food.

Some must-try dishes include:

• Tuna: This is a specialty of Phu Yen Vietnam’s waters, known for its flavorful taste and high nutritional value. Notable dishes include braised tuna eyeballs with herbs and tuna wrapped in mustard greens.
• O Loan Lagoon blood cockles: These cockles are prized for their firm, sweet, pinkish-red flesh. They can be prepared in various ways, such as lightly grilled, stir-fried with tamarind, steamed, or made into a salad.
• Steamed mackerel scad (Ca nuc hap): This tasty dish features mackerel scad served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dipping sauce or fermented fish sauce.
• Oyster porridge (Chao hau): This beloved dish in Phu Yen Province offers a sweet flavor from oysters, which are sautéed with onions and simmered with red rice and sticky rice.
• Phu Yen chicken rice (Com ga Phu Yen): As another specialty of Phu Yen Vietnam, this dish combines tender chicken with rice, along with chili fish sauce and pickled vegetables.
• Vietnamese thick noodle soup with chives (Banh canh he): This simple yet delicious dish features chewy noodles served with fish cakes and chives.
• Water fern cake (Banh beo): Phu Yen Province’s version of this dish differs from others as the cakes are served in small bowls and topped with fried bread, shredded pork, and scallion oil.
• Rice vermicelli with pork offal (Banh hoi long heo): This dish pairs rice vermicelli with pork offal, along with fresh herbs and garlic chili fish sauce.
• Vietnamese pancakes with shrimp (Banh xeo tom nhay): This dish is a delightful combination of Vietnamese pancakes and shrimp, all wrapped in rice paper with vegetables and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce or fermented fish sauce.
• Half-dried beef (Bo mot nang): For this dish, fresh beef is marinated with flavorful spices, dried under the sun for a day, then grilled over charcoal. It is often enjoyed with ant salt, a local delicacy.

Phu Yen chicken rice – a delicious dish beloved by visitors (Source: Collected)

 More on: Top 12 Phu Yen restaurants for a great dining experience

4. How to get to Phu Yen, Vietnam?

To reach Phu Yen Province from Hanoi (approximately 1,200 kilometers away) or Ho Chi Minh City (about 500 kilometers away), visitors have several options:

• By plane: You can fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Yen Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet Air. The destination is Tuy Hoa Airport, which is about 6 kilometers away from the city center. Fares range from 800,000 to 2,000,000 VND, depending on the route and airline.
• By train: Trains from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Yen Province offer a longer yet more scenic journey. The destination is Tuy Hoa Train Station, which is located in the city center. Fares range from 400,000 to 1,000,000 VND, depending on the seat class and route.
• By sleeper bus: From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can take a sleeper bus to Phu Yen, with the journey taking over 10 hours and costing around 200,000 VND. From Hanoi, the sleeper bus journey takes about 20 hours, with fares starting at 630,000 VND.

5. Where to stay during your trip to Phu Yen?

Accommodation options in Phu Yen Vietnam are mainly budget hotels in the city center, with room rates ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 VND per night. There are a few luxurious Phu Yen Vietnam hotels and resorts available, with room rates varying from 700,000 to 10,000,000 VND per night.

6. A recommended itinerary for travelers to Phu Yen

As Phu Yen Vietnam offers many fascinating attractions and memorable experiences, visitors should plan a 4-day-3-night trip to fully explore the province. 

Here is a suggested itinerary for your trip to Phu Yen:

• Day 1: Nhan Tower, Xom Ro Moss Beach, O Loan Lagoon
• Day 2: Dai Lanh Cape, Bai Mon Beach, Vung Ro Bay, Hon Nua Island
• Day 3: Nhat Tu Son Island, Xuan Dai Bay, Nghinh Phong Square
• Day 4: Mang Lang Church, Da Dia Reef, Bai Xep Beach

Catch the unforgettable sunrise at Dai Lanh Cape (Source: Collected)

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7. Extra tips for your trip to Phu Yen, Vietnam

Here are some tips for a smooth trip to Phu Yen Province:

• During the peak tourist season of summer, book your hotel and flight early to avoid price hikes or service unavailability.
• Always ask for the price before purchasing anything or using any tourism services.
• The sun in Phu Yen Province can be intense, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a jacket, and a hat to protect your skin.
• Some tourist attractions in Phu Yen are quite far apart, so prepare a map or use Google Maps to plan your itinerary and save travel time.
• Some specialties to bring home from Phu Yen as gifts include Hoa Da rice paper, Phu Yen bird’s nest, dried seafood, Quan De wine, Phu Yen herbal tea, and fish sauce.
• For any questions or concerns regarding tourism activities in Phu Yen Province, you can contact Mr. Nguyen Tran Vy, Chief Inspector of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Phu Yen, at 091 816 3423, or Mr. Cao Hong Nguyen, Head of the Division of Tourism Management, at 094 282 6677.

Make sure to plan your trip to Phu Yen Vietnam in advance (Source: Collected)

Phu Yen Province offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a serene escape. Whether you are fond of the lush countryside, stunning beaches, historical sites, or the local cuisine, Phu Yen Vietnam will leave a lasting impression on every visitor, inviting you to return and discover even more.

After exploring Phu Yen Province, travelers can extend their journey through Central Vietnam by heading to Nha Trang, which is located just around 145 kilometers away. In addition to stunning landscapes, Nha Trang offers some of the most modern entertainment complexes in the country. Among them is VinWonders Nha Trang, one of Vietnam’s largest amusement parks. VinWonders Nha Trang features all sorts of thrilling games, spectacular shows, lively festivals, and exploration opportunities. 

Near VinWonders Nha Trang lies Vinpearl Harbour Nha Trang, a bustling hub for leisure, dining, and shopping. Vinpearl Harbour is filled with vibrant performances both day and night, architectural marvels, and bustling shopping streets.

A variety of activities await you at VinWonders Nha Trang

For those seeking luxury, staying at one of the high-end hotels and resorts of Vinpearl Nha Trang provides an excellent experience. Vinpearl offers top-notch hospitality services amidst breathtaking surroundings, guaranteeing a flawless stay for every guest.

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket now

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