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If you have already known about Phu Yen - the land of yellow flowers on green grass with Nghinh Phong Tower - a symbol on the coast of Tuy Hoa, Dai Lanh Lighthouse - one of the places to welcome the first sunrise in Vietnam, or Vinh Ro Bay, Mon Beach, Xep Beach,... then in this article, I want to share with you a different, pristine, and intimate Phu Yen closer to the mountains and forests. This time's destination is Dong Xuan district located in the west and Tuy An district located in the north of Phu Yen.
The pristine nature in Phu Yen
Tourist attractions in Phu Yen
Insight into Dong Xuan District - Phu Yen
Dong Xuan is a mountainous district in the west still abundant with pristine beauty, vast forests, and winding rivers. Located 45km from the center of Tuy Hoa city, with high mountains and valleys, meandering around the Ky Lo and Tra Buong rivers, Dong Xuan is the picturesque landscape of tranquility.
The rice fields in Dong Xuan after the harvest season
We visited Dong Xuan in the summer, with the morning weather cool and refreshing, the high mountain ranges covered in white mist, yet the midday sun was quite scorching, true to the nature of the coastal region of Central Vietnam, and cool again in the evening. Especially, this area has the North-South railway passing through with La Hai station as a stop - also the name of the beautiful mountain town of Dong Xuan.
La Hai Iron Bridge
Dream Stream in Da Loc
Dream Stream in Da Loc
I had the opportunity to explore this place when visiting my elder brother's hometown, and being guided by a local of Phu Yen, our journey was filled with many interesting experiences. We set off to Dream Stream from the center of La Hai - Dong Xuan town, which took about 40-45 minutes for the over 20km journey.
Golden flowers and green grass line the road to Dream Stream
The majority of the road to Dream Stream in Da Loc runs parallel to the North-South railway line. The road is fairly flat, not too wide, but sufficient for motorcycles and cars to run side by side. Along the road are scattered houses, mountains, and fields of golden flowers amidst lush greenery. While it's possible to travel by car, I recommend riding a motorbike to fully appreciate the serene natural scenery here.
Scenery along the way to Dream Stream
Due to its distance from the city, Dream Stream is closer to the local people, who often choose to swim in the stream and camp on weekends. If you visit during the weekdays like we did, you'll encounter fewer visitors, just a few children enjoying the stream after school and local ethnic people working in the fields.
The walking path to Dream Stream
Dream Stream is not very large but has several areas for camping, cooking, and swimming. The path to Dream Stream is filled with large rocks crossing the stream, so you'll need to park your motorbike outside and walk in. Because the stream is hidden under the forest canopy, the air is extremely cool even in the scorching midday sun. The fresh, cold stream water flows gently. Try turning off your phone to completely immerse yourself in the incredibly 'chill' natural atmosphere of Phu Yen's forests.
Dream Stream is hidden on the edge of the cool forest
We prepared some food to bring along: refreshing drinks, fruits, pork belly, and a pre-marinated chicken for grilling. As it's a remote stream, there are no facilities or tourist services available. You can temporarily leave your food on the stream bank and have swimwear ready inside. Take turns watching over each other to change clothes after swimming.
The food we prepared by the streamside
Sections of fast-flowing water
Let your soul drift along the cool water
After a refreshing swim in the stream, we felt rejuvenated. We changed clothes and had a small picnic ready. Nothing beats eating grilled food by the stream, sharing small talks, lying on the smooth rocks, watching the golden sunlight pierce through the leaves. Don't forget to check in and capture the memories with the forest scenery here. This experience has to be said to be incredibly refreshing and wonderful for us.
Capture moments by the cool stream
Triem Duc Hot Springs
Triem Duc Hot Springs
Triem Duc Hot Springs is located quite close to the center of La Hai town, only about 8-9km away. Upon arrival, there will be a small refreshment stall where you can buy drinks and ask the owner for permission to park your vehicle here, as well as use the restroom if needed. When visiting the hot springs, don't forget to bring some eggs to boil in the natural hot water and enjoy right there.
Small creek with entirely natural hot water flow
Below the hot spring stream is a small water pond, not too deep, only about waist-deep for adults. The water is pleasantly warm, with areas of varying temperatures, creating an interesting sensation as you move along the stream. Moreover, at the bottom of the pond lies a layer of natural mineral mud, excellent for the skin. Don't hesitate to try applying some of this natural mud on your skin, gently massage, and feel its softness.
Natural hot spring bathing pond
Ganh Den Lighthouse
Ganh Den Lighthouse is located approximately 35km from Tuy Hoa city and 30km from Dong Xuan district. As the lighthouse overlooks the East Sea, we chose to depart early in the morning to catch the sunrise. Along the way, we followed the sun's rays, finally unveiling the vast ocean with the horizon tinged pink.
Sunrise at Ganh Den
The lighthouse stands approximately 10 meters tall, with a light range of over 17 nautical miles. Featuring the typical red-and-white structure, it sits amidst the rugged rock formations, creating a serene morning scenery. For photography enthusiasts, this is an ideal spot to capture vibrant shots bathed in golden sunlight against the backdrop of the blue sea.
Ganh Den Lighthouse
The early morning sunrise holds the promise of producing vivid, sun-drenched film-like photographs.
Navigating past the large rock formations to approach the open sea.
On both sides of the footpath leading to the lighthouse, there are lush green carpets next to characteristic cacti and pink rock formations. The lighthouse is surrounded by massive rocks protruding from the sea. While the path up to the lighthouse is paved, the route to the rocky outcrops by the sea is completely rugged. You should exercise extreme caution when navigating these rocks if you wish to get closer to the open sea. What could be better than sitting here, gazing at the picturesque Phu Yen sea, with a few fishing boats moored in the tranquil Xuan Dai Bay in the distance?
The pathway down to the lighthouse overlooks Xuan Dai Bay.
A corner of Xuan Dai Bay.
Cactus gardens next to Ganh Den Lighthouse.
Ganh Da Dia – The most famous geological heritage in Phu Yen.
Ganh Da Dia Milestone
If you're in Tuy An, you can't miss visiting the geological heritage site of Ganh Da Dia, located right next to Ganh Den lighthouse. This place is well-known among domestic and international tourists, but for first-time visitors like me, it's hard not to be amazed and impressed by the marvelous wonders of nature.
An extension of Ganh Da Dia jutting out into the sea
According to research, the basalt columns in this area were formed by volcanic activity in the Van Hoa Plateau - Phu Yen millions of years ago. As the lava cooled, it solidified and cracked into relatively evenly shaped rock columns. These rock columns, situated close to the sea, were then further eroded by the crashing waves, resulting in the formation of rock 'discs.'
Stepping on the hexagonal rock formations resembling beehives
From a distance, the rocky cliffs appear like a gigantic beehive
We arrived at Ganh Da Dia in the morning, with the golden sun shining everywhere, weaving through the beehive-like rock formations and reflecting off the clear blue sea. Before us was a picturesque scene, sparkling and dreamy. Try walking barefoot on these gigantic 'beehives,' feeling the coolness and the sea foam washing ashore in each refreshing wave. With this backdrop, you'll have plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy shots. The golden sunlight of Phu Yen will surely produce vibrant summer photos.
A serene and poetic scenery
The sea water exhibits a vivid emerald green hue
Quang Duc Ancient House
Refreshing greenery within the ancient house premises
Stepping through the gate of Quang Duc Ancient House, one feels transported back to ancient times. The structure consists of 3 ancient houses with imperial architecture: the General's Residence, Quang Duc House, and O Loan House. The entire structure is crafted from wood with intricate details and exquisite carvings.
Quang Duc Ancient House featuring ancient imperial architecture
Especially, Quang Duc House showcases and promotes the ancient artifacts of Quang Duc pottery village, some antique items made of bronze, ornamental plants, fish ponds, etc., as well as provides information about the formation and development of the lost Quang Duc pottery line.
Some ancient artifacts are exhibited alongside refreshing tea sets
After touring the house chambers, visitors can relax and enjoy traditional tea in the garden area behind. Guides will suggest some local specialties for visitors to enjoy. We opted for a refreshing lotus tea paired with pandan leaf cakes. The simple, cool flavors will help alleviate the scorching heat of Phu Yen summer.
Conclusion
Phu Yen - The serene beauty of tranquility
This trip not only brings fascinating experiences but also provides insights into the land and people of Phu Yen. The nature has bestowed upon Phu Yen an exceptionally poetic and charming scenery, painting a picture of tranquility in the land of golden flowers and green grass. This pristine and simple beauty has been widely promoted to visitors from all corners, contributing to the development of tourism potential here. If you have the opportunity, come to Phu Yen once to feel the 'Phu' in 'phu quy', the 'Yen' in 'binh yen' (fortune and peace), my friend!
Mytour Golocal is a blog program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying post, you will receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For more details about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
