Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon (Vietnamese: Quy Nhơn), the capital of Bình Định province on the coast of central Vietnam, is a city long dismissed by Vietnamese and foreign travellers alike. But for those in the know, that disregard is precisely what makes Quy Nhon the rarest of gems: a beach city in Southeast Asia unspoiled by the ravages of mass tourism. With a population of 457,000 (2019), it stands in stark contrast to the commercialism of other Vietnamese beach cities like Da Nang.

Bordered on both sides by layers of mountains receding into the hazy distance, the natural beauty of Quy Nhon's waterfront has inspired poets for centuries. A sparkling promenade runs along the length of the city's 5-km beach. Just off the promenade, dozens of open-air restaurants with sweeping 180-degree ocean views grill seafood caught hours before by local fishermen. Outside the centre, you will find tiny fishing villages, the best-preserved 11th-century Champa ruins in Vietnam, panoramic views from mountain roads, and pristine beaches.

Quy Nhon has a tropical savanna climate. The peak tourist season runs from April to mid-September, with hot and sticky weather (around 32°C / 90°F). The monsoon season from mid-September to mid-December brings torrential rain. Mid-December to mid-February is the coolest period, with daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F). The centre of Quy Nhon lies on a small peninsula. Trần Hưng Đạo street runs east to west through the city centre. Nguyễn Tất Thành avenue splits the city into east–west halves, with the eastern side being more developed.

By Plane

Phu Cat Airport (UIH) is about 30 km northwest of Quy Nhon city centre. Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air operate daily flights from Hanoi (HND) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). A taxi to the city centre costs around 250,000–350,000 dong and takes about 40 minutes. An airport bus also runs during flight times for about 50,000 dong.

By Train

Quy Nhon Railway Station (Ga Quy Nhơn) is about 10 km northwest of the city centre on the north–south Reunification Express line. Daily trains serve Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. The station is served by a branch line that splits from the main line at Diêu Trì. A taxi from the station to the city centre costs about 80,000–100,000 dong.

By Car / Road

Quy Nhon is connected by National Highway 1A. Buses from major cities run frequently to Quy Nhon Bus Station on Tây Sơn Street. From Da Nang: about 300 km, 5–6 hours. From Nha Trang: about 220 km, 4 hours. From Ho Chi Minh City: about 650 km, 12–13 hours. Several bus companies serve the route, with prices ranging from 200,000–400,000 dong.

Quy Nhon is walkable in the city centre, especially along the beachfront promenade. Taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun) are reliable and metered, with flagfall around 10,000 dong. Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate in the city. Xe ôm (motorbike taxis) are ubiquitous for short trips. Bicycle and motorbike rental are available at many hotels and guesthouses for around 100,000–150,000 dong per day.

• Tháp Đôi (Twin Towers): A well-preserved pair of 12th-century Champa towers, the most accessible Cham ruins in Quy Nhon. Located on Trần Hưng Đạo street. Free entry, open daily.

• Quang Trung Museum: A sprawling museum complex dedicated to Emperor Quang Trung (Nguyễn Huệ), the Tây Sơn leader. Located about 60 km northwest in Phú Phong village. Includes a martial arts performance gala. Entry 30,000 dong.

• Bãi Xép (Xep Beach): A tiny fishing village and beach 15 km south of the city, famous as a filming location for the movie The Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass. Dramatic rock formations and calm waters.

• Eo Gió: A spectacular coastal cliff viewpoint about 20 km northeast on the Phương Mai Peninsula. Narrow winding paths along sheer cliffs with stunning ocean vistas. Entry 25,000 dong.

• Kỳ Co Beach: A pristine white-sand beach accessible by boat from Eo Gió or Nhơn Lý fishing village. Crystal-clear turquoise water. Boat trips cost around 200,000 dong per person.

• Long Khánh Pagoda: The largest Buddhist temple in Quy Nhon, featuring a 17-m-tall standing Buddha statue. Located on Lê Hồng Phong street. Free entry.

• Bình Định martial arts: Watch a performance or take a class. The Quang Trung Museum puts on a martial arts gala each year on the anniversary of the 1789 victory. Statues of famous fighters line the beach promenade.

• Beach lounging: Quy Nhon's 5-km city beach has gentle waves and clean sand. Public access is open along the entire promenade.

• Boat trip to Kỳ Co and Eo Gió: A half-day trip by traditional fishing boat from Nhơn Lý village. Snorkelling and swimming included. Around 200,000–400,000 dong per person.

• Seafood feast on the beach: Dozens of open-air restaurants along Xuân Diệu street serve grilled seafood on tiny plastic stools with ocean views.

• Cycling to fishing villages: Rent a bicycle and explore the coastal villages south of the city, including Bãi Xép and Ghềnh Ráng.

Quy Nhon is one of Vietnam's premier seafood destinations. The beachfront restaurants on Xuân Diệu street are the highlight — choose your live catch from buckets and have it grilled, steamed, or made into soup.

• Bánh hỏi lòng heo: A Bình Định specialty of fine rice vermicelli noodles served with grilled pork intestines and fresh herbs. Look for street stalls in the city centre.
• Nem nướng (Bình Định-style): Grilled pork skewers served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. At Nem Nướng Lượng on Trần Hưng Đạo.
• Bún chả cá: Fish cake noodle soup, a breakfast staple. Try Bún Chả Cá Cô Gái on Phan Bội Châu street (20,000–30,000 dong).
• Bánh xèo: Crispy Vietnamese crepes filled with shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs. Available at night markets.
• Cháo vịt: Duck porridge, a local comfort dish, at stalls along Nguyễn Tất Thành.
• Seafood grill: Ốc Như on Xuân Diệu for grilled snails, clams, and oysters with dipping salt.

Vegetarian options are limited but available at Buddhist temple eateries and a few dedicated quán chay (vegetarian restaurants) around the city.

• Bia Quy Nhơn: Local beer, crisp and refreshing, available everywhere.
• Rượu Bầu Đá: A potent rice wine (40–50% ABV) from the village of Bầu Đá, about 30 km northwest. Traditionally served in ceramic jars.
• Cà phê sữa đá: Iced Vietnamese milk coffee, ubiquitous at street-side cafés. Café 86 on Nguyễn Tất Thành is a popular local spot.
• Nước dừa: Fresh coconut water sold by vendors on the beach.
• Trà đá: Iced tea, the free or near-free accompaniment at almost every eatery.

Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water (5,000–10,000 dong).

• Budget: The Social Beach House — A beachfront hostel at 92 Xuân Diệu. Dorm beds from 120,000 dong/night. Backpackers Hostel Quy Nhơn — Dorm beds around 100,000 dong.
• Mid-range: Hải Âu Hotel (Seagull Hotel) on An Dương Vương — Double rooms from 400,000 dong/night, sea views. Boomerang Hostel — Private rooms from 350,000 dong.
• Upscale: Ava Resort & Spa on Xuân Diệu — A 4-star beachfront resort. Rooms from 1,500,000 dong/night. FLC Luxury Resort Quy Nhơn — 5-star resort on the Phương Mai Peninsula. Rooms from 2,500,000 dong/night.

Quy Nhon's main market is Chợ Lớn Quy Nhơn (Quy Nhon Market) on Nguyễn Huệ street, selling everything from fresh seafood to clothing and souvenirs. Bình Định specialty products include: rượu Bầu Đá (a high-proof rice wine from Bầu Đá village), bánh ít lá gai (glutinous rice cakes wrapped in leaves), and dried seafood. The night market on the beachfront promenade (evenings) sells handicrafts and street food. Bargaining is expected at markets.

• Da Nang — 300 km north (5–6 hr by road or train). Major city with beaches, Marble Mountains, and Bà Nà Hills.
• Nha Trang — 220 km south (4 hr by road or train). Vietnam's premier beach resort city with excellent diving.
• Hội An — 320 km north (6 hr). UNESCO-listed ancient trading port, tailor shops, lantern-lit old town.
• Kon Tum — 180 km west (4 hr). Central Highlands town with ethnic minority villages and Catholic wooden churches.
• Pleiku — 200 km northwest (4 hr by road). Gateway to the Central Highlands and entry to the Tây Nguyên region.
• Bà Nà Hills — 310 km north. Hill station with French-colonial villas and the famous Golden Bridge.