Planning guide – Updated September 23, 2026

Quy Nhon to Phu Yen Coastal Drive: 100km Road Trip Guide

While thousands of travelers crowd the standard tourist trail between Hoi An and Nha Trang, the dramatic central coastline between Quy Nhon and Phu Yen remains refreshingly wild and uncrowded. Embarking on the Quy Nhon to Phu Yen coastal drive takes you along sweeping headlands, turquoise fishing coves, prehistoric volcanic rock formations, and tranquil seafood lagoons. Here is our field-tested itinerary, route breakdown, and transport advice.

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Quy Nhon to Phu Yen coastal drive route itinerary

1. Leaving Quy Nhon: Coastal cliffs on QL1D

Your journey starts heading south out of Quy Nhon along National Route QL1D. Built to bypass the congested inland trucking highway, QL1D hugs the rugged granite mountainsides directly above the sparkling East Sea.

• Ghenh Rang & Queen’s Beach: Just south of the city center, stop at Ghenh Rang to see Bai Trung, an inlet covered with thousands of smooth, giant round rocks that resemble dinosaur eggs. The poet Han Mac Tu is buried on the hillside above.
• Fishing coves & secluded bays: As you drive along QL1D, you will pass Bai Xep Quy Nhon (a peaceful fishing village with boutique eco-lodges) and Bai Bau. Roadside pull-offs offer panoramic vantage points overlooking fishing boats anchored in deep azure bays.

2. Ganh Da Dia: Vietnam’s volcanic basalt wonder

Crossing from Binh Dinh province into Phu Yen via Tuy An district brings you to Ganh Da Dia (The Cliff of Stone Plates), recognized as a Special National Monument.

• Geological phenomenon: Formed millions of years ago when molten volcanic basalt lava met freezing seawater, the lava contracted and fractured into tens of thousands of polygonal columns—predominantly hexagons and pentagons. The black stone pillars fit tightly together like giant puzzle pieces, stepping down into crashing ocean surf. It shares a rare geological kinship with the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
• Visitor advice: The basalt rocks can become slick when wet with ocean spray. Wear shoes with firm rubber traction and avoid stepping near the breaking wave zone during high tide. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND per person.

3. Mang Lang Church and the seafood shacks of O Loan Lagoon

A short 15-minute detour from Ganh Da Dia leads through quiet farming villages to two quintessential Phu Yen cultural stops:

• Mang Lang Church: Constructed in 1892 by French missionary Father Joseph Lacassagne, this weathered grey Gothic cathedral is one of Vietnam’s oldest churches. Step into the artificial earthen mound beneath the sanctuary to view a preserved original copy of the Cathechismus, printed in Rome in 1651 by Father Alexandre de Rhodes—the very first book printed in modern romanized Vietnamese script (chữ Quốc ngữ).
• Lunch over O Loan Lagoon: Spanning 1,200 hectares of brackish water, Dam O Loan is celebrated throughout Vietnam for its rich marine produce. Wooden boardwalks lead to rustic stilt restaurants built directly over the water (such as Quan Thuy Kieu). Feast on charcoal-grilled blood cockles (sò huyết Ô Loan, sweet and mineral-rich), steamed tamarind crab, and crisp jellyfish salad for roughly 200,000 to 350,000 VND per person.

4. Bai Xep and arriving in Tuy Hoa

Continuing south toward Tuy Hoa, stop at Bai Xep (Ganh Ong), a dramatic ocean headland made famous by the acclaimed Vietnamese coming-of-age movie Tôi thấy hoa vàng trên cỏ xanh (Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass).

• Cliffside meadow: A short uphill stroll leads to a flat plateau carpeted with wild green turf and desert cactus clumps, terminating abruptly in 20-meter vertical black cliffs dropping into the turquoise sea. Below lies a 500-meter crescent of soft golden sand perfect for an afternoon swim. Entrance is 20,000 VND.
• Arriving in Tuy Hoa: The coastal highway finishes in Tuy Hoa, the capital of Phu Yen province. Tuy Hoa is known for its wide, peaceful palm-lined boulevards, low-rise buildings, and Nhan Tower (Thap Nhan), an illuminated 12th-century Cham brick temple perched atop a hill overlooking the Da Rang river.

Transport comparison: Private car vs scooter

• Private car with driver: Highly recommended for this route (1,200,000 to 1,600,000 VND / $48 to $64 USD). The heat along the south central coast between May and August is intense, with temperatures frequently reaching 36°C. Having an air-conditioned vehicle protects your energy and keeps your luggage secure between stops.
• 125cc Scooter rental: Suitable only for experienced motorcycle riders with international driving permits (rental is 120,000 to 150,000 VND per day). While QL1D and DT649 are paved and scenic, coastal crosswinds can be strong, and rural side roads around Tuy An feature loose gravel and wandering livestock.

Frequently asked questions

Where to go next

Continue building your independent Vietnam travel routes with our logistical guides:

• Vietnam Motorcycle Loops — overview of Ha Giang, Hai Van Pass, and Central Highland routes.
• Transport Within Vietnam — comprehensive guide to domestic flights, express trains, and private cars.
• 3-Week Vietnam Itinerary — complete north-to-south route connecting coastlines and mountains.
• Vietnam Scooter Rental Guide — license rules, deposit practices, insurance, and road safety.
• Where to Stay in Phu Yen — Tuy Hoa beachfront hotels, Bai Xep coastal stays, and Xuan Dai Bay resorts.