Quy Nhon - Vietnam Travel Guide

In Vietnam, there is one place that deserves to be visited by more people: Quy Nhon, the little visited provincial capital of Binh Dinh province. Even though it is not considered as a tourist destination, this medium-sized town is bordered by stunning beaches and the countryside that surrounds it is also breathtaking. So, when you have flight tickets to Vietnam, if you’ve got the free time, spend a day or two at this city as a stopover between Da Nang and Nha Trang.

WHEN TO GO

About climate, weather in Quy Nhon is divided into two specific seasons: dry season (from March to September) and rainy season (the rest time in year). It is recommended to book flight tickets to Vietnam during the dry season. You don’t want to take your umbrella along with you all day long.

HOW TO GO

Easily reached by plane, train and bus, it's surprising that more people don't choose to spend a day or two here. To be more specific, after your flights London to Vietnam, follow by flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, train or bus access through Highway 1.

WHAT TO EAT

Naturally, fishing is the main industry in Quy Nhon, making it a great source of exceptional seafood. This destination is highly recommended for all seafood lovers. There is something you can’t miss when visiting this place: Fish noodles. This traditional dish is not only famous in Binh Dinh but also well-known in Vietnam due to its flavors and cooking ways.

WHERE TO STAY

At this time there are only two resorts worth considering: the Bai Tram Hideaway, is arguably one of Vietnam's best kept secrets and the Avani Resort & Spa, 40-minute drive south of Quy Nhon.

WHAT TO SEE

Quy Nhon has a lot of different areas. Its geography landscape is very diversified such as mountains and forests, hills, fields, saltmarsh, plains, lagoons, lakes, rivers, coasts, peninsulas, and islands. Quy Nhon's coast-line is 42 km with a big lagoon area, brackish water lake and abundant sea creature resource and many of valuable specialties with high economic worth.

1. Cham Towers

If you choose to make a stop here, there are some Cham Towers within easy reach:

The Thap Doi Cham Towers is unique because of the number of towers as well as its location. Most Cham towers are in odd-numbered groups and usually found on the hilltops, while this one consists of only two towers and is located in town. Anyone would be impressed with the relief on the sculptures, since they are still in good shape after all these years.

Twin Brick Tower (Hung Thanh Towers is an architectural structure with two similar towers while one is 18m high and the other is 20m.

Banh It Towers is 25 km away from Quy Nhon, include total four towers, also called Thap Bac (Silver Towers). Standing by Banh It Towers, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of this very fertile countryside.

Duong Long Towers is also called Thap Nga (Ivory Towers), located 50 km from Quy Nhon, 8 km from Cha Ban. It is a group of three towers. The central one is 24 m high. The two others are 22m high. The largest one is embellished with granite ornamentation representing Naga and Elephants. This tower complex is one of the most beautiful in Central Viet Nam.

Thap Doi Cham Towers is right in town. The sight is actually less spectacular than the walk through this quiet little neighborhood to a sea inlet where you'll find a few local seafood places. The relief work on the tower sculptures is in good shape, particularly the floral lintels, and the little park area around the towers is a place to rest.

Thap Doi tower is a pair of towers situated right in the city and located in a small park, both in very good condition.

2. Unspoiled beaches

For the beach lovers, Quy Nhon north beach boasts some of the most beautiful fishing boats. You will find many fishing junks out in the sea that provide wonderful photo opportunities. The town counts fishing as its mainstay and not surprisingly, the seafood here is excellent. Also you can take a break on the boardwalk along the beach sitting on a bench feeling the cool breeze and watching the fishermen leave shore in these round basket tubs. Meanwhile, the south beach is quieter and nicer for swimming, and watching the local kids playing there is certain to give a lively feel.

3. Museums

Quy Nhon has few museums to boast about:

Quang Trung Museum is dedicated Nguyen Hue, a national hero of the 18th century. It was built in his native land of Kien My village in Tay Son district, 45 km from Quy Nhon, and 5 km off the highway. On visiting Quang Trung Museum, one will enjoy music and Vo Tay Son demonstrations, a traditional martial art of Binh Dinh.

Binh Dinh Museum is a small museum with a few good examples of Cham sculpture and pre-Cham Bronze Age pieces. More for school trips than international tourists, but you can expect signs in Vietnamese and English.

4. Other attractions

Some other attractions worth the visit:

Long Khanh, Quy Nhon's main pagoda, is also worth the trip. Built in the 18th century, this attraction is notable because of its 17-metre high Buddha.

Thi Nai Bridge is the longest sea overpass in Vietnam (2477.3m)

Genh Rang Hill is located to the South East of Quy Nhon city; it is the national tourist spot and a natural piece of work with groups of mountainous stones alongside the sea. Here, stones and soil created blocks of hills, caves, sea gates with fresh air and beautiful scenery

Quy Hoa Leper Colony consists of a hospital surrounded by gardens and homes of former patients.

If you want an undisturbed, luxurious and healthy break from the busy life and travel in Vietnam then Quy Nhon may be just the solution. Easily reached by train, plane and bus, if you’ve got the time and a disposition for seafood, book flight tickets to Vietnam and then you could do a lot worse than spending a day or two here.

Sources:

http://www.travelfish.org/location/vietnam/south_central_vietnam/binh_dinh/qui_nhon

http://www.toursinvietnam.com/Quy-Nhon/

http://www.visit-mekong.com/vietnam/quy-nhon.htm

http://www.indochinatravelservice.com/Travel/Vietnam/Quy_Nhon/

http://www.selectiveasia.com/vietnam-holidays/travel-guides/quy-nhon