Phu Yen’s sea and islands - where blue waters and white clouds inviting

Summer is knocking! With its 189km stretch of coastline winding like a soft silk ribbon, Phu Yen is quickly becoming a beloved destination for travelers seeking golden sunshine and blue seas.

Visitors enjoying wearing life jackets, diving goggles to explore coral reefs at Hon Chua
Visitors enjoying wearing life jackets, diving goggles to explore coral reefs at Hon Chua

Pristine Beauty

With a coastline stretching 189 kilometers, from Xuan Dai Bay in the north to Hon Nua at the southernmost tip, Phu Yen boasts a rich and captivating treasure of marine and island nature. It is emerging as a must-visit destination in the summer of 2025 for travelers seeking untouched, pristine beauty.

The sea of Phu Yen reflects a harmonious blend of mountains and waves, rocks and water. Gentle, sprawling beaches seem to beckon visitors to immerse themselves in the refreshing waters. Tuy Hoa Beach - the city’s central bathing spot with boasts fine white sand, an open coastal park space, and the striking Nghinh Phong Tower as its centerpiece. It’s an ideal place for those seeking relaxation with urban conveniences while still savoring the breath of the ocean. With its long, clean, and flat sandy stretch, this beach seems to light up in summer under the radiant glow of sunrise and the vibrant hues of sunset. A little farther out lies Long Thuy Beach, known for its peaceful charm, quiet fishing village, and calm waters as smooth as a lake - perfect for family vacations. Long Thuy offers a serene touch, where locals and tourists alike often come to swim, play sports, or enjoy early mornings exploring the bustling seaside market, filled with boats and life right on the sand.

On the travel map of Vietnam, Phu Yen may not be a loud or overly prominent destination, but it is precisely this quiet, humble charm that allows the region to preserve its rare, pristine beauty. Along National Road 1 or the newly opened coastal road, travelers can easily come across postcard-worthy beaches - white sands, clear blue waters, gentle waves, and a tranquil atmosphere.

National scenic spot of undefeated reputation

One of the hidden gems of Phu Yen’s coastline is Xuan Dai Bay - often referred to as the “miniature Ha Long Bay” of Central Vietnam. Located in Song Cau town, about 50 kilometers north of Tuy Hoa City, the bay is known for its sheltered waters, calm surface, and picturesque natural scenery.

Xuan Dai Bay boasts numerous small islands, peninsulas, and picturesque fishing villages. A standout is Nhat Tu Son Island, connected to the mainland by a sandy path that emerges during low tide. This spot is perfect for camping, hiking, exploring limestone caves, and enjoying fresh seafood caught directly by local fishermen.

The bay is sheltered by the Xuan Thinh and Tu Nham peninsulas, enclosing fishing villages, salt fields, and lagoons dotted with traditional basket boats gently bobbing with the waves. Surrounding the bay are traditional craft villages specializing in fish sauce production, dried fish, and aquaculture, etc. offering vibrant and authentic community-based tourism experiences. This area is not only ideal for exploring the beauty of the sea but also for experiencing the genuine, simple life of local fishermen firsthand.

If Phu Yen were a poem, then Da Dia Reef would be a unique, striking, majestic, and unparalleled verse. Da Dia Reef – a geological masterpiece by the sea!

This special national heritage site is located in An Ninh Dong Commune, Tuy An District, about 35 kilometers from Tuy Hoa. The site features thousands of basalt columns with hexagonal and pentagonal shapes stacked atop one another like a pile of plates - creating a spectacular and unique landscape in Vietnam.

In summer, Da Dia Reef becomes even more captivating as the sea waves crash against the rocks, creating a soothing roar and white foam. Combined with the sunlight and breeze, visitors can truly feel the power and beauty of nature. Not far from there is Ganh Den, home to a lighthouse that lights up the night sea - an ideal spot for checking in to catch the sunrise or watch the sunset.

Strolling along the coastal island

Phu Yen’s sea is not only known for its beautiful coastline but also for its unique system of coastal islands. Among them, the most remarkable is the Hon Yen archipelago in Tuy An district. On days when the tide recedes, a vibrant coral reef is revealed, presenting a spectacular and rare natural scene in Vietnam.

Located about 4 km from the mainland in An Hoa Hai commune, Tuy An district, Cu lao Mai Nha is known as Phu Yen’s “Robinson Island” thanks to its pristine beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Covering less than 1.5 km², the island appears as a green dot amid the vast sea and sky, distinguished by its fine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters revealing the seabed, and layered rocky formations that add a unique touch to the landscape. This is a place of rare tranquility and untouched natural charm.

Visitors to Cu lao Mai Nha often choose to camp overnight, snorkel to admire the vibrant coral reefs, or kayak around the island. Campfire nights by the sea, accompanied by the gentle sound of waves, a sky full of twinkling stars, and the salty breeze from the ocean, create a magical atmosphere that makes every moment at Cu lao Mai Nha truly special and unforgettable. Cu lao Mai Nha is not just a place to relax but a sanctuary to reconnect with nature, where one can momentarily escape the city's hustle and bustle and listen to their own heart amid the serene embrace of the ocean.

Hon Chua, located not far from the Long Thuy shoreline, boasts crystal-clear waters perfect for paddleboarding, snorkeling to explore vibrant coral reefs, or simply immersing yourself in the vast, tranquil ocean scenery.

Further south lies Hon Nua, the natural boundary between Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa. This island is like a “gem,” featuring long stretches of fine white sandy beaches, lush green forests, emerald blue waters, and a refreshing climate all year round. This is a favorite spot for young adventurers who love exploring, trekking, overnight camping, fishing, and stargazing right on the untouched sandy beaches, experiencing the true essence of “slow living.”

Miss Tourism Ambassador 2024 Dinh Thi Hoa visited the islands and coastline of Phu Yen and shared her impressions: The beauty of Phu Yen’s sea and islands comes not only from its stunning landscapes but also from the warmth of its people. The peaceful fishing villages along the coast still preserve their traditional way of life, where fishermen set out at sunset and return at dawn, and the laughter of children blends harmoniously with the sound of the waves. The fresh seafood, simply prepared yet bursting with flavor - grilled oysters with scallion oil, oceanic tuna eye, seafood porridge, sea urchin-adds an unforgettable taste to every journey exploring this land.

Translated by HAI LOAN

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