Skip to content What is Quy Nhon like?
Quy Nhon is a port city on the south-central coast, about 300 km south of Da Nang, with a long beach on a crescent-shaped bay. It is still more a fishing and local holiday town than a resort city, and the main reasons to visit are the beaches, the seafood and the headland coves of Ky Co and Eo Gio. It is the capital of Gia Lai province since the 1 July 2025 merger with Binh Dinh. It sits between Hoi An and Nha Trang on the coast, and many travellers stop for a night or two.
A short history
Quy Nhon was a major city of the Cham kingdom, and the capital of Vijaya, with a citadel and temples, from the 11th century. The Cham towers at Thap Doi, with their tiered brick structure, remain in the city centre. In the late 18th century the three Tay Son brothers began a peasant uprising from this province, defeating the feudal lords and later the Nguyen. During the Vietnam War, Quy Nhon was a US and allied military base and a port.
Things to do
The city beach
A long beach along the bay, with a promenade, seafood restaurants and a calm, local feel. It is less crowded than Da Nang’s beach.
Ky Co beach
A cove about 25 km north-east of the city, reached by road to the village of Nhon Ly and then by boat or a coastal path. It has clear water, pale sand and rocky headlands. Most visitors take a boat trip with snorkelling and stop at Hon Kho islet.
Eo Gio
A rocky cape with a path along the cliff and sea views, about 20 km north-east of the city. It is a common half-day with Ky Co.
Thap Doi
The two Cham towers of the Vijaya period, in the city. They are brick towers in the Cham style, and a short visit.
Quang Trung Museum
A museum on the Tay Son rebellion and the Emperor Quang Trung, inland in the Tay Son area. It has exhibits in English and is out of the way.
Seafood
Fishing is the local industry, so fresh seafood is the main thing to eat, especially near the harbour.
Getting there
- By air: Phu Cat airport (UIH) is about 30 km north-west of the city, with flights to Saigon and Hanoi. An airport bus costs about 50,000₫ and takes 50 to 60 minutes (August 2026 listing). A taxi takes about 40 minutes.
- By train: the main station is Dieu Tri, about 10 km west of the centre, on the north-south line. Da Nang to Dieu Tri takes about 5 to 5½ hours and Nha Trang about 4 to 4½ hours.
- By road: about 300 km and 3½ to 4½ hours from Da Nang, depending on traffic and stops. From Nha Trang it is about 230 km.
When to go
The dry season is roughly February to August, with the best beach weather. From September to December the rain and typhoons arrive, and the sea can be rough. Check the forecast before an island trip.
Where it fits in a trip
Quy Nhon is a stopping point on the way down the coast, after Da Nang and Hoi An, and before Nha Trang. For the rest of the country, see Vietnam destinations.