Epic Road Trip: Thái Nguyên to Coastal Vietnam and Back!
Conquering 2,685 Kilometers of Beauty
Our family recently embarked on an unforgettable 11-day road trip, tracing a stunning loop from Thái Nguyên through Quảng Bình, Đà Nẵng, Quy Nhơn, Hội An, Ninh Bình, and back again! We racked up 2,685 kilometers of incredible scenery and memories.
Total trip cost for the family: 28,000,000 VND
Our Itinerary: Coastal Adventures Await
Day 1: Quảng Bình - Bãi Đá Nhảy Beach
Our adventure started at Bãi Đá Nhảy Beach in Quảng Bình. We were fortunate to visit after calm weather, finding the water incredibly clear and clean. We stayed at Nhà em ở Đá nhảy beach 500 cá, a family friendly guesthouse that's reasonably priced with a clean, comfortable room and great ocean views.
Days 2, 3, and 4: Đà Nẵng - Battling the Rain
Unfortunately, our time in Đà Nẵng was plagued by rain, rain, and more rain! We couldn't explore as much as we hoped.
Days 5 and 6: Quy Nhơn - Coastal Charms
We moved on to Quy Nhơn and stayed at the SALA Hotel for two nights. It was clean, the service was great, the hotel was beautiful, and the parking was convenient. Plus, it's only 30 meters from the beach! We visited Kỳ Co and Eo Gió, purchasing tickets independently. The shuttle to the sites cost 668,000 VND for two adults and two children. Kỳ Co's water was crystal clear, but the waves were incredibly strong, even knocking us off our feet near the shore!
Day 7: Hội An - Ancient Town Vibes
Next stop, Hội An! We stayed at the Êm Hotel (1,150,000 VND per night), which had parking, free bicycle rentals, and was only 900 meters from the ancient town. We explored An Bàng Beach and Cửa Đại Beach, enjoying the views but not swimming.
Day 8: Đà Nẵng - Redeeming Our Beach Days
We returned to Đà Nẵng to make up for our rainy days and spent the day swimming at Mỹ Khê Beach. The best of Vietnam beaches!
Day 9: Back to Quảng Bình - Post-Storm Clarity
We traveled back to Quảng Bình, but the water was still murky a week after a storm. We recommend visiting at least 8-9 days after heavy rain or storms for clearer waters.
Day 10: Ninh Bình - Tràng An's Tranquility
Ninh Bình was absolutely gorgeous! We took a boat tour through Tràng An, which was incredibly beautiful and peaceful. After days by the sea, it was truly a healing experience.
Day 11: Homeward Bound
Finally, we made our way back home to Thái Nguyên.
Important Travel Tips for Vietnam Road Trip:
- Adhere to speed limits, pay attention to road signs, and always wear your seatbelts.
- Pack plenty of water, snacks, wet wipes, and sun protection (hats, sunscreen, umbrellas).
- Book accommodations at least 1-2 days in advance.
- Use Google Maps or Vietmap for navigation.
Personal Favorites
I personally loved Mỹ Khê Beach in Đà Nẵng and Bãi Đá Nhảy in Quảng Bình the most, with their gentle waves, shallow waters, and clear waters.
The food in Quy Nhơn and Đà Nẵng was both delicious and unique. Quy Nhơn, in particular, offers surprisingly affordable and tasty cuisine. If you're in Quy Nhơn, be sure to try the local food—it's a guaranteed win!
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