Phu Yen Vietnam: Guide to a great coastal escape in the Central region

Phu Yen Vietnam captivates visitors with its picturesque landscapes, expansive beaches, and vibrant culture. It is a must-visit destination in the Central region for all visitors to Vietnam.

The coastal wonders of Phu Yen Vietnam will bring an enchanting experience to any visitor on their Vietnam travel. With its pristine beaches, cultural treasures, and breathtaking landscapes, Phu Yen offers an unforgettable journey for those seeking the essence of Vietnamese beauty.

1. A glance at Phu Yen Vietnam

Where is Phu Yen Vietnam? It is a coastal province in Central Vietnam, bordered to the north by Binh Dinh Province, to the south by Khanh Hoa Province, to the west by Gia Lai Province and Dak Lak Province, and to the east by the East Sea. This province is located 1,177 kilometers away from Hanoi and 561 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City.

Phu Yen weather is influenced by the ocean and tropical monsoons, resulting in a hot and humid climate with abundant rainfall. There are two distinct seasons: the rainy season from September to December and the dry season from January to August. The average annual temperature is 26.5ºC, with a maximum of 39ºC and a minimum of 15.5ºC.

Phu Yen Vietnam boasts a rich culture coupled with beautiful natural landscapes, making it a province with great tourism potential. Currently, this province is home to 84 historical sites and 185 intangible cultural heritage assets, including the UNESCO-recognized Bai Choi singing. Additionally, Phu Yen hosts various festivals. In terms of natural landscapes, Phu Yen possesses vast beaches, clear waters, and smooth sandy shores stretching nearly 200 kilometers, along with notable natural attractions like Da Dia Reef, Hon Yen Island, O Loan Lagoon, and more.

2. Top 10 well-known attractions on the Phu Yen Vietnam map

2.1. Da Dia Reef

Da Dia Reef is a famous landmark in Phu Yen Vietnam, known for its unique beauty. Here, millions of years ago, a volcano erupted strongly, and lava flowed smoldering toward the sea. When the heat of the lava met the cold air of the sea, it froze and cracked into the honeycomb-shaped rocks we see today. Visiting Da Dia Reef allows you to witness the breathtaking moment of the sunset embracing the stretch of the ancient rocks and listen to the waves crashing.

2.2. Ganh Den Lighthouse

Ganh Den Lighthouse in Phu Yen Vietnam is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Central Vietnam. Built during the French colonial period, this lighthouse stands 10 meters tall, with a red-and-white alternating light pattern. Positioned on a rocky mountain range facing the sea, the lighthouse offers a poetic sight as the waves crash against rocks. The spacious area beneath the lighthouse is ideal for camping and the rocky cliffs make an excellent fishing spot.

2.3. Dien Cape

Dien Cape, also known as Dai Lanh Cape, is an interesting natural attraction in Phu Yen Vietnam. Here, the over 100-year-old Mui Dien Lighthouse stands proudly before the vast sea. From the lighthouse, visitors can gaze far and wide, appreciating the grandeur of the expansive ocean and Dai Lanh Mountain Range. To the left of Mui Dien Lighthouse is Mon Beach, a picturesque beach with white sand stretching out to welcome visitors.

2.4. Bai Xep Beach

Among Central Vietnam beaches, Bai Xep Beach in Phu Yen Vietnam is a smaller but equally captivating beach. Despite its length of only 500 meters, Bai Xep is favored by nature with deep blue water, golden shimmering sand, lush green grass, magnificent cacti, and impressive rock formations, making it a hot spot. Sitting on the grass, enjoying the sea, feeling the breeze, and listening to the soothing sound of the waves provide a relaxing experience.

2.5. Mang Lang Church

Mang Lang Church, built in 1892, is considered the oldest church in Phu Yen Vietnam. Despite its modest scale, this church impresses with its simple gray-green color tone covered in moss. It is influenced by Gothic architecture with large vaults, bell towers on both sides, a crucifix in the middle, and delicate carvings. Mang Lang Church not only impresses with its ancient architecture but also houses the first Vietnamese romanized script book.

2.6. Nghinh Phong Square

Nghinh Phong Square, with an area of over 7,000 square meters, is a new tourist attraction in Phu Yen Vietnam. The highlight here is Nghinh Phong Twin Towers. Towering 35 meters high, these towers are inspired by Da Dia Reef’s stacked rocks. At night, visitors to Nghinh Phong Square can admire the nighttime seascape, enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, and witness a spectacular sound and lighting show at the twin towers.

2.7. O Loan Lagoon in Phu Yen Vietnam

O Loan Lagoon is a fantastic highlight of any Phu Yen tour. To the west of the lagoon are rolling hills, to the east is a natural sandbar, and in the middle are two large rocks stacked on top of each other. Beyond its picturesque scenery, O Loan Lagoon is a fertile area for aquaculture, producing famous specialties such as blood cockles, squid, and king crabs. It is also the venue for a fishing festival that takes place on the 7th day of the first lunar month.

2.8. Nhan Tower

Nhan Tower in Phu Yen Vietnam is a relatively intact Cham tower. The architecture of Nhan Tower dates back to the 11th-12th centuries. Visitors will be impressed by the massive structure of the tower’s base, body, and roof, intricate carvings, impressive doors, and a Nandin bull statue – a beloved symbol of the Cham people. Nhan Tower hosts the annual Via Ba Festival, a traditional Cham ethnic festival featuring various cultural activities.

2.9. Hon Yen Island

Among the many attractions in Phu Yen Vietnam, Hon Yen stands out with thousands of black and red-brown stone columns standing firmly, creating a magnificent natural painting amidst the sky and sea. Here, visitors can also dive to admire coral reefs in various shapes and colors. Other activities in Hon Yen Phu Yen include going on a coracle ride, discovering the lobster farm, and learning about the professions of making bird’s nests, net weaving, etc.

2.10. Van Hoa Plateau

Van Hoa Plateau attracts tourists with its pleasant air, beautiful natural landscapes, cultural relics, and local cuisine. Here, visitors should not miss out on the historical sites of Bac Ho Church and Go Thi Thung Tunnel. Moreover, you can explore fruit orchards and vegetable gardens to learn about the local way of life. Additionally, you will get to indulge in traditional specialties such as braised chicken in fish sauce, sour soup with “dit” leaf, Son Hoa mushrooms, etc.

3. Top 3 indispensable things to do in Phu Yen Vietnam

3.1. Explore the coastal beauty

With a coastline stretching nearly 200 kilometers, nature has generously bestowed Phu Yen Vietnam with dozens of dreamy Phu Yen beaches, showcasing a pristine beauty harmonizing the mountains, sea, and lush green coconut groves. Visiting Phu Yen Vietnam, tourists can immerse themselves in unforgettable experiences such as witnessing the waves crashing on Da Dia Reef, O Loan Lagoon, Mon Beach, and more.

3.2. Enjoy the local specialties

The cuisine of Phu Yen Vietnam is closely associated with the taste of the sea, representing the characteristics of Central Vietnamese food. Some unique dishes here include:

Tuna, known for its sweet taste, is prepared in various delicious dishes such as braised tuna eyes, tuna salad, etc.
O Loan blood cockles, with their pink, firm, and fragrant flesh, are prepared in various ways: grilled, stir-fried, steamed, etc.
Phu Yen chicken rice stands out with its sweet chicken meat paired with turmeric-flavored rice, fish sauce, and pickled vegetables.
Steamed mackerel scad served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and fish sauce, is also a beloved dish in Phu Yen Vietnam.
Oyster porridge is favored by the people of Phu Yen Vietnam for its fragrant taste.
Vietnamese thick noodle soup has soft and chewy noodles, often eaten with seafood rolls and fresh chives.
Sun-dried beef is grilled over charcoal and dipped in golden ant salt, offering a sweet-savory aroma.
Banh xeo is a combination of crispy crust, chewy shrimp, and fresh vegetables, dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce.

3.3. Take part in some cultural festivals

The land of Phu Yen Vietnam has a long history. Here, don’t miss out on some of the most outstanding cultural festivals among Vietnamese festivals. These include the O Loan Lagoon Festival, the Dam Dong Cam Festival, the Nguyen Tieu Poetry Festival, the Incense Offering Festival at Le Thanh Phuong Temple, the fishing festival, the buffalo fighting festival, the rice harvesting festival, etc. They promise cultural experiences such as folk music, dance, and games.

4. Guide to planning your complete trip to Phu Yen Vietnam

4.1. When is the best time to visit Phu Yen?

The climate in Phu Yen Vietnam has two distinct seasons. For the most convenience, it is advisable to visit during the dry season from January to August. Additionally, you can go on your trip during festivals to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and listen to Bai Choi singing. Phu Yen Vietnam in this season not only offers the opportunity to delve in the blue sea but also an ideal spot for photographers.

4.2. How to get to Phu Yen Vietnam?

Travelers have various transportation options such as airplanes, trains, and buses to travel from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to Phu Yen Vietnam. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air offer flights to Tuy Hoa Airport in Phu Yen. If you are short on budget, the train offers a chance to witness beautiful landscapes along the way. Another affordable alternative is traveling by sleeper bus. If you are in neighboring provinces such as Quy Nhon or Khanh Hoa, you can rent a car or motorbike to drive to Phu Yen Vietnam yourself, exploring the attractions along the way at your own pace.

4.3. What are the best gifts to bring home after your Phu Yen trip?

Sun-dried beef with golden ant salt: The chewy sun-dried beef dipped in unique golden ant salt has become a trademark product of Phu Yen Vietnam.
Hoa Da rice paper: This treat carries the aroma of rice, which becomes especially fragrant and crispy when grilled.
Fish cake is a specialty of Phu Yen Vietnam with a delicious aroma, chewy texture, and enticing flavor.
Shrimp spring rolls: This specialty is made from simple ingredients including thin rice paper, shrimp, and pork belly.
Dried seafood is another specialty of Phu Yen Vietnam. Here, tourists can buy dried squid, dried shrimp, and dried fish.