Phú Yên in 48 Hours: An Epic Itinerary!
Phú Yên, a coastal gem in Vietnam's South Central Coast, nestled between Quy Nhơn to the North and Nha Trang to the South, is calling your name! Famous for being Vietnam's earliest sunrise spot, stunning coastal roads, and pristine, untouched landscapes, Phú Yên is a must-see. Get ready for an adventure!
The province can be explored in two main directions: North and South, with Tuy Hòa City (the heart of Phú Yên) as your central point. Check out this awesome 2-day itinerary:
DAY 1: Northern Phú Yên – Let's Go!
1. Gành Bà & Bãi Xép: Stepping into "Yellow Flowers on Green Grass"
Wakey wakey! We hit the road at 5 AM to catch the sunrise at Gành Bà. After snapping some killer shots, we headed to Bãi Xép, famous for its appearance in the movie "Yellow Flowers on Green Grass." Prepare to be charmed!
2. Đầm Ô Loan Lagoon: Seafood Feast Time!
This vast brackish lagoon is surrounded by lush green mountains and forests. But we weren't just here for the views! We were here to EAT! Đầm Ô Loan is brimming with fresh seafood restaurants. Get ready to indulge!
Plus, Đầm Ô Loan is conveniently located between Bãi Xép and Gành Đá Đĩa – our next stop!
3. Gành Đá Đĩa (The Giant's Causeway of Vietnam): Mind. Blown.
Gành Đá Đĩa is a natural masterpiece formed by unique basalt columns along a crystal-clear coastline. It attracted over 500,000 tourists in 2023 alone! It's one of the most photogenic spots in Phú Yên and a true symbol of the province. Seriously, you HAVE to see this!
4. Hải Đăng Gành Đèn (Gành Đèn Lighthouse): Sunset Spectacle
Just 1 km from Gành Đá Đĩa, this lighthouse is the PERFECT spot to watch the sunset. Get your cameras ready!
5. Tháp Nghinh Phong (Nghinh Phong Tower): A Nighttime Gem
After sunset at Gành Đá Đĩa, we headed back to Tuy Hòa City for dinner and rest. On the way, we passed by Tháp Nghinh Phong, another icon of Phú Yên. Inaugurated in 2021, it's located in Nghinh Phong Square, right by the Tuy Hòa coast. Its design is inspired by the magnificent Gành Đá Đĩa. It looks especially stunning at night!
DAY 2: Southern Phú Yên – Adventure Awaits!
1. Mũi Điện (Điện Cape): First Light in Vietnam!
We started Day 2 by chasing the first sunrise in Vietnam at Mũi Điện – the easternmost point of the country. Talk about an epic start!
Entry to Mũi Điện is 40,000 VND per person. Heads up! You'll need to walk from the entrance to the top, mostly via steps and slopes. Wear comfortable shoes (leave those heels at home!).
2. Vịnh Vũng Rô (Vũng Rô Bay): Floating Restaurant Fun!
After exploring Mũi Điện, we hit Vịnh Vũng Rô, famous for its floating seafood restaurants. Time for lunch!
We were a group of 3 and ordered hotpot, seafood noodles, grilled oysters with cheese, and fresh oysters. The total? Only 650,000 VND! Super affordable! The seafood was incredibly fresh. Just a heads-up: it can feel a little wobbly eating on a floating platform! It's a quintessential Southeast Asia experience!
3. Phú Yên's Most Beautiful Coastal Road: Photo Op!
After lunch, we chilled at a roadside cafe and made our way back to Tuy Hòa City. Along the way, we drove on Phú Yên's most scenic coastal road and stopped for some photos.
This 1km stretch is on National Route 29, extending from Bãi Tiên beach almost to the entrance of Mũi Điện. With winding curves, mountains on one side, and the vast ocean with distant boats on the other, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!
Bonus Tips for Your Trip!
- Getting Around: Flew from Hanoi to Phù Cát Airport in Quy Nhơn (VN airline, 1.3 million VND one way), explored Quy Nhơn for a day, and took a limousine to Phú Yên in the evening.
- Accommodation: Stayed at a Homestay (750k / 2 days, sleeps up to 4), and rented a motorbike (300k 1 day, scooter) for easy exploration.
- Foodie Must-Trys:
- Bánh canh chả cá near An Chấn Market (on the way to Gành Bà, Bãi Xép)
- Quang Anh Đầm Ô Loan Restaurant (buffet or a la carte seafood – a la carte is recommended!)
- Nem nướng Nhật Hoàng (4/4 Trần Bình Trọng, Ward 4, Tuy Hòa)
- Kem nhãn Duy Tân (near Nem nướng Nhật Hoàng): Bạch Đằng, Ward 4, Tuy Hòa.
- Cháo hàu Mũi Điện (near the Mũi Điện parking lot)
- Hương Biển Floating Restaurant in Vũng Rô Bay: 600-900k for 3 people, delicious and affordable.
- Chè thái Cô Nhơn (81A Ngô Quyền, Ward 5, Tuy Hòa): Best dessert I've ever had, especially the fruit chè.
