3 Best Sights in Vietnam

Located 90 km (55 miles) south of Nha Trang, along a seldom-used stretch of astonishing coastline between Cam Ranh and Phan Rang, Vinh Hy Bay is a stunning drive along the South-Central Coast, best enjoyed by motorbike—it's 100 km (62 miles) one-way from downtown Nha Trang, so plan for an entire day. The entire road, named DT702, runs between the edge of Nui Chua National Park and the East Sea. There's not much to do along Vinh Hy except appreciate the beautiful views, stop for seafood lunch at Binh Hung Island, and swim at one of the wild beaches. Only two resorts of note have taken up residence here so far: Resort Vinh Hy, in the local fishing village, which offers modern bungalows at low prices, and the ultra-luxury Aman resort Amanoi, occupying a huge private swath of forest on the coast.

For adrenaline-filled road adventures, jungle-clad mountains, hairpin bends, and incredible views, you can't top the 21-km (13-mile) long, ex-military feeder road over the Hai Van Pass. Although cyclists have tried it, it's advisable to take a motorbike (experienced riders only) or driver to take on the winding incline to the pillboxes at the pass's peak, where you can stop for photos. After, you can descend towards the lagoon on the Lang Co side where you can pull up a plastic chair for delicious seafood at one of the stilt restaurants, before returning via the Hai Van Tunnel.

Across Thi Nai bridge (the second-longest sea bridge in Vietnam) is a peninsula that is being developed as an economic zone that includes an industrial park, oil refinery, port, and an over-the-top megaresort. After crossing the bridge, it seems like nothing more than a vast, dusty industrial landscape, but take the road north and be rewarded by delightful, traditional fishing villages and some beaches, including maze-like Eo Gio and Ky Co Beach. This peninsula isn't the easiest to find your way around, so get tips from the hotel first and check Google Maps.