Cao nguyên Vân Hòa Phú Yên – Đà Lạt Thu nhỏ của Xứ Nẫu

Van Hoa Plateau – A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Phu Yen

Van Hoa Plateau, located in the center of Phu Yen province, in the area of three communes Son Xuan, Son Long, Son Dinh (Son Hoa district) and part of Tuy An district, is one of the three prominent plateaus of Phu Yen, besides An Xuan and Tra Khe. With an average altitude of 400 m above sea level, this plateau is known as "Little Da Lat" thanks to its year-round cool climate (average temperature of 24°C), pristine landscapes, and rich vegetation. Formed from basalt red soil due to volcanic eruptions, Van Hoa boasts tropical forests, green meadows, and lush orchards, creating a poetic natural picture, like the highlands of Lam Dong.

Located about 40 km north of Tuy Hoa city center, Van Hoa Plateau not only attracts tourists with its natural beauty but also with important historical sites such as Ho Chi Minh Church and Go Thi Thung Underground Tunnel, associated with the anti-American resistance war.

This place offers a variety of experiences, from exploring the culture of the E De people, enjoying special red fruits, to checking-in at romantic roads and flower gardens. This is an ideal destination for those looking for peace, fresh air, and wanting to escape the smog of the city.

Why Visit Van Hoa Plateau?

1. Cool Climate like Da Lat: With an average temperature of 24°C, fresh air, and early morning fog, Van Hoa brings a feeling of coolness, especially in autumn and Tet, like a "second Da Lat".

2. Poetic Landscape: Fields of golden corn and cassava, green pepper gardens, forests of cajeput trees that turn brilliantly in the fall, along with lakes and waterfalls create a picturesque scene.

3. Unique Historical Relics: Ho Chi Minh Church, Go Thi Thung Underground Tunnel, and the Spring Hall are "red addresses" preserving the heroic memories of Phu Yen in the resistance war.

4. Virtual Living Check-in: DT643 road, red fruit gardens, Long Van Garden with hydrangea flowers, and romantic swings are ideal places to take pictures.

5. Local Specialties: Enjoy red fruit (xoan da berries), Mit Cho Don jackfruit, sweet pineapples, or dishes such as hill chicken braised with fragrant fish sauce, sun-dried beef with yellow ant salt.

6. Indigenous Culture: Learn about the life of the E De people through traditional stilt houses and unique customs.

History and Cultural Significance

Van Hoa Plateau is not only a fertile natural land but also has deep historical value. The most prominent is the Ho Chi Minh Church, built in 1969 to hold a memorial service for President Ho Chi Minh. This work combines the stilt house architecture of the E De people with Kinh-style columns and roofing tiles, becoming a National Historical Relic (2008). Visitors can come here to offer incense, visit the traditional room, and learn about the Phu Yen resistance base.

Go Thi Thung Underground Tunnel, built from 1964-1965, about 2 km long, is a solid fortification system, where the largest battle in Phu Yen took place on June 24, 1966, causing heavy damage to the US 1st Air Cavalry Division. This relic, also ranked nationally, is proof of the indomitable spirit of the Phu Yen army and people.

In addition, Van Hoa is the long-standing home of the E De community, with traditional stilt houses and unique cultural customs, offering the opportunity to explore the intersection between indigenous culture and the Kinh people.

Directions to Van Hoa Plateau

Van Hoa Plateau is about 40 km from Tuy Hoa, easily accessible by the following means:

• Motorbike:

  • From Tuy Hoa, go along Hung Vuong Avenue to National Highway 1A, heading north to Hoa Da intersection (about 15 km). Turn left onto DT643 road, go another 25 km through the green forest to reach the plateau. Total time is about 1 hour.

  • The DT643 road is famous for its poetic beauty, shaded by trees, and is considered by backpackers as "the road that melts every heart".

  • Motorbike rental price: VND 100,000-150,000/day.

• Car or Taxi: Takes about 45-60 minutes, taxi fare VND 500,000-700,000/trip. Renting a car with a driver (VND 1,000,000-1,500,000/day) is suitable for large groups.

• Tour: Companies such as Phu Yen Tourist, Quy Nhon Tourist organize 1-day tours (priced at VND 500,000-800,000/person), including car, tour guide, and lunch.

Note:

• Fill up the gas tank because there are few gas stations on the plateau.

• DT643 road has steep sections, need steady steering. Bring a jacket because it's cool in the early morning and evening.

• On the way, you can visit Truc Lam Phu Yen Zen Monastery to check-in and pray for peace.

Entrance Fee and Visiting Hours

• Entrance Fee: Free to visit places such as Ho Chi Minh Church, Go Thi Thung Underground Tunnel. Some places like Long Van Garden or BB Farm may charge an entrance fee (VND 20,000-50,000/person).

• Opening Hours: All day, but tourist attractions with tour guides usually operate from 7:00-17:00.

• Ideal Time to Visit:

  • September-March (dry season, especially Tet): The weather is cool, wildflowers bloom along DT643 road, especially sunflowers and butterfly flowers, creating brilliant scenery.

  • Autumn (September-November): The cajeput forest turns yellow, orange, and red, creating a European-like scene.

  • Early Morning (5:30-8:00): Watch the fog and fresh air.

  • Late Afternoon (16:00-18:00): Sunset covers the plateau, ideal for taking pictures.

• Time to Note: Rainy season (April-August) can make DT643 road slippery, need to check the weather.

Unmissable Experiences at Van Hoa Plateau

1. Check-in DT643 Road: The road through the forest with meadows, cajeput forests, and wildflowers on both sides is a "million-like" photo spot. Stop the car at the hillsides to see the plateau from above.

2. Visit Ho Chi Minh Church: Learn about history through unique stilt house architecture, offer incense, and visit the exhibition room about the Phu Yen resistance war.

3. Explore Go Thi Thung Underground Tunnel: Walk through the 2 km long tunnel system, hear about the historical battle, and feel the revolutionary spirit.

4. Relax at Long Van Garden: Check-in with hydrangea gardens, temperate flowers, windmills, and romantic swings. Entrance fee: VND 30,000/person.

5. Visit BB Farm: Experience picking strawberries, red fruit (xoan da berries), and clean vegetables. Strawberry picking price: VND 200,000-300,000/kg.

6. Admire Pepper Gardens and Meadows: Green rows of pepper trees like "guards" and green meadows are ideal places to take photos and immerse yourself in nature.

7. Enjoy Specialties:

   • Red Fruit: Sour, juicy, can be eaten fresh or made into wine (price VND 50,000-100,000/kg).

   • Mit Cho Don Jackfruit: Sweet, crispy, honey-yellow color (price VND 20,000-30,000/kg).

   • Van Hoa Pineapple: Fragrant, pink flesh, large eyes (price VND 10,000-15,000/fruit).

   • Cuisine: Hill chicken braised with fragrant fish sauce, sun-dried beef with yellow ant salt, sour soup with dit leaves (meal price: VND 150,000-250,000/person).

8. Camping by Suoi Phen Lake: Organize BBQ, stargazing, and enjoy the cool atmosphere (tent rental price: VND 100,000-200,000/night).

9. Learn about E De Culture: Visit E De villages, explore stilt houses, and take photos with traditional items.

10. Explore Nearby Attractions: Combine visiting O Loan Lagoon (20 km), Nhan Tower (40 km), or Vung Ro Bay (70 km) to enrich your journey.

Notes When Visiting Van Hoa Plateau

• Weather: Bring a jacket, sunscreen, and a hat because it's cool in the early morning and sunny during the day. Prepare an umbrella if traveling in the rainy season.

• Safety: DT643 road has steep sections, need to drive carefully. Wear non-slip sports shoes when exploring the tunnel or camping.

• Protect the Environment: Do not litter at tourist attractions, especially in lakes and flower gardens, to preserve the landscape.

• Preparation: Bring cash because few stores accept cards. Bring snacks and drinks if camping.

• Accommodation: The plateau has not developed high-end resort services. Options:

  • Long Van Garden Homestay: Price VND 300,000-500,000/night, with a flower garden and "chill" space.

  • Stay in Tuy Hoa: Mandala Hotel & Spa (VND 1,355,000/night), Rosa Alba Resort (5 stars), or affordable homestays (VND 300,000-500,000/night).

• Souvenirs: Buy dried red fruit, fragrant fish sauce, or dried jackfruit as gifts.

Conclusion

Van Hoa Plateau Phu Yen is a unique destination, where pristine nature blends with heroic history and distinctive indigenous culture. Dubbed as "Little Da Lat", the plateau offers fresh air, poetic landscapes, and simple but unforgettable experiences, from checking-in on DT643 road, picking red fruit, to learning about the relics of Ho Chi Minh Church and Go Thi Thung Underground Tunnel. Whether you are a nature lover, passionate about exploring history, or just want to find a peaceful place to "escape" from the city, Van Hoa will surely make you fall in love. Plan a visit to this "hidden gem" to fully experience the beauty of Xu Nau!