Phu Yen, a hidden gem of Vietnam

Phu Yen encompasses a diverse landscape of rivers, lagoons, mountains and fertile plains with nearly some 125 miles of shoreline along Vietnam's curving south-central coast. The province has long won praise for its friendly people, delicious food, and gorgeous places of interest.
April 26, 2020 | 11:31
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phu yen hidden germ of vietnam
Aerial view of Phu Yen (Photo: Adaras)

The beach town of Tuy Hoa in the heart of Phu Yen was built long ago by Cham people. Near the town stands Nhan tower atop Nhan mountain, which was built to honor the Cham genies.

Nearby, there is another mountain called Chop Chai, which is great for mountain trekking. The bridge that crosses the Da Rang river at Tuy Hoa is one of the longest bridges along National Highway 1A.

Bui Thanh Dung, a tourist from Hanoi, told VOV, “I find Phu Yen very peaceful. Life here goes along at a much slower pace than in busy, noisy Hanoi. The blue sea is really appealing. I’m in love with Phu Yen’s unspoiled landscapes and hospitality, not yet affected by tourism development.”

phu yen hidden germ of vietnam
Majestic Nhan Tower was built to honor the Cham genies (Photo: Adaras)

The Mang Lang Catholic church is another prime attraction in Tuy Hoa. The superb 120-year-old Gothic church is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam. The first book written in Vietnam's modern script is kept here.

27 kilometers north of Tuy Hoa is Lao Mai Nha islet. This little-known islet is an under-the-radar destination for somebody seeking to experience life at its most basic, as there is very little fresh water and no tourism services, accommodations, or electricity. It’s best to visit Lao Mai Nha islet between March and August, when the weather is nice and the sea is calm.

“I often take my family to Lao Mai Nha islet, which is considered the Robinson Crusoe island of Vietnam. When I first arrived here, I knew I had made the right decision. I’m drawn to its pristine beauty. There are very few people here. We bring our own food and cookers, but we also buy fresh seafood from the islanders and cook it on the spot”, Duc Duong, a visitor from Thanh Hoa province shared his view to VOV.

phu yen hidden germ of vietnam
Lao Mai Nha islet (Photo: Metrip)

40 kilometers north of Tuy Hoa along National Highway 1A is Ganh Da Dia (the Cliff of Stone Plates), one of the most stunning rock formations in the world. Ganh Da Dia is a mystifying arrangement of thousands of large stones that looks a bit like a miniature city of skyscrapers clinging to the seaside cliffs. Some locals believe it was formed in a battle between two mythical giants, while scientists theorize that it was created by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago, according to Vietnam Guide.

phu yen hidden germ of vietnam
Ganh Da Dia is a spectacular boasting unique beauty in Vietnam (Photo: Adaras)
phu yen hidden germ of vietnam
(Photo: Lu Hanh Vietnam)


Nguyen Phuong Thao, Director of S Vietnam Travel, noted, “Many foreign tourists book our tour to Ganh Da Dia and Cape Dai Lanh. Phu Yen province’s hospitality and beautiful, tranquil landscapes are drawing more and more foreign visitors.”A trip to Phu Yen is incomplete without visiting the lighthouse on Cape Dai Lanh, the easternmost point on Vietnam’s mainland, where sunlight first strikes Vietnam each morning. A 100-step spiral stair leads to the top of the lighthouse and its mesmerizing view.

Feast on fancy tuna eyes, the delicacy of Phu Yen

Phu Yen province’s culinary specialties include tuna eyes, which boasts a unique richly-flavored concoction.

Tuna eyes are processed and cooked meticulously. The eyes (after it has been cleaned and preliminary treated), only eyeballs and some vegetables, spices in dishes are put earthenware jars and are brewed with traditional medicinal herbs and vegetables.

Tuna eyes are served with many kinds of herbs, but especially indispensable is shredded shiso leaves. For the central part of Vietnam, people there are often added some more peanuts, small pieces of baked Vietnamese rice paper.

Tuna eyes in Phu Yen are not only had the sea flavor but also the breath of life and the people here, according to Vietnamese food.

phu yen hidden germ of vietnam
Tuna eye fish (Photo: Golden Spoon Award)

Phu Yen climate has two distinct seasons. The rainy season is from September to December. Therefore, the best time to travel to this land is in the dry season of when rains can no longer interrupt your Phu Yen tour. You also can arrange to come to Phu Yen at the festivals, Viet vision travel reported.

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