Hidden Gem Places to Explore in Tuy Hoa

Tuy Hoa has several familiar attractions, including Nghinh Phong Tower, Nhan Tower and Tuy Hoa Beach. For those interested in exploring beyond the usual sights, Van Hoa Plateau, quiet coastal islands and scenic routes through rice fields and mountains offer a different perspective on the destination. Each place reveals another side of the region's natural beauty and local life.

Overview of the destinations:

Vuc Hom Waterfall – The Ganh Da Dia of Dak Lak's Mountain Forests

• Location: Tuy An Tay, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province)

• Approximate distance: 30–35 km from central Tuy Hoa, depending on the route

• Estimated entrance fee: Free entry; parking fees at local households range from VND 5,000–10,000 for motorbikes and VND 20,000–30,000 for cars

• Best for: Travellers interested in nature, photography, hillside walks and places with limited tourist facilities

Vuc Hom Waterfall lies within the mountainous An Linh area, where water cascades from approximately 20 metres into a natural pool surrounded by column-shaped basalt cliffs. To reach the waterfall, visitors travel towards Van Hoa Plateau, pass through Vinh Xuan Hamlet and continue on foot towards the base of the falls. The final walking section is approximately 500 metres, with rocky and sloping terrain.

What Makes Vuc Hom Waterfall Special?

Unlike many conventional waterfalls, Vuc Hom features large basalt columns standing closely together, forming cliffs with geological patterns similar to those at Ganh Da Dia. This distinctive formation has earned the waterfall its nickname, the "Ganh Da Dia on land". Instead of lining the coastline, however, these volcanic rock formations are hidden deep within the mountain forest.

At the base of the waterfall, a natural pool sits between basalt cliffs and surrounding greenery. When water levels are high, the cascade flows across the rock columns, creating an interesting setting for sightseeing and photography from the lakeside.

What Can You Expect When Visiting?

Visitors can spend time observing the basalt formations, taking photographs and relaxing near the natural pool. Some travellers also choose the area for picnics or camping. However, parts of the pool are deep, the surrounding rocks can be slippery, and there are no permanent lifeguard services. Swimming is therefore not recommended without first confirming that conditions are safe.

The best time to visit depends on current weather and water conditions. During dry periods, the waterfall may have very little water or even stop flowing. Heavy rainfall can make the access path slippery and increase the risk of sudden rises in water levels. As food outlets and visitor facilities are limited, bringing drinking water, snacks and other essentials will make the trip more comfortable.

Cu Lao Mai Nha – An Unspoilt Island off the Dak Lak Coast

• Location: O Loan, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province)

• Approximate distance: Around 27 km north of central Tuy Hoa, followed by a boat transfer from An Hai Wharf

• Estimated cost: Free entry; wooden boats approximately VND 500,000–700,000 per round trip, or speedboats around VND 150,000–200,000 per person for a return journey

• Best for: Travellers who enjoy secluded islands, swimming, nature photography and camping

Cu Lao Mai Nha is often described as the "Robinson Crusoe Island" of Dak Lak thanks to its largely untouched scenery, white sandy beaches, clear turquoise water and grassy hillsides. Unlike established beach destinations with extensive tourist services, the island has only a small number of local households and no large-scale hotels or restaurants.

What Makes Cu Lao Mai Nha Special?

Cu Lao Mai Nha has two contrasting coastal areas. The front beach, where boats usually arrive, features a gently sloping stretch of sand and relatively calm water when weather conditions are favourable. It is a pleasant place to relax by the sea.

The back of the island has a different character, with natural rock formations, coastal cliffs and grassy slopes overlooking the water. These exposed rocky areas experience stronger wave activity and are better suited to sightseeing than swimming. One of the most enjoyable experiences is walking from the sandy beach towards the island's higher ground, where visitors can take in wider views of the surrounding coastline.

What Can You Expect When Visiting?

A morning visit might include swimming in an area confirmed safe by local residents, walking along the beach and exploring the island's grassy hills and rocky shoreline. For photography, the cooler hours of the day are more comfortable for walking uphill. Keep a safe distance from cliff edges and avoid rocky areas exposed to strong waves.

Cu Lao Mai Nha also attracts visitors interested in picnics and overnight camping. However, there are no hotels or comprehensive dining facilities on the island, so it is worth bringing drinking water, food, sun protection and personal essentials. Some local households may be able to arrange meals or provide freshwater washing facilities with advance notice. If you plan to camp overnight, confirm where tents are permitted and arrange your return boat transfer to the mainland in advance.

DÃ NHẠN – An Art and Craft Shop in the Heart of Tuy Hoa

• Address: 80B Luong Tan Thinh Street, Tuy Hoa, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province)

• Location: Within Tuy Hoa, approximately 4 km from the city centre

• Estimated cost: Free entry; small souvenirs start from several tens of thousands of VND, while ceramics and designer accessories typically cost around VND 100,000–400,000, depending on the item

• Best for: Travellers interested in handicrafts, local art, photography and souvenirs inspired by Dak Lak

DÃ NHẠN is a small art and craft shop on Luong Tan Thinh Street, specialising in souvenirs, handmade products and designer accessories. Instead of conventional tourist gifts, visitors will find illustrated postcards, ceramics, tote bags and decorative pieces inspired by local culture. Inside, wooden shelves, warm lighting and carefully arranged displays create an inviting space to browse, find a thoughtful gift or enjoy a short break after exploring Tuy Hoa.

What Makes DÃ NHẠN Special?

DÃ NHẠN stands out for the way familiar images of Dak Lak are reimagined through contemporary souvenir design. Nhan Tower, Ganh Da Dia and scenes of coastal life appear on postcards, illustrations, accessories and decorative items, each presented with a distinctive creative style.

The shop itself adds to the experience. Ceramics, artwork and handcrafted accessories are displayed on rustic wooden shelves, creating small corners worth browsing and photographing. For travellers curious about how local cultural references find their way into contemporary art and design, DÃ NHẠN offers an interesting stop in the city.

What Can You Expect When Visiting?

Allow approximately 30–60 minutes to browse the collections and choose a souvenir. With a budget of VND 50,000–200,000, postcards, stickers, keychains and smaller keepsakes are good starting points. Ceramics, bags and designer accessories generally cost more, depending on their materials and designs.

If a particular item catches your attention, the shop staff may be able to share more about its design inspiration, materials and care instructions. Some handmade pieces and limited collections change over time, so products featured online may not always be available in-store.

Van Hoa Plateau – A Little Da Lat in Dak Lak

• Location: Van Hoa, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province)

• Approximate distance: 35–40 km from central Tuy Hoa, or around 50–60 minutes by car, depending on the destination

• Estimated entrance fee: Free general access to the plateau; selected attractions such as BB Farm and Long Van Garden charge separate entrance fees, starting from approximately VND 25,000 per person

• Best for: Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, farm visits, cooler weather and local history

Situated at an elevation of approximately 400 metres, Van Hoa Plateau is often called the "Little Da Lat of Dak Lak" for its relatively cool climate, winding hillside roads and expansive green scenery. Rather than being a single attraction with a designated entrance, Van Hoa is a broad highland area where farms, orchards and historical landmarks are scattered across the surrounding countryside.

What Makes Van Hoa Plateau Special?

One of the most appealing aspects of Van Hoa Plateau is how different it feels from the coastal surroundings of Tuy Hoa. The journey into the highlands passes wooded hills, winding roads and open viewpoints overlooking the landscape. In the early morning, mist sometimes settles over parts of the plateau, creating a refreshing contrast with the sunny beaches along the Dak Lak coastline.

Visitors can stop at BB Farm to explore a working farm, visit Long Van Garden for photography and hillside views, or discover local history at the Uncle Ho Memorial House, Mua Xuan Hall and Go Thi Thung Tunnels. Between late August and October, local red-fruit orchards can also make an interesting stop, depending on the harvest season and individual farms' visitor arrangements.

What Can You Expect When Visiting?

A relaxed itinerary begins with a morning visit to BB Farm or Long Van Garden, followed by a stop at the Uncle Ho Memorial House and Mua Xuan Hall to learn about the area's history. Around lunchtime, the Cho Don area is a convenient place to look for local dishes such as free-range chicken, meals prepared with Vietnamese lemon basil (lá é) and other seasonal specialities.

Van Hoa Plateau itself does not charge a general entrance fee, although privately operated farms and gardens may have separate admission charges. Reference ticket prices for BB Farm and Long Van Garden are approximately VND 25,000 per person, excluding certain activities or parking fees.

TUI BLUE Tuy Hoa – Combining Local Exploration with Relaxation

• Address: 02 Hai Duong, Tuy Hoa Ward, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province)

• Approximate distance: Around 3.8 km from Tuy Hoa Beach, 1 km from Tuy Hoa Railway Station and 9.2 km from Tuy Hoa Airport

• Estimated wellness prices: Approximately VND 225,000–1,500,000 per person, depending on the service package

• Best for: Travellers looking to combine sightseeing in Tuy Hoa, nature excursions around Dak Lak and time for spa treatments, sauna sessions and light exercise

• Key experiences: Korean-inspired Jjim Jil Bang, thermal rooms, hot and cold foot soaks, Jacuzzi, indoor four-season pool, spa, gym, Tai Chi Garden, tennis and pickleball

TUI BLUE Tuy Hoa is a five-star wellness and retreat hotel in Tuy Hoa, bringing together comfortable stays, relaxation and fitness facilities within the city. From the hotel, travellers can explore Tuy Hoa's central attractions, set aside a day for Van Hoa Plateau or visit coastal landmarks throughout the former Phu Yen region. For those considering a longer wellness-focused holiday, coastal wellness destinations in Vietnam offer further ideas for planning a trip around relaxation and local experiences.

What Makes TUI BLUE Tuy Hoa Special?

A highlight of TUI BLUE Tuy Hoa is Lumiere Wellness & Healing Club, home to a Jjim Jil Bang experience inspired by traditional Korean sauna culture. Guests can explore several types of thermal rooms, including the Salt Stone Sauna, Herbal Sauna, Volcanic Rock Sauna, Nano Sauna, Snow Sauna, Infrared Sauna and Oxy-Hinoki Room.

The wellness facilities also include hot and cold foot soaks, a Jacuzzi and spa treatments. An indoor four-season pool, BLUEf!t Gym, Tai Chi Garden, two tennis courts and one pickleball court provide additional opportunities to relax or stay active without leaving the property.

What Can You Expect During Your Stay?

A day in Tuy Hoa could begin with a morning visit to Nhan Tower or Tuy Hoa Beach, followed by a stop at a attraction such as DÃ NHẠN before returning to the hotel in the afternoon. At TUI BLUE Tuy Hoa, guests can spend time exploring the Jjim Jil Bang thermal rooms, enjoying hot and cold foot soaks or choosing a massage treatment at the Spa & Beauty Salon.

For those who prefer more movement, the indoor four-season pool, gym and sports courts offer convenient alternatives, with everything available within the hotel.

Distances from TUI BLUE Tuy Hoa to Nearby Attractions

Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Gem Places in Tuy Hoa

Are hidden gem attractions in Tuy Hoa far from the city centre?

It depends on the destination. DÃ NHẠN Art Shop is within Tuy Hoa, approximately 4.5 km from TUI BLUE Tuy Hoa. Meanwhile, Vuc Hom Waterfall, Cu Lao Mai Nha Island and Van Hoa Plateau are around 27.5–40.5 km from the hotel, making them better suited to at least a half-day excursion.

Can you visit Vuc Hom Waterfall and Van Hoa Plateau in one day?

Yes. Both destinations are along routes through the mountainous region northwest of Tuy Hoa. Starting early is a practical option, with Vuc Hom Waterfall first because of its sloping walking trail, followed by lunch and visits to farms or historical landmarks on Van Hoa Plateau.

Is Cu Lao Mai Nha suitable for a day trip?

Yes. From TUI BLUE Tuy Hoa, the journey to An Hai Wharf takes approximately 40–50 minutes, followed by a 10–20-minute boat transfer. A day trip provides enough time to enjoy the beach when conditions are safe, take photographs, walk around the island and explore its rocky coastal scenery.

Which attractions near Tuy Hoa are suitable for families with young children?

DÃ NHẠN Art Shop and Van Hoa Plateau are two options worth considering. DÃ NHẠN offers a relaxed setting for browsing handmade souvenirs and discovering local creativity, while Van Hoa Plateau has farms and gardens where families can enjoy outdoor activities and countryside scenery.

How many days should you spend exploring these places?

Around 2–3 days is a comfortable amount of time to visit all four destinations without rushing between locations. You could spend one day exploring Vuc Hom Waterfall and Van Hoa Plateau, another visiting Cu Lao Mai Nha Island, then stop at DÃ NHẠN while sightseeing in central Tuy Hoa.