Uncover the top things to do in Quy Nhon, Vietnam—from uncrowded beaches and cultural sites to local eats and scenic adventures off the tourist trail.
When we touched down in Quy Nhon this past March, my partner and I weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Nestled between Da Nang and Nha Trang, this low-key coastal city has been described as a place to find uncrowded beaches, vibrant street life, and a whiff of what tourism used to be. Over five days, we discovered a destination perched at a rare crossroads: authentic, accessible, and still blissfully under the radar.
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Getting Around Quy Nhon: Beachfront Walks and Electric Buggies
Quy Nhon surprised us immediately with its ease and openness. Fleets of electric buggies zipped along the tree-lined boulevards, providing a green and affordable way to explore. We could cross town or cruise the beachfront comfortably for less than a few bucks. However, we soon discovered that walking was just as rewarding.
One of Quy Nhon’s economical electric buggies. Ideal for getting around. Photo by Michael Cullen
The city sprawls along a two-and-a-quarter-mile golden crescent of beach. A wide esplanade lines the city’s beach, dotted with shade trees and sculpture gardens, and locals jog or gather in groups for morning tai chi or late afternoon picnics. There were no beach loungers, no umbrella gridlocks—just wide open expanses of sand and calm, clean water, ideal for an ocean swim. Lifeguards kept watch, and safe-swim enclosures were clearly marked.
It felt like a throwback to a gentler era of beach tourism—there were no hawkers, beach clubs, or selfie-stick chaos.
Local Life and Must-Try Seafood in Quy Nhon
Among the most rewarding things to do in Quy Nhon is simply to walk the beach promenade at golden hour, which reveals the city’s soul. Families sprawled on blankets, teens played music nearby, and kids chased soccer balls across the plaza.
Quy Nhon’s shady esplanade is ideal for gathering before or after some activities. Photo by Michael Cullen
Across town, seafood restaurants buzzed with locals, offering generous portions of just-caught crabs, lobster, oysters, and scallops. Every bite echoed the sea—whether it was crab hotpot, grilled scallops, or a simple bowl of bún chả cá. And the prices? Shockingly fair. A Japanese restaurant just around the corner from our hotel also received several repeat visits.
One afternoon, we stumbled upon a buzzing street lined with sizzling woks and smoothie stalls. Perched on low plastic stools, we tucked into plates of bánh xèo tôm nhảy—crispy shrimp pancakes served hot off the griddle—just before the after-work rush.
Bốn Mùa—Four Seasons Quy Nhơn is the only café and restaurant along the city’s extended esplanade. It was an excellent spot for a refreshing chilled beverage after an esplanade stroll and perhaps the most romantic dinner venue we came across.
Bốn Mùa or Four Seasons Cafe on Quy Nhon’s main beach was ideal for refreshing afternoon breaks. Photo Michael Cullen
Things to Do in Quy Nhon for History and Culture Lovers
While Quy Nhon’s beach is a major draw, the region’s historical and cultural sites are what truly deepen the experience.
A local guide led us to the nearby Banh It Cham Towers—hilltop remnants of the Champa Kingdom that ruled central Vietnam for centuries. Further afield, the towering Duong Long Cham Towers offered an impressive display of Cham-Khmer architecture. At 137 feet, the central tower is the tallest Cham tower in Southeast Asia. It features intricate carvings etched into ancient red brick. Nearby, the serene Chùa Thập Tháp (Ten Towers Pagoda), founded in 1683, is one of Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temples.
Exploring Banh It Cham Towers with our guide. Photo by Michael Cullen
Within the city, Long Khanh Pagoda offered a peaceful escape, with chanting monks and banyan trees creating a space for quiet reflection. The striking Quang Trung Statue stood blocks away, a tribute to Vietnam’s legendary military hero who led the Tây Sơn uprising and unified the country. The statue’s base is surrounded by educational panels detailing his life and victories—an inspiring encounter with Vietnamese history in the city’s beating heart.
At the southern end of Quy Nhon Beach, Ghenh Rang Park, with its winding paths, leads to Queen’s Beach—named after the last empress of Vietnam’s Nguyễn Dynasty. Here, smooth, egg-shaped stones scatter the shoreline. The nearby grave of poet Han Mac Tu and the modest Ghenh Rang Church add layers of literary and religious heritage.
At the central square, we came across the Nguyễn Sinh Sắc – Nguyễn Tất Thành (Father and Son) Monument, which honors Hồ Chí Minh and his father. Towering bronze figures rise from a sweeping stone relief that tells the story of Vietnam’s journey to independence—a stirring and unexpected highlight.
Father and Son Monument, Quy Nhon Central Square. Photo by Michael Cullen
Visit the Quang Trung Museum: Martial Arts Meets History
Of all the things to do in Quy Nhon, the Quang Trung Museum in Kien My Village stands out. Dedicated to Emperor Quang Trung (Nguyen Hue), the museum is set on the ancestral land of the Tây Sơn brothers. It features relics such as a centuries-old tamarind tree, a family well, and traditional wooden houses nestled in shaded grounds.
But the martial arts performance left a lasting impression—it was executed entirely by children. These young fighters moved with astonishing speed and control, executing ancient Tây Sơn techniques that had been passed down through generations. Their dedication transformed history into something tangible and alive.
The museum documents Quang Trung’s tactical genius, particularly his famed 10-day March to Hanoi and victory over the Qing army in 1789. But the spirit of the place lingers—a sense of pride and identity that defines this region.
Emperor Quang Trung and the museum honoring him. An essential part of the region and Vietnam’s story. Photo by Michael Cullen
Handicrafts, Rice Wine & Local Encounters Near Quy Nhon
One morning, we ventured into Phu Gia village, famed for its handmade conical hats. Here, artisan Đỗ Văn Lan, with over 55 years of experience, welcomed us into his workshop. He specializes in the non-nga or highly ceremonial “horse hats” embroidered with symbolic floral motifs. His dedication is part of why this craft has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Artisan Đỗ Văn Lan and other Phu Gia villagers are crafting conical hats. Photo courtesy Anantara
Nearby, we were welcomed into a family-run Bàu Đá wine distillery. Our host poured us a round of the potent rice spirit, which delivered a bold, fiery kick, on par with Greek raki or Sri Lankan arrack in terms of strength and rustic character.
Along the roadsides, incense sticks dried in the sun in colorful bundles while rice paper sheets were set out to air on rattan racks. These were not staged for tourists but were part of the fabric of daily life. It was these unplanned, highly human moments that lingered longest.
Incense sticks drying along the side of a village lane
Quy Nhon Now and What’s Coming Next
We stayed at two very different hotels. The stylish L’Amor Boutique Hotel offered a modern, locally run stay in the city center. In contrast, tucked into a secluded cove, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas delivers luxury and tranquility—currently the only international resort in the region.
But change is on the horizon. A Courtyard by Marriott is currently under construction downtown, with an anticipated opening in 2025. Meliá and Banyan Tree are also entering the scene. These developments signal Quy Nhon’s shift from an under-the-radar gem to a major player on Vietnam’s tourism map.
Quy Nhon City is set for change. Visit now before the crowds arrive. Photo by Michael Cullen
Why Now Is the Moment to Go
This makes now the perfect time to explore Quy Nhon. You’ll still find beaches without crowds, restaurants without reservations, and historic sites undisturbed by mass tourism.
And there’s still more to see. Although we packed a lot into five days, we didn’t manage to visit the Eo Gio Cliffs, Ky Co Beach, the Con Chim Ecological Zone, or the coral reefs of Nhon Ly. We heard about hiking trails up Xuan Van Mountain but ran out of time. The list of things to do in Quy Nhon goes well beyond what even a packed itinerary can accommodate.
Eo Gio Cliffs Walk is one of the many attractions in the Quy Nhon region that we did not visit. Photo courtesy Anantara
The city has a youthful energy, thanks in part to its two universities. It’s clean, safe, and buzzing with possibility, without the polish or pretence of more overdeveloped destinations.
We came to understand Quy Nhon as more than a destination—it’s a living, breathing coastal city that remains true to itself. In today’s travel landscape of cookie-cutter experiences, Quy Nhon stands out as a living, breathing coastal city that remains true to itself. And that’s a rare and precious thing.
The Finer Details For Your Visit
When to Visit
The best time to visit Quy Nhon is from February to August, when the weather is warm to hot and dry. When we visited, March was enjoyable—sunny and breezy, ideal for countryside excursions and a little beach time.
Where to Stay
Two already tested suggestions are:
How to Get There
Quy Nhon is served by Phu Cat Airport (UIH), about 30 km from the city center. Direct domestic flights are from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Private transfers and taxis are readily available for easy journeys into town.
For More Coverage of Asia on Wander With Wonder
For a unique arrival, consider The Vietage—a boutique rail experience from Da Nang to Quy Nhon featuring gourmet dining and onboard spa treatments. It’s a luxurious, scenic way to start your adventure.
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