If you’re looking for a unique travel experience this New Year, look no further than Quang Ngai. Beyond the familiar destinations of Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Sapa, Quang Ngai offers a refreshing island and jungle adventure. Dubbed the new tourism holy land, Quang Ngai boasts renowned tourist attractions that have captivated many travelers. In addition to the famous Ly Son Island, the Minh Duc Pagoda and its 122-meter-tall statue of Quan The Am Bo Tat, the tallest in Vietnam, have recently taken the internet by storm!
1. An Overview of Quang Ngai Tourism
Quang Ngai is a coastal province in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam. It is renowned for its pristine beaches, white sandy shores, turquoise waters, and ancient historical and cultural relics.
Quang Ngai boasts stunning beaches such as My Khe, Sa Huynh, and Ly Son. My Khe Beach, located in Son Tinh district, about 12km east of Quang Ngai city center, is easily accessible via National Highway 24B. Near the ports of Sa Ky and Dung Quat, it offers a picturesque setting with golden sands, azure waters, and a natural landscape of forests and curving shores.
The province is also home to majestic mountains like Thien An, Ca Dam, and Rang Cu, which harbor pristine and enigmatic natural beauty. Thien An Mountain, in particular, stands at about 106 meters tall with a base circumference of 1,000 meters. Formed from limestone, it features numerous caves, temples, and historical relics.
When it comes to historical and cultural sites, Quang Ngai presents a rich array of options, including the Son My Vestige, My Son Sanctuary, and Chau Sa Ancient Citadel.
Beyond its natural scenery and historical attractions, Quang Ngai delights foodies with its unique local specialties. Be sure to indulge in delicacies like “banh dap” (a type of rice cracker), “don” (a glutinous rice cake), and grilled ram meat.
An Overview of Quang Ngai Tourism
2. Must-Visit Attractions in Quang Ngai
Thien An Mountain
Thien An Mountain, with its distinctive truncated cone shape, stands at approximately 106 meters tall and has a base circumference of 1,000 meters. Formed from limestone, it features numerous caves, temples, and historical relics. As a well-known tourist destination in Quang Ngai, it offers a panoramic view of the city and the Tra Khuc River from its peak. Thien An Mountain also houses several historical sites, including Den Chen Temple, Hang Pagoda, and the tomb of Huynh Thuc Khang.
Thien An Mountain
My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach, located in the village of Co Luy in Son Tinh district, is about 12 kilometers east of Quang Ngai city center. It is conveniently accessible via National Highway 24B and is close to the ports of Sa Ky (10 kilometers) and Dung Quat (16 kilometers). My Khe Beach captivates visitors with its turquoise waters, white sands, and golden sunshine, complemented by the natural landscape of forests and a curving shoreline.
My Khe Beach
Dung Quat Beach
Dung Quat Beach, situated in Binh Thuan commune, Binh Son district, is renowned for its expansive white sandy shores, crystal clear waters, and swaying casuarina trees. It also houses several historical and cultural relics, such as Hang Pagoda, Go Co, and Han Mac Tu’s tomb. Dung Quat Beach offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and participating in various water sports, such as windsurfing and kayaking. The beach also provides a delectable spread of fresh seafood prepared at the nearby restaurants.
Dung Quat Beach
Sa Huynh Salt Field
Nestled between the romantic coastline of Pho Thanh commune, Duc Pho district, the Sa Huynh Salt Field presents a majestic natural landscape. Stretching endlessly under the dazzling sunlight, the salt field resembles a gigantic carpet with pristine white squares reflecting the deep blue sky. In the distance, the soft white sand dunes gracefully curve around the field, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Sa Huynh Salt Field
Minh Long White Waterfall
Tucked away in Thanh An commune, Minh Long district, the White Waterfall is a hidden gem nestled in the mountains of Quang Ngai, just 23 kilometers from the city center. With water cascading from a height of 30-40 meters, the waterfall resembles a maiden’s soft hair, creating a poetic and majestic scenery. Visitors can immerse themselves in the refreshing atmosphere, enjoy swimming in the clear waters, and explore the various tourist services and exciting games available in the area.
Minh Long White Waterfall
Ly Son Island
Affectionately known as Cu Lao Re, Ly Son Island is located about 40 kilometers from Quang Ngai city. It has earned the nickname “The Kingdom of Garlic” due to the extensive cultivation of garlic on the island. However, it is the island’s pristine and poetic beauty, with its emerald waters, white sands, and golden sunshine, that truly captivates visitors. The sea at Ly Son boasts a stunning turquoise hue, so clear that you can see schools of fish swimming below. The surrounding scenery is equally enchanting, with swaying green coconut trees, soft white sandy beaches, and bobbing fishing boats.
Ly Son Island
Minh Duc Pagoda
Minh Duc Pagoda, perched atop the majestic Thien Ma Mountain, is a well-planned Buddhist architectural complex that impresses visitors with its grand and majestic Buddha statues. The highlight of the serene complex is the completed statue of Buddha Di Lac and the 122-meter-tall statue of Bodhisattva Quan The Am, the tallest in Southeast Asia, which is currently in the final stages of completion. This national-scale spiritual project attracts not only those interested in Buddhist architecture but also those seeking inner peace and aspiring to the higher values of life.
Minh Duc Pagoda
3. Suggested Quang Ngai Travel Itineraries
Quang Ngai Tour: 2 Days 1 Night
Day 1: Quang Ngai – Sa Ky Port – Ly Son Island
On the first day, explore well-known sites such as the Hai Doi Hoang Sa Bac Hai Exhibition House, Hang Pagoda, Thoi Loi Mountain peak, and the majestic Hang Cau with its steep cliffs. In the afternoon, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunset at the Tò Vò Gate (Natural Gate).
Day 2: Big Island – Small Island – Quang Ngai
Experience the thrill of traveling to the Small Island by high-speed canoe and witnessing the flying squid. On the Small Island, visit the freshwater filtration plant, the phoenix tree, the love bridge, and take a boat ride to admire the colorful coral reefs.
Quang Ngai Tour: 2 Days 1 Night
Quang Ngai Tour: 3 Days 2 Nights
Day 1: Hanoi – Chu Lai – Ly Son
Start your journey by traveling from Chu Lai Airport to Ly Son Island. On the island, visit various attractions such as the Duc Pagoda, An Hai Village Communal House, and the Tò Vò Gate. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire at Hang Cau, and treat yourself to the delicious local specialties of garlic salad and grilled squid.
Day 2: Small Island – My Khe Beach – Son My Vestige – Thien An Mountain
Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Hon Mu Cu, one of the best spots on Ly Son Island to witness the dawn. After that, head to My Khe to admire the 7-kilometer stretch of white sandy beach and indulge in seafood and My Khe pancakes. In the afternoon, visit the Son My Vestige, which bears the scars of war. Finally, climb up to Thien An Mountain to pay respects at the tomb of Huynh Thuc Kháng.
Day 3: White Waterfall in Minh Long – Ganh Yen Mural Village – Chu Lai Airport
On the last day, marvel at the White Waterfall in Minh Long, explore the famous Ganh Yen Mural Village, or visit the Dung Quat Economic Zone before returning to the hotel and heading to the airport to conclude your memorable trip.
Quang Ngai Tour: 3 Days 2 Nights
The above suggestions for a New Year’s trip to Quang Ngai are our recommendations. Start planning your adventure today!
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