(VNF) - The rolling sand dunes of Ky Co, Hon Kho, Ham Ho, and Phuong Mai in the central province of Binh Dinh are attractive destinations for visitors over four-day-holiday for the Reunification Day (April 30^th) and Labor Day (May 1^st).

Binh Dinh Province is located on the south central coast of Vietnam, and is the key economic region of central Vietnam. Contrary to the majority of tourist destinations in Vietnam which have suffered from overdevelopment, many of the landscapes in the central province for now remain untouched and still retain their natural characteristics – translating to a huge draw for tourists. Visitors to Binh Dinh mostly seek to enjoy the peacefulness, the majestic landscapes and a perse culinary experience at a reasonable cost.

Not far from the province’s capital city of Quy Nhon, some of the locations that have gained popularity amongst the young Vietnamese are Ky Co beach – considered the Malpes of Viet Nam – Trung Luong beach, Hon Kho or Cu Lao Xanh isles, among others.

Cu Lao Xanh (Green Isle)

Visitors can immerse themselves in the vast expanse of sky and mountains, experience local life in fishing villages, enjoy delicious seafood, go swimming, or climb the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the island. (Photos by Vnexpress)

Cu Lao Xanh (Green Isle) or Van Phi Island is located in Nhon Chau commune about 20 kilometers from Quy Nhon city.

The island is favorably compared to a “pearl” nestling at the middle and the sea and surrounded by the lush green trees, immense blue sky, and more importantly, the pristine blue sea water. How amazing!

Setting foot in the island, surely, you are “overwhelmed” by the “untouched” scenery, pure blue sea, soft white sand, and a natural stone beach of unique shapes. Because the island hasn’t offered many services yet, you can stay at guesthouses. Additionally, you may ask local residents for homestays and meals to engage in the local daily life of the fishing village, in general, and the fishermen, in particular. Especially, the local fishermen often light out to fish squids at 3 a.m, you might take part in this exciting experience.

Hon Kho Island

The stunning Hon Kho Island has fascinated tourists by two amazing experiences namely coral ping and mountain climbing.

Hon Kho is one of 32 islands off the shore of Binh Dinh province. It is about 16 kilometers away from Quy Nhon city and situated in Hai Dong hamlet, Nhon Hai commune.

Visitors are able to explore the fishing village, go scuba ping to marvel at colourful corals, or clamber over the rocky mountains. A day-tour package ranges between VND 220,000 (USD 9.68) and VND 320,000 (USD 14.08) per person.

Ham Ho eco-tourism site

This stretch of Ham Ho River has a total length of 3 kilometers, flowing through a jungle populated with interesting rock formations.

Ham Ho eco-tourism site, about 50 kilometers northwest of Quy Nhon city, is located in Tay Phu commune, Tay Son district. Situated in the heart of the Kut River, Ham Ho is a section stretching over three kilometers with green and limpid water surrounded by mighty mountains. This spectacular view of Ham Ho dispelled our sunstroke and refreshed travelers after the long trip. There are many big rocks on this pond, giving you time to relax and take photos and guess the shapes of the rocks.

Visitors have to spend at least one day to explore all the destinations at Ham Ho. Ham Ho dam, Hon Bong and Hon Chuong are perfect places to watch the poetic view of the tourist attract and take photos. You can spend the night stilt houses, before going kayaking, fishing, lighting campfires, and exploring the primeval forests.

Ky Co Beach

Ky Co beach is about 25 kilometers northeast of Quy Nhon City and bounded by sea and mountains.

Located in Nhon Ly commune, about 25 kilometers to the northeast of Quy Nhon, Ky Co Beach has been famous for charming “unspoiled” scenery. Interestingly, three sides of the beach is embraced by mountain and the rest is surrounded by the stunning beach.

It is considered a ‘Palawan of Vietnam’ due to its crystal clear waters. A day-tour package is priced at VND 350,000 (USD 15.4) each person.

If you are engrossed with exploration and adventuring experience, you should definitely stay overnight on the beach. You might prepare tents and seafood for camping.

You can also climb up the mountain next to the beach to greet the panorama of the amazing Ky Co beach from upside down, then, enrich your journey to the beach. The mountain is quite accessible but you should travel in group in case you need help.

Phuong Mai sand dunes

With a height of nearly 50 metres, visitors to the sand dunes of Phuong Mai will see the vastness of the earth and wild beauty.

Phuong Mai sand dunes are located beside Nhon Ly beach, on Phuong Mai peninsula about 20 kilometers from the city’s centre.

With the sand dunes reaching up to 50 metres in height, they are the fastest sand boarding slopes in Vietnam. The sand dunes here are transformed daily, even hourly because of wind.From the tops of the sand dunes, visitors can see the clear blue lake of Bau Trang, BinhThuan province.

Sand skiing is an experience that should not be missed. Different from sand sliding in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, tourists will use wood boards, not plastic boards, to slide at much higher speed.

Eo Gio (Wind Strait)

From the downtown, drive 22 kilometers in the direction of Thi Nai Bridge and you will arrive at Eo Gio. (Photo: thanhhdatt)

Eo Gio is an arc-shaped strait surrounded by rocky cliffs in Nhon Ly peninsula commune. People call it Eo Gio (Wind Strait) as seen from above, Eo Gio looks like a funnel with two rock ranges holding a sea corner.

Visitors can climb to the top of the cliffs for a panoramic view of Nhon Ly village or walk along the winding coastal path.

The long seaside road has been compared to South Korea's Jeju Island. Get lost and free your minds in the cool fresh air and the ranges of mountains and cliffs.

Trung Luong Camping Site

Trung Luong is an outdoor tourism site, about 30 kilometers from Quy Nhon city, located in Trung Luong hamlet, Cat Tien commune, Phu Cat district.

If you are someone who enjoys the outdoors and water activities such as camping, snorkelling, scuba ping or exploring coral reefs you’ll surely find plenty to do at the Trung Luong outdoor area in the central province of Binh Dinh.

Visitors can camp outside to enjoy the tranquility of nature; getting sweaty and wet with water sports on the beach and treat your tastebuds to more fresh seafood at a local restaurant. The rental price for tents is about VND 300,000 (USD 13.2) per night for two people./.

VNF