How to Explore Quy Nhon in Two Days

As one of Vietnam's most captivating coastal holiday hotspots, Quy Nhon attracts countless visitors every year. A beach vacation hub for the masses, the area is also home to some of the country's top cultural points of interest. While two days may be insufficient to explore all that this seaside hamlet has to offer, here are some tips on what to see and do during a two-day getaway to Quy Nhon, regardless of the time of year.

1. Explore the Beaches

No trip to a beach capital the likes of Quy Nhon would be complete without discovering the region's best beaches. Queen Beach, also known as Bai Tam Hoang Hau is a breathtaking example of the area's finest seaside precincts as the egg-shaped rocks lining the beach create a perfect sanctuary for sunbathers and frolickers. Ideal for swimming activities, the beach was thus named and first used by the last queen in Vietnam's now-defunct feudal monarchy. Having been the queen's private beach for decades, the area is now open to visitors and locals. Other beaches that are worthy of exploring include the Tien Sa beach. Surrounded by pine trees, the white, sandy beach is the ideal venue from which to hike up to Ghenh Rang peak where stunning vistas of the Quy Nhon coast is visible.

Lê Hồ Bắc, Queen's beach, Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinh province, Vietnam, CC BY-SA 4.0

2. Tour Champa Tower

Occupying pride of place in the corner where Thap Doi Street and Tran Hung Dao Street converges, the Champa tour or Sri Banoi as it is identified in the J'rai tongue is one of 8 such towers still visible in contemporary Binh Dinh province. Spread out across an impressive 6,000 square meters, the area features lush, green lawns and large trees. The annual Thap Doi Festival is also marked at this hallowed venue in the evening hours of January 2nd. As a remnant of Cham culture, the festival which is held during the lunar new year also offers visitors a glimpse of performances by local artists.

3. Pay Homage to Han Mac Tu

Han Mac Tu was not only one of the country's most celebrated poets but one of its most tragic figures. Having spent his last few years at a leprosy treatment hospital in the province, the residents of Binh Dinh consider the literary giant one of its own. Some of his best-loved poems are also known to have been composed during his confinement at the hospital and a tomb was constructed after his death to serve as a memorial for his literary achievements and contribution to Vietnamese culture. Encircled by towering trees, the tomb which is found in Ghenh Rang remains a must-visit tourist highlight for all first-time victors.

4. Shop at the Quy Nhon Night Market

Situated down Le Duan Street, no shopping experience in the city is quite as satisfying as an evening spent at the bustling Quy Nhon Night Market. Open from 5 pm onwards daily the hundreds of shops and local food stalls only pack up at 11 pm when the market is officially closed to visitors. Often regarded as the best place to grab a bite or a meal, the clothing, accessories and fashion products for sale at the thoroughfare are the most affordable in all of Quy Nhon. Foodies should also take the chance to dig into some local treats during a shopping spree at the venue as the night market is a food hub as well as a retail space. Regarded as one of the top things to do in Quy Nhon, shoppers will find no better location to sample local treat during a Quy Nhon Coastal Escape.

Tonbi ko, Night market in Qui Nhon Vietnam, CC BY-SA 3.0

5. Visit the Long Khanh Pagoda

Perhaps the most iconic religious attraction in Quy Nhon, a tour of the Long Khanh Pagoda is a magical experience for those who venture down Tran Cao Van Street. With a rich history dating back nearly 300 years, the pagoda was built to serve as a place of worship for the Chinese community-dwelling in this part of Vietnam. Indeed, the Chinese architectural features are hard to miss while some of its main features include the 17m high Buddha statue in the heart of the pagoda as well as the temple bell which was cast as early as 1805.