Quy Nhon among Top 10 destinations for winter 2018

The charmingly quiet beaches of Quy Nhon offer a laid-back atmosphere and the perfect place for a relaxed getaway, according to The Guardian newspaper.

The coastal city of Quy Nhon in the south-central province of Binh Dinh has been listed among the Top 10 winter destinations for 2018 by British newspaper The Guardian.

Quy Nhon is the capital of Binh Dinh province, located between the busy coastal hotspots of Nha Trang and Hoi An, and is home to long, broad, sandy beaches that remain pristine thanks to the low number of tourists, most of whom are Vietnamese.

As fishing provides a livelihood for most local people, visitors can watch them fish in coracle boats while also enjoying the city’s nice beaches. Bai Xep is considered as the most beautiful beach, and was named among the 16 most incredible destinations in Asia by Business Insider.

“The intense resort development seen in the country’s more popular seaside locations has yet to reach this region, making for a laid-back atmosphere and the perfect place for a relaxed getaway,” according to The Guardian.

Along with tranquil beaches and the peaceful life of local people, Quy Nhon is also steeped in history and witnessed the rise and fall of the Champa Kingdom. Tourists can take a xe om (motorbike taxi) to a hilltop to the north of the town and visit several Cham towers that were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. The hilltop also provides a great view over the area’s unspoiled countryside. “The most visible reminders of this period are the Thap Doi (Twin Towers), in a small park in the city, which are well worth a visit,” The Guardian recommended.

The coastal city has the modern features of a small urban center on the path towards development. Visitors can enjoy nice views and fresh local seafood food and cold beer at restaurants, cafés, and bars on its sandy beaches.

Quy Nhon was named in 2015 as one of the nine most authentic escapes in Southeast Asia by the UK travel publisher Rough Guides.

Other spots on The Guardian’s list include Rincón de Guayabitos (Mexico), Hiriketiya Bay (Sri Lanka), Keurboomstrand (South Africa), Rosario Islands - Cartagena (Colombia), Grande-Anse Beach - Guadeloupe (France), Kirra - Gold Coast (Australia), Bang Saen (Thailand), Tanjung Rhu - Langkawi (Malaysia), and Velas - Maharashtra (India).

by Le Diem / VET