A village where even time takes a breather
Tucked away just south of the city, Bai Xep is a dreamy little fishing village where time genuinely seems to slow down. It’s hands down one of Quy Nhon’s ultimate getaways—blending peaceful shores, those unique ‘pink stones’ that look rugged yet feel surprisingly smooth, and the raw, untouched beauty of daily local life.
Just so you know, Quy Nhon is famous for its ‘Big Three’ fishing villages. While Nhon Ly and Nhon Hai are super popular among Vietnamese locals, Bai Xep is a hidden gem cherished by a select group of Western travelers.
And today, I’d love to introduce you to this incredible place. First off, the rocky beach here is absolutely pristine. The crystal-clear waters combined with those unique rock formations make it the ultimate sanctuary to just zone out, chill, and slow down your pace.
To give you a quick lay of the land, Bai Xep actually has two distinct beaches. For convenience, let’s call the one we’re exploring today ‘Beach A’ and the other side ‘Beach B.’
Beach A is where the vibe is—it’s dotted with cozy homestays, beautiful resorts, and the famous beachfront cafe where travelers love to stop by and unwind.
On the other hand, Beach B is where you get a real taste of local life. It’s much more authentic and raw, with traditional fishing boats scattered across the water and a stunning, panoramic view of the Quy Nhon cityscape off in the distance.
But for now, let’s dive straight into Beach A.
Now, let’s finally step down onto the sand and take a stroll along the shore. The beach is actually much longer than you’d think, stretching out for about 300 meters—it even goes way past that resort you see at the far end of the photo.
You’ll spot a mix of cozy bungalows and high-end resorts along the beach. While the bungalows are budget-friendly, those resorts come with a pretty hefty price tag.
Honestly? Your best bet is to either stay in Quy Nhon city and just come here for a day trip, or grab a spot at one of the lovely homestays or budget hotels tucked inside Bai Xep village itself.
Scattered along the shore, you’ll see plenty of rocks and boulders that the locals call ‘pink stones.’ They say these rocks are rich in pink granite, which gives them a dramatic pink glow when the sunlight hits just right or during sunset… but honestly? I don’t really see it.
That being said, even if the rocks don’t look completely pink to me, the beach itself is absolutely spectacular. It’s an incredible spot for swimming, relaxing, and just soaking in the ultimate vacation vibes.
As you stroll along the shore from the village, you can spot the Quy Nhon cityscape shimmering off in the distance.
And here’s a tip straight from the locals: they say the absolute best time to visit is around 4 PM. That’s when the beach is at its liveliest, the vibes are just right, and the lighting gets incredibly beautiful.
Looking out at the horizon, you can see islands nestled under the distant mountain ridges, and another one sitting right where the waves break.
Walking along this peaceful shore, listening to the sounds made by the wind and the waves, you’ll find yourself humming without even realizing it.
Plus, the water here is so much cooler and more refreshing than at the beaches right in the heart of downtown Quy Nhon.
You can go for a swim either on the village side of the beach or over by the resort area.
I’ve heard a few travelers mention that the resort blocks people from using the beach in front of their property. But honestly? I’ve been here multiple times, and that’s just not true.
The beach itself is totally open to everyone—just make sure you don’t wander onto the resort’s private land, as their staff might ask you to step out.
Over on the village side of the beach, you’ll find spots where you can rent canoes and traditional basket boats.
I actually saw a group of three female travelers paddling out on a canoe together. They weren’t even wearing life jackets, just effortlessly gliding out into the open sea (you can see them in the photo below!).
Honestly, you can’t say you’ve truly experienced Quy Nhon without visiting Bai Xep. Once you set foot here, you’ll realize that no picture can ever do justice to just how beautiful and healing this place actually is.
How to Get to Bai Xep (Quick Guide)
Google Maps Location: 📍 Click Here to View on Google Maps
Option 1: Taking a Grab (Easiest & Most Convenient)
Bai Xep is about 11 km from downtown Quy Nhon, which takes roughly 20 minutes.
GrabCar: ~150,000 VND (Approx. $6 USD) — Highly recommended if you hate melting in the heat
GrabBike: ~50,000 VND (Approx. $2 USD) — Perfect for solo adventurers.
Pro-Tip for Drop-off: Grab can sometimes get confused about the narrow alleys in the fishing village. Set your destination to “Heaven Vietnam“, or “Kim Dong Primary School – Bai Xep“.
Option 2: Renting a Scooter (For the Free Spirits)
Estimated Cost: ~120,000 VND per day (plus gas).
If you’re traveling solo, a GrabBike is actually just as cheap and you don’t have to worry about driving in Vietnamese traffic. But if you want to explore the coast on your own schedule, renting a scooter wins hands down. Choose your own adventure based on your travel style!
I’m always rooting for your journey through Quy Nhon. See you in part two of our Bai Xep series!
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