After spending a few days at Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, visitors often notice a subtle shift in how they feel. Calm yet energized. Grounded yet inspired. The pace of life slows, while curiosity sharpens.
Located just over an hour’s flight from Hanoi, Quy Nhon has long remained off the radar for most international travelers. Many still follow the familiar trail to destinations like Hue, Hoi An, Sapa, and ultimately Ho Chi Minh City. That relative obscurity, however, is exactly what gives Quy Nhon its appeal.
Why Quy Nhon Has Stayed Under the Radar
Despite its low profile, Quy Nhon offers a compelling mix of culture, nature, and cuisine. The city features miles of coastline, fresh seafood-driven dishes, and accommodations that range from budget-friendly stays to high-end resorts.
Visitors will find a modest national museum, quiet beaches that come alive after sunset, lively local markets, a growing café scene, and scattered ruins and pagodas that hint at a deep historical past. What’s notably absent are the heavy crowds and inflated prices common in Vietnam’s better-known tourist hubs.
Luxury by the Bay
Luxury reaches its peak at Anantara Quy Nhon, which opened in late 2018 along a private stretch of sand overlooking the Bay of Quy Nhon. While hotels closer to the city center are available, none match the secluded atmosphere or sweeping views offered by this beachfront retreat.
Each pool villa is designed for indulgence, complete with ocean-facing tubs, floor-to-ceiling windows, and thoughtful touches such as complimentary snacks and panoramic vistas. The setting is so inviting that many guests find it difficult to leave—until the experiences beyond the resort call.
Beyond the Villa: History and Wellness
Quy Nhon rewards those who venture out. One highlight is the Banh It Towers, remnants of the ancient Cham capital of Vijaya. Reached by climbing a series of steps, the towers offer expansive views of the countryside and coastline, often without the presence of other visitors.
Nearby pagodas, set within carefully maintained grounds, provide a peaceful contrast. Visitors are encouraged to offer incense as a sign of respect, though photography inside the sacred spaces is restricted.
Back near the coast, spa treatments overlooking the sea and jungle offer another way to unwind. Yoga and meditation sessions further complement the experience, helping travelers reconnect both physically and creatively.
Local Flavors and Nightlife
Food is central to Quy Nhon’s identity. Daily markets overflow with fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties, while roadside vendors sell coconuts and traditional Vietnamese coffee. Signature dishes such as bánh xèo—crispy pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and herbs—are best enjoyed in small local eateries.
For a curated introduction, guided night market tours provide insight into local cuisine and customs, often paired with music, karaoke, or an evening stroll along the seaside promenade, where a towering Ho Chi Minh statue overlooks the water.
Seafood, Celebrations, and Village Life
Seafood lovers will appreciate Quy Nhon’s oysters, a regional specialty served fresh or with simple accompaniments. Private beachfront dining experiences elevate the meal further, combining grilled local ingredients with candlelit ocean views.
Just beyond the resort, the fishing village of Bai Xep offers a more rustic charm. Narrow lanes, street-side bakeries, and tubs of live seafood paint a vivid picture of everyday life, reminding visitors that paradise can take many forms.
How to Get There
Several airlines operate direct flights to Quy Nhon from Hanoi. Traveling by road covers roughly 650 miles and takes a full day, while buses and trains offer another option, often broken up with a stop in Hue to make the journey more manageable.
Quy Nhon may have arrived quietly, but its blend of serenity, culture, and refined luxury suggests it won’t stay hidden for long.