With origins dating back to the 11th-century Champa culture, Qui Nhon is a historically rich city on the coast of Vietnam. It is famed as the birthplace of the 18th-century emperor Quang Trung, who is considered to be one of the country’s most successful military commanders.
Things to do in Qui Nhon
For a day on the sand, head to Queen’s Beach, which is renowned for its egg-shaped green stones. It is associated with a legend surrounding King Bao Dai and Queen Nam Phuong and is particularly majestic at sunset. Nestled at the foot of Phuong Mai Mountain is Ky Co Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Vietnam.
Combine your visit to Ky Co Beach with a stop at the Ong Nui Temple, where you'll find the biggest seated Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Explore the temple’s beautifully decorated pagoda before climbing the 600 steps that lead to the Buddha. From the top, there are spectacular views across the coastline and the East China Sea.
Qui Nhon is an ideal base for visiting Banh It Cham Temple, a series of red-brick towers that rise atop a hillside north-west of the city. They are among the best-preserved Cham ruins in Vietnam, with some of the structures dating back to the 11th century. Magnificent views across the surrounding countryside are on offer from the beautifully decorated Sanctuary Tower, which is still an active site of worship for Buddhists today.
Getting around Qui Nhon
Phu Cat Airport is 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of Qui Nhon and has flights to destinations across Vietnam. Reunification Express trains stop at Dieu Tri railway station, which is around 10 minutes by taxi from Qui Nhon. Buses travel throughout the city and connect most of its attractions.