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Vinh Hy Bay is a local paradise in Vietnam. It’s relatively unknown to international tourists unless they are visiting the insanely luxurious Amanoi Resort. I didn’t think anywhere in Vietnam could be off the beaten track but Vinh Hy certainly was! We started off our journey by travelling overnight in one of Vietnam’s sleeper trains (7 of us sharing a cabin on a cramped overnight journey – myself sharing my narrow bed with my 2 month old baby in her travel bassinet) which definitely felt like the start of an adventure and a bit of a change from our last few days getting room service and lounging by the pool in our 5 star hotel (It was great! Click the link to book!). We wanted to go somewhere that tourists don’t usually venture and Vinh Hy bay sure did not disappoint. See my Vinh Hy Bay Photo Essay for inspiration to venture off the beaten track.
Because Vinh Hy Bay is a little off the beaten track there isn’t a whole lot of information available online with practical information about your stay. Therefore, I have provided some useful details in my post Planning a Trip to Vinh Hy Bay to help you plan your visit.
Otherwise, please take a look below for some insight into all Vinh Hy Bay has to offer!
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
Ninh Thuan Rock Park
This is a gorgeous walk and viewpoint covered in..you guessed it. Rocks. Such picturesque rocks EVERYWHERE. The standout is the end of the short 20 min walk which comes out into a clifftop view of the ocean. There is also a little swing for the perfect photo op! There is nothing to do here except relax and enjoy the view but I hear there’s plans for a cafe in the near future.
Nua Chua National Park
About 15 minutes from Vinh Hy Bay you will find Nui Chua National Park and you can cross a suspension bridge to wander a local ethnic minority (Raglai) village situated inside the national park. From here you will then walk through the forest experiencing the fresh mountain air. Doai Vegetarian Restaurant is a short walk away via a peaceful stream and interesting flora and fauna. Stop for lunch (if you have booked in advance) or a cool drink.
Visit a Grape Farm
This area of Vietnam is known for its grape farms. Not wineries. Grape farms. We visited one in the Thai An valley. All you can see is vines for miles around but then you can find man-made holes along the edge, duck underneath to come out underneath the vines and the grape farms have set up little plastic tables. They produce a grape liquor which you can taste test along with grape cordial for the kids and they serve these along with lots of grape snacks. My kids were in heaven with all these free taste testers and the novelty of the child size location where the adults have to duck under the vines. The sealed bottles make for good souvenirs.
Walk a rocky pathway to a hidden beach
At the northern end of Vinh Hy bay the road abruptly ends and there is a hidden pathway covered in spiky cacti and branches. To walk along it you need to scramble over rocks and slip and slide down loose dirt. You come out on a little scenic beach with calm water good for swimming. Unfortunately a local business owner likes to take tour groups out here for lunch on a boat (and pretend its only accessible this way) so the path is not maintained or signposted but you can find it if you know what you are looking for.
Take a speedboat out around the bay
The scenery around Vinh Hy bay is best explored via boat. Taking a speedboat out allows fantastic views of the surrounding cliffs and hidden beaches along the coast. There are many little beaches here where you can swim and snorkel and relax in a beautiful part of the bay away from the fishing boats that sit in the water around the village itself.
Observe local village life around the bay
Vinh Hy bay has lots of winding narrow streets leading off the main street. Its in these quieter areas where most of local life takes place. We took some time to walk around and check out the market and the local homes and relaxed at the main square and playground where the village comes alive in the evenings.
Hang Rai Sea Cave
Hang Rai is an area of rock that has become a tourist attraction mainly because of a stunning picture a photographer took of water cascading over the top which is all over the internet. The funny thing is that the main part of Hang Rai actually sits far out of the water. Its a large rock you can climb on and see how it resembles the surface of the moon. The Hang Rai made world famous is actually a small coral reef area and rock to the left side of this one and only visible at low tide. Its also not signposted or obvious at all. The waterfall effect that looks so beautiful in the photograph is very difficult to capture as it requires being there at exactly the right time. The place is cool though and worth a walk through. There are some crazy looking rocks in this area. We didn’t have time to explore and see if we could view the other part of the rock but if you do I suggest bringing your togs! It looks like people climb right in and sit in the natural rock pools the tide creates here.
Next time I visit I would love to spend some time at Cam Lap Promontory also as this is nearby. Nui Chua National Park also has some good multi-day hiking trails but I wasn’t prepared to undertake this with young children in tow! I hope this guide has been helpful and inspires you to take the road less travelled on occasion.
Erika xx
THE ONLY ERIKA IN THE VILLAGE 