Things to do in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau
Quy Nhon, a coastal city in central Vietnam, is often overlooked by tourists flocking to more popular destinations like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, this charming city has a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic local culture, making it an excellent destination for anyone wishing to escape the crowds. For its stunning beaches, ancient Cham temples and vibrant local delicacies, Quy Nhon should be on your radar for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience while still wanting the comforts of luxury accommodation.
Things to do in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam
The Maia Resort Quy Nhon team kindly gave us an insider tour of what the locals consider their most prized treasures.
Ong Nui Pagoda & Temple
Ong Nui Pagoda is the number one attraction in Quy Nhon. It’s visible from Maia Resort Quy Nhon in the foothills of Chop Vung Mountain. The enormous white monument is over 300 years old. It is said to be the largest seated Buddha statue in Southeast Asia – 108 metres tall and 52 metres wide. The peaceful figure sits cross-legged on a lotus flower overlooking the bay.
It’s a great workout getting there – 639 steps to reach the top! Alternatively, there are also buggies for hire to ascend the steep climb. We enjoy going on foot as there are many viewpoints on the way. At the bottom is a pretty lotus pond and some ancient trees that make great foregrounds for photos, looking up to the Buddha at the top.
We highly recommend visiting early morning, when it’s a little cooler. We arrive at 7:30 am and appreciate the sea breeze keeping things fresh as we ascend. Once you reach the peak, there is a golden Buddha inside, and another set of steps to go up one more level. From here, you can do a complete loop with the pretty bay dotted with fishing boats on one side, mountains behind, and rice paddies leading out to more hills in the background. Unfortunately, it’s overcast and sprinkling during our visit, but with blue skies, you could surely get some magnificent photos.
Ong Nui Pagoda & Temple
Duong Trung Liong 639 thon,
Puhong Phi, Phu Cat, Binh Dinh
Quy Nhon 820000, Vietnam
Open daily
Free entrance
Twin Cham Towers
For hundreds of years, the Cham people ruled this region of Vietnam (from the 11th to the 15th Centuries). As such, examples of Cham architecture are dotted across the landscape. There are around 14 Cham towers in reasonable condition in the province, but the Twin Cham Towers, located within the city of Quy Nhon, are the most accessible.
Weathered by time and witnessing several wars, the towers have received more than a few knocks. However, in the early nineties, the authorities recognised the importance of their history and began restoring them. Constructed from fired red brick, these two impressive towers were likely religious structures dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Each tower features intricate carvings and unique architectural styles, showcasing the artistic prowess of the Cham people.
The striking orange towers with a lush palm tree foreground are a popular place for tourists to take holiday snaps. With Khmer influence during their construction, we find many similarities to the temples in Angkor Wat. Arriving early in the morning will allow you to quietly explore the carved paintings of deities, animals and dancers inside the towers before the tourist buses arrive. There are a couple of benches on the lawn, ideal spots to slow down and admire the structures from outside.
Twin Cham Towers
Tran Hung Dao Street, Dong Da Ward
Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam
Open daily: 7:00 am – 11:30 am & 1:30 – 5:30 pm
Entrance Fee: VND 10.000
Phu Gia Hat Village
Forty kilometres northeast of Quy Nhon, Phu Gia Hat Village has a 300-year heritage of crafting exquisite nón lá, or “horse hats” as they’re sometimes referred to in this neck of the woods. Once favoured by the elite for their sturdiness and style, these conical hats are meticulously made from bamboo, palm leaves, and pineapple threads. Skilled artisans embroider the hats with intricate designs featuring dragons, phoenixes, and floral motifs, ensuring each piece is a unique work of art. The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has recognised the tradition as a national intangible cultural heritage, so the town is experiencing renewed energy.
We’re fortunate to visit a milliner (? – not sure if the term applies to conical hat-tyers, too), with over 60 years of experience. The trade has been in the family for generations, and, as such, there is an impressive collection of nón lá here, some over 300 years old! We see various styles topped with metal, colourful tufts and tortoise shells. Once, only the wealthy were allowed to use decorative tops; the villagers were regaled to plain, non-descript designs. Collectors from around the world have offered high prices for their sales, but these are national heritage pieces, so they are not for sale.
Phu Gia Hat Village
Cat Tuong Commune, Phu Cat District, Binh Dinh Province
Quy Nhon Coastline – Beaches & Fishing Villages
While heritage sites enrich any visit to Quy Nhon, the spectacular coastline attracts international tourists. Only recently developed for tourism, the region is reasonably untouched, and you can still find numerous quaint towns, fishing villages, and isolated bays along the coast. Stretching for miles, the coastline juxtaposes rugged cliffs and pristine beaches.
Kayak through the turquoise waters surrounding Cu Lao Xanh Island, a hidden gem with a laid-back atmosphere. Unwind on the white sands of Ky Co Beach, known for its clear water and gentle waves. Eo Gio Beach is known for its dramatic rock formations hugging the shore and strong winds, creating an invigorating experience. Bai Xep and Hai Nam are picturesque fishing villages.
However, many newly built resorts like Maia Resort Quy Nhon – A Fusion Resort have taken full advantage of the address, providing direct beach access, daily beach clean-ups, watersports, and lifeguards. If you want to stay resort-bound, the best properties are set up to oblige.
Local Speciality – Bun Ram
We take a break from our sightseeing schedule for lunch at My Hanh Restaurant in Quy Nhon City, with a unique taste of the sea with Bun Ram, a must-try dish for any foodie. This specialty consists of vermicelli noodles served in a fragrant broth crafted from ground rạm (fiddler crab), a small crab-like crustacean found in local lagoons. The rạm imbues the broth with a subtle sweetness and a hint of salinity, perfectly complementing the rice noodles. Fresh herbs, julienned vegetables, and crispy rice crackers (you break a large one into smaller pieces and add to your liking) add textural contrasts. You can also add a squeeze of lime and fresh red chilli for more oomph.
Bún Rạm – Bún Tôm Mỹ Hạnh Quy Nhơn
48 Ngô Gia Tự, Nguyễn Văn Cừ
Thành phố Qui Nhơn, Bình Định, Vietnam
+84 974 744 009
Opening Hours
Daily: 6 am – 4 pm
Phuong Mai Wind Farm
Heading back to Maia Resort Quy Nhon, the scenic route connecting Quy Nhon to Trung Luong Beach is a dramatic landscape. Okay, so maybe the Phuong Mai Wind Farm is not an attraction in itself, but the towering turbines are striking structures. The slow-rotating vanes stand guard over golden sand dunes, creating a unique spectacle. It’s a small glimpse into Vietnam’s growing commitment to sustainable energy and a notable mark on the topography.
Quy Nhon – Best Time to Visit
Target the dry season for the ultimate Quy Nhon escape, ideally between March and September. During this golden window, you’ll be met with consistently sunny skies, low humidity, and comfortable temperatures averaging around 27°C. This prime period also coincides with calm seas, perfect for exploring the offshore islands or paddling in the water.
Getting There
Quy Nhon is accessible by air, with direct flights available from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, visitors can take a train or bus from neighbouring cities like Danang and Nha Trang, which is what made the most sense for us on this trip from Kuala Lumpur. We flew into Danang with a direct flight from KL, stayed a few days exploring the coast and Hoi An and then took the luxurious train carriage The Vietage to Quy Nhon. After our Quy Nhon stay, we continued south, once more on The Vietage, ending up in Nha Trang (also worth a few nights) before returning on a direct flight from Cam Ranh to Malaysia. Both the Danang and Cam Ranh airport experiences were seamless and pleasant, quite the opposite of past entries to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Both airports are relatively new, and it only took a few minutes to pass through immigration and customs.
Things to do in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam
I’d get in quick with a visit to Quy Nhon while it remains relatively untouched by mass international tourism. With natural beauty, rich history, cultural charm and a selection of brand-new beachside luxury resorts, the calm is not expected to last too long. So, pack your bags, embrace the laid-back pace, and embark on an unforgettable journey to Quy Nhon, Vietnam’s untouched jewel.
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