“The Hidden Gem” of Vietnam’s seaside tourism through a collection of over 50-year-old photographs: How has it transformed?

A recent photo series of a coastal region in Vietnam, taken by foreign photographers, has received a lot of attention on various travel forums. Specifically, the photos were taken during the period of 1970 – 1971, by a photographer named Steve, who belonged to the MACV Advisory Team 280. And the location featured in these photos is not easy to guess. It is Phu Yen province – a province in the Central region of Vietnam, 1160km north of Hanoi and 560km south of Ho Chi Minh City.

From the images, it can be seen that over 50 years ago, though still relatively untouched, Phu Yen stood out with its blue sea, long white sandy beaches and coconut groves under the sun and wind. Many people who have seen these photos, despite the lack of specific location captions, can still recognize places like Vung Ro, Bai Mon, and Deo Ca. This shows that after more than 50 years, while life can be more modern, the natural scenery in Phu Yen remains remarkably preserved.

With its 189km-long coastline, various bays, beaches, lagoons, cliffs, and diverse and abundant ecological landscapes, Phu Yen wasn’t one of the prominent names in Vietnam’s coastal tourism until 2015, when the movie “Yellow Flowers on Green Grass” was filmed here. Since then, Phu Yen has attracted more tourists. That’s why this place is often referred to as the “hidden gem” of Vietnamese coastal tourism.

The number of tourists visiting Phu Yen has been increasing year by year. According to information on the Electronic Information Page of Phu Yen Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in 2023, the total number of visitors to this region reached 3.2 million. Many international newspapers and websites have started to notice Phu Yen and include this central region in their list of attractive destinations. Most recently, Phu Yen was voted by the Malaysian newspaper Star as the top destination in “Southeast Asia’s Most Beautiful Destinations to Visit in 2024”.

As mentioned, until now, despite attracting a large number of visitors each year, Phu Yen still retains its wild, untouched beauty. There are not many tall buildings or amusement parks, commercial centers, and entertainment venues. When visiting Phu Yen, tourists can completely immerse themselves in nature and the local way of life. The famous attractions in Phu Yen are mostly like this. Here are some suggestions for tourists planning to visit the beaches of Phu Yen this upcoming summer.

Firstly, O Loan Lagoon. This place combines the beauty of the mountains, forests, and clear water, especially when the sunset comes. Besides admiring the landscape, tourists should definitely try the delicious taste of O Loan crab, which has become a local culinary specialty.

Next is Mui Dien – the easternmost point of Vietnam. Here, each sunrise is like a vibrant painting, with colors sparkling from the horizon, opening up a beautiful new day. Mui Dien not only attracts nature lovers but also serves as an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts, allowing them to capture the most amazing moments of Phu Yen. Being the easternmost point, Mui Dien attracts many visitors in the early morning to become the first to welcome the sunrise each day.

Not far from Mui Dien is Nhan Tower – an ancient Champa architectural symbol. The tower casts a majestic shadow over the Da Rang River, captivating visitors with its mysterious and grandiose beauty. The tower is not only the pride of the people of Phu Yen but also a unique historical and cultural treasure, attracting tourists to explore and learn about the mysteries that have been preserved for thousands of years.

Continuing the journey, Da Dia Reef appears like a natural wonder, with its unique hexagonal rock columns stacked together like giant plates, creating a unique landscape amidst the vast sea. Da Dia Reef not only impresses visitors with its natural beauty but also sparks curiosity and exploration for many tourists.

For those who love to explore or simply take a drive to enjoy the panoramic view of Phu Yen’s coastline, Deo Ca Pass is a must-visit. This pass is a challenge that any adventurer wants to conquer. From the top of the pass, tourists can overlook the magnificent natural landscape. In Vuc Phun, where the waterfall creates white foam, the stunning scenery fascinates visitors, immersing them in the poetry of the mountains and forests.

Finally, as the night falls, Hon Nua becomes an ideal spot to set up a campfire, warding off the cool sea breeze and enjoying peaceful moments by the warm fire. The next morning, Dai Lanh lighthouse, a symbol of peace, welcomes a vibrant sunrise, opening up a promising and adventurous day.