Things to do with kids in Quy Nhon

Things to do with kids in Quy Nhon

1. See

   ExploraScience

   Part of the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) complex, established to further science and research in Vietnam. ExploraScience hosts several exhibitions on Astronomy, Space exploration etc. suitable for children and adults alike.

   Sat-Sun 08:30–17:00·Admission 120,000, purchased on-site only. Tickets are sold 30 minutues prior to opening. Visitors are advised to come early as there is a guided tour started upon opening hours, and there might be multiple tours for schoolchildren running concurrently

2. See

   Tượng Phật đôi

   Towering above the ocean on the Phương Mai Peninsula, this 30-m (100-ft) golden Avalokiteśvara, the embodiment of infinite compassion of all Buddhas, is the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. Constructed in 2014, the base is designed to hold the ashes of 8,000 local families.

3. Do Not mapped

   Beach Promenade Amusement Park

   Tiny amusement park squeezed between the trees lining the beach. Semi-permanent rides include a small carousel and wee-sized autos. Squatting vendors offer Vietnamese snack food and painted presents for children. Very low-key atmosphere with beautiful views on the beach and ocean, although the small area can become crowded with local children during high season. The attractions are open to all kids from ages 2 to 92 but are probably most enjoyed by children 4 to 9.

   Rides 10,000–20,000 dong

4. Do Not mapped

   Beach promenade and city beach

   The nicely-maintained beach promenade stretches almost without interruption for 5 km (3 mi) along the southeast coast of Quy Nhơn city. Bordered on both sides by layers of mountains receding into the hazy distance, the natural beauty of the city's waterfront setting has inspired poets for centuries. The contrast to more developed beach resorts such as Nha Trang is stark. Much of the Quy Nhơn beach is unused and empty even in peak tourist season. There are no commercial watersports, boat rides, surfing or tours. In the more central areas 1 km on either side of Nguyễn Tất Thành street, locals play football (soccer) and volleyball on the beach, Vietnamese tourists run (often fully clothed) into the water, and families enjoy picnics. The few vendors scattered along the promenade selling food and drinks to local tourists are low-key and don't aggressively tout their wares. In the central beach area, a few hotels and private individuals offer lounge chairs in the summer months. A tiny semi-permanent amusement park in a grassy area next to the beach offers carousel rides primarily for kids. With grainy sand a dark shade of yellow, slightly murky water, no international food options, no nightlife, a sleepy atmosphere, and a notable lack of tourist infrastructure in general, Quy Nhơn is far from a typical beach paradise... which is precisely the draw of this beautiful setting for those looking to escape the mass tourism of big resorts.

5. Eat Not mapped

   Bốn Quang Tuấn

   Very good value barbeque/hot-pot restaurant in the centre. Family operation with just six tables. Very popular among students for its low-cost beef and pork barbeque.

   Pot of clams in spicy sauce 30,000 dong. Hot pot 60,000

6. Do Not mapped

   Children's World

   Bright and cheerful two-storey children's wonderland. Games and fun. Focused on younger children ages 2 to 7.

7. Eat Not mapped

   Cô Hai bánh xèo

   Family-style restaurant offering delicious bánh xèo. Good quality at budget price. A 10-minute walk from the beach on a pleasant, tree-lined street in the southwest of city.

   4,000 dong per pancake

8. Drink Not mapped

   Du Mục Cafe

   Pleasant indoor cafe decorated with many tropical plants on the walls and bamboo-mat hanging from the ceilings. It's in the city centre on an idyllic, narrow street packed with bonsai trees, flags and children playing.

9. Eat Not mapped

   Nhà hàng

   Very large vegetarian restaurant on the south side of Long Khánh Buddhist temple. Dependably open long hours from morning until night, including holidays. Slightly more expensive than the many smaller, family-run vegetarian restaurants in the area.

   Noodle and rice dishes 25,000–50,000 dong

10. See Not mapped

    Quang Trung Museum

    Bảo tàng Quang Trung

    Emperor Quang Trung, also known as Nguyễn Huệ, is the most celebrated of the Tây Sơn brothers, rebels who led a peasant uprising in the 18th century which conquered feudal houses in the north and south and created a unified and independent Vietnam. He's a revered national hero who was — and still is — celebrated throughout Vietnam and the diaspora for his military victories and support of the common people. Quang Trung and his two brothers were born in Tây Sơn village, and the town's museum honoring him and his family is very important in national politics, with many past and present leaders having visited since its 1978 construction to pay their respects publicly. For Vietnamese — in Vietnam and in the diaspora — who spent their childhood learning his legends, the museum can be very interesting. But for foreigners who have never heard of him, it's less exciting. The complex houses artefacts from the battles as well as art, costumes, and original documents from the Tây Sơn period. But the collection is poorly displayed, there is little information in English, and the location is far enough from the city centre that it's only worthwhile on its own if you already are deeply interested in Quang Trung. But if you're already in the area exploring Cham ruins or travelling between Quy Nhơn and Pleiku, the grounds are very lovely and there are several martial arts performances each month. Special events are held each year on January 5, the anniversary of the Battle of Ngọc Hồi of 1789, when Quang Trung defeated invading Chinese troops after imploring his peasant troops to "fight to keep our hair long, fight to keep our teeth black." Renting your own motorbike is the cheapest and most convenient way to reach the museum. A taxi from the city costs 400,000–500,000 dong one-way. There is no bus. The museum can be combined with in a day trip to the Dương Long Cham Towers lying 10 km to the east.

    Daily 07:00–11:00 and 13:30–17:00·Entry ticket 10,000 dong

11. Eat Not mapped

    Thanh Minh

    Small family-run vegetarian restaurant on the north side of Long Khánh Buddhist temple. Generally offers several vegetable-based dishes, as opposed to the meat-substitute dishes found at typical Vietnamese vegetarian restaurants.

    Mixed vegetable dishes, rice and soup: 20,000 dong

12. Eat Not mapped

    Thanh Vân

    Very tiny vegetarian restaurant in a family-home in a small alley off the main street. One of several vegetarian restaurants near the Long Khánh Buddhist temple.

13. Eat Not mapped

    Tinh Hoa Bakery

    Corner bakery very popular among locals for birthdays, holidays, and family meals.

    Cakes 50,000–200,000 dong. Cupcakes 15,000. Chocolate hearts 5,000. Squares of coconut and sticky rice in powdered sugar 3,000

14. Eat Not mapped

    Tịnh Tâm

    Small family-run vegetarian just north of the Long Khánh temple. One of several vegetarian restaurants near the temple. Extremely kind family owners often invites foreigners to explore their home and culture.

15. Eat Not mapped

    Đúc Tỏ Baguette Bakers

    Long-standing family operation that bakes the baguettes used for bánh mì sandwiches. Reputed among locals to be the highest quality baguettes in the city.

    1,300 dong for one hot baguette fresh out of the oven, 15,000 for 12

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Quy Nhon (CC BY-SA 4.0).