Heading south to Phu Yen

We traveled south, crossing the Ca Pass, one of the most treacherous passes in Central Vietnam, to reach the pristine Phu Yen province in the cool early spring weather. A spring trip to this land of "golden flowers and green grass" must first mention the magnificent Ghenh Da Dia (Disk Rock Reef), a generous gift from nature to Phu Yen. The main rock formation here is basalt, formed 200 million years ago by volcanic activity in the Van Hoa plateau. When the erupting lava flow encounters cold water, it solidifies and then cracks in multiple directions, creating strangely beautiful rock formations, layer upon layer in a mysterious way. Furthermore, due to its location near the coast, constantly replenished by waves and shrouded in mist at dawn, the Ghenh Da Dia rock formation is even more enchanting and unique, rightfully earning its recognition as a National Scenic Monument in 1998. Nature has bestowed such gifts, but man-made wonders have also given the Nẫu region another marvel – the Nhạn Tower, bearing the imprint of Cham Pa culture in the heart of Tuy Hòa city. According to legend, the Nhạn Tower originated from the story of the celestial maiden Thiên YA Na descending to earth to teach the local people how to cultivate the land, weave cloth, and spin yarn for their livelihood. After she returned to the celestial realm, the Cham Pa people built the tower to worship her. The tower is quadrilateral in shape, 25 meters high with four levels. At the top is a stone Linga – a spiritual symbol of the Cham people, representing their hope for the continuous growth and prosperity of all things. The base of the tower is a square base covered with sandstone, while the tower itself stands tall and imposing, giving a sense of stability. Beyond its unique structure, the materials used by the ancient Cham people to build the tower are truly astonishing and admirable. The Nhạn Tower is built entirely of tightly fitted fired bricks, making it very sturdy. These bricks are lighter but more durable than ordinary bricks. The bricks are bonded together with a highly adhesive glue made from natural plants, leaving no gaps and ensuring the thousand-year-old tower remains standing for generations. Because of its charm, visitors have long shared the saying: "Phú Yên has Cù Mông peak, the Nhạn Tower, and the Ba River." This place is ideal for visiting on the Lantern Festival night of the first lunar month or during the Via Ba festival in the third lunar month. And finally, in the Phu Yen travel guide, there's another must-visit destination: O Loan Lagoon, which, along with Tam Giang Lagoon (Hue) and Thi Nai Lagoon (Binh Dinh), forms one of the three most beautiful lagoons along the Vietnamese coast. O Loan is the largest seafood farming area in Phu Yen province, famous for its dishes such as O Loan blood cockles, tuna eyes, and king crab. Viewed from above, the lagoon resembles a swan spreading its wings, surrounded by prosperous villages and low green mountains, creating a serene and picturesque landscape. The lagoon is famous for its mystical, poetic tranquility at sunset. Every year, on the 7th day of the first lunar month, the people around the lagoon hold a Fishing Prayer ceremony, hoping for a peaceful and prosperous new year , and organize a lively boat race, reviving the beautiful cultural traditions of the Tuy An river region.