Vinh Hy – new seaside escape with culture & national parks in Southern Vietnam
Until now, international travelers in Southern Vietnam have mostly chosen well-known seaside destinations such as Mui Ne, Nha Trang, or the island of Phu Quoc—places famous for their luxury hotels and modern city vibes. Recently, however, we have explored and selected Vinh Hy Bay as a truly exceptional alternative for several reasons.
First, Vinh Hy is one of the rare places in Vietnam where travelers can enjoy a unique combination: swimming in crystal-clear waters, trekking through a national park, and discovering the traditions of local ethnic communities.
Second, this is still a little-known destination, especially among foreign visitors. That means your clients will mainly encounter locals rather than crowds of tourists—supporting the local economy while avoiding mass tourism.
Third, thanks to the new expressway completed in 2024, the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh Hy now takes only about 4 hours and 30 minutes, an ideal travel time for a seaside escape.
Vinh Hy Bay – Source: Van Hoa
Top 8 must-visit attractions in Vinh Hy
Nestled along the coastline of Ninh Thuận Province, Vinh Hy offers a perfect blend of sea, mountains, and cultural heritage. Beyond its stunning bay, this hidden gem is home to unique landscapes and fascinating experiences that promise to leave every traveler in awe.
From ancient Cham towers and pristine national parks to picturesque vineyards and vibrant local villages, Vinh Hy is more than just a seaside retreat—it’s a destination where nature, culture, and adventure come together.
To help you plan your trip, here are the 8 must-visit attractions in Vinh Hy that you shouldn’t miss.
Hang Rai (Rai Cave)
Hang Rai is famous for its ancient coral plateau, formed millions of years ago, with layers of coral stacked closely along the shore. When the tide rises, waves crashing onto the reef create a spectacular natural wonder known as the “waterfall on the sea,” a scene unlike anywhere else. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, when the view is at its most breathtaking.
The ancient coral reef at Rai Cave – Source: quangngaitv
Stone Park
Located within Nui Chua National Park, Stone Park captivates visitors with its unique rock formations, naturally sculpted and weathered over millions of years. To reach the park, visitors can enjoy a light trek of about 3 km through sparse forests and sand dunes. The path winds through bushes and coastal sands, offering the feeling of stepping into a pristine, untouched land.
For small groups, we can arrange an overnight camping experience with tents to admire the sunrise the next morning, or even host a memorable gala dinner for incentive groups right in this remarkable setting.
Stone Park – Source: VietNamNet
Vineyards
Thanks to its hot, dry, and sunny climate, Ninh Thuan has become the heart of Vietnam’s vineyards, producing a variety of grapes such as red, green, seedless, and finger grapes. What makes these vineyards unique is the way the grapes are grown. Unlike in Europe, where vines are typically trained upright on vertical posts, in Vietnam they are cultivated on overhead trellises. This method provides natural shade, protecting the fruit from the region’s intense year-round sunlight and preventing the skins from burning or cracking.
Visitors can stroll beneath the leafy canopies, hand-pick clusters of grapes, and enjoy the refreshing sweetness of the fresh harvest. Local specialties such as grape wine, syrup, and jam offer a delicious taste of Ninh Thuan and make perfect souvenirs to take home.
Vineyards – Source: Lao Dong
Sheep Fields
Amid the sun-drenched and windswept landscapes of Vinh Hy, travelers will come across open fields where local farmers raise hardy flocks of goats and sheep. Unlike the plump, woolly sheep often seen in Europe, Vietnamese sheep are smaller and their coats are rarely sheared. In Ninh Thuan, sheep are bred primarily for their meat, providing both a local culinary specialty and a vital source of livelihood. This form of pastoral farming supports ethnic minority communities, offering sustainable income and helping many families rise out of poverty.
Sheep Fields – Source: SafeGo
Nui Chua National Park
Nui Chua National Park is one of the few areas in Vietnam and Southeast Asia characterized by a unique tropical dry forest climate. On April 14, 2022, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Every summer, the park also serves as a nesting ground for rare sea turtles, playing a vital role in the conservation and protection of these endangered species.
For nature-loving travelers, this is truly an ideal destination. Visitors can trek deep into the forest along streams flowing from the mountain peaks, discover the rich biodiversity of tropical flora and fauna—especially the endangered black-shanked douc langurs—swim in crystal-clear springs, and enjoy eco-friendly picnics in the heart of the wilderness.
Turtle Release at Nui Chua National Park – Source: VietNamPlus
Nam Cuong Sand Dunes
Nam Cuong Sand Dunes are regarded as one of the most beautiful and untouched dunes in Central Vietnam, as they have remained largely unaffected by human impact. Their pristine and tranquil beauty is still well-preserved – something rare among sand dunes in the country. Besides admiring the breathtaking scenery, visitors can also enjoy exciting activities such as sand sliding, Jeep rides, and capturing stunning check-in photos amidst the vast golden sands.
Nam Cuong Sand Dunes – Source: Dan toc va Phat trien
Po Klong Garai Towers
The Po Klong Garai Towers are an architectural complex that has preserved the cultural essence of the Cham people—an ethnic minority in Vietnam—for hundreds of years. The complex consists of three structures: the Main Tower, the Gate Tower, and the Fire Tower. Despite the passage of time, the towers still retain their exquisite details, with dark red baked bricks bound together using a unique construction technique that remains a mystery to researchers even today.
Every year, Po Klong Garai hosts vibrant cultural, religious, and spiritual activities. Especially during major festivals such as the Ka Te Festival, New Year celebrations, or the Rain-Praying Festival, visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, experience the rich traditions, and gain deeper insights into the spiritual life of the Cham community.
Po Klong Garai Towers – Source: TTXVN
Cau Gay Village
Along Provincial Road 702, visitors will come across a suspension bridge spanning a mountain stream—this bridge leads to Cau Gay Village and has become a popular check-in spot for travelers exploring Vinh Hy. The village is one of nine Raglai communities living within Nui Chua National Park. A walk into the village offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquility along the small concrete path that winds through the peaceful surroundings.
Beyond its serene charm, Cau Gay also offers unique experiences such as discovering the Lo O Stream, relaxing in its cool, refreshing waters amidst the lush forest, and joining the local Raglai people in crafting jewelry or learning about traditional wellness practices using forest seeds from Nui Chua.
Relax in the cool waters of Lo O Stream
Suggested itineraries for exploring Vinh Hy
There are two main ways to plan your client’s trip to Vinh Hy, depending on whether they prefer to stay directly in Vinh Hy or base themselves in Phan Rang.
Option 1: Stay in Vinh Hy
Vinh Hy has one local resort where guests can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the bay.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Phan Rang – Vinh Hy
Visit a vineyard, explore Hang Rai (Rai Cave), take a canoe trip to nearby islets, and stop for a swim in the sea.Day 2: Vinh Hy
Walk to Cau Gay Village, relax in the forest stream, and enjoy a vegetarian meal at a cliff-top restaurant.Day 3: Vinh Hy – Ho Chi Minh City
Visit Stone Park and the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Option 2: Stay in Phan Rang
Phan Rang offers a wider selection of beachfront resorts and hotels, ideal for clients who prefer more accommodation options.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Phan Rang
Visit the Cham Towers, then enjoy free time for swimming at the beach.Day 2: Phan Rang – Vinh Hy – Phan Rang
Excursion to Vinh Hy: walk through Cau Gay Village, relax in the forest stream, and have a vegetarian meal at a cliff-top restaurant. Return to Phan Rang with a stop at a local vineyard.Day 3: Phan Rang – Ho Chi Minh City
Free time to enjoy the beach before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Our last words
With its pristine nature, cultural treasures, and unforgettable adventures, Vinh Hy truly lives up to its name as the “emerald of Central Vietnam.” The bay is at its most beautiful from March to August, when the skies are clear, the weather dry, and the sea calm—perfect for boat rides, refreshing swims, coral diving, and forest treks. For those seeking both peace and discovery, Vinh Hy is not just a destination, but a journey into the heart of Vietnam’s authentic beauty.
Ngoc Han + Phuong Ha
