Phu Yen — Vietnam's Next Beachfront Pickleball Destination

While Da Nang and Hoi An dominate Central Vietnam's tourism spotlight, Phu Yen Province has been quietly building a reputation as one of the country's most beautiful — and least crowded — coastal destinations.

Belted by a dramatic mountain range and hemmed in by 200 kilometers of coastline, Phu Yen offers everything the popular resorts do, minus the crowds and the markup. The capital city of Tuy Hoa sits right on the coast, with a beach that rivals any in Vietnam — white sand stretching along Doc Lap Road, framed by mountains on one side and the East Sea on the other.

Phu Yen gained national fame when the Vietnamese film 'Dear Brother' chose Bai Xep Beach as a filming location, turning the small fishing village into an Instagram sensation. But beyond the movie-set beach, the province is packed with natural wonders: volcanic rock formations, vibrant coral reefs, historic Cham towers, and lagoons where fishermen still work with traditional nets at dawn.

Tuy Hoa Beach is the main draw — arguably Vietnam's longest continuous urban beach, stretching for kilometers along Independence Road. Unlike Nha Trang or Da Nang, it remains blissfully uncrowded. Water sports are plentiful: snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and surfing when the swells roll in.

Bai Xep Beach, 14km from the city, is the province's most photogenic spot. Golden sands, deep blue water, and rows of cacti stretching toward the sea give it a wild, untamed beauty. Bai Mon Beach, 35km southeast, is home to Mui Dien Lighthouse — Vietnam's second-to-easternmost point — where early risers catch spectacular sunrises.

Hon Yen Beach hides vibrant coral reefs just 15km north of Tuy Hoa. During low tide, the reef is exposed in a breathtaking display of colors. Long Thuy Beach offers a more relaxed vibe with extensive coconut palm groves casting shade over smooth sand.

For photographers, Xom Ro Moss Beach is unmissable — concrete rocks submerged in seawater covered in vivid green moss, creating a striking natural contrast that's become a signature Phu Yen image.

Phu Yen's cultural heritage runs deep. Nhan Tower, built by the Cham people in the 11th century, stands 23.5 meters tall and is the largest Cham tower in the region. Its three sections symbolize the earthly, spiritual, and divine realms — a fascinating window into pre-Vietnamese civilization.

Ganh Da Dia (Da Dia Reef) is a geological wonder — hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity, similar to Ireland's Giant's Causeway. Located about 35km from Tuy Hoa, it's one of Vietnam's most unique natural formations.

O Loan Lagoon, an ecological tourism area near the coast, offers kayaking, bird watching, and peaceful boat rides. Mang Lang Church, a Gothic-style structure covering 5,000m² near the Ky Lo River, features two steeples and stunning architecture amid lush tropical gardens.

Ong Cop Bridge — the longest bamboo bridge in Vietnam at roughly 800 meters — spans the Phu Ngan River and is a feat of traditional engineering that's still in daily use. Walking across it is a quintessential Phu Yen experience.

Sportkation is bringing its proven retreat model to Phu Yen's Central Coast in 2026. The upcoming resort will combine beachfront pickleball courts with ocean-view cabins, beach access, and the signature Sportkation amenities — sauna, BBQ pavilion, and curated local experiences.

The Phu Yen location is designed to be the coastal counterpart to the Mekong Delta estate. Where the original Sportkation offers riverside tranquility and Khmer cultural immersion, Phu Yen will deliver oceanfront energy with surf, kayak, and seafood BBQ added to the mix.

Imagine playing a morning pickleball session with the sound of waves in the background, then spending the afternoon snorkeling at Hon Yen's coral reefs or cycling to Bai Xep Beach. Evening sessions under lights with the sea breeze, followed by freshly caught seafood grilled at the BBQ pavilion.

The concept responds to growing demand from the pickleball community for destination retreats that go beyond courts. Players want the full travel experience — and Phu Yen, with its perfect combination of beaches, culture, and cuisine, delivers exactly that.

Tuy Hoa Airport (TBB) is just 10km from the city center, with direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam Airlines and other carriers. Flight times are roughly 1.5 hours from either city, making Phu Yen surprisingly easy to reach despite its off-the-beaten-path feel.

The best time to visit is from January through August (the dry season), with February to April being the sweet spot — minimal rain, comfortable temperatures, and calm seas. The rainy season runs September to December, bringing occasional heavy downpours but also dramatic skies and virtually empty beaches.

Phu Yen remains one of Vietnam's most affordable coastal destinations. Accommodation ranges from $15/night guesthouses to $80+ boutique hotels, with excellent seafood dinners available for under $10. The low cost, combined with the province's natural beauty and lack of mass tourism, makes it an exceptional value destination.

Whether you're a pickleball player counting the days until Sportkation Phu Yen opens, or a traveler looking for Vietnam's next great beach escape, Phu Yen deserves a spot at the top of your list. This is the Central Coast before the crowds discover it — go now.