Six Exceptional Campgrounds on the South Central Coastal Road

South-central Vietnam encompasses the coastal region from Quang Ngai in the north to Phan Thiet in the south, following Highway One along the coast.

Although the provinces in this part of Vietnam hold special historical importance, both in ancient times as part of the Champa Kingdom and in more recent times as a significant player in the Vietnam War, for most casual visitors, the main attraction is the beaches.

Ke Ga Lighthouse

Ke Ga Lighthouse stands on a rocky islet off the coast of Ke Ga, surrounded by the vast expanse of the South China Sea. Its prime location offers stunning views of the coastline and the shimmering waters that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Constructed in 1897 by French architect Snavat, Ke Ga Lighthouse stands tall at a height of 65 meters above sea level. It features a remarkable 35-meter granite lamp tower, serving as a vital navigational aid for controlling sea traffic in the surrounding area.

Ke Ga Lighthouse stands on a rocky islet off the coast of Ke Ga, surrounded by the vast expanse of the South China Sea. Photo: Nguyen Thanh Tuan

At the pinnacle of the lighthouse, visitors are treated to sweeping panoramic views of the expansive sea and sky. Especially during sunset, the spectacle is enhanced by a magnificent display of vibrant colors. During the dry season and low tide, it is even possible to walk to the island.

At the foot of the lighthouse, there is a concrete road running straight down to the base of the hill. On both sides of the road are two rows of ancient trees that offer shade throughout the year, planted by the French during the construction of the Ke Ga lighthouse.

Mui Yen, Binh Thuan

Mui Yen (Yen Cape) is located in Hoa Thang commune, Bac Binh district, Binh Thuan province. There is a giant stone in the shape of a hat rising from the sea. That rock is the habitat of nesting birds. During low tide, a rocky road appears in the sea, allowing tourists to approach and observe this giant stone.

Mui Yen (Yen Cape) belongs to Hoa Thang commune, Bac Binh district, Binh Thuan province. Photo: Nguyen Thanh Tuan

With no inhabitants, Mui Yen is very peaceful. At night, tourists can listen to the whispering waves, enjoy the cool breeze, and observe the starry sky.

Freshwater Bay, Ninh Thuan

Nuoc Ngot Bay is located in Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province, on coastal road 702, where a stream flows into the sea and is separated by a white sand beach.

Nuoc Ngot Bay is located in Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province. Photo: Mai Vinh

In addition to its natural beauty, Freshwater Bay lacks dining and accommodation services. The place remains desolate as there are no residents, ensuring absolute tranquility for campers.

There are various ways to reach this beautiful coastal area. The fastest option is to fly to Cam Ranh International Airport and then travel an additional 40km towards Binh Tien Beach. The second, more cost-effective option, is to take a motorbike or bus to Phan Rang. From Phan Rang, it’s about 50km along the coastal road DT702 to reach Freshwater Bay.

Mui Thi, Ninh Thuan

In addition to the famous tourist destinations such as Hang Rai, Vinh Hy, Binh Tien, and Ninh Chu, Mui Thi is an exciting tourist destination in Ninh Thuan. This place is still quite wild, perfect for tourists who enjoy exploration and nature.

This place is still quite wild, perfect for tourists who enjoy exploration and nature. Photo: Trung Van Nguyen

In addition to watching the sunrise and sunset, Mui Thi offers other interesting experiences such as trekking, camping, and squid fishing.

Hon Dua Island, Phu Yen

Hon Dua is a small island in An Chan commune, Tuy An district. The island features rocky cliffs with many unique shapes, colorful coral reefs, and a beautiful lake. The most distinctive feature is that this is the only island in Phu Yen adorned with green pandan grass all year round, creating a wild and enchanting landscape.

Hon Dua is a small island in An Chan commune, Tuy An district. Photo: Le Quoc Hung

In An Chan commune, Tuy An district, there are currently two other beautiful islands, Hon Chua and Hon Than, but the farthest from the mainland and also considered the most attractive is Hon Dua Island. After nearly 30 minutes of travel from the mainland, tourists are immediately struck by the beautiful rocks with their interesting shapes, a green grass hill, and a crystal blue sea.

Mon Beach, Phu Yen

Spanning about 400m, less than half a kilometer, Mon Beach in Phu Yen may be small, but the natural scenery here is stunning. Photo: Nguyen Van Thanh

Spanning about 400m, less than half a kilometer, Mon Beach in Phu Yen may be small, but the natural scenery here is stunning, attracting countless tourists. Additionally, this beach holds a prime location, nestled between two mountains (Mui Nay in the North and Mui Dien in the South), giving it the appearance of a curved bow when viewed from afar.