Visiting Quy Nhon without exploring its surroundings would be a tremendous mistake. Indeed, it is in these areas that the region's most beautiful tourist sites are hidden. Discover them in this guide.

While the city of Quy Nhon, in central Vietnam, already captivates with its long beach nestled in a bay, as well as other attractions such as the Binh Dinh Museum and Long Khanh Pagoda, its surroundings reveal even more compelling sites and enchanting experiences. In fact, it is in the areas around this city that you will see some of the finest examples of monuments left behind by Cham culture. It is in the zones surrounding Quy Nhon where you can also immerse yourself in traditional Vietnamese life, discovering for instance the Nhon Ly fishing village, or enjoying beautiful moments at Eo Gio beach.

A brief history of this region

From the 11th century onwards, the region around Quy Nhon became the center of the Cham kingdom of Vijaya. The royal family resided in the Cha Ban citadel, located not far from the city. In 1471, the region was conquered by the Vietnamese, which led the Cham to flee south or to Cambodia.

During the Vietnam War, Quy Nhon experienced a strong presence of American forces, marked by a major logistics base and the construction of an airport in the heart of the city. By the late 1990s, the airport zone had been dismantled and then redeveloped. Today it has become Quy Nhon's new downtown.

What to do around Quy Nhon?

Discover traces of the Champa kingdom

Vestiges of Cham civilization are still visible in the Quy Nhon region, the most famous being the twin towers, the Banh It towers, and the citadel of Vijaya, capital of the Champa kingdom.

The Twin Towers

Just 3 kilometers from Quy Nhon city center stand the Cham twin towers, also known as the Hung Thanh towers. These temples, built of red brick, date from the 13th century and feature sculptures of mythological animals that recount the stories of Cham civilization.

The taller tower reaches approximately 20 meters in height, while its twin stands 18 meters tall. Inside you'll find a stone mill, which was once used to grind rice flour for making cakes.

The Banh It Towers

The Banh It towers, meanwhile, are located 15 km from Quy Nhon, amid the pastoral landscapes of the region. The complex consists of 4 religious sites which, like the twin towers, also reflect the architecture of the Champa kingdom, with red bricks. Their foundation dates back more than a millennium.

The Vijaya Citadel

The Vijaya Citadel is nestled 30 kilometers from the city of Quy Nhon. Having not withstood the test of time, only a portion is visitable today. However, thanks to archaeological excavations, this thousand-year-old site is gradually revealing its secrets.

Enjoy beaches and encounter marine creatures

Quy Nhon is known for its picturesque beaches with bicolored waters. The Vietnamese even call it the "Maldives of Vietnam." Among the must-see beaches in the region are Ky Co and Eo Gio.

Ky Co Beach is located about twenty kilometers southeast of Quy Nhon. Displaying enchanting beauty, it nestles between two large rocky mountains. Its waters are crystalline. Ky Co is an ideal spot for water activities such as diving and swimming.

Eo Gio Beach is also about twenty kilometers from Quy Nhon city, though it is situated to the north. This coastal strip is protected by a small cove formed by karst cliffs, and is characterized by strong, refreshing winds. Tourists can relax here or follow the trail alongside it to soak in its beauty. The beach waters are populated with coral reefs, where various marine creatures have made their home.

Explore Hon Kho Island

Hon Kho Island, also known as Cu Lao Hon Kho, ranks among the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Quy Nhon region. Belonging to Nhon Hai commune, it is located just a few hours' drive from Quy Nhon city center and 10 km offshore.

The island covers only a few hundred square meters. It evokes the image of a gigantic rock lying in the sea when viewed from the coast. With few residents, its appeal lies in its picturesque, virtually untouched landscapes, its white sand beaches, small sea rocks, and wonderful coral reefs, which also feature rich marine fauna and are favorable for diving.

Visit the Nhon Ly fishing village

Approximately 20 kilometers separate the Nhon Ly fishing village from Quy Nhon city. Simple yet charming, this coastal locale on the Phuong Mai peninsula is cradled by verdant hills. Here, tourists discover local fishermen going about their work. You can accompany them or ask them to take you to neighboring beaches, such as Ky Co.

Marvel at the Phuong Mai sand dunes

Beyond the Nhon Ly fishing village, the Phuong Mai peninsula also holds another wonder: its sand dunes. These border the Nhon Ly sea and are accessible after a twenty-minute walk from the village.

These sand hills, which recall golden silks, are among the most charming in Binh Dinh province. Most of them rise between 20 and 30 meters high. Some reach 100 meters in altitude. Exploring these dunes gives visitors the feeling of being small and lost amid a vast expanse of sand.

The Phuong Mai sand dunes can be visited at any time of day. However, to avoid the heat, it is advisable to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Beyond the superb views they offer, these sand hills are also suited to fun activities such as sandboarding and motorbike rides.

Visit Ghenh Rang – Tien Sa

Ghenh Rang – Tien Sa is a tourist zone located 3 km from Quy Nhon city center. Attracting many tourists, it was declared a national monument by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture and Information. Some of its pearls include Egg Stone Beach, a beach filled with egg-shaped rocks and overlooked by a cliff; Tien Sa Beach, a miniature version of Nha Trang Beach, embellished with green pines and covered with white sand embraced by crystalline blue sea; and the tomb of the famous Vietnamese poet Han Mac Tu.

Practical information

When to visit the Quy Nhon region?

The best time to visit Quy Nhon and Binh Dinh province is during the dry season, from February to August. During this part of the year, temperatures are warm but remain pleasant thanks to the refreshing ocean breeze. Moreover, several traditional festivals, such as boat races, take place during this season.

Although Quy Nhon is generally spared from extreme weather conditions like heavy rains and typhoons, it is advisable not to visit during the rainy season (from September to January, and especially during October, when rains are frequent and the ocean is rough due to storms).

To reach Quy Nhon, flying is recommended if you're coming from major distant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Buses are an economical option if you're already in neighboring cities such as Da Nang and Nha Trang. Trains are available from various coastal cities throughout Vietnam. They offer comfortable but slow travel. For those with an adventurous spirit, Quy Nhon is also pleasant to reach by motorbike. While this means of transport allows for freer exploration and should be considered, caution is warranted during the journey.

To reach the attractions in the region, a car or motorbike is the most convenient option. You can use a bicycle for short trips, as the area surrounding the city is relatively flat.