Buzz
Embarking on a 6-day adventure, Quynh and her three dear friends reveled in the vibrant landscapes, highlighted by a 700m sea path on Diep Son Island, akin to a dream.
Travel Itinerary: Phu Yen – Diep Son – Binh Ba for 4 Single Ladies
Capturing envy, Nguyen Huong Quynh, a 1994-born Hanoi resident, fulfilled her dreamy expedition to discover Phu Yen and the islands of Diep Son, Binh Ba (Khanh Hoa) with her trio of close friends. The 6-day, 5-night escapade cost 4 million VND per person.
Quynh reflected: “Concluding the journey, there were moments navigating steep, rocky, tear-inducing roads on motorcycles, yet we triumphed… Four girls and numerous memorable experiences, joyous, melancholic, challenging—sans men but feeling absolutely fantastic.”
Reflecting on the traversed places, Quynh found life and people to be amiable, gentle, and benevolent. If Da Nang claims the title of the most livable city, Tuy Hoa is not far behind. The cuisine is surprisingly affordable, living up to its reputation as the cheapest culinary destination in Vietnam. “The seas and islands of our homeland need no further accolades; they are incredibly beautiful. Overall, I am very content with this journey. It truly fulfilled the criteria: delicious – nutritious – affordable, and just two words to describe it are simply marvelous.”
Detailed Advice from Huong Quynh Regarding the Journey:
Itinerary for Phu Yen – Diep Son – Binh Ba for 4 Single Ladies
Day 1: Bai Xep – Ganh Da Dia – Dam O Loan (North of Phu Yen)
– Catch a morning flight from Noi Bai to Tuy Hoa Airport, conveniently close to the city center, just a 10-minute taxi ride away.
– Upon arrival (around 9:30 am), take a taxi to the hotel (staying at Thanh Long Hotel, 280,000 VND for a room with 2 spacious double beds), store your belongings, then rent a motorbike (150,000 VND per day) to head north of Tuy Hoa. Travel along the coastal road on the way there and take the national highway on the way back. Along the journey, visit Long Thuy Beach and Bai Xep (the filming location for the movie I See Yellow Flowers on Green Grass).
Continuing along the coastal road will lead you to Ghenh Da Dia. Here, park your bike for a fee of 2,000 VND per motorbike and stroll down to explore the rock layers. Ganh Da Dia now charges an entrance fee of 10,000 VND per person.
After enjoying some playful photo sessions, head back to Tuy Hoa via QL1. If you have extra time, consider visiting the Ganh Den Lighthouse, Mang Lang Church, Tam Giang Dam, Tuy An Wooden Bridge, and the longest wooden bridge in Phu Yen (we regretfully couldn't find the way to this bridge).
If time doesn't permit a journey far north, head towards the city center and stop to savor the local delicacies of oysters and blood cockles in Dam O Loan. Reach the area near An Hai Bridge, turn into the dam area, and find Quan Tuan – a place where many locals from Phu Yen come to eat. Reasonably priced, swift service, and patrons can enjoy both special dishes and the scenic view of Dam O Loan.
In the evening, explore Tuy Hoa city. You can ride your motorbike up to Nhan Tower on Nhan Mountain. At night, Nhan Tower is beautifully illuminated, standing out prominently when viewed from below. Capture the panoramic view of Da Rang River from Da Rang Bridge or Hung Vuong Bridge.
Dining in Phu Yen:
For breakfast: try banh hoi with pork liver, Co Be bread, various beef noodle dishes...
For lunch: indulge in ocean tuna (Bà Tám's place: tuna eyes, tuna salad, sautéed tuna liver...).
For dinner: try banh beo, banh hoi (priced at 12,000 VND per large plate with 10 small bowls), rice paper rolls, seafood... Don't forget to indulge in fresh fruit salad and smoothies for their deliciousness and affordability (10,000-15,000 VND per cup).
Day 2: Vung Ro Port – Dai Lanh Lighthouse – Mon Beach (South of Phu Yen)
- Explore the coastal road connecting Ca Pass to Tuy Hoa city, also known as Phuoc Tan – Bai Nga Road. This coastal route is stunning, with many spots to stop and capture photos.
The highlight at Dai Lanh Lighthouse – Mon Beach: a must-visit on this second day itinerary. Dai Lanh Lighthouse is located at Dai Lanh Cape, one of Vietnam's first spots to welcome the sunrise. Climb the staircase to the lighthouse for a mesmerizing view of the sea below.
- During lunch, savor the specialty dish of Dai Lanh squid hotpot right at the foot of Ca Pass, super delicious.
- If staying overnight, enjoy the sunset and sunrise at the lighthouse, make a reservation in advance with Uncle Muoi (0983.187.381). It's advisable to contact him a day prior; if not, you can directly contact the border guards on the lighthouse, Mr. Thang (station chief) at 0905.217.578.
As for us, we didn't stay overnight but headed straight to Vang Gia port to reach Diep Son.
Day 3: Diep Son Island
Vang Gia fishing port is about 30-35 km from Dai Lanh, and from here, you can take a boat to Diep Son. If you arrive at Diep Son in the early afternoon, it's best to visit the island immediately to witness the clearest view of the legendary submerged road (visible on the sea surface from 4-5 PM to 6-7 AM the next day). There are two sea routes connecting the three islands, but the one we took is the longest; the second route is shorter.
Arrive at Vang Gia port around 3 PM, rent a room at Phuong Hoang guesthouse (right across from Vang Gia port, phone 058 3913612, 4-person room with 2 double beds for 300,000 VND/night).
After resting and having dinner, head to the right side of the guesthouse where you'll find delicious and affordable grilled rice paper and rice paper salad with mango and guava.
- For the evening, try the specialty dish of fish cake soup (banh canh cha ca). It might taste a bit unique as they make the banh canh differently with plenty of green onions. After that, explore the street-side eateries (bao bao for 10,000 VND each, loaded hot dogs for 6,000 VND each, various smoothies, etc.). Just ask the locals for directions; it's walkable as it's around the guesthouse area.
Next morning, grab a delicious banh mi for 10,000 VND each right in front of the guesthouse or, if time allows, venture to Co Sen Banh Mi along the national highway. Catch the boat to the island, a quick 30-minute journey.
- Upon arrival, order lunch from a local on the island. You can choose from various seafood dishes like sour fish soup, grilled or steamed squid. The options are limited as they prepare whatever the locals catch. They'll charge you based on weight (e.g., squid at 250,000 VND/kg) and a service fee of 30,000 VND per person for rice and soup.
- Embark on a fascinating and unique journey along the nearly 700m-long wooden pathway above the sea, connecting the small islet to the larger Diep Son Island. The path, about a meter wide and submerged in the clear water at less than half a meter deep, offers an extraordinary experience. If the water level rises, it covers the sandy path, giving the sensation of standing in the vast sea. Walk the entire path to explore the other side of the island and capture more photos.
- Once you've had your fill of pictures, return for lunch and relax on a hammock, listening to the soothing sound of waves and easily drifting into a peaceful nap.
- Around 2 PM, catch the return boat to the mainland, head back to Van Gia Dock, and then take a taxi to the national highway. Once there, continue by catching a comfortable bus to Nha Trang city, ending at the North Nha Trang bus station. From there, take another bus to Cam Ranh City (although it's a bus, it's as comfortable and clean as a coach).
- Stay overnight at a hotel near Ba Ngoc Port. Early next morning, take a taxi to Ba Ngoc Port to head to Binh Ba.
Day 4: Binh Ba Island
Morning:
From Ba Ngoc Port to Binh Ba, take a local boat for 25,000 VND per person per trip, or opt for a motorized canoe at 100,000 VND/person or a diesel-powered one at 60,000 VND/person. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes to reach the island.
Upon arrival at Binh Ba, stay at Bay Ho Guesthouse (0983858941), located right next to Nom Beach, offering clean and fully equipped rooms with a sea view (call ahead to reserve).
Afterward, rent a scooter for 100,000 VND/day. We rented two scooters with a local guide to explore all the mountainous passes. Many spots provide breathtaking views, especially at the three highest points in the North, South, and East directions. Enjoy panoramic views of Cam Ranh Bay and admire Turtle Rock...
In the afternoon, go for a snorkeling adventure at Nha Cu Beach: crystal-clear and clean, but watch out for sea urchins and rocks beneath the water. Boat tours with glass bottoms and coral snorkeling are available for 40,000 VND/person. Even if you can't swim, you can still observe the coral by wearing a life jacket, goggles, and submerging your face into the water.
Evening: indulge in an exquisite seafood feast featuring lobster (1,700,000 VND/kg), with a 1.2 kg lobster serving four people generously, half grilled with cheese and half with garlic butter. Other delectable options include clams, oysters, grilled porcupine with garlic butter, and seafood fried rice that's exceptionally delicious. The cost for this seafood extravaganza is 600,000 VND per person, a worthwhile culinary experience.
Day 5: Binh Ba Island – Nha Trang
Morning, witness the sunrise at Chuong Beach: approximately a 30-minute walk from the port bridge. The sunrise at this beach is breathtaking; around 5:30 AM, wait until 6 AM for the sun to rise. For breakfast, explore the dishes around the market. You'll find a variety of noodles, fish cake noodle soup, pork liver vermicelli, grilled meat vermicelli... though not as tasty as on the mainland.
Then, proceed to capture more underwater photos at Nom Beach: a vast sandy beach with underwater rocks. Most locals and tourists swim here due to its clean and clear waters. For coral snorkeling at Nom Beach, a ticket priced at 40,000 VND/person includes a float, goggles, and a diving guide for added safety.
- Additionally, a 10,000 VND ticket allows entry for photography and sightseeing, a beautiful experience. After the activities, return to check out and head back to Ba Ngoc Port.
- Upon reaching the port, find a taxi driver with a 7-seater offering a ride to Nha Trang for 300,000 VND, with an opportunity to glimpse the city. Arrive and savor the local specialty of grilled nem at Le Loi Street, beef skewers, and grilled beef, though the prices are relatively high.
- Relax at Tuoi Ngoc Cafe, adorned with violet shades and staff dressed in violet attire, enjoying the view of lavender orchids. Later, head to the southern bus station in Nha Trang and catch a Thuan Thao bus (65,000 VND/person) to Tuy Hoa for dining and rest.
Day 6
Wake up and have breakfast with the famous Bánh Mì Cô Bé, then shop for local specialties (tuna, sun-dried squid, seafood, etc.) for souvenirs. Finally, make your way to the airport to return to Hanoi.
Quynh's detailed experience-sharing album received numerous likes and shares.
According to Ngôi Sao
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourJune 3, 2016
