National Highway 1A from Nha Trang to Da Nang / Hoi An passes through one of Vietnam's most beautiful coastal stretches. If you have 2–3 days and want to slow travel instead of sitting in a car for 12 hours overnight, this article introduces 6 must-visit stops, along with food recommendations and transportation options. Suitable for self-driving motorcyclists, private car owners, or those renting cars with drivers.
Slow travel route overview
- Distance: ~525 km, traveling 2–3 days at a relaxed pace.
- Recommended transport: private car with driver (~3,500,000 VND/day) or motorcycle rental (~200,000 VND/day).
- Best season: March – June (passes dry, calm seas).
- Note: avoid rainy season October–November (slippery passes, potential landslides).
1. Ca Pass (Khanh Hoa – Phu Yen) — 60 km from Nha Trang
Ca Pass stretches 12 km, connecting Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen, and is one of the most beautiful coastal passes. From the pass summit you can see Vung Ro Bay and the deep-water Cai Mep port — where No-Number Battleships anchored during the resistance war.
- Photo stop: new Ca Pass tunnel (Vietnam's 2nd longest tunnel, 4,125m) and Mui Dai Lanh — Vietnam's easternmost point catching the earliest sunrise.
- Light meals: grilled seafood at Vung Ro (200,000–300,000 VND/person).
2. Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen) — 115 km from Nha Trang
Capital of Phu Yen province, famous for the film I See Yellow Flowers on Green Grass. Stop here for 1 night to visit:
- Ganh Da Dia (40 km outside Tuy Hoa): rare geological wonder, stacked hexagonal rock columns.
- Bai Sep Beach: filming location of the yellow flowers film, crystal-clear turquoise sea.
- Nhan Tower: ancient Cham tower in central Tuy Hoa.
- Food: Phu Yen leek canh (35,000 VND), sun-dried beef dipped in ant salt.
3. Cu Mong Pass (Phu Yen – Binh Dinh) — 230 km from Nha Trang
Cu Mong Pass stretches 7 km, not overly treacherous but offers views of Hon Kho Sea and small islands of Binh Dinh. The pass summit has a cafe with 180° views worth a 30-minute stop.
- Pass summit has Cu Mong Shrine — a small historical site.
- Cu Mong Pass View Cafe (~30,000 VND/cup), free WiFi and clean restrooms.
4. Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh) — 245 km from Nha Trang
A more peaceful beach city than Nha Trang, fewer Western tourists so prices are cheaper and spaces more spacious.
- Eo Gio: limestone cliff embrace Nhan Ly Sea, ultimate photo-worthy spot.
- Ky Co: beach with crystal-clear water like the Maldives (boat 250,000 VND/person).
- Banh It Tower: cluster of 4 Cham towers from the 11th century, 16 km outside Quy Nhon.
- Food: Quy Nhon fish cake noodles, jumping shrimp banh xeo at An Son (35,000–60,000 VND/serving).
Should stay 1 night in Quy Nhon — 3-star hotels only 600,000–900,000 VND/night.
5. Quang Ngai + Ly Son Island — 370 km from Nha Trang
If you have 2 extra days, Ly Son Island (30 km from Quang Ngai, 1-hour speedboat ride) is a must-visit: famous garlic, Cau Cave, Hang Temple and pristine beaches.
- Sa Ky – Ly Son speedboat (180,000–250,000 VND/way).
- Ly Son hotels (500,000–1,200,000 VND/night).
6. Tam Ky + Phuoc Tich Ancient Village — 470 km from Nha Trang
Before entering Hoi An, stop at Tam Ky and the ancient village of Phuoc Tich — a pottery craft village over 500 years old.
- Free admission, buy pottery directly from artisans.
- Tam Thanh Beach has Lich Hoa Village (Street Art) — free photo-worthy location.
Transportation for slow travel
Self-driving car / motorcycle
- Self-drive car rental: 700,000–1,200,000 VND/day (plus fuel).
- Motorcycle: 200,000 VND/day — suitable for 1–2 people with light luggage.
- Note: requires A1/A2 license (motorcycle) and car license.
Car rental with driver via Go365
- 4-seat car: 2,800,000 VND/day (10-hour driving).
- 7-seat car: 3,500,000 VND/day.
- 9-seat limousine: 4,500,000 VND/day.
- Suitable for families, groups of 4–9 people wanting flexible stops.
3-Day 2-Night Slow Travel Combo
Go365 offers a 3-day 2-night Nha Trang – Hoi An slow travel combo:
- Day 1: Nha Trang → Tuy Hoa (Ganh Da Dia, Bai Sep), stay in Tuy Hoa.
- Day 2: Tuy Hoa → Quy Nhon (Eo Gio, Ky Co), stay in Quy Nhon.
- Day 3: Quy Nhon → Hoi An (via Quang Ngai, Tam Ky).
All-inclusive price (4 people, 7-seat car): 12,500,000 VND including car + driver + fuel. Contact 0789.9000.99 to book.
See more routes at Go365 Transportation or call hotline 0789.9000.99 for 24/7 consultation.