A Scenic Journey Through Phú Yên: From Đá Bia Mountain to Nhất Tự Sơn

Phu Yen is widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, a captivating landscape where the sea meets mountains, and rivers wind through verdant fields, dotted with tranquil ponds and lakes. Indeed, Phu Yen's most picturesque spots are conveniently clustered along its stunning coastal road, stretching from Da Bia Mountain in the south all the way up to Nhat Tu Son in the north.
From Tuy Hoa city, venturing south reveals magnificent spots like Da Bia Mountain, Vung Ro Bay, Bai Mon, and Mui Dien. Journeying north, you'll find the charming Bai Xep, the iconic Ganh Da Dia, Ganh Den Lighthouse, Hon Yen, Mang Lang Church, and Nhat Tu Son Island.
Touching down in Phu Yen at Tuy Hoa Airport, a quick taxi ride to the city center and renting a motorbike is all you need to start your independent adventure through Phu Yen.
Roadside Rice Fields in Phu Yen

Along the coastal stretches, you'll be treated to views of the Central region's vibrant blue sea. And when the coastline fades, you'll find yourself riding through lush rice paddies, with gentle hills dotting the horizon. Photo: Thi An
Motorbiking in Phu Yen is a truly delightful experience, offering a chance to journey through cool, tranquil air. One moment you'll be admiring the Central Vietnamese coast with its stunning azure waters, and the next you'll be cruising through verdant rice fields, small hills gently rising in the distance. Each attraction in Phu Yen boasts its own distinct charm, with most retaining their pristine natural beauty, wonderfully untouched by excessive development.
Da Bia Mountain – Vung Ro Bay

Da Bia Mountain seen from afar. Photo: Thi An
The trail leading to Da Bia Mountain can be found on Deo Ca Pass. Prepare for an invigorating trek of about 2 hours to conquer Da Bia Mountain, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Phu Yen from above.

Path to Da Bia Mountain. Photo: Thi An

Midway up Da Bia Mountain. Photo: Thi An
As you descend Deo Ca Pass, the stunning Vung Ro Bay immediately comes into view, its waters a vibrant, crystal-clear turquoise. This bay is home to numerous seafood farming rafts. If you stop at a local seafood restaurant for lunch, the friendly raft owners will take you by boat directly to their rafts, where you can pick out your own fresh catch before returning to the restaurant to have it expertly prepared.

Vung Ro Bay. Photo: Thi An
Prices here are quite reasonable, and the seafood is wonderfully fresh and delicious. Should you have more time at Vung Ro Bay, consider renting a canoe to Hon Nua Island for a refreshing swim and a visit to its charming lighthouse.

Azure sea water in Vung Ro Bay. Photo: Thi An
Mui Dien – Bai Mon
After a leisurely late lunch in Vung Ro Bay, you can head towards the Mui Dien lighthouse area for a pleasant hike, even under the warm Central Vietnamese sun. From the parking spot, it's a good walk to reach the lighthouse itself.

Road up to Mui Dien lighthouse. Photo: Thi An
As you make your way, you'll catch glimpses of Bai Mon, a beautiful beach with gentle waves, gracefully tucked between two dramatic rock faces. Once you reach Mui Dien Lighthouse, a refreshing sea breeze greets you, and the evening sea shimmers in a serene blue under the soft sunlight.

Bai Mon seen from the road leading up to Mui Dien lighthouse. Photo: Thi An

Mui Dien lighthouse. Photo: Thi An
After a brief rest, follow the charming staircase from the lighthouse down to Mui Dien itself. This significant spot is marked by a flagpole, signifying Vietnam's easternmost point on the mainland – the very first place to greet the sunrise! The scenery here is truly spectacular, with lush green mountain slopes gently descending towards the ocean, culminating in dramatic, deep rock faces.

Mui Dien. Photo: Thi An
From Mui Dien, you can follow an alternative path that loops down to Bai Mon. Right at the base of the mountain, gentle sea waves playfully lap against smooth, moss-covered round rocks.

Freshwater stream at Bai Mon. Photo: Thi An
Beyond its sandy shores, Bai Mon also boasts a pristine freshwater stream, where you might even spot livestock peacefully grazing nearby. Following this lovely stream will lead you right back to Uncle Muoi's restaurant, your starting point for parking.

Bai Mon with many moss-covered rocks. Photo: Thi An
Bai Xep

Green grass at Bai Xep. Photo: Thi An
Bai Xep is a wonderfully spacious and open area, where scattered cacti and low-lying wild plants thrive on a carpet of lush green grass. From this vantage point, you'll gaze down upon a stunning beach, its shore kissed by frothy white waves. It's truly a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll on a softly sunlit afternoon.

Sea at Bai Xep. Photo: Thi An
Hon Yen
Hon Yen offers a fantastic vantage point from the shore, where you can admire two charming islands, one large and one small, just about 100 meters away. Nearby, there's also a remarkably well-preserved natural coral reef that becomes visible and accessible for viewing when the tide recedes.

Hon Yen seen from the shore. Photo: Thi An
Ganh Da Dia

Ganh Da Dia. Photo: Thi An
Ganh Da Dia has long been established as an absolute must-see destination in Phu Yen. Given its immense popularity, it's wise for travelers to be prepared for crowds. If you arrive from 8:00 AM onwards, you'll likely witness a steady stream of tour buses pulling in. So, for those hoping to capture stunning, crowd-free photos, an early morning visit to Ganh Da Dia is highly recommended.

The unusually regular columnar rock formations at Ganh Da Dia are stacked neatly next to each other. Photo: Thi An
Ganh Den Lighthouse

Scenery of Ganh Den. Photo: Thi An
Just over a kilometer from Ganh Da Dia, you'll find Ganh Den Lighthouse, an older lighthouse perched atop strikingly shaped rock formations. The coastline around Ganh Den is rugged and rocky, yet every corner offers stunning beauty.

Ganh Den Lighthouse. Photo: Thi An
Close to the shore, you'll discover a spacious, open area perfect for those looking to camp overnight. As large vehicles cannot access Ganh Den, this spot remains wonderfully quiet and secluded, making it ideal for anyone seeking peaceful solitude while gazing out at the ocean.

Rocky beach at Ganh Den. Photo: Thi An
Mang Lang Church
Mang Lang Church is nestled in An Thach commune, Tuy An district, approximately 35km north of Tuy Hoa city center. Constructed in 1892, this beautiful church showcases classic Gothic architecture, adorned with numerous intricate patterns, and is widely regarded as one of Phu Yen's most stunning churches.

Mang Lang Church. Photo: Thi An
Nhat Tu Son Island

Path to Nhat Tu Son Island submerged by sea water. Photo: Thi An
From Mang Lang Church, head north for about 20km, and you'll arrive at Nhat Tu Son. This captivating island lies very close to the mainland, connected by a unique submerged pathway. When the tide recedes, this path magically appears, allowing visitors to walk directly across to the island.

Xuan Dai Bay seen from Nhat Tu Son. Photo: Thi An
During the author's visit, the water level was still high, so a canoe was hired to reach the island. As you stroll along the island's shoreline, you'll encounter numerous uniquely shaped rock formations. From this vantage point, you can also admire Xuan Dai Bay, dotted with countless fishing rafts belonging to local fishermen.

Many uniquely shaped rock formations on Nhat Tu Son Island. Photo: Thi An
With its breathtaking natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, warm and genuine locals, and refreshingly uncrowded tourism, Phu Yen stands out as an enticing destination for your next travel adventure.
Dak Lak 5557 view
Update day : 03/07/2023
Source : Sài Gòn Tiếp Thị Affiliate links
Monuments close by
See allNearby tourist attractions
See all

























