From mountains and beaches to cosmopolitan boulevards, life in Quy Nhơn comes at a varied pace. Once the capital of indigenous rulers, this coastal city in Vietnam is steeped in history. Today, vibrant cafés and bars line the beachfront for a bustling vibe while small fishing boats bob in dark green waters. Dig into fresh seafood, relax on the sand, visit perfumed temples or get out into nature on a walking trail.
You can stay right on the sand at a beachfront Quy Nhơn hostel. If you want to experience the nightlife, try a place known for its crowd-pleasing music and lively bar. Take it easy at a hostel with a huge garden, while free linen and towels at another will lighten your backpack. Quy Nhơn hostels with communal kitchens come in handy for breakfasts at home before you head out for the day – that is if you can resist Vietnam's delectable street cuisine.
Near Quy Nhơn's Nguyễn Tất Thành road is the city's most developed district, which is where you'll find the most notable restaurants and hotels. To be close to the curved coast, head for the south part of the city where the beaches are. Just outside the city limits lies the small waterside village of Bãi Xép. This tucked away spot is a traditional fishing town where you can try seafood freshly caught by the locals and sit with a chilled beer on the quiet beach.
The Tháp Đôi Towers show off the ornate brickwork of Cham architecture within the grounds of a leafy park. When it comes to the city's waterfront, Quy Nhơn's north beach bustles with boats coming in and out while the south beach is quieter for swimming. Pick up keepsakes at the Nguyen Nga Center, where crafts like silk scarves are made by local residents with disabilities. You can replenish your energy levels after a long day with bánh xèo pancakes, a traditional kind of rice-batter crêpe stuffed with prawns.
To get to Quy Nhơn by plane, fly into Phù Cát Airport and hop on the shuttle that waits outside the arrivals terminal after each flight comes in. The train station for neighbouring Diêu Trì serves the town and buses run regularly from there into the city. To get from the temples to the beaches, you can rent a motorbike, hire a bicycle or hail a taxi or cyclo (a sort of rickshaw).