Quy Nhon might not be the first name that pops up when you’re planning your Vietnam adventure, but let me tell you, it’s one of those under-the-radar gems that’s totally worth a spot on your itinerary. Nestled along the central coast, this laid-back town offers a sweet escape from the usual tourist hustle. The Vibe in Quy Nhon is very chill; it’s like the city hasn’t quite caught up with its own potential, which is great for backpackers looking for an authentic slice of Vietnamese life. This guide will cover everything you need to know, starting with whether Quy Nhon is even worth it, how many days to spend here and how to get to Quy Nhon. I’ll also cover recommendations on getting around, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and nightlife.
Is Quy Nhon Worth it?
Quy Nhon, a coastal gem in Vietnam, is an off-the-beaten-track destination, which may not be for everyone. On the plus side, there are great untouched beaches and interesting historical and cultural sights like the Cham Towers. The laid-back atmosphere is a refreshing change from bustling tourist hubs, and you’ll find a genuine warmth in the locals’ hospitality. However, Quy Nhon may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The city lacks the intense nightlife and party scene found in some other Vietnamese hotspots, which might be a downside for those seeking round-the-clock entertainment. Additionally, English may not be as widely spoken as in more touristy areas, making communication a bit challenging at times. Transportation within the city can be limited, and the lack of a well-established public transport system might require some reliance on taxis or motorbike rentals.
In a nutshell, Quy Nhon is worth a visit for those who crave a quieter, more authentic experience, basking in the natural beauty and local charm. However, if you’re seeking a bustling nightlife or extensive historical sites, you might want to weigh your options. If you want a beach destination with nightlife, Mui Ne or Nha Trang will be much more suitable for you.
How many days to spend in Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon is a beach destination where many backpackers come just to chill out and recharge themselves before heading back to busier backpacker destinations. So, you could spend a long time here if you need the rest! I spent a week here in 2023, which was the perfect amount of time for me to relax properly and do some sightseeing. At a minimum, I would say two days here would allow you one day of sightseeing and one day of relaxing on the beach. You could add a few more days if you want the extra time to chill out and spend more time at the beach.
How to get to Quy Nhon
The main two destinations you could easily and directly get to Quy Nhon from would be Dalat and Hoi An/ Da Nang. There are also a few direct transfers from other cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Mui Ne, but these are super far journeys, more expensive and don’t operate very regular services. If you are planning on going straight from Ho Chi Minh City to Quy Nhon, I would highly recommend considering making other stops in places like Dalat to break up the journey but also to not miss out on the great attractions in Dalat. Similarly, Mui Ne or Nha Trang to Quy Nhon are not popular routes as they have similar beach town vibes, so most travellers will choose one of these beach destinations and skip the other two.
For getting from Dalat, Hoi An or Da Nang to Quy Nhon, there are sleeper buses, day van transfers, sleeper trains and regular day trains. These can all be booked online on 12GOAsia or through most hostels.
How to get to Quy Nhon from Dalat
There is an evening bus running from Quy Nhon to Dalat through the bus company An Phu. The bus departs from the An Phu Office in Dalat, which is in the centre of town. The bus departs at 5 pm and arrives in Quy Nhon City just after midnight. Buses arrive in the centre of Quy Nhon Town, from just outside the Kim Cuc Plaza (not the bus station). If you’re staying at Lifes a Beach Hostel, the bus actual passes the hostel, you just need to tell them you want to get off at Bai Bang and show them the exact hostel location on the map and they drop you out front. It is a sleeper bus, but it doesn’t have privacy curtains and makes 1-2 stops on the way, which are rest and snack stops. Expect to pay 390k VND Vietnamese Dong ($16 USD) for this journey.
How to get to Quy Nhon from Hoi An/ Da Nang
Getting from Hoi An or Da Nang to Quy Nhon is fairly simple as there are many transport options. By far, the most comfortable transport option is catching a train from Da Nang to Quy Nhon City. The train departs from the main station in the centre of Da Nang and arrives at Dieu Tri Railway Station, which is a 20-minute drive from Quy Nhon city centre. There are multiple sleeper trains running a day, and the journey takes around 6 hours. Trains depart Da Nang at 1:50 am, 5 am, 9:40 am, 10:50 am, 1:15 pm, 2:30 pm, 5:40 pm, 9 pm and 10:15 pm. Depending on whether you go for a sleeper seat (recommended for night trains) or just a regular seat (not as comfortable, but fine for during the day), expect to pay between 540-900k VND Vietnamese Dong ($22-$37 USD).
Getting to Quy Nhon via sleeper bus from Hoi An/ Da Nang
Another option is getting an evening sleeper bus. Sleeper Buses run through the company An Phu, so they will depart from their offices in Da Nang and Hoi An. Buses arrive in the centre of Quy Nhon Town from just outside the Kim Cuc Plaza (not the bus station). There are buses departing Hoi An at 5:30 pm and 6 pm and from Da Nang at 4:30 pm and 7 pm. This means you arrive in Quy Nhon town just before or after midnight. Expect to pay 860k VND Vietnamese Dong ($35 USD) for this sleeper bus.
There’s also a budget day sleeper bus that runs from Da Nang to Quy Nhon, which is a bit more budget-friendly. It is not through An Phu and departs from Da Nang Central Bus Station at 7 am. It arrives at Quy Nhon Bus Terminal (in the centre of town) at around 1:30 pm. Expect to pay 430k VND Vietnamese Dong ($18 USD) for this journey.
How to get around Quy Nhon
How you get around Quy Nhon depends greatly on where you stay. There are hostels in Quy Nhon town, such as Mia Capsule Hostel, but there are also backpacker resorts outside of town, such as Lifes A Beach Hostel. If you stay in town, you have the benefit of being able to walk to sights in town, as well as a choice of eateries, cafes and bars. You would still need to rent a motorbike or use a taxi service to get to sights such as Bahn It Cham Temples, Eo Gio and Bai Xep Fishing Village.
If you choose to stay right on the beach but outside of town, it has much better vibes, but you are a long way from everything. You can still use a taxi to get around for sightseeing or rent a motorbike, but basically, nothing will be within walking distance. Most people don’t leave the beach hostels as they have restaurants and bars on site.
Getting around Quy Nhon on foot
One of the simplest and most immersive ways to get around is on foot. The city centre is relatively compact, making it easy to stroll through the streets and discover local markets, eateries, and unexpected delights. If you’re staying in Quy Nhon town, you can easily walk to sights such as Quy Nhon Beach, Thap Doi and eateries. Walking allows you to soak in the laid-back atmosphere and stumble upon hidden corners that might be missed when speeding by other modes of transportation. However, while wandering on foot is ideal for short distances and exploring specific areas, it might not be the most efficient for covering the entire city.
Getting around Quy Nhon using Taxis or Grab
For those looking for a more convenient option, taxis and Grab cars and bikes are readily available in Quy Nhon. Taxis provide a comfortable and quick means of transportation, especially if you’re venturing to destinations outside the central area. While taxis are convenient, they may not be the most budget-friendly option for backpackers, and communication with drivers can be a challenge if English isn’t widely spoken. There are a few Grab cars and scooters, but these are mainly around Quy Nhon town and are almost impossible to find in smaller villages like Bai Bang (where Lifes a Beach Hostel is).
Getting around Quy Nhon on a motorbike
Renting a motorbike is a popular choice for adventurous travellers eager to explore Quy Nhon at their own pace. Many rental shops offer affordable rates, and with a motorbike, you can venture beyond the city limits to discover the pristine beaches and scenic landscapes that surround Quy Nhon. It provides the flexibility to craft your itinerary and navigate through less touristy areas. Once you get out of the hustle and bustle of Quy Nhon Town, the roads surrounding it are fairly quiet and in good condition. There’s not many hills or twists and turns getting to popular tourist sights.
Renting a motorbike for a day would allow you to visit a lot of the key sights outside of the city, such as Bahn it Cham Temples, Eo Gio and Bai Xep Fishing Village. You can expect to pay around 150k VND Vietnamese Dong ($6 USD) for a motorbike for the day. Most hostels have recommended agencies that rent out motorbikes, or you can find many reputable rental agencies that are well-reviewed by a quick Google search.
Where to stay in Quy Nhon
There are two main hostels in and around Quy Nhon: Lifes a Beach Hostel and Mia Capsule Hostel. Lifes a Beach is by far the most popular and famous of the two as it is essentially a resort for backpackers. It’s located 25 minutes from the town, on its own private beach in a small village called Bai Bang. Lifes a Beach is great for relaxing and has the best social vibe if you’re a solo traveller. Mia Capsule, on the other hand, is located right in the centre of Quy Nhon and has great flashpacker facilities, but no social vibe. If you want the best of both worlds, I recommend staying two nights at Lifes a Beach to relax and two nights at Mia Capsule to sightsee. All accommodations in Quy Nhon can be booked online here.
Lifes a Beach
About a 25-minute drive south of Quy Nhon town is Lifes a Beach Hostel, which is a resort/ vacation hub for backpackers. The dorm accommodations offer a no-frills approach, with basic bunk beds (no curtains), A/C in the room and security lockers. The bathrooms are clean with hot water but are often pretty sandy from the beach. In terms of amenities, they run family dinners every night, have a full-service bar and restaurant on-site and are located on their own private beach. Lifes a Beach is perfect if you want to swim, chill on the beach, laze in a hammock and not have to worry about sourcing food. The family dinner is perfect for making friends as a solo traveller also!
The one downside to Lifes a Beach is the location is further out from Quy Nhon town, meaning you will have to rent a motorbike or use a taxi service if you want to sightsee. It also means that, most likely, you’ll be eating and drinking at the hostel instead of venturing out to try new places, as there’s nothing close by. However, in my opinion, this is still the best hostel to stay in to enjoy the beach and meet other travellers.
Mia Capsule Hostel
Mia Capsule Hostel is located in the centre of Quy Nhon town and is within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, bars, Quy Nhon City Beach and Thap Doi Towers. The beds are capsule style with blackout curtains, proper duvets and comfy pillows. They also have massive security lockers, powerful A/C and clean bathroom facilities with hot water. Mia Capsule Hostel is one of the best sleep I’ve had backpacking (but that’s probably because I was the only person in the 10-bed dorm). The major downside to Mia Capsule is there is no social area, so there is no atmosphere or chance to meet other travellers. Most backpackers in Quy Nhon will stay at Lifes a Beach, so this hostel is extremely quiet.
What to do in Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon is the perfect destination if you want to do a lot of nothing. I spent days relaxing on the beach, snoozing in a hammock, eating and recharging my social battery after busy destinations like Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City. However, there are also many sights you can visit, such as the Bahn It Cham and Thap Doi Temples (like a smaller version of Angkor Wat), Eo Gio (like a smaller version of the Giants Causeway) and many beaches, boat trips and fishing villages. Some people come to Quy Nhon and skip all of these sights, opting instead just to relax. Whereas others like to do a combination of sightseeing and relaxing.
Bahn it Cham Temples
The Bahn It Cham Temples are the best thing you can do around Quy Nhon. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the temple complex stands as a testament to the ancient Cham civilization. The well-preserved towers showcase intricate Cham architectural details, providing a glimpse into the religious practices of the past. It is fairly quiet here, with no queues and not many other visitors. There are a couple of informative signs around, but mainly, you can just walk around the temple complex at your leisure and without spotting any other tourists. However, it’s essential to note that the Banh It Cham Temple might not be a grand archaeological complex on the scale of Angkor Wat, and some visitors may find the site relatively small compared to other historical landmarks.
The Temple Complex is located about a 25-minute drive out of town, so you will need to either rent a motorbike, get a taxi or get a grab to drive you there. It’s best to early-mid morning or later in the afternoon as it can be incredibly hot and there are a few stairs to climb. The Bahn It Cham Temples cost 22k VND Vietnamese Dong ($0.90 cents USD) to enter. It is a sacred religious site, so you will need to cover your knees, shoulders and torso to enter. I would allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the full site.
Thap Doi Twin Towers
The Thap Doi Towers, also known as the Twin Towers, stand majestically against the sky, showcasing the distinctive Cham architectural style. As a backpacker venturing to this off-the-beaten-path site, anticipate a serene and less-crowded experience compared to more popular tourist destinations. The Towers are another example of Cham architecture (like Bahn it Cham Temple), but it is a much smaller site. Also, the lack of extensive guided tours or informational boards means that visitors might benefit from prior research to appreciate the historical context fully.
Thap Doi is located in Quy Nhon town, so you can get here on foot or via Grab motorbike if you need to. The Bahn It Cham Temples cost 15k VND Vietnamese Dong ($0.60 cents USD) to enter. It is a sacred religious site, so you will need to cover your knees, shoulders and torso to enter. The site isn’t very big so most people would only spend 30 minutes here.
Bai Xep Fishing Village
Bai Xep is characterized by its pristine beaches, traditional fishing boats, and vibrant market scenes, making it an ideal spot for a brief getaway. You can take leisurely strolls along the untouched beaches, absorbing the serenity and simplicity of the surroundings. The village’s unspoiled charm becomes particularly apparent during the afternoon as you witness the ebb and flow of village life. You could spend around 1-4 hours here; swimming, walking around the fishing village and trying fresh seafood from one of the local restaurants here. If you’re staying in town, Bai Xep is around a 20-minute drive south of the city. If you’re staying at Lifes a Beach Hostel, it’s either a 5-minute drive or a 40-minute walk.
Boat Tour to Monkey Island
Embarking on a boat tour to Monkey Island from Quy Nhon is an activity offered by many hostels and travel agencies (I personally went through Lifes a Beach Hostel). Expect a scenic boat ride along the coastline, with the chance to spot local fishermen in action, soak in panoramic views and stop for a few snorkel spots. Upon reaching Monkey Island, you may witness some monkeys in the distance, but they are very timid in this spot and rarely approach tourists. At Monkey Island, you have the opportunity to snorkel, walk around the island, play ball games on the beach or just chat with other travellers. The tours include a BBQ with drinks, which is served on the beach.
The tour I booked through Lifes a Beach was super social and was a great chance to make friends. Honestly, though, it wasn’t the best snorkelling, and we didn’t see that many monkeys, so this experience is skippable, in my opinion. If you love being out on a boat or snorkelling or are looking for something to do other than chill on the beach, it’s a great option. Expect to pay around 220k VND Vietnamese Dong ($9 USD) for this afternoon’s half-day tour.
Sunset at Eo Gio
Another great activity is visiting Eo Gio (Vietnam’s version of the Giants Causeway in Ireland). This natural passageway between two mountains offers stunning views of the sea, cliffs, and vibrant green landscapes. Expect a short walk and a couple of stairs, but nothing too strenuous. Some of the walkways are paved, but you can also venture off-track and walk along the rocks on the beach. Watching the sunset at Eo Gio is a definite highlight! However, expect it to be pretty crowded, so make sure you get there early to get a good spot. Other than the crowds of people, another thing that may taint the experience is all the rubbish washed up along the rocks and the beach.
Eo Gio costs 22k VND Vietnamese Dong ($0.90 cents USD) to enter, but you don’t need to cover your knees and shoulders as it is not a sacred site. It is around a 30-minute drive from Quy Nhon Centre, so make sure you plan your return transport accordingly. I got a grab there and wasn’t able to get one home as it was so far out of town.
Quy Nhon Nightlife
Quy Nhon, a coastal gem in Vietnam, doesn’t exactly boast a reputation as a nightlife hotspot, and for the backpacker seeking vibrant nocturnal adventures, managing expectations is key. The town exudes a laid-back vibe, and while there are local bars and eateries to explore, the nightlife scene is pretty dead. Expect a modest array of establishments, with the most popular being The Social. The Social is a casual pub/dive bar that has good food, cheap drinks and a bit of a vibe but is mainly popular with ex-pats and vacationers. Otherwise, drinking at the Lifes a Beach Hostel Bar is the closest thing to backpacker nightlife that the area has to offer.
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