Tuy Hoa, located in central southern Vietnam, is the capital of Phu Yen Province. It is a coastal town about 130km away from the famous beach resort of Nha Trang. Unlike Nha Trang, it is not overly commercialized, which means that although there are some inconveniences, much of the untouched nature remains, which is its charm.
Of course, the food is purely Vietnamese! It's the perfect place to truly dive into Vietnamese cuisine.
Also, since the locals are not used to tourists, English may not be widely understood, but this might feel refreshing compared to other tourist destinations. Let's discover the new charms of Vietnam in the town of Tuy Hoa, where the old-fashioned atmosphere still remains!
1. Nyan Tower
Nyan Tower is a 12th-century Cham Kingdom relic located at the top of Nyan Mountain in Tuy Hoa. It stands on the northern bank of the Da Rang River that flows through the town, adjacent to National Route 1A.
It is a symbol of Tuy Hoa and a popular tourist spot. The shape of the tower is generally square, with the upper part divided into four levels, becoming smaller towards the center, and the top is pointed. The exterior is made from a mysterious red brick combined with an unknown resin, which remains a mystery.
The tower stands at a height of 12 meters and was rebuilt during the 1960s under the government of Ngo Dinh Diem. Standing atop the mountain, the tower’s Hindu architectural features are truly mystical. The view of the tower silhouetted against the sunset is also beautiful and atmospheric.
Name: Nyan Tower
Address: Nhạn Mountain, Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên Province, Vietnam
2. Tuy Hoa Station
Tuy Hoa Station is one of the stations along the Reunification Railway, running parallel to National Route 1A. It is the only station in the town of Tuy Hoa. At the station's rotary, local food stalls and coffee shops are seen eagerly setting up in the shade, creating a lively atmosphere. While waiting for the train, enjoying the sweet Vietnamese coffee on the street makes you feel like a local in an instant.
The Reunification Railway is the only state-owned railway in Vietnam, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The train runs through 31 out of 61 provinces in Vietnam. If you travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train, the journey takes about 30 hours. For long-distance travelers, there are various seat types available, including hard seats, soft seats, and sleeper types.
After a long journey, Tuy Hoa serves as a rural town where travelers can stop and take a break, making it an ideal place to relax.
Name: Tuy Hoa Station
Address: Số 149 Lê Trung Kiên, Phường 2, Thị xã Tuy Hòa
3. Asian Highway 1
If you travel north from Nha Trang, a town south of Tuy Hoa, you will see the sign AH1. This represents the Asian Highway 1, which starts in Tokyo, Japan.
The Asian Highway passes through South Korea, North Korea, China, Vietnam (including Tuy Hoa), Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and ends in Turkey. Its total length is 20,557 km, making it the longest road in the Asian Highway network.
The road to Tuy Hoa is part of both the Asian Highway 1 and Vietnam’s National Route 1A. On both sides of the road, you will see the peaceful rural landscapes of Vietnam. As you pass through the countryside, the sea comes into view, and it’s a great spot for enjoying the sight of the waves crashing against the cliffs along the coastline.
The sight of fishing boats and locals fishing from small bowls that can hold just one person is a unique view in Vietnam!
Name: Asian Highway 1
Address: Asian Highway 1
4. Nha Trang
It takes about 3 hours by bus from Tuy Hoa to Nha Trang. Nha Trang was once a prosperous port town during the Champa Kingdom era. Today, it is one of Vietnam's top beach resorts and attracts many tourists. It was even selected as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
The beach is lined with famous five-star hotels such as InterContinental. The white sandy beach stretches for about 5 km and is not only a place for tourists but also a relaxing spot for the locals. Of course, you can also enjoy marine sports such as diving.
In addition, the Po Nagar ruins and other historical remains from the Champa Kingdom era, including temples, are still standing, making it a great destination for history enthusiasts.
The mud hot springs, rich in minerals that leave your skin smooth and soft, are also quite popular.
With beautiful beaches, historical sites, and mud hot springs, why not take a short trip to Nha Trang and experience it for yourself?
Name: Nha Trang
Address: Nha Trang, Vietnam
◎ Summary
How was it? Tuy Hoa, Vietnam, might be a place that many people haven’t heard of. It’s a bit more off the beaten path compared to Vietnam’s main tourist destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
However, by experiencing the slower-paced life of the locals and being captivated by stunning, unspoiled landscapes that are not found in guidebooks, this is one of the joys of visiting a rural town. You can enjoy local food, feel the culture and history of Tuy Hoa, and slowly take in the town's scenery. Tuy Hoa seems to offer a personalized way to travel, and you may find hidden gems, often called secret places, where the untouched beauty of nature still exists!