Xuan Dai Bay: The “Little Maldives” of Phu Yen – A Luxury Travel Guide

Xuan Dai Bay is like a vibrant, living watercolor painting. It is not just a destination on the Phu Yen travel map, but a journey to rediscover the raw, pure, and proudly untamed beauty of the ‘Xu Nau’ land. This place, with its turquoise waters embracing rocky peninsulas, is often likened to a mysterious “Little Maldives” waiting to be awakened.

With deep experience and love for this land, the local expert team at Stelia Beach Resort is honored to accompany you, drawing back the secret curtain to explore the precious jewel that is Xuan Dai Bay in the most complete, profound, and luxurious way. Forget typical aggregated articles; this is a guidebook distilled from real-life experiences and exclusive insights reserved just for you.

Why is Xuan Dai Bay the “Hidden Gem” You Must Discover in Phu Yen?

Amidst the countless scenic spots of Phu Yen, Xuan Dai Bay maintains its unique charm—a quiet beauty that captivates anyone who visits for the first time. This is not an ostentatious beauty, but a delicate blend of nature and humanity, creating a symphony of the sea.

• Original Pristine Beauty: The Bay is sheltered on three sides by the winding Co Ngua and Da Mai mountain ranges, creating a calm, mirror-like blue water area. The coastline is over 50km long, curving into countless large and small lagoons and beaches like Bai Om, Bai Rang, Vung La, Vung Su… each place unique, pristine, and alluring.
• Rare Diverse Ecosystem: More than just blue sea and white sand, Xuan Dai Bay is a convergence of many unique terrains. From majestic rocky rapids like Ganh Den, Ganh Do, to lush green islets like Cu Lao Ong Xa, and especially the rich lagoon system like O Loan Lagoon nearby. This diversity creates a rich marine ecosystem, a paradise for those who love exploration.
• Intersection of Cham-Vietnamese Culture: History records Xuan Dai Bay as a bustling trading port of the ancient Champa people. Today, that imprint remains visible through hundred-year-old fishing villages nestled by the bay, such as Tu Nham, Vung Lam. Here, you don’t just sightsee, you touch the cultural currents and listen to the sea stories from humble fishermen.
• Endless Inspiration for Art: The beauty of Xuan Dai Bay captivates not only tourists but also serves as a source of inspiration for photographers and artists. Every moment of the day, from the vibrant sunrise to the purple-tinged sunset, the Bay puts on a new, enchanting, and inviting gown.

The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary to Explore Xuan Dai Bay from Stelia Beach Resort

To fully appreciate the beauty of Xuan Dai Bay without rushing, a simple 1-day itinerary allows you to balance discovery and relaxation, ensuring you have the most worthwhile experiences.

• 07:00 – 08:30: Refuel with a nutritious breakfast at Gozo Brew Restaurant. Start your day in the luxurious setting of Gozo Brew, enjoying a lavish buffet breakfast with diverse Asian-European dishes. Choose a window seat to dine while overlooking the peaceful Tuy Hoa beach in the morning sun. This is the perfect start to an exciting day.
• 08:30 – 11:30: Conquer the coastal road and check-in at Doc Gang. From Stelia, the journey to Xuan Dai Bay will take you through one of Phu Yen’s most beautiful coastal roads. For the most comfortable and private experience, use our premium private car service. The first, unmissable stop is Doc Gang. From the top of the slope, the entire view of Xuan Dai Bay will be captured in your sight—a stunningly magnificent scene. Don’t forget to take some “million-view” photos here.
• 11:30 – 13:30: Indulge in fresh seafood at a Vung Lam floating raft restaurant. After the visual feast, it’s time to pamper your taste buds. The Stelia team will recommend a reputable floating raft restaurant in Vung Lam, where we have carefully assessed the quality and hygiene. Select fresh seafood caught directly from the bay, such as lobster, spanner crab, grouper… and enjoy them prepared in a rustic style rich with the flavor of the sea.
• 13:30 – 16:00: Immerse yourself in the water at Bai Om – Bai Rang. These are two of the Bay’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. The sand here is fine and white, and the sea water is crystal clear, allowing you to see the bottom. You can swim freely, sunbathe, or engage in more exciting activities like SUP boarding or snorkeling along the shore reefs. Stelia Resort provides equipment rental services so you can be ready for any fun.
• 16:00 – 18:30: Return to Stelia Beach Resort, relax by the pool or with a spa treatment. After a long day of discovery, nothing is better than soaking in the cool water of Stelia’s infinity pool or enjoying a professional spa treatment at Aura Spa to restore energy and relieve all fatigue.
• 18:30 onwards: Enjoy a romantic dinner and watch the sunset. Conclude a perfect day with a romantic dinner at our beachfront restaurant. Savor exquisite dishes while watching the sunset slowly descend over Tuy Hoa beach—it will be an unforgettable memory.

“Are You Ready for the Dream Trip?”

Listing Must-Do Xuan Dai Bay Experiences

Anyone can find information about popular spots, but to have a truly different trip, you need secrets only locals know. And these are the gifts Stelia offers exclusively to you.

• “Hunt” for the Golden Hour at Doc Gang around 4:00 PM. Many say you must see the sunrise at Doc Gang, but our photography experts reveal a different secret. Come here around 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM. The sun is less intense, and the sunset light pierces through the rock faces, creating magical golden streaks on the Bay’s surface. The best photo angle is standing near the lone tree on the left, capturing the full stretch of the winding Bay below. That is a moment not everyone is lucky enough to catch.
• Explore Tu Nham fishing village differently. Instead of just wandering and taking photos, try a deeper experience. Stelia can connect you with a long-time fishing family. Spend 30 minutes sitting on their porch, listening to stories about the traditional “bottom trawling” net weaving technique and tales of stormy voyages. You will understand that the beauty of Xuan Dai Bay lies not only in the scenery but also in the resilience and simplicity of its people.
• Savor the most “authentic” O Loan Blood Cockles. O Loan Lagoon blood cockles are famous nationwide, but not every restaurant is great. Stelia’s Head Chef recommends: choose cockles with dark shells, tightly closed mouths, and a heavy feel. And instead of large restaurants, visit Co Ba’s humble eatery near the An Hai bridge. That is where you will enjoy blood cockles grilled with scallion oil or sautéed with tamarind in the most original, rich flavors.
• Secret Beach for Sunrise SUP boarding. If you seek absolute privacy, ask our staff about “Bai Xep Nho.” This is a small beach, sheltered by two rock outcrops, with extremely gentle waves. At sunrise, the water is as flat as a mirror—just you and nature. The experience of SUP boarding on the clear water, watching the first rays of light pierce through the rocks, is a meditative and unforgettable experience.

A-Z Pocket Guide for Your Xuan Dai Bay Trip

To ensure your trip is smooth and complete, jot down the following useful information.

• Best time to visit Xuan Dai Bay?
  • Dry Season (March – August): This is the most beautiful time. The sky is clear blue, the sun is radiant, the sea is calm, and the water is very clear, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and photography.
  • Transitional Season (September – November): The weather is cooler, with occasional rain but not prolonged. This is a good time to go if you don’t like intense heat.
  • Rainy Season (December – February): The sea can be rougher, and the water cloudier, not suitable for swimming but a great time to explore fishing village life and enjoy hot cuisine.
• How to get from Stelia Beach Resort to Xuan Dai Bay? The distance is about 45km, taking 45-60 minutes by car.
  • Option 1: Rent a Motorbike: For free spirits who love adventure. You can stop anywhere along the way to take photos and enjoy the fresh air.
  • Option 2: Rent a Car: The perfect choice for families with small children, or couples who desire comfort, privacy, and safety. The driver is a local and can serve as an interesting tour guide for you.
• What to prepare for the trip? Besides beautiful clothes for check-in, don’t forget essential items: SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. A waterproof bag for your phone and camera, along with a power bank, will be helpful. And most importantly, prepare an open soul to receive the beauty of nature.

Stelia Beach Resort – The Ideal Stopover to Conquer Xuan Dai Bay

A discovery trip is only truly perfect when you have a luxury retreat to return to. Stelia Beach Resort proudly serves as the ideal stopover—the complete starting and ending point for your journey to conquer Xuan Dai Bay and the entirety of Phu Yen.

• Prime Location: Located right on Tuy Hoa’s Doc Lap coastal road, Stelia boasts a perfect connecting position. You are only minutes away from the city center but far enough to enjoy the peace. This is the ideal launchpad to head North to explore Xuan Dai Bay, Ganh Da Dia, or head South to visit Mui Dien and Vung Ro.
• Luxury and Personalized Service: At Stelia, we don’t just provide accommodation; we deliver an experience. From private tour design services and premium transfers to attentive advice from our local-savvy concierge team, your every need is met perfectly.
• Luxury Retreat Space: After a long day of tiring travel, allow your body and soul to be rejuvenated in a luxurious villa, relax by the infinity pool, or savor exquisite cuisine at our restaurant system. Stelia is a peaceful oasis where you recharge for the next adventures.

Don’t just visit Phu Yen; experience Phu Yen in the most luxurious way. Book your stay at Stelia Beach Resort today to receive a complimentary Xuan Dai Bay exploration itinerary consultation!

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FAQ – Quick Answers for the Xuan Dai Bay Trip

1. What is the estimated cost for a 1-day Xuan Dai Bay trip? The cost is flexible. If traveling independently by motorbike, costs can range from 500,000 – 700,000 VND/person (gas, food). If using private car services and dining at larger floating restaurants, the cost can be from 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 VND/person.
2. Is Xuan Dai Bay safe for children? Completely safe. The beaches within the Bay are quite shallow with gentle waves, very suitable for children to play. However, parents still need to supervise children carefully, especially near the rocky areas.
3. Besides seafood, what other specialties are near Xuan Dai Bay? You can try local snacks in Song Cau town like banh hoi long heo, oyster porridge (chao hau), banh xeo… Especially, try the famous Song Cau coconut with its sweet, clear water and fragrant, chewy flesh.
4. How long does it take to get from Stelia Beach Resort to Xuan Dai Bay? The travel time by car is about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and how many times you stop to take photos on the beautiful coastal road.