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| Vinh Hy Bay in Khanh Hoa Province is considered one of the four most beautiful bays in Vietnam. (Source: VnExpress) |
The gem of Vietnam's South Central coast
Located in Khanh Hoa Province, Vinh Hy was once known as a "hidden beach," a crescent-shaped bay embracing both mountains and ocean. Its natural beauty has remained remarkably pristine.
From above, Vinh Hy appears like an ink-wash painting: emerald waters, fishing boats gently anchored in the calm bay, and in the distance, rolling rocky hills curving protectively like a mother's arms cradling her child. It is also one of the few bays in Vietnam where visitors can admire coral right from the surface thanks to exceptional water clarity and a shallow seabed.
The sea here is calm and gentle, with long stretches of soft white sand meeting crystal-clear water. Swimming in Vinh Hy is not just about cooling off in the refreshing water but also about relaxing amid nature's near-untouched beauty, far from the hustle of mass tourism. In the early morning or late afternoon, visitors can float in the sea while watching the sun set behind rocky cliffs, a scene of breathtaking tranquility. This is also the perfect place for kayaking, snorkeling, or simply lying on the sand, listening to the pure sound of waves.
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| Crystal-clear blue waters of Vinh Hy. (Source: VinWonders) |
One must-try activity is a glass-bottom boat tour, where reinforced glass panels in the hull let passengers observe coral reefs without getting wet. Professional snorkeling tours are also available for those eager to explore the underwater world.
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In recent years, sunset kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and camping on secluded beaches have become increasingly popular, especially among young travelers and families seeking private, nature-focused experiences.
A UNESCO biosphere reserve
If Vinh Hy were just another beautiful bay, it might not stand out from dozens of other coastal destinations. What makes it special is the convergence of three ecosystems: marine, forest, and desert.
Not far from the bay is Hang Rai (Otter Cave), where ancient rock formations stack into strange shapes, often likened to "Mars on Earth." It's a prime sunrise spot when the fiery sun emerges from the horizon, its rays reflecting off the layered rocks creating an illusion of cascading waterfalls from the sky. Visitors should arrive by 5 a.m. to catch this rare sight.
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| May to August is the best time to visit Vinh Hy. (Source: VinWonders) |
The road to Hang Rai follows the DT702 coastal route - one of Vietnam's most stunning seaside drives - with sheer cliffs on one side and the deep blue ocean on the other. May to August is the best time to visit, when skies are clear, the sea is calm, and wildflowers bloom in brilliant yellow along the slopes.
A visit to Vinh Hy is incomplete without exploring Nui Chua National Park, recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2021. This is one of the few arid forests in Vietnam, with semi-desert terrain where visitors may encounter cacti, desert snakes, or mountain goats yet all within sight of the ocean.
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| Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve. (Source: VnExpress) |
The park is home to many rare species, such as the grey-shanked douc langur, the Javan pangolin, and several endemic bird species. It also offers a forest-to-sea trekking route that is a favorite among adventure seekers.
Another gem is Lo O Stream, a cool, crystal-clear waterway that flows year-round through the dry forest. Locals call it the "stream of revival" for its refreshing respite amid the harsh, arid landscape.
Peaceful rhythms beside the waves
If Vinh Hy's natural landscape is the "canvas," then the fishing village life is the "brushstroke" that adds color to the visitor experience. Unpretentious and unhurried, the small village nestled along the jade-green bay has preserved its simple way of life for generations.
At dawn, as the sun peeks over the mountains, fleets of fishing boats head out to sea, leaving behind the steady hum of engines and quiet silhouettes. By late morning, boats return to shore in a festive atmosphere, with laughter echoing across the water. The fish market takes place right on the pier, where fresh catches of shrimp, squid, fish, and clams, still glistening with seawater, are weighed and sold, or laid out to dry in the sun.
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| Watching the sunrise over Vinh Hy Bay. (Photo: Luong Phong) |
Visitors can easily immerse themselves in this rhythm. Many rise at 4 or 5 a.m. to join fishermen at sea, casting nets, setting lines, and hauling in their own catch. In the afternoon, they help mend nets, dry fish, and listen to seafaring tales amid the salty breeze.
Some households now offer "village-by-the-sea" tourism, with homestay-style accommodations and hands-on activities such as net weaving, fish sauce making, evening beach bonfires, and basket boat lessons. These experiences provide an authenticity and serenity that many city dwellers yearn for.
The rich flavors of the sea
Vinh Hy has no luxury restaurants, thick menus, or celebrity chefs. Its cuisine is simple yet distinctive, reflecting the rich local produce and traditional cooking methods.
Seafood here is always fresh, caught the same day and prepared on-site. On floating seafood farms just offshore, visitors can choose grouper, red snapper, squid, sea urchins, or lobsters raised directly beneath the platforms. The owners will cook them to order: grilled, steamed with ginger and scallions, in porridge, or hotpot. Dining in this setting, surrounded by waves, salty air, the blazing sunset, and friendly chatter, is as much an experience as a meal.
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| Fresh, delicious seafood in Vinh Hy. (Source: Facebook) |
The rustic fare is also worth exploring. Banh can (mini pancakes) with shrimp or squid, served with wild greens and fish sauce, is a must-try. Banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes) stuffed with seafood and sizzling over a charcoal fire at the afternoon market release an irresistible aroma of scallions and crispy rice batter.
Other local staples include goby fish porridge, fish noodle soup, squid in tamarind sauce, and braised cobia - everyday dishes for locals, but for visitors, they offer a taste both unique and familiar.
Many travelers enjoy learning to make fish sauce, a regional specialty of Vietnam's south-central coast. It's fermented from mackerel scad, anchovies, or sardines, combined with coarse sea salt and sun-dried using time-honored techniques.
Every jar of fish sauce in the yard and every rack of drying fish is part of the living heritage—a testament to the resilience, craftsmanship, and harmony with nature of the coastal people.
A rising star in sustainable tourism
From an unknown seaside spot, Vinh Hy has seen visitor numbers grow steadily each year, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Unlike many overdeveloped destinations, local authorities and international organizations have worked together to pursue sustainable tourism, preserving both the ecosystem and cultural identity.
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| Stand-up paddleboarding among seaweed beds. (Photo: Thanh Nguyet) |
Green tourism, community-based tourism, and marine conservation programs are integrated into tour offerings to ensure Vinh Hy retains its defining qualities: unspoiled, intimate, and authentic.
With its sunny, dry climate year-round, diverse ecosystems, and welcoming local community, Vinh Hy is a "rising star" on Vietnam's tourism map. If you are seeking a place to immerse yourself in nature, escape the rush of daily life, and reconnect with yourself, come to Vinh Hy - where beauty remains as pure as the very beginning.
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