Natural masterpieces: A pristine picture between Quy Nhon sky and sea

WHERE THE MOUNTAINS LEAN THE SHADOW OF THE BLUE SEA

From afar, Phuong Mai peninsula is a mountain range that looks like a green dragon lying in the middle of the ocean, its head facing south, its body winding north to De Gi estuary (Phu Cat district, Binh Dinh). On the "dragon's" back are peaceful fishing villages nestled at the foot of the mountain, rugged stone ramparts reflecting in the clear blue water, where corals are colorful and vibrant, and pristine beaches that are breathtakingly beautiful. The most prominent are Eo Gio and Ky Co, two precious gems in Nhon Ly commune.

Phuong Mai Mountain is like a dragon in the middle of the sea, protecting Quy Nhon City.

PHOTO: DUNG NHAN

It is no coincidence that many tourists call Eo Gio the most beautiful place to watch the sunset in Vietnam. Nestled between two high, steep mountains, Eo Gio curves like a saddle, welcoming the sea breeze blowing all four seasons. The wind here is so strong that the name "Eo Gio" originates from this natural feature.

Over the years, the waves have gradually carved into the cliffs, creating countless fascinating crevices. Every afternoon, the sunlight spreads over the rugged rocks, the sea surface shimmers brilliantly like a vivid oil painting. It is this wild, original beauty that makes this place a must-see destination on your journey to explore Quy Nhon.

Eo Gio is considered by many to be the most beautiful place to watch the sunset in Vietnam.

PHOTO: DUNG NHAN

Not far from Eo Gio, Ky Co appears like a mysterious paradise. The beach is nestled between two large rocky shores, with fine white sand and clear water so clear that you can see the bottom. Looking down from above, Ky Co looks like a green valley in the middle of the ocean, where sky, clouds and water blend together magically.

Ky Co beach is nestled between two large rocky shores, with fine white sand and clear blue water.

PHOTO: DUNG NHAN

ETERNAL LOVE SONG OF THE SEA AND THE STONES

In the south of the peninsula, Nhon Hai beach is also a gift that nature has bestowed upon this land. Along the coast, strangely shaped rocks stretch out into the waves, like sculptures of nature. In particular, a mysterious stone wall located about 200 meters from the shore, straight and undulating in the clear blue water, makes many people curious. It is like a trace of time, like the remains of a civilization sunk deep under the sea.

Not far away is Hon Kho Island, a rustic but impressive name. The rough rocky mountains under the sun and wind surround a beautiful blue beach. On clear days, visitors can see to the bottom of the sea, where the coral is as colorful as a carpet of flowers under the water, schools of fish dance under people's feet.

Nhon Hai fishing village on Phuong Mai peninsula

PHOTO: DUNG NHAN

Not only attractive by the natural scenery, Phuong Mai peninsula is also charming by the folk legends passed down by the local people as a part of the soul of the land. The mountain range connecting Phuong Mai with Trieu Chau range has a section called Eo Vuoc (in Nhon Hai commune), which is said to be the angry footprint of a giant who once came to this area to catch fish. When the giant bass jumped over the mountain, he could not catch up, stomped his feet angrily causing the land to collapse into the sea. That trace, according to the ancients, is the water area that penetrates deep into the mountain, now called Eo Vuoc.

At the southern end of the peninsula is Mui Yen, also known as Yen Island, where hundreds of years ago, the waves carved deep into the cliffs, creating caves tens of meters high. According to the book Binh Dinh - Famous Places and Monuments, this area has up to 30 large and small bird nest caves, concentrated in Nhon Hai and Nhon Ly communes. Large caves such as Ca cave, Doi Trong cave, Luong cave... yield 14,000 - 15,000 bird nests each year. In spring, flocks of swallows spread their wings and call to each other in the deep blue sky, a rare and majestic scene.

THE LAND OF HISTORY IS AWAKENING

Not only a natural masterpiece, Phuong Mai peninsula also preserves many historical vestiges, typically Phuong Mai ancient rampart on Tam Toa mountain. At the foot of the mountain is the temple of Uy Minh Vuong Ly Nhat Quang (995 - 1057), a prince of the Ly dynasty who led the navy to Thi Nai seaport to help the King of Champa pacify the rebellion.

The waves gradually carve into the cliffs, creating countless interesting crevices on the coast of Phuong Mai peninsula.

PHOTO: DUNG NHAN

According to legend, due to the strategic location of Thi Nai estuary, the Champa kings built a citadel on Tam Toa peak to protect the capital Vijaya. During the Tay Son period, Admiral Vo Van Dung continued to build a citadel in Phuong Mai to guard this sea area.

According to Dr. Dinh Ba Hoa, former Director of Binh Dinh Museum, in the 7th year of Minh Mang (1836), the Nguyen Dynasty built Ho Ki fortress on the top of Tam Toa mountain with 12 solid artillery bunkers to control the Quy Nhon sea area. Under King Tu Duc, this defense system continued to be reinforced with many other important military projects.

Going south of Phuong Mai ancient rampart, a remaining part of the ancient defense system, visitors will encounter the majestic statue of Saint Tran Hung Dao, next to Phuoc Mai lighthouse quietly shining among the clouds and waves. Phuong Mai ancient rampart was ranked as a relic by the People's Committee of Binh Dinh province in 2010.

Many tourist areas are invested in Phuong Mai peninsula to serve the needs of sightseeing.

PHOTO: DUNG NHAN

In the past decade, Phuong Mai peninsula is no longer a "sleeping fairy" but is waking up day by day. Nhon Hoi economic zone is gradually becoming the new administrative - political center of the province after the merger of Binh Dinh and Gia Lai. According to the plan, Phuong Mai is oriented to become a national tourist area, where the sacred past blends with modern life; where the blue sea tells stories of rocks, the mountain ranges whisper the wind. (to be continued)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-tuyet-tac-thien-nhien-buc-tranh-nguyen-so-giua-troi-bien-quy-nhon-185250522233421476.htm