Quy Nhon
This coastal city in south Central Vietnam and its stunning surroundings are – for now – one of the country’s hidden gems, with a 42km stretch of coastline dotted with secluded alcoves of white sands that crunch beneath your feet, licked by turquoise waters.
Steeped in rich history, the region sat at the heart of the Champa Kingdom, which ruled vast swathes of Vietnam and beyond from the 11th to 15th centuries. Home to a treasure trove of archaeological gems, at the tip of Quy Nhon’s many rolling hills are impressive ancient red-bricked towers that you can explore pretty much to yourself – another nod to Quy Nhon’s attraction; it’s uninterrupted scenery away from the huddle of tourists found in other busy beach spots, such as Nha Trang and Danang.
Due to its coastal location and abundance of fishing villages, seafood is the star of most menus. In fact, if you’re an early bird, we recommend getting up at the crack of dawn to watch the flurry of boats return from a night at sea to offload their hefty catches on the beach – one of many memorable local experience Quy Nhon delivers. Otherwise you can feast on the freshest seafood, join locals for a stroll along the beach, or tap into local culture on one of many excursions that delve deep into the area’s heritage. What more reasons do you need to check out Vietnam’s latest rising star?