Things To Do
in Đông Hòa
Đông Hòa is a coastal district-level town in Phú Yên province on Vietnam’s south-central coast, known for quiet beaches, fishing villages and agricultural landscapes. It sits near the provincial capital Tuy Hòa and serves as a low-key gateway to Phú Yên’s natural attractions such as rocky reefs, lagoons and coastal cliffs. The area blends working coastal life—seafood markets, aquaculture and rice paddies—with growing small-scale tourism and improving road links.
Visitors come for fresh seafood, sunrise and sunset photography, and easy day trips to well-known nearby sights in Phú Yên province.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Đông Hòa Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce and handmade crafts. As you stroll through the vibrant stalls, take in the scents of local spices and the sounds of friendly banter among the locals. Stop by a traditional café for a refreshing cup of Vietnamese coffee paired with a flaky pastry to fuel your adventures.
After lunch, head to the nearby Bạch Đằng River for a scenic boat ride, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy the gentle breeze as you observe fishermen casting their nets and local families enjoying the riverside parks. Make your way to the historic temples in the area, where you can learn about the rich cultural heritage of Đông Hòa.
As the sun sets, explore the lively streets filled with street food vendors offering a variety of local delights. Find a cozy spot at a rooftop bar to enjoy panoramic views of the city as night falls. Finish your evening with a leisurely walk along the river, where the reflections of lights create a magical atmosphere.
Spend your morning at Đà Nẵng Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the soft sand beneath your feet. Engage in water sports like jet skiing or paddleboarding, where the clear waters invite you to explore. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the vibrant beach atmosphere with friendly locals and tourists alike.
After a fun-filled morning, enjoy a beachside lunch featuring fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes served with a view of the ocean. Spend the afternoon snorkeling to discover the colorful marine life that thrives in the warm waters. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, collecting seashells and taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery.
As evening approaches, visit one of the beachside bars for a refreshing cocktail while watching the sunset over the horizon. Delight in a beach barbecue, where you can savor grilled delicacies while enjoying the sound of waves crashing nearby. Conclude your day with a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories with fellow travelers under a starlit sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $0.70-1.50 |
| 🛵Motorbike rental (day) | $6-12 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / hotel (per night) | $15-35 |
| 🚕Short taxi or Grab ride | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, unspoiled coastal scenery with fresh seafood
- Affordable travel and local prices
- Authentic rural and fishing-village experiences
- Close to notable Phú Yên attractions for day trips
- Limited tourist infrastructure compared with major cities
- Fewer accommodation and dining options at higher-end levels
- Seasonal rain and typhoon risk can disrupt travel
- Public transport is limited—having a motorbike or car is helpful
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin lỗi / Cho tôi xin lỗi" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much does it cost?
- "Tôi ăn chay" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Đông Hòa
Visit one of these nice places.
Early-morning light on fishing boats, nets and working harbors provides authentic coastal scenes and vibrant colors.
Expansive lagoon scenery, oyster beds and stilted fishing structures—great for wide landscapes and sunset reflections.
Dramatic rock formations and cliffs along the coast offer contrasty textures and long-exposure opportunities at low tide.
Patchwork fields, palm trees and rural life outside town provide classic countryside compositions, especially after rains or during harvest.
Food in Đông Hòa
Đông Hòa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Phú Yên specialty of thinly sliced fresh fish mixed with herbs, chilies and lime; often served with rice crackers or bánh hỏi. Best tried at coastal restaurants or specialty stalls near fishing villages.
Must-Try!
Fresh shellfish grilled with scallions, chili and butter or pepper, commonly found at beachfront stalls and seafood markets, especially those sourcing from Ô Loan lagoon.
Local breakfast items: delicate rice-thread cakes (bánh hỏi), pork offal congee (cháo lòng), and fish cake noodle soup (bún chả cá) reflecting central Vietnamese flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daybreak seafood markets sell the freshest catches—perfect for sampling grilled fish, shellfish and quick breakfasts. Vendors often prepare small plates to eat on site; arrive early for best variety.
Evening seafood stalls and simple grills near beaches serve whole fish, clams and squid; street vendors also sell banh mi, che (sweet soups) and coffee.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly 'Xin chào' and a smile go a long way. Use polite language and avoid raising your voice in public. When greeting elders, a slight nod or handshake is appropriate.
Dress modestly at temples and religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes where required and behave respectfully inside sanctuaries.
Meals are often communal. Try a little of everything and accept offers; use communal chopsticks or serving spoons rather than personal utensils. Avoid wasting food.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural or religious settings. Avoid touching heads (considered private) and be mindful of children.
Safety
Tipping in Đông Hòa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not compulsory in Vietnam and locals do not expect large tips; small gestures (rounding up a bill, leaving spare change, or 5–10% in tourist restaurants) are appreciated. For guides or exceptional service, a modest tip is welcomed.
Cash (Vietnamese đồng, VND) is king in Đông Hòa—carry small notes for markets and street stalls. ATMs and card acceptance are available in larger towns (Tuy Hòa), but rural vendors often accept cash only. Mobile payment apps and card services are growing but not universally supported in small establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer (roughly April–August) brings hot, sunny weather and calm seas ideal for swimming and beach days, though mid-summer can be very warm. Humidity is high; stay hydrated and use sun protection. Coastal breezes often make mornings and evenings pleasant.
The rainy season and typhoon risk runs from September to January in the central coast—expect heavy downpours, rough seas, and occasional storm-related disruptions. Check weather and transport updates before planning boat trips or long drives.
February to March and late autumn months are transitional with milder temperatures and less rain—good times for outdoor activities and photography with clearer skies and comfortable temperatures.
Đông Hòa at Night
Hiking in Đông Hòa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes along rocky headlands and cliffs—good for sunrise and sunset photography; trails vary from easy to moderate and are best attempted at low tide and fair weather.
A local cliff and headland area with panoramic sea views and interesting rock formations—suitable for short hikes and landscape photography.
Easy walking routes through paddy fields and rural lanes where you can observe local agriculture and village life; best after light rain when colors are vivid.
Airports
How to reach Đông Hòa by plane.
The nearest airport, offering domestic flights to cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. From the airport a taxi or shuttle connects to Đông Hòa and Tuy Hòa city in a short drive.
A larger airport with more frequent domestic and some international connections, roughly a few hours’ drive south—suitable if you can combine with road travel or regional buses.
Another regional airport to the north with domestic flights; reachable by road if combining multi-destination travel along the central coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Đông Hòa and Phú Yên, engaged in fishing, farming and local trades.
Coastal villages and agricultural hamlets form tight-knit communities with multi-generational families working in the sea and on the land.
Younger residents may commute to Tuy Hòa or migrate seasonally for work; small businesses catering to tourists are gradually growing.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally; local matches and youth leagues are common and community-oriented.
On weekends and holidays, locals play volleyball and ball games on beaches and open sand areas.
Not a sport in the competitive sense but a major local activity—recreational fishing and community fishing events are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Đông Hòa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in larger cities. Rice, vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes and noodle soups without meat can be found; ask for 'ăn chay' (vegetarian) or specify no fish sauce to avoid hidden seafood flavors.
Vegan choices require care—many broths and sauces use fish sauce or meat stock. Gluten-free options are possible with rice-based dishes, but always communicate needs clearly and carry a translation card if necessary.