Đại Lãnh Cape - the first dawn of Vietnam

Mui Dien (Dai Lanh Cape) – Where the Dawn Touches Vietnamese Soil

Mui Dien, also known as Mui Dai Lanh, is located in Phuoc Tan hamlet, Hoa Tam commune, Dong Hoa district, Phu Yen province, about 35 km southeast of Tuy Hoa city center. Recognized as a National Scenic Monument in 2008, Mui Dien is famous as one of the first places to welcome the dawn on the mainland of Vietnam, although there is debate that Mui Doi (Khanh Hoa) is the exact easternmost point.

Mui Dien is a branch of the Truong Son range protruding into the East Sea, possessing pristine beauty with majestic mountains, vast seas, and a historic lighthouse. Previously, this place was called Cap Varella by the French, discovered by General Varella in the late 19th century. With its romantic scenery, fresh air, and special significance, Mui Dien is a must-visit destination when traveling to Phu Yen.

Why Visit Mui Dien?

1. Welcoming the First Dawn: Standing at Mui Rang Dong, you will witness the moment the sun rises, painting the whole sky and sea in pink, creating an unforgettable scene.

2. Historic Lighthouse: The Mui Dien lighthouse, built in 1890 by the French, is one of the oldest lighthouses in Vietnam, 26.5 m high from the ground and 110 m above sea level, emitting a light signal up to 27 nautical miles away.

3. Pristine Beauty: Bai Mon at the foot of the lighthouse has fine white sand, clear blue water, and peaceful space, ideal for relaxation.

4. Virtual Living Check-in: The stone stele engraved with the words "Easternmost Point - The place to welcome the first dawn on the mainland of Vietnam" is a favorite photo spot for young people.

Directions to Mui Dien

From Tuy Hoa city, you can get to Mui Dien in the following ways:

• Motorbike or Car:

  • Route 1: Follow National Highway 1A, through Deo Ca Pass, turn left into Vung Ro Bay, continue straight for about 5-10 km to Mui Dien. This route is suitable for those who want to explore Vung Ro port.

  • Route 2: From Hung Vuong street (Tuy Hoa), to Phu Dong roundabout, turn left along the coastal road Phuoc Tan - Bai Nga. This route is safe, easy to travel, and has many beautiful landscapes.

• Bus: The Tuy Hoa - Vung Ro route will take you close to Mui Dien, then take a motorbike taxi or walk about 5 km.

• From Nha Trang: Go through Deo Ca Pass, turn right following the signs to Mui Dien, through Vung Ro Bay and the No Number Ship Relic Area, taking about 1.5-2 hours.

Note: There is a parking lot at the foot of the mountain, priced at about VND 5,000-10,000/vehicle. To get to the lighthouse, you need to climb 110 spiral steps, taking about 15-20 minutes.

Entrance Fee and Visiting Hours

• Entrance Fee:

  • Visiting Mui Dien: VND 20,000/person.

  • Visiting the lighthouse: VND 10,000/person.

• Opening Hours: 4:30 – 17:30 daily. To watch the sunrise, you should arrive before 5:00 am.

• Ideal Time to Visit: From January to August (dry season), especially April-June, when the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and there is little rain. Avoid the rainy and stormy season from September to December.

Unmissable Experiences at Mui Dien

1. Watch the Sunrise from the Lighthouse: Climb to the top of the lighthouse to admire the moment the sun rises, harmonizing with the blue sea and mountains. This is the most memorable experience.

2. Swim at Bai Mon: The small crescent-shaped beach with fine white sand and clear water is suitable for swimming, camping, or relaxing. A freshwater stream running across the beach creates a unique highlight.

3. Check-in at Mui Rang Dong: Take photos with the stone stele "Easternmost Point" or the sea and sky from the top of the lighthouse to preserve memories.

4. Enjoy Seafood: Near Mui Dien, you can buy fresh seafood such as emperor crab, crab, and squid at Vung Ro port or the foot of Deo Ca Pass, priced at about VND 200,000-300,000/kg. Some famous restaurants such as Thinh Nam Restaurant (Tuy Hoa) serve specialties such as tuna and steamed tuna eye.

5. Explore Nearby Attractions: Combine visiting Vung Ro Bay, the No Number Ship Relic Area, or Ganh Da Dia (about 70 km away).

Notes When Visiting Mui Dien

• Safety: Wear non-slip shoes when climbing the lighthouse or walking on rocks. Avoid swimming on days with big waves and always pay attention to the weather.

• Protect the Environment: Do not litter, especially at Bai Mon and the lighthouse area, to preserve the natural beauty.

• Eating and Accommodation: Mui Dien does not have any guesthouses or hotels nearby. You can camp at Bai Mon (contact the border guard at 0905.217.578 for assistance) or stay in Tuy Hoa with hotels such as Saigon Phu Yen Hotel (VND 800,000/night) or Anh Tuan 2 Hotel (VND 550,000/night).

• Prepare Food: The Mui Dien area has few restaurants, so bring snacks or contact local people in advance to order meals.

• Souvenirs: Buy Phu Yen specialties such as dried tuna, Phu Yen fish sauce, or Tam Quan pink cake (Binh Dinh, nearby) as gifts.

Conclusion

Mui Dien (Dai Lanh Cape) is the perfect destination for those who love nature, want to experience the first sunrise moment, and explore history through the ancient lighthouse. With its pristine beauty, reasonable cost, and peaceful space, Mui Dien will surely leave an unforgettable impression on visitors. Plan now to explore the "Easternmost Point" of the Fatherland and feel the breath of the sea in Phu Yen!