7 coastal routes every backpacker should experience at least once in a lifetime - Mytour

2. Cà Ná – Phan Rang – Cam Ranh

This route boasts some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Vietnam, stretching just 120km. However, you'll find yourself spending a lot of time stopping to capture the beauty of Ninh Thuan's landscapes. You can't miss the breathtaking Mui Dinh Beach, the quaint fishing village of Son Hai, the enchanting Nam Cuong Sand Dunes, the vast vineyards of Thai An, the picturesque Vinh Hy Bay, the surreal Hang Rai Cave, the renowned Tứ Bình Sea, and a series of pristine beaches that seem endless.

Spend a night camping on any of the beaches along the way. Enjoy a refreshing swim, stargaze, barbecue on the sand, and witness the sunrise over the sea. Whether you're traveling solo, with your loved one, or with a group of like-minded friends, the Cà Ná – Cam Ranh route promises unforgettable experiences and memories.

3. Cam Ranh – Nha Trang – Phạm Văn Đồng

If you're a fan of Nha Trang, this route will surely captivate you. Stretching about 70km from Cam Ranh to the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay pier, it treats you to the beautiful landscapes of Vietnam's most vibrant coastal city. From Cam Ranh to Nha Trang and from Nha Trang to Pham Van Dong, you'll traverse two small yet stunning mountain passes that can mesmerize any driver with their beauty.

Of course, the highlight here is the bustling coastal city of Nha Trang. Along Tran Phu Street, you'll find a plethora of upscale hotels, bars, and cafés bustling with tourists. You can explore Nha Trang's prominent tourist attractions like Ponagar Tower, Hon Chong, or take a boat to visit islands in the bay such as Mun Island for snorkeling, Tre Island with the grand Vinpearl Land complex, or simply unwind at Tam Island…

4. Đại Lãnh – Tuy Hoà – Quy Nhơn

Starting from Dai Lanh Beach at the end of Khanh Hoa province, you'll cross Ca Pass, then travel along Route 29 hugging Vung Ro Bay, reaching Mui Dien Lighthouse, Mon Beach, and then follow the coastal road to Phuoc Tan – Nga Beach into Tuy Hoa city. Continuing from Tuy Hoa, head north to places like Bai Xep, Da Dia Reef, Hon Yen – Hon Sun, O Loan Lagoon, Ganh Den Lighthouse, Tam Giang Dam, Ong Cop Wooden Bridge, Mang Lang Church…

This route also takes you to Phu Yen's only underwater road. Nhat Tu Son, also known as Con Hon Cống, connects to the mainland via a sand dune submerged under the sea. Continuing to Vinh Cuu Peninsula, you'll discover Phu Yen's most beautiful secluded beaches like Tram Beach, Nom Beach, or Om Beach. These places still lack tourist services, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the pristine nature. Near Song Cau town, you'll be awestruck by Xuan Dai Bay's beauty. Along National Route 1D into Quy Nhon city, you can overlook Xuan Hai fishing village hidden behind lush coconut trees and be amazed by the beautiful beaches such as Bang Beach, Bau Beach, Rang Beach…

5. Quy Nhơn – Tam Quan

From Quy Nhon, cross Thi Nai Bridge to QL19B, which is quite beautiful and easy to navigate, then onto DT640 and DT639, narrow roads with many speed bumps and gravel. Opting for this route, you'll pass through Nhơn Ly – home to famous Ky Co Beach and Eo Gio, Trung Luong ecotourism area, Cat Tien Beach, Ong Nui Pagoda, De Gi Beach, Vi Rong Cape, and Hon Nuoc Lighthouse. Continue along DT639 to cross the Lộ Diêu Pass, past the Lộ Diêu rocky reef to Tam Quan Beach, marking the end of this 190km coastal journey.

Heading north from Quy Nhon to the provinces above, coastal routes become smaller, quieter, and consequently, more challenging. Prepare light snacks and drinks, and thoroughly check your fuel before setting off. However, it's thanks to this that the beauty along this route maintains its pristine allure and has yet to succumb entirely to tourism. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, explore anywhere you're curious about, and indulge in the paradise beaches just for yourself…

6. Dung Quat – Tam Hai – Da Nang

One of the most unique aspects of this route is that you'll traverse Tam Hai Island. This charming little island belongs to Quang Nam province and is separated from the mainland by the picturesque Truong Giang River. Follow the coastal road behind Chu Lai Airport to Ky Ha, then take a ferry to explore the island freely. Afterwards, head back towards Le Domaine De Tam Hai Resort where a second ferry will take you back to the mainland.

From here, continue along Lien Xa Road, Thanh Nien Road crossing Cua Dai Bridge to reach Hoi An. But before reaching Hoi An, you'll pass through the famous Tam Thanh mural village, known for its colorful wall paintings. If you're tired of Hoi An, take Truong Sa Road for about 30km more to reach Da Nang city. Da Nang's coastal road extends to Son Tra Peninsula, offering continuous stunning landscapes for your photography pleasure. Immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of the Central region or admire the iconic bridges of Da Nang at night to experience a modern yet welcoming Da Nang.

7. Da Nang – Hue – Dong Ha

From Thuan Phuoc Bridge, follow Nguyen Tat Thanh coastal road then cross Hai Van Pass to admire Lang Co Bay from above. Passing through Thua Thien Hue province, drive a section of QL1A past Lap An Lagoon to Phuoc Tuong Pass, then turn right onto QL49B. Follow QL49B, passing Hai Dam, Thuy Tu Lagoon, Ha Trung Lagoon, Thanh Lam Lagoon, and Tam Giang estuary. At the intersection near Dien Hai Commune People's Committee, turn right onto an unnamed coastal road parallel to QL49C. This is the final coastal road before reaching Cua Viet Bridge, crossing Trieu Phong sea gate to Dong Ha city, Quang Tri province.

In fact, when you've completed all 6 coastal routes listed above, it's already a fulfilling summer adventure. With this final route, although it's coastal, you'll rarely see the sea due to the dense mountainous terrain. However, this doesn't make the Da Nang – Hue – Dong Ha route any less fascinating; on the contrary, there are many mysteries waiting to be discovered ahead. Exquisite carved ancestral houses, simple countryside scenery, peaceful beaches, or the most hospitable fishermen are sure to make you want to return again and again.

By Tiểu Duy

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour