Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon City is gradually becoming one of the sought-after tourist destinations for exploration, boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage along with many pristine and untouched landscapes. Quy Nhon exudes the authentic charm of a coastal area, simple yet captivating, while still offering a variety of modern recreational activities. Join Asia King Travel in discovering what this place has to offer in terms of enjoyment.

History of Quy Nhon

The history of Quy Nhon is a fascinating journey that spans over a thousand years, leaving behind a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and historical significance. The origins of Quy Nhon's history can be traced back to the Cham civilization, an ancient kingdom that once flourished in the region. The Cham people, of Austronesian origin, established a vibrant seafaring culture along the central coast of present-day Vietnam, with Quy Nhon serving as an important trading port and cultural center. During the Cham period, which lasted from the 2nd to the 15th century, the city thrived as a bustling maritime hub, fostering commerce with neighboring regions and international trade routes. The Cham people were renowned for their architectural prowess, as evidenced by the intricate Cham towers and sculptures found throughout Quy Nhon and its surrounding areas. These impressive structures served as religious sanctuaries and centers of worship for the Cham people, who practiced Hinduism and later embraced elements of Buddhism. 

In the 17th century, Quy Nhon came under the rule of the Nguyen Lords, a powerful family that controlled the southern region of Vietnam. The Nguyen Lords' annexation of the territory marked the integration of Quy Nhon into the Vietnamese cultural and political landscape. Under their governance, the city experienced significant growth and development, becoming an essential center for trade, agriculture, and administration. During this period, Quy Nhon's coastal location proved advantageous, allowing the Nguyen Lords to leverage the city's strategic position to enhance their regional influence. The city's prosperity attracted merchants and settlers from various parts of Vietnam, leading to an amalgamation of cultures and traditions. 

In the 19th century, Quy Nhon fell under French colonial rule. The city became a part of French Indochina, a French colonial territory encompassing present-day Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. During this period, French colonizers introduced their language, architecture, and administrative systems, leaving an enduring mark on Quy Nhon's urban landscape. Charming French-style villas and structures can be found scattered throughout Quy Nhon, adding a touch of European allure to the city's cultural identity. 

In more recent times, Quy Nhon has experienced significant development and growth. The city's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and coastal charm have attracted an increasing number of tourists, leading to a surge in tourism-related infrastructure and services.

With its diverse heritage and enchanting allure, Quy Nhon's transformation into a thriving tourist destination has been carefully managed to preserve its authenticity and cultural identity. Today, visitors to Quy Nhon can immerse themselves in the city's history, exploring ancient Cham towers, French colonial buildings, and relics from the Vietnam War, all while enjoying the serene beauty of its beaches and coastal landscapes.

Things to do and see in Quy Nhon

Nhon Hai - Hon Kho

From the city center, passing through Thi Nai Bridge, heading towards Phuong Mai peninsula and turning right leads to the Nhon Hai fishing village. Hon Kho and Nhon Hai village are attractive destinations due to their pristine beauty and the genuine, simple nature of the local people. From the fishing village, visitors can take a boat or ferry to Hon Kho, which is only about a 10-minute journey with a round-trip cost starting from 100,000 VND per person. Hon Kho is an ideal day tour or half-day trip. While there are not many tourist services on Hon Kho, a wooden bridge built along the coast has become a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. A day tour to Hon Kho is priced from only 220,000 VND per person.

Nhon Hai green mossy rock beach

The wooden bridge in Hon Kho is a favorite spot among photography enthusiasts

Ky Co - Eo Gio

With its blue sea, white sand, and golden sunshine, Ky Co, located in Nhon Ly commune and 25 km away from the city center, is often likened to the Maldives of Vietnam. Visitors can reach Ky Co by canoe from Eo Gio or by road, then take a canoe tour to Eo Gio or explore coral reefs. The entrance fee for Ky Co is 100,000 VND per person, and the transfer ticket for the last leg is 40,000 VND per person. In addition to swimming and diving activities, tourists can rent beachside huts, enjoy water motorbiking, parasailing, camping, or stay at a hotel within the tourist area. Ky Co Beach borders the sea on one side and is surrounded by hills on three sides, featuring gentle waves and clear water, making it an ideal destination for a short summer getaway.

The breathtaking beauty of Ky Co beach

Eo Gio is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, featuring a pedestrian path that hugs the mountain slopes with stunning views of the sea. The admission ticket to Eo Gio is priced at 25,000 VND per person. After exploring the scenic pedestrian path, visitors often have extra time to visit places like Tinh Xa Ngoc Hoa and Linh Phong Son Pagoda.

Visitors will have the opportunity to take beautiful photos along the winding mountain walking path in Eo Gio

For those with more time to spare, a day tour that includes activities such as canoeing, coral reef diving, and a seafood lunch at Ky Co - Eo Gio is available at a cost starting from 700,000 VND per person.

Seaside Tourism Area

From the city center, simply cross Thị Nại Bridge and turn right to reach the tourist area. This is an amusement park with a spacious layout both on land and underwater, offering various enticing outdoor activities such as ziplining, artificial rock climbing, archery, biking, kayaking, and a floating water park. With an adult ticket priced at 300,000 VND and a child ticket at 200,000 VND, visitors can enjoy unlimited time for all the activities. Alternatively, guests can purchase individual tickets for each game at 50,000 VND per person. The tourist area also features photo spots, tent camping, bonfires, and beachside barbecues. The opening hours are from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily. For overnight stays in the tourist area's bungalows, guests can participate in additional games without any extra charges.

Trung Luong picnic area

Located in Trung Luong hamlet, Cat Tien commune, Phu Cat district, this recreational area is one of the favorite destinations for young people. Inside the recreation area, there are various zones such as camping sites, tent accommodations, a beach with underwater activities, restaurants, cafes, and more. The area is well-maintained with additional landscaping featuring plants and flowers, complemented by the beautiful surroundings of rocky mountains and the adjacent beach, making it an ideal spot for group trips with friends or family. The operating hours are from 8 am to 8 pm daily, with an entrance fee of 40,000 VND per person. Visitors are advised not to bring outside food and drinks. The overnight tent rental is approximately 300,000 VND for two people.

This promises to be a place that will bring wonderful memories for your friends or family

Explora Science Quy Nhon

The city is located 5 km to the south, with the central address at 10 Science Avenue, Ghenh Rang Ward. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND per person for children. The ticket for participating in the astronomy experience activities at the Public Observatory Station at night (from 6 pm to 10 pm) is 150,000 VND per person. Special cases may have discounted rates, and visitors are advised to contact the Center in advance.

Inside Explora Science Quy Nhon

ExporaScience Quy Nhon is a science complex designed for students and university students. The center offers various activities and exploration rooms themed around the universe, physics, chemistry, etc. Currently, they are allowing free entry for visitors, but it is necessary to contact and organize visits in groups in advance.

Ghenh Rang Tien Sa

About 3 kilometers southeast of the city center, Ghenh Rang Tien Sa is a tourist destination comprising the rocky Ghenh Rang, Tien Sa Beach, Hoang Hau Beach, the tomb area of Han Mac Tu, and the Ghenh Rang Church. From the summit of Ghenh Rang, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Quy Nhon city and Vang Trang Khuyet beach (crescent moon beach). This tourist area is currently open for free admission.

Ghenh Rang Tien Sa

Cham Towers

Binh Dinh is home to numerous Champa relics, particularly clusters of ancient towers dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. When traveling near Quy Nhon city, visitors should make a point to visit the Twin towers and the Banh It tower. For those venturing further, the Canh Tien Tower and the Duong Long Tower offer additional historical attractions. Admission tickets for exploring the Champa towers typically range from 10,000 to 20,000 VND per person.

The Unique Cham Towers in Quy Nhon

Lang Song Church

The Church of the Village River, located in Quang Van hamlet, Phuoc Thuan commune, Tuy Phuoc district, is easily accessible for travelers along the new National Highway 19. This route allows visitors to efficiently explore other attractions such as the Long Phuoc martial arts temple, Thien Hung pagoda, and the Banh It tower.

Impressive architecture of Lang Song church

Surrounded by vast rice fields, the church and monastery create a picturesque setting. Upon entering through the gate, visitors are welcomed by two rows of ancient starfruit trees casting a refreshing shade. With prior arrangements, guests can also explore the interior of the church, where various records and documents are preserved, showcasing the history of the first printing of Vietnamese-language books.

The church is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Bai Xep Fishing Village

About 13 km from the city center along National Highway 1D, visitors will reach the Bai Xep fishing village located in the Quy Hoa coastal area. Here, a variety of accommodation options are available, ranging from budget-friendly homestays and guesthouses to high-end resorts. Bãi Xép boasts natural rock formations emerging from the water, along with smooth golden sandy shores that attract many young people for photo opportunities.

The lives of the people in this place are primarily intertwined with the sea

Visiting Bai Xep allows tourists not only to enjoy the pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere but also to explore the traditional fishing life of the local community. The area is adorned with natural rock formations rising above the water, and the fine golden sand along the shore is particularly appealing to many young visitors for photo sessions. Exploring Bai Xep provides an opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the simple and peaceful life of the local fishing community.

Nhon Ly Fishing Village

Nhon Ly commune is located on the Phuong Mai Peninsula, approximately 20 km northeast of the center of Quy Nhon City. The area boasts a beautiful and pristine beach. The residents of this commune primarily engage in livelihoods related to the sea, such as fishing and seafood processing. This peninsula is home to numerous remnants of Champa culture, and the annual Fishing Bridge Festival is a noteworthy event. The region also preserves the six royal decrees from different dynasties.

The paintings on the walls that make Nhon Ly fishing village more vibrant

Since the beginning of 2023, Nhon Ly has become more vibrant, attracting many visitors due to its colorful paintings. The paintings in the ancient fishing village of Nhon Ly depict various themes, including flowers, leaves, trees, birds, as well as scenes closely tied to the lives of the coastal people, such as fishing nets, sailboats, sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles.

Cu Lao Xanh (Van Phi Island)

Cu Lao Xanh, proudly known as the "green gem" by the fishermen of Quy Nhơn, is a tranquil and pristine island nestled in the heart of the sea. The serene and picturesque landscape of this place invites you to immerse yourself in a space of tranquility, where you can gaze at the breathtaking scenery and savor moments of complete serenity.

The lighthouse on Cu Lao Xanh

Upon setting foot on Cu Lao Xanh, besides indulging in beach activities and capturing beautiful photos, you can also organize enjoyable barbecue parties, relish fresh seafood, and participate in various enticing seaside activities such as visiting the lighthouse and Suoi Tien well, witnessing turtles laying eggs, joining night squid fishing with local fishermen, and much more.

In conclusion, Quy Nhon is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, making it an ideal place for travelers seeking a diverse and authentic Vietnamese experience.