Buzz
If you've ever been to Ninh Thuận and had the chance to visit Vĩnh Hy Bay, undoubtedly, you'll have to nod in agreement that this destination will provide the most fantastic experiences.
Deep Dive into the Wonders of Vĩnh Hy Bay – This Summer's Must-Visit
Sharing insights from my recent 2-day trip to Vĩnh Hy Bay: stunning beaches, delightful seafood, all at a surprisingly low cost. Truly an amazing, budget-friendly getaway! Sharing all the details for those in need of a dose of 'Vitamin Sea.'
Total trip expenditure: 2.5 million VND
Where Exactly is Vĩnh Hy?
Vĩnh Hy Bay is situated in the Northeast of Ninh Thuận province, approximately 40 kilometers from Phan Rang city, right next to Núi Chúa National Park. The sea here remains untouched by commercialization due to its relatively low-profile, resulting in the pristine beauty of the azure waters, white sands, mountainous forests, and the natural splendor of Vĩnh Hy that is exceptionally rare and, of course, breathtaking.
How to get there?
– I started my journey from Saigon, taking Thiện Trí bus (43 Hoàng Dư Khương, District 10), which goes straight to Vĩnh Hy. It's an overnight ride, departing at 21:30, arriving around 5:00. If you travel during these hours, you'll catch the sunrise (170k/ticket).
Where to stay in Vĩnh Hy?
As I enjoy camping and outdoor activities, I decided to go with Lalaland for this trip.
Tent price: 500k/2 people, including breakfast (fish cake noodle soup), with fresh water for showering and private bathroom facilities. The evenings here are quite chill, playing music by Đen Vâu, grilling meat, or ordering fresh seafood. Sleeping to the sound of the waves, it's an absolute delight.
Round-trip Canoe Transfer: 100k/person (as it's on a secluded island, you'll need to take a canoe).
Personally, I found this place quite impressive. The staff was cheerful and helpful, taking photos for me, providing directions, and guiding me to the best spots. If you're into camping, this is definitely a worthwhile option.
You can book a variety of services here, such as renting motorcycles, canoeing around the bay to admire coral reefs, exploring swallow caves, squid fishing, dining experiences, SUP and kayak rentals, and more.
Best Spots for Instagrammable Shots?
Witness the sunrise at Hang Rái Cave
Entrance Fee: 20k
Named Hang Rái due to being the habitat of the batfish. It's an absolutely stunning virtual living space. If you visit early in the morning, catch the sunrise, and capture the waves on the rocky heart, you'll get a timeless photo.
Vineyard
Admission Fee: Free
Ninh Thuận is renowned for grape cultivation, so there are many large vineyards here. Visiting, I found it quite dim and not particularly remarkable, so it's optional to go or skip.
Boat Tour around the Bay – Coral Diving
The cost for renting a canoe for 2 people is 600k, and if in a larger group, it's even more economical (1 million for 8 people). When you reach the coral reef, the boat will stop for you to jump in and dive (no worries if you can't swim, life jackets are provided, just wear swimming goggles and use the breathing tube to explore the beautiful coral reefs and fish). Along the way, you'll also explore Swallow Cave; the canoe will stop for photo opportunities but won't go inside.
SUP Boarding
Renting a SUP Board: 550k/day
I've been into this beach activity for a while now; it's quite relaxing, even if you don't know how to swim, just wear a life jacket.
Staying at Lalaland, the owner here provides enthusiastic SUP guidance. It might be a bit challenging to balance at first, but after some practice, you can paddle a stretch (enough for some deceptive photos). They also offer Kayaking.
Núi Chúa National Park
This place is ideal for trekking and exploration. I only passed by as I had a short stay, but for those with more time, it's worth considering for further exploration.
What to Eat?
For me, the most enjoyable part of the trip is undoubtedly the food, surpassing even the 'Instagrammable' moments. The dishes here are delicious, and incredibly affordable. One evening, I went for street food (in the park near the school, a bustling area with many street food vendors), indulging in a variety of dishes and was pleasantly surprised by the surprisingly low bill.
Here are some suggestions: seafood pancakes, rolled meat, grilled fermented pork, and fermented fish sauce noodle (a must-try). Prices for these dishes range from only 5-15k.
Seafood: Going to the beach and not indulging in seafood would mean missing out on half the trip. The seafood here is incredibly fresh; I personally order directly from the fishermen, so it's caught and prepared on the spot. You can also buy from the market or directly on the shore early in the morning.
How's the Weather?
Being a small gulf area, shielded by Núi Chúa mountain, the weather in Vĩnh Hy Bay is generally mild and pleasant throughout the year. You can visit anytime, just avoid the rainy season. However, if possible, the best time is from April to September.
You can refer to my itinerary
Day 1:
– Morning:
+ Arrive at 5 am, get a motorcycle and head to Hang Rái for sunrise
+ Breakfast + coffee
+ Visit the vineyard
+ Ride along the coastal road (a truly breathtaking coastal route)
– Noon:
+ Have lunch
+ Transfer to the island, get the tent, store belongings
+ Canoe around the island, coral diving
– Afternoon-Evening:
+ Back to the tent
+ Sea bathing
+ Dinner, chill by the sea
Day 2:
– Morning:
+ Breakfast
+ Paddleboarding SUP, Kayaking
– Noon:
+ Have lunch and pack up clothes to return the tent
+ Take a canoe back to the fishing village, explore local cuisine by foot
– Evening: Take the car back to Saigon
Follow FB Princess Huyen Tran
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourMarch 12, 2021
