Exploring the Beautiful Van Hoa Plateau in Southern Vietnam

An aerial view of Van Hoa Plateau (Photo: Foody)

Located in the center of Phu Yen Province, Van Hoa Plateau is situated in the communes of Son Long, Son Dinh, and Son Xuan of Son Hoa District, as well as a part of Tuy An District. It is often dubbed the “Da Lat of Phu Yen” due to its abundance of sunshine, wind, and fog.

The plateau has an average altitude of 400m above sea level and boasts a cool climate throughout the year thanks to its formation from volcanic eruptions and basaltic red soil. This unique natural environment, combined with its historical relics, has led locals to develop fruit trees, vegetable farms, industrial plants, and tourism resorts in the area.

(Photo: Foody)

(Photo: Foody)

(Photo: Foody)

(Photo: Foody)

(Photo: Foody)

(Photo: Foody)

Historical land

Van Hoa Plateau is situated along the old trade road that connects the coastal area of Phu Yen with the western region of the province and the Central Highlands. This area is rich in historical revolutionary relics, including the house that honors President Ho Chi Minh and the Go Thi Thung tunnel, designated as a national historic site in 2008. The house was originally built in 1969 to commemorate the late president, and it has since been renovated for visitors to pay their respects and learn about the resistance movement in Phu Yen during the war against the US. The Go Thi Thung tunnel, constructed from 1964 to 1965, extends 2km underground and serves as a reminder of the guerilla warfare strategies employed in the area.

A traveler on her way to Van Hoa plateau (Photo: Lu Hanh Vietnam)

(Photo: Foody)

(Photo: Foody)

(Photo: Foody)

Red Burmese grape gardens

Besides its pleasant climate, Van Hoa Plateau is renowned for its red Burmese grape gardens, which have become a popular tourist attraction. These grape trees have naturally grown in Luong Son Village, Son Xuan Commune for many years, but only recently started bearing fruits. The fruits have a unique red color and are extremely sour, making them unsuitable for consumption. However, the trees have captured the attention of tourists, who often take photos of the grape fruits hugging the trunk.

Garden owners have capitalized on this interest and developed tourism businesses around the red Burmese grape gardens. In addition to earning revenue from entrance fees, the owners provide food and beverage services and parking for visitors. They also sell grape tree seedlings to tourists who wish to cultivate their own gardens. Each garden has at least 30 fruit-bearing trees, allowing the owners to earn a minimum of VND200,000 (US$8.7) per day from tourism. The popularity of these gardens has helped preserve the trees and discourage the conversion of land for other crops.

Apart from exploring the grape gardens, tourists can also enjoy the wild beauty of Van Hoa Plateau, surrounded by its abundant streams and lakes, such as Tia Stream, Coi Stream, Suoi Phen Lake, and Van Hoa Lake. The area hosts various events and festivals, including a traditional horse racing festival, motorbike racing, and kite flying. Visitors can also savor the local traditional dishes like chicken stewed with fragrant fish sauce, sour soup with jackfruit leaves, salted beef, and local mushrooms.

Van Hoa plateau is home to delectable fruits (Photo: Lu Hanh Vietnam)

(Photo: Lu Hanh Vietnam)

(Photo: Lu Hanh Vietnam)

Visitors are often captivated by the wild beauty of Van Hoa Plateau, which offers a refreshing atmosphere with its abundance of colorful flowers and fresh air. Despite its charm, the tourism costs here are relatively low. “I like the wild beauty of Van Hoa Plateau. Here I can immerse myself in wild flowers, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the red Burmese grape gardens at an affordable cost,” said Nguyen Trong Hoa, a visitor from HCM City. In addition to its natural beauty, Van Hoa Plateau also hosts various recreational activities such as boat racing, motorbike racing, and kite flying. With its combination of historical sites, natural wonders, and delectable fruits, Van Hoa Plateau is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.