Vung Ro Bay - Majestic natural picture

Majestic Natural Landscape and Heroic History

Vung Ro Bay, located in Hoa Xuan Nam commune, Dong Hoa district, Phu Yen province, is one of the most beautiful sea bays in the central coastal region, about 33 km from Tuy Hoa city center. With an area of approximately 16.4 km², the bay is surrounded by three majestic mountain ranges: Deo Ca Pass (to the North), Da Bia Mountain (to the East), and Hon Ba Mountain (to the West), along with Hon Nua Island sheltering to the South, creating a calm sea area, peaceful like a watercolor painting. Vung Ro Bay is not only famous for its pristine beauty, emerald blue sea, and fine white sand, but also a National Historical and Cultural Relic (recognized in 1997), associated with the legend of the No Number Ship on the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea during the resistance war against America (1964-1965).

Dubbed as the "paradise of Xu Nau", Vung Ro Bay attracts tourists with its stunning natural scenery, pristine beaches such as Bai Nhan, Bai Lau, Bai Chua, and exploration activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, or enjoying fresh seafood. The bay is also a natural intersection between Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa, offering a spectacular Deo Ca Pass and a panoramic view from above, making anyone fall in love. This is an ideal destination for those who love nature, enjoy exploring history, and want to enjoy the tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Why Visit Vung Ro Bay?

1. Pristine, Majestic Beauty: Crystal clear seawater, fine white sand, and surrounding mountain ranges create a scene like a "giant mirror" reflecting the sky and clouds, especially beautiful when viewed from Deo Ca Pass.

2. No Number Ship Historical Relic: The bay is a landmark of the exploits of the No Number Ships, receiving thousands of tons of weapons to support the Southern battlefield. The relic area and the memorial stele evoke a heroic history.

3. Diverse Beaches and Activities: Beaches such as Bai Nhan, Bai Chua, Bai Lau, or Bai Chan Trau are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or exploring the bay by basket boat.

4. Virtual Living Check-in: Hon Nua Island, Deo Ca Pass, and pristine beaches are "million-like" photo spots, especially at sunrise and sunset.

5. Fresh Seafood: Fish farms in the bay serve fresh shrimp, crab, squid, and fish, with dishes such as grilled scallops, steamed squid, or seafood porridge, imbued with the flavor of the Phu Yen sea.

6. Culture and People: Experience the simple life of the fishing village, participate in fishing, or hear stories about the land of Xu Nau.

History and Significance of Vung Ro Bay

Vung Ro Bay was once a strategic location in the resistance war against America, an important stop for the No Number Ship Team on the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea. From November 1964 to February 1965, the bay welcomed four ships carrying thousands of tons of weapons from the North to support the Central Highlands and South Central Coast. In particular, the fourth ship (February 15, 1965) was discovered by the enemy, leading to a fierce battle, but the sailors and guerrillas heroically protected the ship and camouflaged it under the cliff.

The ship's wreckage is still under the sea, along with a 10,000 m² historical relic area, including a memorial stele, to educate future generations about patriotism and indomitable spirit.

Today, Vung Ro Bay is not only a "red address" but also a prominent tourist destination, assessed by the World Tourism Organization as one of the most beautiful resort landscapes in Asia, far surpassing Phuket (Thailand) and on par with international destinations. The combination of natural beauty and historical value makes Vung Ro Bay a symbol of Phu Yen.

Directions to Vung Ro Bay

Vung Ro Bay is about 33 km from Tuy Hoa city center, easily accessible by many means:

• Motorbike:

  • From Tuy Hoa, follow National Highway 1A to the middle of Deo Ca Pass, turn into the small road with signs leading down to the bay (about 50 minutes). This route is beautiful with rice fields, green trees, and a glimpse of the sea.

  • From the direction of Khanh Hoa, cross Deo Ca Pass or go through Bai Mon, Mui Dai Lanh, taking about 1 hour from Nha Trang (100 km).

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

• Car or Taxi: Takes about 30-40 minutes from Tuy Hoa, taxi fare is VND 400,000-600,000/trip.

• Bus: Tuy Hoa - Dong Hoa route, stop at Hoa Xuan Nam commune, then take a motorbike taxi about 5 km to the bay (bus fare: VND 15,000/trip).

• Canoe or Boat: To explore the beaches and Hon Nua Island, rent a canoe (VND 300,000-500,000/boat) or a basket boat (VND 100,000-200,000) from Vung Ro port.

Note: There is a parking lot at Vung Ro port, priced at VND 5,000-10,000/motorbike. The Deo Ca Pass road has steep curves, so drive carefully, especially during the rainy season.

Entrance Fee and Visiting Hours

• Entrance Fee: Free admission.

• Opening Hours: All day, but services such as boat rental and fish raft are usually open from 7:00-17:00.

• Ideal Time to Visit:

  • March-September (dry season): The weather is sunny, with little storms, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and participating in fishing activities with fishermen. This is also a rich seafood season.

  • October-December (rainy season): Check the weather forecast because there may be storms, big waves, limiting activities on the sea.

  • Sunrise (5:30-6:30): Watch the sun rise behind Hon Nua Island, the light shines on the fishing village, creating a brilliant scene.

  • Sunset (17:00-18:00): Red-gold light covers the entire bay, ideal for taking photos and relaxing.

• Cultural Events: Fish worshipping ceremonies (January-February of the lunar calendar) in the fishing village are imbued with fisherman culture.

Unmissable Experiences at Vung Ro Bay

1. Sightseeing from Deo Ca Pass: From the top of the pass, admire the entire bay like a "giant mirror" with blue sea, mountains, and bustling boats. This is a "legendary" check-in point of Phu Yen.

2. Visit the No Number Ship Relic: Learn about the heroic history through the memorial stele and listen to the guide tell about the secret ships. The relic area is located near Vung Ro port, easy to access.

3. Swimming and Snorkeling: Beaches such as Bai Nhan, Bai Chua, Bai Lau, or Bai Chan Trau have clear water, fine sand, and diverse corals. Rent a snorkel (VND 50,000-100,000) to explore the underwater world.

4. Explore Hon Nua Island: Take a canoe (10 minutes) to Hon Nua Island, where there is a white sand beach, Yen Cave, and Hon Nua lighthouse. Climb the mountain to see the mysterious giant footprint or swim here.

5. Enjoy Seafood on Floating Rafts: Fish farms serve fresh dishes such as:

   • Grilled Scallops with Scallion Oil: Price VND 150,000-200,000/kg.

   • Steamed Lobster: Price VND 800,000-1,200,000/kg.

   • Seafood Porridge: Price VND 30,000-50,000/bowl.

   • Suggestion: Seafood raft near Vung Ro port, the price of a meal is about VND 200,000-300,000/person.

6. Kayaking, SUP, or Basket Boating: Rent a kayak (VND 100,000/hour) or SUP (VND 150,000/hour) to freely explore the bay. Basket boating offers a rustic experience, priced at VND 100,000/trip.

7. Experience Fisherman's Life: Participate in casting nets, fishing, or scooping jellyfish with fishermen (usually free if you go on a tour). Early morning or sunset is the ideal time.

8. Explore Nearby Attractions:

   • Mui Dien (Mui Dai Lanh): 6 km away, the place to welcome the first sunrise in Vietnam.

   • Bai Mon: Crescent-shaped, pristine beach, near Mui Dien.

   • Da Bia Mountain: Climbing the mountain to see the panoramic view of the bay, suitable for adventure lovers.

Notes When Visiting Vung Ro Bay

• Weather: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water because the bay is quite sunny during the day. Check the weather forecast for the rainy season to avoid storms.

• Safety: Wear a life jacket when canoeing or basket boating. Be careful when swimming at beaches with reefs.

• Protect the Environment: Do not litter in the sea or on the beach to preserve the pristine beauty of the bay.

• Eating and Drinking: Ask for the price before ordering at the seafood rafts to avoid misunderstandings. Bring cash because few places accept cards.

• Accommodation: There are no hotels right in the bay. Choose to stay in Tuy Hoa with hotels such as Mandala Hotel & Spa (VND 1,355,000/night), Rosa Alba Resort (5-star standard), or affordable homestays (VND 300,000-500,000/night). Near the bay, there are some homestays such as PHD Homestay with a cozy space, priced at VND 500,000/night.

• Souvenirs: Buy Phu Yen fish sauce, dried tuna, or dried scallops as gifts.

Conclusion

Vung Ro Bay Phu Yen is a masterpiece of nature and history, where visitors can immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of the blue sea, white sand, and majestic mountains, while feeling the indomitable spirit of the nation through the No Number Ship relic. With diverse activities such as swimming, snorkeling, enjoying seafood, and exploring Hon Nua Island, the bay is a must-visit destination in the journey to explore the land of "yellow flowers on green grass". Plan a visit to Vung Ro Bay to enjoy the peace, poetry, and unforgettable experiences in the charming land of Xu Nau!