History

Phu Yen is home to relics from the ancient Hoa Binh and Sa Huynh cultures, reflecting its deep historical roots.

After the country’s reunification in 1976, Phu Yen became part of Phu Khanh Province. On July 1, 1989, Phu Yen was re-established as a province with seven administrative divisions: Tuy Hoa Town and six districts—Dong Xuan, Son Hoa, Song Cau, Song Hinh, Tuy An, and Tuy Hoa.

This culturally rich land is home to nearly 30 ethnic groups, including the Cham, Ede, Ba Na, Hre, Hoa, and Raglai, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Phu Yen’s heritage.

Natural Conditions

Phu Yen lies in a tropical monsoon climate, influenced by oceanic weather, with distinct rainy (September–December) and dry seasons (January–August). Its fertile soil supports a variety of crops like rice, maize, beans, and sugarcane, thriving in areas like Tay Hoa, Tuy An, and Phu Hoa. Coconut plantations flourish in Song Cau, while Son Hoa is known for its vast forests and valuable timber, including Bang Lang, Lim, and Trac woods. The region is also home to wildlife such as bears, deer, and porcupines.

The coastal districts of Song Cau, Tuy An, and Dong Hoa are abundant in seafood, with shrimp, fish, crabs, and squid, while O Loan Lagoon is renowned for its blood cockles and oysters.

Natural Resources

Phu Yen’s river network, originating from the eastern slopes of the Truong Son Range, flows through hills, narrow plains, and into the sea. The province has over 50 rivers, with three main ones—Ky Lo, Ba, and Ban Thach Rivers—spanning a combined basin area of 16,400 km². These rivers provide vital water for agriculture, hydropower, and daily life.

The Krong Trai Nature Reserve and other forest ecosystems support ecotourism development. Rich in mineral resources like diatomite, granite, and titanium, Phu Yen also has a competitive edge in construction materials.

With 189 km of coastline, featuring pristine bays, lagoons, and beaches, Phu Yen is a haven for eco-tourism, beach vacations, and seafood farming. Its tidal flats, estuaries, and lagoons provide ideal conditions for aquaculture and marine exports, further fueling its economic potential.

Top Destinations

Bai Xep
Perched on a cliff in An Chan Commune, Tuy Hoa City, Bai Xep offers breathtaking views of the emerald sea below. The 500-meter stretch of golden sand is flanked by pine forests and jagged cliffs adorned with cacti. This idyllic spot gained fame as a filming location for the movie Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass.

Mui Dien (Dai Lanh Cape)
With stunning sand dunes and a historic lighthouse over 100 years old, Mui Dien is the easternmost point of Vietnam, where you can witness the country’s first sunrise. A short hike up the trail reveals panoramic views of the vast ocean and bustling fishing boats. Entry is around 10,000 VND per person.

Xom Ro Mossy Beach
Located in Phu Dong Ward, Tuy Hoa City, this unique beach features concrete blocks covered in vibrant green moss, creating a picturesque scene. Waves crash against the moss-covered rocks, blending green, silver, and blue hues into a mesmerizing palette.

Nhan Mountain
Rising 60 meters above sea level, Nhan Mountain resembles a bird in flight. Atop the mountain sits an 800-year-old Cham tower, a testament to the region’s architectural heritage. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of Tuy Hoa City, its greenery, and the sparkling coastline.

Mang Lang Church
One of Vietnam’s oldest churches, Mang Lang Church in Ky Lo, Tuy An, showcases Gothic architecture with intricate decorations and a serene gray-blue facade. It stands as a testament to Phu Yen’s cultural and spiritual history.

Ong Cop Wooden Bridge
Known as Vietnam’s longest wooden bridge, this charming structure connects villages and provides a scenic route to attractions like Ganh Da Dia, O Loan Lagoon, and Mang Lang Church.

Hon Yen
Situated 20 km from Tuy Hoa, Hon Yen in Nhon Hoi Commune, Tuy An, captivates visitors with its vibrant coral reefs that emerge at low tide. This breathtaking site is a favorite among photographers and travelers.

Nhat Tu Son
One of the most beautiful islands in Xuan Dai Bay, Nhat Tu Son is 50 km from Tuy Hoa. Its most unique feature is a natural walkway that appears as the tide recedes, inviting adventurers to cross the sea to this stunning island.

Cuisine

• Tuna eye stewed with medicinal herbs, tuna stomach salad, and tuna rolls with mustard greens are among the most beloved dishes in Phu Yen for their rich flavour and high nutritional value. Travellers can enjoy these delights at eateries along Le Duan Street or the Bach Dang riverside, with tuna eye priced at around 40,000 VND per serving.

• Blood cockles from O Loan Lagoon are prized for their rosy-red flesh and are prepared in a variety of ways: grilled rare, stir-fried with tamarind, steamed, or served as a salad. The most enticing is salt and chilli roasted cockles, offering a sweet and mildly spicy taste with an irresistible aroma.

• Phu Yen chicken rice, though less renowned than its Hoi An or Tam Ky counterparts, is still a regional specialty worth trying. The chicken is firm and slightly chewy, low in fat, with a golden colour and naturally sweet flavour. It's typically served with cucumber, pickled onions, and assorted pickles.

• Steamed mackerel is enjoyed with rice paper, fresh herbs, and a choice of spicy dipping sauce or fermented anchovy sauce. The fish boasts a naturally sweet flavour, firm texture, and a fragrant blend of spring onions and signature spices.

• Oyster porridge is a local favourite. It’s a simple yet delightful dish where oysters are stir-fried with onion, salt, and pepper before being simmered with a mix of red rice and glutinous rice. It's best enjoyed piping hot to fully appreciate the sweetness and aroma.

• Chive noodle soup features chewy yet tender noodles served with fish cakes. What makes the dish stand out is the generous topping of fresh green chives, offering a vibrant colour and inviting aroma. Sold throughout the day, it’s easy to find at various eateries.

Phu Yen’s blend of pristine landscapes, cultural richness, and historical significance makes it a destination like no other. Whether you’re exploring hidden beaches, savoring the local cuisine, or discovering its vibrant heritage, this coastal gem promises an unforgettable experience.

Phong Nha Viet Travel & Consultancy Co., Ltd
Address: 46 Ba Trieu Street, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
Hotline: +84 911 367 789
Email: phongnha.vie@gmail.com