Nestled quietly along the coastline, this quaint fishing village exudes a sense of tranquility and authenticity that captivates visitors seeking a respite from the bustling tourist traps of Ky Co and Eo Gio. With its untouched beauty and laid-back pace of life, Bãi Xép, located 13km south of Quy Nhơn’s city center, offers a unique and enchanting escape.
Tucked away between rocky outcrops and swaying palm trees, Bãi Xép is a small beach, barely a kilometer long. The heart of this hidden gem is a centuries-old fishing community that has preserved its rustic charm and deep-rooted maritime culture. Beyond its pristine scenery, Bãi Xép invites you to immerse yourself in a rich cultural tapestry, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking the unadulterated beauty of nature and a glimpse into the traditional fishing village life of Vietnam.
Cradled within the romantic Quy Hòa bay, Bãi Xép is an ancient fishing village that has stood the test of time. Its beach is divided into two stretches of golden sand, embracing the sea in a gentle curve that seems painted by nature itself.
To reach Bãi Xép, visitors must park their vehicles at a distance and continue on foot along a narrow path winding through the residential area. The lane, paved with earth and sand, leads you past closely packed houses with tangled electrical wires and narrow passageways filled with parked cars.
Beyond this residential enclave lies the breathtaking beach, fringed with makeshift seafood eateries, their smoky grills perfuming the air with the tantalizing aroma of freshly caught seafood—squid, crab, snails, and grilled oysters.
One of the most captivating features of Bãi Xếp in Quy Nhơn Nam is its stretch of fine white sand that gently curves along the azure coastline. The water here is crystalline, shimmering like beryl under the morning sun, revealing natural rock formations when the tide recedes. At either end of the beach stand sentinel-like clusters of large, black rocks, adding to the wild and poetic beauty of Bãi Xép’s seascape.
The bustling fishing boats of the locals who call Bãi Xép home.
Bãi Xép exudes a rustic yet captivating allure, with its natural landscape remaining largely untouched. Backed by mountains and flanked by rustling palm trees, it opens up to a vast blue ocean, accented by golden sandy beaches and rocky outcrops caressed by the waves. Together, they create a serene and poetic setting reminiscent of a Central Vietnamese seascape painting.
Absent are the rows of restaurants and the din of traffic; instead, the sounds of the sea, fishermen’s tales, and children’s laughter fill the air. These simple pleasures have transformed Bãi Xép into a beloved sanctuary for travelers seeking a healing escape in nature.
The locals affectionately refer to this area as “Xóm Bãi Xép,” not so much a planned village but rather a tight-knit community of a few dozen fishing families who have lived here for generations.
The fishermen of Bãi Xép are known for their hospitality and warmth. They eagerly welcome visitors to share in their way of life, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of their maritime culture.
Visitors capture memories of their time at Bãi Xép, captivated by its stunning backdrop.
Today, Bãi Xép boasts a handful of environmentally conscious homestays and small seaside resorts, most of which embrace a rustic aesthetic. It is advisable to book accommodations at least one to two weeks in advance to ensure a memorable stay.
From Bãi Xép, a short hike up the hill behind the village reveals a panoramic view of the azure sea and the fishing village in the distance. This vantage point is also a favorite among photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the light bathes the southern central coast in a golden glow.
Despite its diminutive size, Bãi Xép offers a diverse range of experiences, from relaxation to exploration. During the day, you can rent a basket boat from a local and explore the bay, snorkel near the shore, or simply relax with a book under the shade of a palm tree. In the afternoon, try your hand at fishing with the locals or join them in the traditional processes of drying squid and weaving nets—unique experiences rarely found in more touristy destinations.
The local cuisine is another highlight not to be missed. The standout dish is the nutritious and flavorful sea urchin porridge, made with freshly caught seafood. Grilled fish, steamed squid, and garlic butter scallops also showcase the region’s culinary delights, with many visitors opting to buy seafood directly from the fishermen and prepare their own meals at their homestays to savor the ultimate freshness of the catch.
Bãi Xép is not a place for raucous entertainment or bustling crowds. Instead, it beckons to those seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a sanctuary where one can listen to the soothing rhythm of the waves, stroll along the shore, and witness breathtaking sunsets.
If you’re planning a trip to the coastal province of Gia Lai and yearn for a truly unique and uncrowded destination, look no further than the fishing village of Bãi Xép. Here, you can pause, listen to your heart, and embrace the slower pace of life, finding peace in the midst of your daily grind.
