You’ll feel sand between your toes at Phuong Mai Dunes, swim in crystal-clear water off Ky Co Island, taste fresh seafood for lunch, and stand above crashing waves at Eo Gio Cape—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut (and photo spot). It’s not always perfect weather or smooth travel—but that’s part of what makes it stick with you.
I’m still laughing about the moment our guide, Minh, handed me a conical hat and said, “Now you’re ready.” I’d barely managed to tie it on before the wind at Phuong Mai Sand Dunes tried to steal it. Sand everywhere—between my toes, in my camera bag—but somehow that just made the photos better. The dunes looked almost gold in the morning light, and Minh kept pointing out spots for pictures. He was right about the angles, even if I felt awkward posing.
The boat ride from Nhon Ly to Ky Co Island was louder than I expected—engine noise mixed with everyone’s excited chatter. Salt spray hit my face and I could smell the ocean before we even saw the beach. When we finally landed, the water was so clear you could see your own feet disappearing into blue. We swam until our fingers wrinkled. Snorkeling at Bai Dua was next—if you’re lucky with weather—and I remember seeing flashes of yellow fish darting around coral that looked almost painted on. Minh tried to teach us the Vietnamese names for some of them; I probably butchered every one.
Lunch was a blur of fresh seafood—shrimp that tasted sweet, grilled fish with lime—and honestly, I ate too fast because everything smelled so good. There were families at other tables, kids running around barefoot while their parents laughed over iced tea. After eating we just sat there for a while, sticky from saltwater and sunblock, not really talking much but feeling full in every sense.
Eo Gio Cape surprised me—the cliffs are wild and windy, and you can hear waves smashing against rocks far below. There’s this hush when you look out over the sea; it made me feel small in a good way. Before heading back, we stopped at Ngoc Hoa Monastery to see those twin Buddha statues—taller than any building nearby—and Minh told us stories about why they face opposite directions. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.
Snorkeling is included if weather allows; during bad weather (usually October to March), snorkeling is not possible.
You’ll travel by canoe from Nhon Ly to Ky Co Island unless weather prevents it—in that case, transport is by car.
The tour includes a lunch of fresh local seafood dishes at a restaurant near the beach.
Yes, you’ll visit Ngoc Hoa Monastery and see Vietnam’s twin Buddha statues.
The tour includes pickup options; check when booking for details.
Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; families are welcome but some physical fitness is needed due to swimming and walking.
Flip-flops are recommended; bring swimwear and sun protection for comfort during outdoor activities.
Your day includes a conical hat as a souvenir, travel insurance throughout the trip, bottled water to keep you cool under the sun, all transfers between stops (canoe or car depending on weather), plus a fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant before heading back toward Quy Nhon city.
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