This coastal city in central Vietnam has long beaches and clear waters. Local fishermen bring fresh seafood daily to the beachfront restaurants and markets.
Quy Nhơn stretches along Vietnam's central coast, where local life continues largely unchanged by international tourism. Walk through the morning fish market as vendors auction off fresh catches, climb the ancient Banh It Towers, or watch fishermen navigate their round bamboo boats at dawn. At night, the streets fill with food carts selling bánh xèo tôm nhảy - crispy pancakes with fresh shrimp that jump when hitting the hot pan.
Getting to Quy Nhơn
Daily flights connect Phu Cat Airport (30 kilometers from city center) with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Trains stop at Dieu Tri station, 10 kilometers from downtown. Take a taxi or public bus from either terminal to reach the city. The wide waterfront boulevard makes it easy to explore by motorbike or bicycle, which you can rent from shops throughout the city center.
Best Time to Visit
Visit between January and March when temperatures range from 20-25°C with minimal rain. March through August brings dry weather but temperatures above 35°C. November and December see frequent rainfall that can limit beach activities.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Bai Xep beach, 12 kilometers south of the center, sits beside a working fishing village where round bamboo boats line the shore each morning. At Nhon Ly beach, the Phuong Mai sand dunes rise from the coastline - climb them at sunrise for photos or try sandboarding down their slopes. The waters around the offshore islands have 5-10 meter visibility for snorkeling, with brain coral and parrotfish common near the surface.
Local Food Specialties
The night market comes alive with food stalls after sunset. Try bún chả cá, rice noodles in a dill-flavored broth with grilled fish cakes, or chả ram tôm đất - crispy fried spring rolls stuffed with local ground shrimp. Morning markets sell fresh seafood and Vietnamese coffee, with locals gathering for breakfast at plastic tables along the sidewalks.
Cham Architecture and History
The 11th-century Banh It Towers stand on a hilltop reached by climbing 200 stone steps. The brick towers contain small shrines with stone carvings showing Champa religious motifs. From the top, you can see across rice paddies to the South China Sea. Visit early morning when temperatures are cooler and the light is best for photography.
Exploring Beyond the City
Small fishing boats take visitors to nearby islands for snorkeling trips, typically departing at 8:00 AM and returning by lunch. The rocky cliffs at Eo Gio face west, making them an ideal sunset viewing point. Cycle through the surrounding countryside on narrow paths past rice fields and salt flats. Stop at village markets or watch the morning fish auctions where buyers bid on the night's catch. The fishing communities north and south of Quy Nhơn welcome visitors who want to learn about traditional fishing methods and daily life along the coast.
