Stretching all the way from Quang Ngai in the north to Phan Thiet in the south, Vietnam’s south-central coast is a stunning sweep of pristine beaches, verdant mountains, untouched fishing villages, and even rolling sand dunes.
Whether you’re a first-timer to the country or you’ve already hit (and fallen in love with) Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, now’s the time to skip these two megacities for the laid-back vibes of Vietnam’s tropical South-Central Coast.
Where To Stay
Radisson Resort Phan Thiet
Image credit: Radisson Resort Phan Thiet | Supplied
Nestled directly on a secluded stretch of sandy beach only minutes from the coastal town of Phan Thiet and surrounded by natural and cultural attractions, Radisson Resort Phan Thiet is roughly a two-to-three-hour drive (depending on traffic) from Ho Chi Minh City and offers the perfect blend of serenity and excitement.
Featuring 76 pristine rooms and suites, there’s an option to suit everyone, although we recommend the one-bedroom villa. Located close to the beach, the one-bedroom villas come complete with a separate living area, outdoor terrace, and even your very own outdoor bathtub which the staff will happily run for you on request (flower petals and candlelight included).
With direct access to the beach, an on-site restaurant, pool bar, gym, spa, yoga pavilion, and a dedicated playground for little guests, you might never want to leave. But if you do, nearby attractions include the famous Mui Ne sand dunes, Ke Ga Lighthouse, Ta Cu Mountain, and the NovaWorld complex which features an amusement park, golf course, water games area, and even a giant Ferris wheel offering stunning sea views. You can even hire bikes from the hotel to explore the local countryside and fishing communities.
Global flavours, local favourites and fresh seafood can be savoured at ULIVO, the elegant all-day dining restaurant with indoor and alfresco seating, while Citrino, the pool bar, is the perfect place to chill out and grab light refreshments, with poolside loungers, seafront seating and cosy cabanas.
The Spa at Radisson Resort Phan Thiet is located right on the beach and is the perfect spot to relax while listening to the waves crashing on the shore. There’s even an outdoor treatment room if you really want to be close to the water. Treatments include natural therapies, massages, beauty services, wraps, and scrubs.
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Radisson Blu Cam Ranh
Image credit: Radisson Blu Cam Ranh | Supplied
Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh is nestled on an 18-km stretch of white sand on Vietnam’s secluded south-central coast. Cam Ranh International Airport is just seven minutes away and the city of Nha Trang is a 45-minute drive. Well-known for its deep-sea harbour, Cam Ranh is a new tourism hot spot blessed with pristine beaches, cultural sites, water sports, diving, hiking and golf.
Inspired by Cam Ranh’s fishing and marine heritage, the stunning resort offers 292 contemporary rooms and suites including 36 private pool villas, all with ocean views. It also features six restaurants and bars, a destination spa, and an absolute beachfront location.
If the budget will allow, we highly recommend splurging on a one-bedroom pool villa. Located in the hotel’s garden area close to the beach, the villa offers a beautiful, secluded setting as well as all the comforts of home. We’re talking bathtub, separate lounge area, two toilets, a small dining area, an outdoor terrace with your own private pool and sun loungers, two rain showers, and even a separate changing area. It would be perfect for a couple or a family of three.
Whether you’re in the mood for a plate of comfort food, a themed buffet, or the local catch of the day, the restaurants at Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh serve a variety of cuisine styles to satisfy your cravings. For authentic Vietnamese dishes served with modern flair, definitely pay a visit to Blu Lobster, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. If you’re looking to enjoy dinner and a cocktail outside in the sea breeze, Cheers is the place to go for a lively but casual atmosphere.
After a day of exploring or relaxing by the pool, you’ll want to book in for a massage at Spa ESC. With carefully crafted, bespoke treatments and packages, their spa reflects pure luxury and is the perfect way to recharge. You can choose from a selection of therapeutic treatments as well as relaxing facilities such as their sauna, ice grotto, and salt chamber.
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Things To Do
Explore The Area By Jeep
Image credit: Radisson Resort Phan Thiet Jeep Tour | Urban List Singapore
If you don’t have your own transport and want to experience the best of Vietnam’s South-Central Coast, we highly recommend a jeep tour. Both Radisson Resort Phan Thiet and Radisson Blu Cam Ranh (as well as many other tour operators in the area) offer jeep tours which tick off all the highlights of the region (including those listed below).
The open-air jeeps come in a range of bright colours (perfect for the gram) and tours can range from a few hours to a full day. Prices will vary depending on the length of the tour and the number of people in your group. You’ll also be accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Get Your Feet Wet At Fairy Stream
Image credit: Fairy Stream | Urban List Singapore
Winding its way through bamboo forests, red rock cliffs, and lush jungles, the whimsically-named Fairy Stream is said to resemble a miniature version of the Grand Canyon and has become a popular tourist spot in the small coastal town of Mui Ne.
Coloured by the clay and limestone particles that filter in from the strange rock formations at its shores, Fairy Stream is best enjoyed bare foot. For the most part, the stream is about ankle-deep and no more than knee-deep. If you follow the creek-bed right to the end, you’ll be rewarded with a small but picturesque waterfall.
The full walk takes about two hours there and back, but you can turn around at any point. There’s not much shade so you’ll want to take a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water. Although the water is not particularly deep, some like to tackle it in their swimsuits so they can cool off when it gets too hot.
Ride An ATV Across The White Sand Dunes
Image credit: White Sand Dunes | Urban List Singapore
Many travellers visit Mui Ne for the beaches and quaint fishing village, but the word is quickly getting out about the area’s White Sand Dunes.
A vast expanse of white sand, sculpted into rolling dunes, the White Sand Dunes were formed by the strong onshore winds that blow tiny grains of sand inland. Because of this strong wind, it’s recommended you wear lightweight trousers and a long sleeve top to stop the sand from hitting you. You’ll also want to take sunglasses to protect your eyes, but don’t bother with a hat because we guarantee it will get blown away.
Aside from providing a beautiful backdrop for photos, thrill seekers can test their off-road biking skills by hiring an ATV to explore the dunes. If you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself, you can get a guide to help you out.
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Watch The Sun Set At The Red Sand Dunes
Image credit: Red Sand Dunes | Urban List Singapore
Although much smaller than the White Sand Dunes, the Red Sand Dunes are equally impressive thanks to their bright red hue (although the colour of the sand actually changes constantly depending on the sunlight).
Known for sand sledding and stunning sunset views, the Red Sand Dunes are located along the coastal road behind Mui Ne’s main beach so they tend to get crowded with other tourists.
The best time to visit is either early in the morning or late in the evening as the sand can get very hot during the day.
Grab A Vietnamese Coffee From Soho Coffee in Mui Ne
Image credit: Soho Coffee | Urban List Singapore
If you happen to find yourself in Mui Ne (which you will if you want to see the sand dunes), make sure you head to Soho Coffee for an ice-cold sweet Vietnamese coffee topped with cheese foam.
Not only is it the best coffee you’ll ever taste, the venue itself is worthy of a spot on your Instagram feed thanks to its terracotta walls, oversized pastel cushions, and picturesque ocean views.
Put Your Pottery Skills To The Test At Bau Truc Pottery Village
Image credit: Bau Truc Pottery Village | Urban List Singapore
Bau Truc Village is one of the oldest pottery villages in Southeast Asia and is renowned for its handmade clay products which are deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Vietnam’s Cham people.
The art of pottery making in Bau Truc Pottery Village is different in the way the pottery is made and decorated. The Cham people do not use a turntable to shape their deigns, instead the clay is kept in a stationary position as the artisans walk countless circels around it, carefully using their hands to knead the clay into perfect contour.
In addition to exploring the village and watching this traditional pottery-making technique in action, you can also have a go at making your very own pottery items. The artisans will guide you through every step, from mixing the clay to shaping, firing, and colouring it.
Step Back In Time At Po Klong Garai Towers
Image credit: Po Klong Garai Towers | Urban List Singapore
Rising dramatically above Phan Rang, Po Klong Garai is a Hindu Cham religious complex that was recognised as a special national relic site in 2016.
Consisiting of three towers—Kalan central tower, Gopura gate tower, and a Fire tower—Cham legends say Po Klong Garai tower was built by King Jaya Simhavarman III (Vietnamese history calls him Che Man) in the late 13th century to worship King Po Klong Garai (1151 - 1205), who helped the Cham fight foreign invaders, cultivate land, and develop farm production.
Every year, the site hosts various religious ceremonies, traditional Cham festivals, and cultural performances.
Try Grilled Banana Wrapped In Sticky Rice
Image credit: Grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice | Urban List Singapore
If you are new to Vietnamese desserts, their grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice is a must try.
The dish is made by wrapping ripe bananas in a layer of glutinous rice, which is then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal. It can be eaten plain or served with a warm coconut milk-based sauce and a sprinkling of crushed peanuts.
Although we tried ours at Radisson Blu Cam Ranh, grilled banana can be found at street food stalls and markets throughout Vietnam.
Conquer Your Fears At Kong Forest
Image credit: Kong Forest | Urban List Singapore
Get ready to experience an adrenaline-fueled adventure at Kong Forest. From ziplining to ATV tours through the forest and even white-water rafting, Kong Forest will certainly push you to your limits.
The perfect all-thrills, no-skills activity for adventure seekers, Kong Forest is about a one-hour drive from Cam Ranh and will take you through some of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to pack a change of clothes (you’ll definitely get wet if you do the white-water rafting) and wear closed in shoes that won’t fall off as your soaring between the trees while ziplining.
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Main image credit: Radisson Blu Cam Ranh | Supplied