Honestly, I had never considered Quy Nhon as my primary destination for my trip to Vietnam. 3 days in Quy Nhon were the highlight of my entire stay. Thanks to Autour Asia - Vietnam travel agency, the trip immersed me in an authentic Vietnam, far from the usual tourist experiences. Quy Nhon was once a city in Binh Dinh province. However, it recently merged with Gia Lai province since June 2025, becoming its administrative center. With its pristine beaches, ancient Cham heritage, hidden islands, and generous cuisine, it is well worth a visit. Here is my full review, day by day.
On the first day of 3 days in Quy Nhon, I arrived on a direct flight from Hanoi. From the moment I stepped out of the airport, the city struck me with its tranquility and authenticity. After settling into the Anya Hotel, I began with a stroll through Quy Nhon's central market (Cho Lon), a vibrant mix of colors and aromas, where locals buy their fresh seafood from the morning. It's a place that blends scenes of daily life with local culinary experiences that few people talk about.
In the afternoon, I headed to Quy Nhon Beach, a long stretch of golden sand that runs along the city's seafront for several kilometers. Unlike the beaches of Da Nang or Nha Trang, which are packed with tourists, here the atmosphere remains very local. Vietnamese families were swimming peacefully, a few children were playing in the waves, and old women were selling coconuts by the water's edge. I walked along the seafront to the tip of the peninsula, which offers a panoramic view of the bay. This unspoiled natural setting immediately reminded me why I had made the right choice in selecting this 3-day trip to Quy Nhon.
In the evening, I had dinner at a small restaurant on stilts by the water. I was impressed by the cuisine in Quy Nhon: banh xeo (the famous Vietnamese crispy pancake), goi ca mai (marinated raw fish salad), and incredibly fresh grilled lemongrass prawns. I've rarely eaten so well for such a low price.
Day 2 of my 3 days in Quy Nhon began with a visit to the Banh It Towers, about 40 minutes from Quy Nhon. These four red brick towers, dating back to the 11th century, stand majestically on a hillside, a sight few places in Vietnam can rival. Built by the Cham kingdom, this site is far less crowded than My Son in Hoi An, giving it an almost mystical atmosphere. My guide explained the fascinating history of this vanished civilization, their Hindu beliefs, and their unique architecture. Afterward, we visited the Duong Long Towers, considered the tallest Cham towers still standing in Vietnam.
In the afternoon, my guide took me to Ky Co - Eo Gio, one of the most famous destinations in Quy Nhon. From the jagged cliffs, the view of the turquoise sea and the wave-sculpted rocks literally took my breath away. Then, we took a boat to Ky Co Island. As we approached, I saw a white sand beach with waters in unreal shades of turquoise. Mask and snorkel in hand, I dove in to explore the colorful seabed. Between the rugged cliffs of Eo Gio and the paradisiacal lagoon of Ky Co, this afternoon will remain etched in my memory.
The evening ended at the Quy Nhon night market, a wonderful way to immerse oneself in the daily life of the locals. Street food stalls, artisans, children playing – a warm and unpretentious atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of this city.
On the last morning of my 3 days in Quy Nhon, we took a boat to Green Island, or Cu Lao Xanh, about 20 kilometers off the coast of Quy Nhon. Along the way, the rising sun painted the sea with golden hues. It was truly a breathtaking sight. Upon disembarking, I was struck by the serenity of the place: no crowds, just a small fishing village, hills covered in lush vegetation, and deep blue waters. I explored the island on foot, discovering a colonial lighthouse perched high above, offering a 360° view of the archipelago. Cu Lao Xanh is the mysterious jewel of Quy Nhon.
While waiting for my evening flight, I enjoyed a final drink overlooking the sea, my gaze lost in the glow of Quy Nhon Bay as it bathed the last rays of the sun. I felt I had discovered something precious in Vietnam. My 3 days in Quy Nhon offered far more than I had anticipated.
In conclusion, my 3 days in Quy Nhon reconciled me with a Vietnam I thought was increasingly difficult to find - authentic, generous, and off the beaten track. Between its pristine beaches, captivating Cham towers, idyllic islands, and unforgettable cuisine, Quy Nhon has all the ingredients for an exceptional trip. The region's integration with Gia Lai and the Central Highlands opens up exciting prospects for the years to come. I strongly encourage any curious traveler to dedicate at least three days to it, ideally more. And for those who wish to travel without stress, with an expert guide and a tailor-made program, the Autour Asia team has made this trip truly perfect.
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