When planning your Vietnam itinerary, you probably have Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Ha Long Bay.
They are all notable and worth visiting. If you are looking for a piece of Vietnam that has not been taken over by tourism and nature that is truly untouched, then you need to discover Vinh Hy.
Vinh Hy Bay is a small bay in Ninh Hai District in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. The bay is about 42 Km from Phan Rang city and can easily be reached by motorbike. If you are not traveling by motorbike, Vinh Hy can be reached by bus from Phan Rang. You can travel to Phan Rang City by bus from many of the other surrounding cities (that are more touristy), such as Nha Trang.
So Why Vinh Hy?
Do you have a thing for nature and secluded beaches? Do you enjoy trying local food and discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations? Lastly, do you love fresh seafood?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, Vinh Hy sounds like the perfect spot to add to your Vietnam getaway.
I will give you the rundown of what not to miss!
1. BOAT, SNORKEL, & SWIM IN THE BAY
The bay is a beautiful sight to admire, and the water is a sparkling blueish-green color. There is an agency near the bay where you can book different tours to explore the bay. We booked a tour of the bay from the agency for about $20 for two people. It felt kind of pricey since the tour was short, so you could try to haggle the price. It began with a boat ride on the bay, then snorkeling, and finished with a visit to a floating restaurant with a small beach nearby. Many of the beaches we visited while traveling in the Ninh Thuan Province were very windy. It was pleasant that the winds were not as strong here, and the waves were calm. Snorkeling was the highlight for me. I was in awe of the different coral reefs and sea creatures I spotted.
2. VISIT ONE OF THE MANY VINEYARDS
When you are heading to Vinh Hy from Phan Rang, you will find a plethora of vineyards only about 10 minutes from the bay. The small vineyards are free to visit and explore. We stopped on the side of the road to visit one during our journey to Vinh Hy. The owner allowed us to wander, snap photos, and sample some of her products. She explained the different kinds of grapes she grew, and we tried the varieties. She sold a range of products made with grapes – such as wines, jams, and raisins.
3. DISCOVER THE TRANQUIL AND PRISTINE BEACHES
During the high season in Vietnam, beaches are packed – especially in the hot spots you read about, such as Cat Ba Island and Phu Quoc. If you are looking for a more relaxed scene and unforgettable views, then you have come to the right place.
When exploring the beaches surrounding the Ninh Tuan province, you will have plenty of open space and clear water to dip your toes in.
Here are some notable beaches you should check out:
Ninh Chua Beach:
Admire the surrounding mountains as you take a swim in the sparkling turquoise water. Enjoy some local delicacies at the surrounding vendors. Ninh Chua is a must-see attraction in the Ninh Tuan province.
Bien Tien Beach:
It is located a short drive from Vinh Hy Bay. The drive alone is stunning. If possible, I highly recommend taking a motorbike so that you can take in all the scenery and stop along the way for photos. Beautiful landscapes, such as mountains and pine trees surround Bien Tien. The charm and tranquility of this place are genuinely memorable.
Bai Kinh Beach:
Bai Kinh beach also stands out with its clear water and stunning views. Not to mention, you can enjoy one of the many fresh seafood vendors nearby.
4. EAT THE BEST SEAFOOD EVER (not exaggerating)
If you come to Vinh Hy, you must eat seafood.
To find the best seafood, head to the bay in Vinh Hy. The bay is filled with boats of local fishermen. At any of the restaurants that align with the bay, you will find locals hanging out and enjoying the delicacies. Some of which include lobsters and Asian sea bass. You know the food is fresh, as it is taken directly out of buckets of water and cooked right in front of you.
If there is one dish I recommend you do not leave without trying, it is Chem chép nướng mỡ hành (Vietnamese grilled mussels). You can find a woman cooking these up on a grill with some plastic chairs and tables to eat at. She is located right by the bay and one of the first vendors you will see. Chem chép nướng mỡ hành is one of my favorite dishes I tried while living in Vietnam. These mussels are prepared with butter slathered on top, chives, and peanuts, then grilled on an open fire. I am drooling thinking about them!
5. VISIT THE UNIQUE LANDSCAPE OF HANG RAI
Hang Rai is home to some of Vietnam’s most ancient rock formations stacked atop each other to create countless small caves.
It is recommended to camp overnight to experience some of the most awe-inspiring sights.
Hang Rai Bay features the largest ancient coral reef in Vietnam. You can climb over rocks and across a small wooden bridge to view the top of the reef. Mother nature produced this remarkable structure by the wind and waves. The stones have taken form over millions of years. The coral reef floats upon the deep blue water, making it even more stunning.
Take a rest on one of the hammocks to watch the waves crash. Grab a beverage from the concession stand at the front entrance for refreshment as you absorb the views from the bay.
6. EXPLORE THE NATIONAL PARK
Núi Chúa National Park is a unique environment with sea, forests, and deserts in close proximity. Vietnam is working diligently to conserve Nui Chua because of its unique biodiversity. The park contains turtle-nesting beaches and unique vegetation and is bordering a marine park. There have been 72 mammal species and 181 bird species found in the area.
In the park, you can explore and sight-see some of the remarkable landscapes. I was fascinated to discover there was a lake on top of one of the mountains. It is called “Hanged Lake,” which is at an altitude of 250 meters above sea level. You can discover unforgettable sites of the sea and forest from Ngoc Muoc Mountain. If you are looking for more of a challenge, try conquering the peak of Nui Chua Mountain, which reaches 300 meters high.
For more information about the park, check out their official website. (Be sure to click on the side panel to change the website to English, which says tourist information.)
