Song Cau is a small coastal town situated on the northern coast of Phu Yen Province in central Vietnam. Framed by Xuan Dai Bay and backed by mountainous foothills, it serves as the gateway to Robinson Island and several beaches still largely untouched by international tourism. This guide gathers essential information for planning a stay in Song Cau: sights to see, climate, access, and nearby attractions.

Why visit Song Cau

Song Cau appeals to travellers seeking a coastal break away from the main Hanoi – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City circuit. The region combines tranquil beaches, sheltered bays, boat-accessible islets, and fishing villages still rooted in their traditional practices. The opening of the Zannier Bai San Ho resort in the area has put the zone on the luxury tourism map, yet most of the coastline remains undeveloped.

It is also a practical base for exploring central and southern Vietnam, midway between Quy Nhon to the north and Nha Trang to the south.

History and context

Song Cau's position between sea and the Annamite range has long made it an anchorage point for fishing and coastal trade along Phu Yen's shore. Coastal villages maintain a way of life organised around the sea, with fishing techniques passed down locally and aquaculture activities (oysters, lobsters, farmed fish in cages) highly visible in Xuan Dai Bay.

Phu Yen Province, long marginalised in major tourism flows, began developing after the release of the Vietnamese film Toi Thay Hoa Vang Tren Co Xanh (2015), shot in the region and which popularised its landscapes.

What to see and do

Xuan Dai Bay and beaches

Xuan Dai Bay forms a vast sheltered maritime expanse, lined by Vinh Hoa and Tu Nham beaches. Calm waters, pale sand, minimal development: use is primarily for swimming and contemplation. Aquaculture farms dot the bay and explain much of the local cuisine, renowned for its seafood.

Nhat Tu Son Island

A small island connected to the coast by a sandbar passable at low tide, Nhat Tu Son is one of Phu Yen's most photographed sites. The walk across is only possible for a few hours each day; check the tides before visiting.

Fishing villages

Several coastal villages live to the rhythm of sea departures and morning markets. A boat tour through the bay allows you to observe fish farms, traditional round boats (thung chai), and the morning catch coming ashore.

Inland and the Zannier Bai San Ho resort

South of Song Cau, the coast alternates between rocky capes and secluded coves. The Zannier Bai San Ho hotel complex, set on the beach, has become a landmark on the map; even without staying there, its surroundings offer excellent viewpoints.

When to go

Temperatures in Song Cau fluctuate year-round between 22 °C and 34 °C. The most favourable period runs from late January to early April: generally clear skies, calm sea, warmth still bearable. The rainy season, from May to October, can bring sustained showers and typhoon risks towards the end, which complicates boat outings and some bathing.

How to get there

The nearest airport is Tuy Hoa, approximately 45 km south of Song Cau. It is connected daily to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From the airport, allow around one hour by taxi or private car to reach the town.

By train, the north-south line serves Tuy Hoa. Allow approximately 24 hours from Hanoi and around 12 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. A road transfer then completes the journey to Song Cau.

Long-distance buses also connect the country's major cities to Tuy Hoa and Song Cau, but journey times are lengthy (around twenty hours from Hanoi) and comfort varies by operator.

Nearby

Song Cau fits naturally into an itinerary along central and southern Vietnam's coast. Several stops complement this destination well:

• Hai Van Pass, further north, for the scenic route between Hue and Da Nang.
• Bach Ma, a mid-mountain national park suited to hiking.
• Phan Rang Thap Cham, to the south, for Cham towers and arid landscapes.
• Ca Na, a beach stop on the same coast.
• Di Linh, in the highlands, to venture inland.

Frequently asked questions

Include Song Cau in your trip

Song Cau fits into a journey along the central coast, complementing cultural stops like Hue or Hoi An. To plan a tailor-made itinerary including Phu Yen Province, consult our Vietnam trip suggestions.