Tucked away on Vietnam's central coast, Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh Province is packed with life and adventure while still remaining under the radar.
With its stunning beaches, intricate temples, and fishing villages that are waiting to be discovered, there's no better time to visit Quy Nhon than now!
Plan your trip today with our list of the 11 best things to do in Quy Nhon. We've also included the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and many insider tips you won't want to miss!
Planning to Visit Quy Nhon Soon?
Booking hotels in Quy Nhon: Booking.com is our go-to platform to search for amazing hotels. Here are the top hotels in Quy Nhon.
Booking tours in Quy Nhon: Viator and GetYourGuide are the best platforms to find tours and excursions to join in Quy Nhon. Here are some tours you can book right away that will let you experience Quy Nhon and more.
1. Private Tour Around Quy Nhon City
2. Squid Fishing Tour at Nhon Ly
3. Trekking and Snorkeling in Nhon Ly
Want a hassle-free arrival from the airport? Book this private Quy Nhon transfer that will take you to the city center in no time.
11 Best Things to Do in Quy Nhon, Vietnam
Looking for the top things to do in Quy Nhon? Here's a list of must-see attractions in the coastal city. These are the activities we've enjoyed on our recent trip, which we recommend you shouldn’t miss in Quy Nhon.
1. Explore Quy Nhon Beaches
Just like its neighboring province, Phu Yen, Quy Nhon is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam. Spend your days relaxing on the soft sand or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of beaches such as Queen’s Beach, Quy Hoa Beach and Bai Xep Beach.
Read: Best Things to Do in Phu Yen Province
2. Walk Along the Promenade
Apart from various smaller beaches, Quy Nhon Beach is located right at the heart of the city, spanning about 5km. Next to it lies a promenade that runs along the beach, making it a great place to walk, especially in the afternoon.
The promenade is well maintained, with toilets and vending machines set up. There are multiple street stalls selling drinks and snacks, as well as vendors on a bike selling fruits and ice cream. In the afternoon, locals fill the promenade to hang out, exercise, and swim.
Have you finalized your Vietnam itinerary? Read our comprehensive 1-month Vietnam itinerary and plan your trip today. If you don't have much time, here is our 2-week North Vietnam itinerary that will allow you to experience the highlights of the region, including Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh.
3. Spend the Day at Ky Co Beach
When it comes to Quy Nhon beaches, you can't leave out Ky Co Beach.
It is regarded as the "Maldives of Vietnam," thanks to its turquoise waters and white sand. Aside from that, its location tucked between mountains attracts many visitors seeking peace and quiet.
Ky Co Beach is about 25km from Quy Nhon's city center, and access can be difficult due to its secludedness. That, combined with an entrance fee of 170,000 VND (7 USD), makes the visit only worthwhile if you intend to spend the entire day at the beach.
Read: The Most Beautiful Beach in Phu Yen Province
4. Visit Nhon Hai Fishing Village
Apart from the picturesque beaches, Quy Nhon boasts multiple traditional fishing villages that are dotted along its coast. One of them is the Nhon Hai fishing village, which is located around 20 kilometers from the city center.
Explore the fishing village and experience the beauty of its shore, unmappable alleyways, and vibrant local life. Also, don't miss out on the village's famous squid pancakes!
Read More: Nhon Hai: A Must-Visit Fishing Village
5. Roam Around Nhon Ly Village
Situated at the tip of the Phuong Mai Peninsula in Binh Dinh Province lies Nhon Ly, another peaceful fishing village worth visiting in Quy Nhon. It is not far from Nhon Hai village and is nestled between rocky cliffs and sand dunes.
Its location, along with its blue and white color scheme, makes the village picturesque. It reminded us a bit of Santorini with the white walls, blue accent windows, and gates found throughout the village.
Walk around the winding alleys, stop by charming cafés, and keep an eye out for the colorful murals.
Read: Visit Lao Xa Village in Ha Giang Province
6. Stop by Nhon Ly Fishing Port
Apart from the winding roads in Nhon Ly, don’t miss the fishing port filled with local fishing activities.
Located in the southern part of the village, the fishing port is a bustling hub of activity. Here, you can see fishermen unloading their catch of the day and mending their nets, while the women haggle over daily prices.
Next to the port, you can visit Phuoc Sa Pagoda (Chua Phuoc Sa) perched on a hill. We didn't get to go because we were wearing shorts, but it looked peaceful and a good place to explore if you're dressed appropriately.
7. Watch the Sunset at Eo Gio
Eo Gio is a viewpoint where you can enjoy stunning views of the coast and rugged cliffs. It is one of the most iconic places to visit in Quy Nhon, so expect some crowds.
For a fee of 22,000 VND (1 USD), you can walk along the stone pathways that hug the cliff, climb between boulders, and even descend the steps to the rocky beach below.
Eo Gio is a popular tourist attraction in Quy Nhon, and it is worth a visit especially if you are already in Nhon Ly Village. We recommend visiting early in the morning or towards sunset to avoid the heat.
Read: Discover the Beautiful Coast of Con Dao Islands
8. Climb the Steps of Linh Phong Pagoda
Linh Phong Pagoda, also known as Ong Nui Temple, features a massive Buddha statue that sits on top of a hill. It is located in Cat Tien commune of Phu Cat district, about 25 kilometers from Quy Nhon center.
With no entrance fee, you can climb up the staggering 600 steps to the top and enjoy the panoramic views. Remember to bring water for the challenging climb, or buy some at the vendors near the entrance.
Don't let the stairs stop you from seeing the Buddha up close. You can hop on a motorbike to the top for 50,000 VND (2 USD) and another 30,000 VND (1.30 USD) to get down.
Read: Visit the Marble Mountains in Danang
9. Explore Banh It Cham Towers
From Linh Phong Pagoda, head next to the Banh It Tower Complex, which is about a 30 minute drive.
The complex consists of four red brick temples that were built on top of a small hill during the Cham Dynasty. Don't worry, unlike Linh Phong Pagoda, the Banh It Tower only has about 100 stone steps.
There's an entrance fee of 18,000 VND (less than 1 USD) to explore the ancient temples, plus you get to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Read More: Discover the Banh It Towers in Binh Dinh Province
10. Admire the Fish Market in Xuan Hai
The morning fish market located in Xuan Hai, Song Cau, is nothing short of mind-boggling.
Get there before sunrise and witness the mayhem unfold right before your eyes. From dozens of boats mooring near the coast to hundreds of buckets filled with anchovies getting hauled to shore, the fish market is a sight to behold.
It is the most hectic yet mesmerizing fishing market we've ever seen in Vietnam. Which says a lot because we've visited quite a few of them, including the more well-known fishing markets in Mui Ne and Hoi An.
The fish market is located about 18 kilometers from the center of Quy Nhon. Getting there is fairly simple, with the exception of the final part, where it can be difficult to find the road leading to the shore, especially in the dark.
Tip: Find the exact location of Xuan Hai fish market here.
11. Visit Bai Xep Village
A short distance from the fishing market lies Bai Xep, a small village in Quy Nhon known for its tranquility.
The road to the village is steep and narrow, and cars cannot enter, so you’ll have to park close to the main road. From there, walk in between the tiny houses and tight streets to get to Bai Xep Beach.
Compared to other beaches in Quy Nhon, Bai Xep Beach is small but clean and laid back. It feels even more secluded because of the towering boulders on both sides. The calm waters and soft sand make it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing, away from the crowds of more popular beaches in the area.
If you wish to stay overnight, there are a few homestays located inside the village and higher-end hotels by the beach. Additionally, we recommend having food and drinks at Haven, situated on a higher slope that overlooks the ocean.
Interested in staying in more local villages in Vietnam? Visit Lang Go Co Village in Sa Huynh and experience its local culture, hospitable people, and stunning scenery.
Quy Nhon Tours
The best way to visit most of the attractions in Quy Nhon is to book a driver for the day. You can arrange a car at your hotel, but note that most drivers do not speak English.
You can also book a tour if you want an English speaking guide for a better experience. Here are the most popular tours to book in Quy Nhon.
Where to Eat in Quy Nhon
With countless restaurants and cafes in Quy Nhon, choosing where to eat can be a challenge. Here is a list of our recommended restaurants and drinking spots.
- Quy Nhon Food Street: Located along Ngo Van So Street, a few blocks from the promenade, you will find rows of seafood eateries with outdoor seating.
- Xi An Lou Dimsum: A small restaurant that primarily caters to locals and offers delicious dim sum, dumplings, and other dishes at affordable prices.
- Bon Mua - Four Seasons Quy Nhon: Next to the promenade, this spacious restaurant is welcoming with lots of seating options. This includes bean bags under the palm trees, making it a great place to watch the sunset.
- Quy Nhon Night Market: Open from 6pm onward on Le Duan Street. Choose one of the food stalls near the entrance, and try some seafood delicacies like snails and shellfish
- Wara Wara Izakaya: For anything else besides seafood, head to this Izakaya restaurant and order their wide variety of grilled dishes, sashimi platters, and more. We recommend trying out their homemade plum wine.
- Surfbar: Surfbar only serves drinks but has a very inviting atmosphere with its lights, decorations, and beachside seating. It is located at the northern end of the promenade, and prices are a bit inflated, but not too expensive.
Looking for the best travel insurance in Vietnam? Heymondo covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and more. Buy one and get 5% off today!
Best Time to Visit Quy Nhon
January to March are the best months to visit Quy Nhon. During this time, you can expect comfortable temperatures and a low chance of rain. However, Quy Nhon is a year-round destination.
Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam
How to Get to Quy Nhon
Plane: You can reach Quy Nhon by flying to Phu Cat Airport (UIH). Once you exit the airport, there’s a queue of cabs waiting outside to take you to the city center.
For convenience, book this private transfer from the airport to the city center.
Train or Bus: Other transportation options include taking the train if you’re coming from Hoi An and Da Nang, or booking a sleeper bus from Nha Trang. Find your train and bus ticket here.
Where to Stay in Quy Nhon
The best area to stay in Quy Nhon is in the city center, near the promenade. Here, you'll be close to many restaurants and shops, and it's easier to get around. Here are the most highly rated hotels in the area. Find all accommodation in Quy Nhon here.
During our visit, we stayed at Kila Boutique Hotel. It’s located in a quiet neighborhood only a few blocks from the beach. There are some restaurants nearby and the staff was super helpful and welcoming.
Want to get away from the crowds? Consider staying in Bai Xep, which is the ideal location if you're looking for peace and quiet near the beach. Here are the best places to stay in Bai Xep village.
How to Get Around Quy Nhon
If you stay in the city center, you can get to most places by foot. Otherwise, you can book a Grab car or hail one of the electric golf carts that shuttle tourists around.
Read: Transportation Guide in Vietnam
Is Quy Nhon Worth Visiting
Definitely! Quy Nhon is worth visiting not just for its stunning scenery and lack of crowds, but also because it is easily accessible.
With its stunning beaches, Champa temples, and mouthwatering seafood, Quy Nhon should be included in your itinerary when visiting Vietnam!
And that’s the list of the 11 best things to do when visiting Quy Nhon City in Vietnam.
If you’re looking for more off the beaten path destinations in Vietnam, head to the mountainous region in the north where many adventures are waiting for you!
Stay at a Thai ethnic homestay in Tu Le, explore the Cao Bang region on a motorbike, or visit the Black Hmong village in Lao Xa, Ha Giang.
If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.
Some links in this Quy Nhon Guide may be affiliate links.
This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by doing so, you are supporting Colorful Journeys in continuing to provide free high quality content to help you in your travels!