Welcome to Quy Nhon, Vietnam’s rising luxury beach paradise

A few days at Anantara Quy Nhon, and you'll begin to feel something special.

A sense of calm yet vitality. A balance of empowerment and serenity. Refreshed and enlightened.

Just over an hour by plane from Hanoi, Quy Nhon remains largely off the beaten track for international travelers, many of whom choose well-worn routes to popular Vietnam destinations like Hue, Hoi An, and Sapa—often ending their journey in Ho Chi Minh City.

The peaceful charm of this coastal city only enhances its appeal, and the luxurious Anantara resort, which opened in December 2018, makes it a must-visit destination.

The reasons behind Quy Nhon’s low-profile reputation aren’t hard to understand given its broad appeal: It’s a destination rich in culture, with miles of pristine coastline, fresh local seafood, and a variety of accommodations to suit any budget.

The city features a modest national museum (the war photography is a particularly compelling exhibit), quiet beaches (locals often prefer the evenings to escape the intense midday sun), a lively market scene, a growing café culture, as well as ancient ruins and pagodas.

It offers everything a sophisticated traveler could desire—without the overwhelming crowds and sky-high prices.

Unmatched luxury

Staying in one of Anantara Quy Nhon’s pool villas offers an unparalleled level of luxury.

While there are other hotels in more central locations, none compare to the tranquility or breathtaking views of a private beach stay overlooking the Bay of Quy Nhon.

Anantara may be tucked away, but it’s still only a 10-minute walk from several other attractions along this serene stretch of beach.

Take your time settling in. Each villa is stocked with a fridge filled with complimentary cheese, charcuterie, and chocolate, plus a spacious tub complete with bath salts and the kind of stunning views that invite you to relax and unwind.

Oceanfront or beachfront villas with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors offer panoramic views that stretch far beyond the beautifully appointed interiors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where you may never want to leave.

That is, until you catch a whiff of what awaits outside the property.

Experience-focused

Quy Nhon’s richness and appeal are evident in the wide array of experiences waiting beyond the comfort of your hotel room.

Backpackers staying at the budget accommodations further up the beach might tempt you to rent a motorbike—a common way to get around in Vietnam—and strike out on your own. But there’s no harm in letting go of your worries and indulging in the carefully curated Anantara tour program.

Begin your journey with a trip to the Banh It Towers, one of four Cham ruin sites in the region. This is where Vijaya, the Cham capital, stood until it fell to the north in 1471.

The only way to reach the crumbling red brick towers is by climbing the stairs on foot.

From the top, enjoy stunning views of the city, the surrounding countryside, and the ocean. These rarely visited ruins mean you won’t have to jostle with crowds, and you might even find yourself enjoying the peaceful site all alone. (For more details on the Cham sites, head to the Binh Dinh Museum in Quy Nhon.)

Once you’ve explored the ruins, ask your guide (or use Google Maps) to lead you to the pagodas, nestled in pristine grounds featuring detailed Japanese-inspired landscaping.

While photography is prohibited in the tranquil, Buddha-filled halls, you are encouraged to offer incense as a sign of respect. According to Mai Vu Bao, an Anantara villa host who enjoys guiding guests and practicing his British English, you wouldn’t want to risk capturing ghosts or spirits in your photos.

After your tours of the ruins and pagodas, treat yourself to a spa experience surrounded by the serene beauty of an ocean-facing jungle.

Avani, Anantara’s bohemian-inspired sister property, is overseen by Bach Thi Anh Dao, a local of Quy Nhon with an extraordinary ability to find tension in the body and gently release it, leaving you feeling utterly relaxed.

For a more invigorating experience, try one of her daily yoga sessions, which incorporate moments of silent meditation—ideal for unlocking your creative energy.

The Bounty of Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon’s charm lies in the vibrant daily market, where locals offer fresh eel and morning glory, sell whole coconuts for refreshing coconut water (for around 7 VND) on the streets, and serve up the famous egg coffee at the town’s cafes—these are just a few of the unique experiences that make this hidden gem of Vietnam so special.

Like any town, Quy Nhon offers plenty of opportunities to explore its fresh and diverse flavors. If you're comfortable navigating the winding mountain roads into the town’s heart, make sure to hunt down Bánh xèo—Vietnamese pancakes or crepes filled with shrimp, pork, and an array of fresh herbs.

For a more immersive taste of local culture, consider joining Anantara’s Night Market experience. Pro tip: If you plan on drinking, it’s wise to arrange for a designated driver, especially if you’re into karaoke.

Bao, an experienced local guide available exclusively through Anantara, knows the best spots in town and can point you to where the locals enjoy karaoke. Not into singing? Take a peaceful stroll along the city’s seaside promenade and visit the impressive Ho Chi Minh statue.

When you’re ready to unwind, head to the beach bar for a nightcap. Surf Bar 2, Quy Nhon’s main beach bar, serves imported beers if you're craving something other than the usual Saigon or Hanoi brews. For craft beer, however, you’ll need to return to your villa.

Oysters are another local specialty in Quy Nhon.

At Sea.Fire.Salt., Anantara’s signature restaurant, Chef Marcus Meek prepares plump, succulent oysters served either raw or with a selection of condiments such as lemon, cocktail sauce, black bean sauce, and mignonette. Enjoy them with a glass of Champagne or a refreshing Heart of Darkness IPA before moving on to another of Chef Meek’s regional creations.

Chef Meek, originally from the UK, is passionate about the menu he’s crafted—once focused on American flavors, it’s now been transformed with a distinct Vietnamese twist based on guest feedback. He’s also thrilled about another special offering at the resort: Private beachfront dining experiences.

This gives Chef Meek the perfect opportunity to grill a variety of vegetables and proteins (it’s a close contest between the head-on prawns and the Wagyu for the standout dish) in an idyllic setting, with soft music playing and mosquito repellent discreetly provided before you even notice the need for it.

The cozy, private in-villa dining experience can extend for hours into the evening.

Just outside the resort, the nearby fishing village of Bai Xep is home to Life’s a Beach—a laid-back hostel, bar, and restaurant that’s also worth a visit.

Bai Xep’s narrow streets are lined with women baking bread over an open flame, while fresh crabs, clams, and fish swim in tubs of cold water, waiting to be chosen by hungry locals and travelers alike.

The air is thick with the pungent smell of seafood, and stray, scruffy dogs scavenge for scraps as shopkeepers offer cigarettes and sodas for mere pennies.

Paradise takes many forms, and this is one of them.

How to Get There

Several airlines offer direct flights from Hanoi to Quy Nhon. For those preferring a road trip, it’s a full day’s drive (650 miles) from Hanoi to Quy Nhon, but you can break up the journey by stopping in Hue for a day or two. Alternatively, it’s a 14-hour bus or train ride south for each leg of the trip.