How to explore the best of Quy Nhon

Image Credit: Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

Quy Nhon is a quaint beach town located half the distance between Nha Trang and Hoi An. Many tourists always opt to visit the very popular Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi or the less familiar towns like Danang or Nha Trang. Quite often, Quy Nhon, a vibrant peaceful coastal city is often overlooked. It is a hidden gem that must be explored during your travels in Vietnam. Here is a guide highlighting several attractions and activities that may perk your interest.

Beach shopping on secluded beaches

This city offers sun-kissed beaches and picturesque landscapes as it is bordered by the South China Sea on one side and rolling hills on the other. The beachfront here stretches from the port right to these hills. And the best part is the fact that they are easily accessible. There are several secluded beaches that you can check out if you want picture-perfect postcard views of the coastline that is speckled with wooden fishing boats afar. You can have a quiet time out here with the sun, sand, sea and the sceneries to keep you company. If you're looking for a Quy Nhon hotel close to the coastline, you can check out properties like Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, for instance.

Phuong Mai Peninsula

The Peninsula has been fantastically endowed with a vast expanse of sand dunes. The sand dunes keep changing its shape due to the wind that blows from the surrounding beaches. You will be able to test your endurance and strength by climbing some of these dunes. Be warned, it can be an arduous task which gets all the more difficult during summer. Having said that, you will be rewarded with a fine and awe-inspiring view of endless skies that seem to emerge right from the horizon. The view is definitely worth the climb. You can also head out to the surrounding turquoise waters and explore the underwater world. You will require some snorkelling gear and off you can go.

Buddhist temples

When you are in these parts of the world, you can find yourself in a state of complete serenity if you know where to go. All you have to do is visit several of the Buddhist temples dotted across this town. Some of them are easily located and are in the heart of the city whereas others are a short distance away from the city centre. Chua Long Khanh is a popular temple that was built in the 18th century and the largest one ever constructed here. This is a temple that is not missed out on by any of the locals and tourists who visit the place. It is absolutely magnificent!

Cham Architecture

When in Quy Nhon, you must relish the Cham architecture. You are bound to see them scattered across the countryside as well as the cities and look like brick architecture which resembles ruins. These are the remains of the great temples. Cham temples were built by rulers ruling the city around the 11th century. As a result, there are dozens of these kinds of temples dotted across the land. Having said that, you will find most of them inaccessible. Therefore, plan out your route before you head out. You will be able to witness brick structures that have been sculpted by sandstones of humans who are dancing, lotuses, animals and such detailed designs on the temple walls. One of the best-preserved places of Cham history is the Thap Banh which is halfway between the airport and the city. Once you are at the temple, you will be able to marvel at the panoramic view of the lush green countryside with a backdrop of a lazy blue sky.