Discovering Phu Yen: Vietnam’s Hidden Coastal Gem
There’s magic in uncovering Vietnam’s best-kept secrets by the smooth rhythm of a train. Phu Yen, with its pristine beaches, ancient structures, and vibrant traditions, is an ideal day trip destination for the traveler who desires authentic cultural experience without the crowds. This meticulously planned trip weaves spiritual adventure, cultural enlightenment, and gastronomic delight—all with the luxury of train travel.
Manifestations of Belief and Traditional Craftsmanship
As the dawn breaks over the coastal province, your train stops at Phu Yen station. Instead of rushing to get off, take a moment to enjoy breakfast in the dining car. Huge windows capture the landscape emerging—fishermen coming back from their morning fishing, farmers cultivating lush fields, and the gentle coast that is characteristic of this area.
Breakfast over, your first destination is waiting for you: Mang Lang Church. This beautiful 19th-century Gothic church is evidence of Vietnam’s religious diversity. The church was built in 1892 by French missionaries. Its vibrant white exterior is in contrast to the surrounding tropical landscape. Enter and stand for a moment to admire the intricate stained glass windows, which cast colors through and cast colored shadows on the nave. The church is the repository of a rare copy of Vietnam’s first printed book, the 1651 “Cathechismus in octo dies divisus” (Eight-Day Catechism), which gives a glimpse into the country’s rich religious heritage.
A short drive from the church brings you to Phu Tan Mat Weaving Village, where time seems to have stood still. Centuries-old generations of artisans have preserved the elegant art of rush mat weaving, handed down through the centuries. Walking around the village, you will see expert hands turning plain grass into intricate designs. Weavers invite people to have a try at this ancient art—an experience which inspires appreciation for the skill and patience involved. The finished mats, famous for their durability and cooling properties, are value-for-money souvenirs that provide a benefit to local communities.
Honouring the Bounty of the Sea
By the time lunch arrives, the call of the sea becomes impossible to ignore. Settle into a seaside restaurant where the morning’s catch turns into a colorful feast—grilled scallops topped with spring onions and peanuts, butter-baked oysters, abalone brushed with garlic sauce, and tender squid or prawns sizzling over charcoal.
Indulge in the ocean’s finest — buttery grilled oysters, juicy shrimp, tender squid, and freshly steamed crab. Each dish captures the pure taste of the sea, best enjoyed under the coastal breeze and golden afternoon light.
In Phu Yen, the cuisine celebrates the ocean’s freshness and balance—simple ingredients elevated by local flair. Pair your meal with an ice-cold Saigon beer and let the rhythm of gentle waves accompany each bite for the quintessential seaside dining experience.
Afternoon: Tranquil Return to the Train Journey
As the afternoon approaches, return to the station where your train awaits. Having acquired an introduction to Phu Yen’s cultural and culinary attractions, the afternoon is a thankful time for reflection and relaxation. Settle into your cabin as the train departs at 4:00 PM, the landscape slowly transforming before your window.
This tranquil respite is the perfect time to document your adventure in a journal, become lost in a book, or merely watch rural Vietnam roll by outside the glass. The coastscapes gradually give way to the scenery of the oncoming Binh Thuan province, each curve bringing new vistas to consider.
Eating Under a Starry Canopy
With dusk, the dining car is a fashionable spot for the evening’s final indulgence. The evening multi-course dinner might feature fusion cuisine that honors Vietnamese tradition and international techniques. Candlelight flickers across windows, occasionally glimpsing passing villages or open terrain beneath a star-filled sky.
In the evening, you can do as you please. Mix with other passengers in the lounge car to share the day’s photos and anecdotes, or retire to your cabin for a relaxing star-gazing session through the window. The gentle swaying of the train is the perfect lullaby after a full day of fresh experiences.
Planning Tips
- Pack light for your day trip but bring a camera, sun gear, and walking shoes.
- Take the time to learn a few Vietnamese phrases to get the most out of interacting with local artisans.
- The train journey is good for photography—have your camera at the ready.
- Rural Phu Yen is modest in its dress requirements, particularly when visiting places of worship like Mang Lang Church.
- Be aware of seasonal timing—traveling from February to August generally offers the best weather.
This one-day exploration of Phu Yen encapsulates the philosophy of slow travel, inviting travelers to engage deeply with local culture, savor regional cuisine, and experience the enduring charm of Vietnam’s scenic railways.
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SJourney
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