In recent years, Phu Yen Province has emerged as a popular summer destination, and Dong Hoa Town, situated in the southern region of Phu Yen, stands out.
To the east, the town features a sandy area that kisses the sea, while to the northwest, alluvial lands are formed by the Da Rang and Ban Thach rivers. Heading south, a mountainous region with an average altitude of 400-500 meters stands out.
Embarking on an adventure to Dong Hoa on July 6, Hoang Minh Duc from Da Lat journeyed by motorbike along Highway 29, passing through the Dien Cape - Dai Lanh Lighthouse.
Most large cars choose to go through National Highway 1 instead of the 35-kilometer highway. This allows visitors to rent motorbikes or taxis from Tuy Hoa city center and enjoy the beauty of this route, renowned as Vietnam's most exquisite coastal road.
The journey commences at Ca Pass, a mountain road approximately 333 meters high and stretching about 12 kilometers across the Dai Lanh mountain range, marking the border between Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces on National Highway 1. The pass's pinnacle is in Vung Ro Village in Hoa Xuan Nam Commune of Dong Hoa Town.
From the top of Ca Pass, you can see Vung Ro Bay nestled amidst arc-shaped mountains. Vung Ro Bay acts as a natural boundary between Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa, spanning an area of about 16.4 square kilometers. It is guarded by three mountain ranges: Ca Pass in the north, Da Bia Village in the east, and Hon Ba Town in the west, while Hon Nua Island provides protection to its southern side.
Vung Ro Bay holds historical significance, having been the stopping point for numerous trains supporting the southern battlefield. Recognized among the top 10 most beautiful bays in Vietnam by the Vietnam Record Organization in 2013, Vung Ro Bay boasts 12 small beaches, each offering wild and serene scenery for explorers.
Through the Ca Pass, Duc arrived at Dien Cape - Dai Lanh lighthouse around 5:30 p.m. The early yellow sun rays gently bathed the blue sea, yellow-brown rock slopes, and white sands at the mountain's base. In the distance, the Dai Lanh Lighthouse stands ready to greet Phu Yen's first sunrise.
"This is the most beautiful coastal road in Vietnam, surpassing even the Vinh Hy - Ninh Thuan Bay Route. I have passed this place many times, but I am always fascinated by the beauty of it," Duc said.
According to Duc, the best time to witness the sunrise here is between 5:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the summer. Beyond that, the scorching sun might affect the photo quality with backlighting. In the afternoon, from around 4 p.m. onwards, visitors can bask in the sun as they watch the sunset.
Continuing the journey, the next destination is Bai Mon Beach, along with Mui Dien and Dai Lanh lighthouses, forming the Mui Dien tourist area. The entrance ticket for non-local tourists is VND20,000 (85 cents), while domestic tourists pay VND10,000.
Bai Mon Beach features a sandy area with fine grains and a mountain stream. It's an idyllic spot perfect for swimming and overnight camping.
Dong Hoa Town is blessed with the Da Nong River's estuary, featuring sandy strips extending into the riverbed. Across the river mouth, you'll find Da Bia Mountain, the tallest peak in the Dai Lanh massif of the Ca Pass mountain range. A massive rock, towering about 80 meters high and visible from afar, sits at the mountain's summit.
Visitors can enjoy trekking to the top of Da Bia Mountain to marvel at the view of the East Sea and the scenery of Dong Hoa Town.
What sets Dong Hoa Town apart is its untouched beauty, as it remains unaffected by tourism. The rugged cliffs, sedimentary rocks extending into the bay, and the white sands hugging the turquoise waters form a natural masterpiece in the heart of Phu Yen.
A representative from a camping service in Dong Hoa mentioned that the town currently does not offer standup paddleboarding, scuba diving, or squid fishing services. However, visitors can relish swimming and trekking to Dai Lanh Lighthouse or Da Bia Mountain.
Camping on the beach ranges from VND100,000 to VND300,000 ($4.25 to $12.70) for a two-to-four-person tent. Alternatively, visitors can bring their tents, tools, food, and water to camp overnight at Bai Mon or Bai Tien beaches for free.
Dong Hoa Town falls within the central coastal climate zone, experiencing two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season spans from September to December, with October and November often bringing storms. On the other hand, the dry season lasts from January to August.
The ideal time to visit Phu Yen Beach, particularly Dong Hoa Town, is from February to August. During March and April, the sea is at its most magnificent. It is crystal clear and calm, with gentle waves that infuse the scenery with tranquility.
Phu Yen boasts several small islands and islets, such as Cu Lao Mai Nha, Hon Nua, Hon Chua, and Hon Dua, all of which offer canoe services to transport visitors across the island. Prices range from VND100,000 to VND150,000 per person for a round trip.
Accessing Dong Hoa Town is convenient, with Tuy Hoa airport only 5 kilometers away and the city center situated around 30 kilometers from the town.
The coastal road leading to Dong Hoa Town is broad with minimal traffic, which is perfect for leisurely sightseeing by motorbike or self-driving.
As Duc said, "Dong Hoa Town, with its blend of plains, mountains, rivers, and seas, is undoubtedly the most enchanting destination this summer."
