Binh Dinh (VNA) 🍒– Tucked away just 20km from the bustling heart of Quy Nhon city in the south central coastal province of Binh Dinh, a mesmerising secret is swiftly gaining traction among locals and tourists alike. The Phuong Mai sand dunes, a once-hidden gem, are now a burgeoning hotspot, attracting visitors with their awe-inspiring landscapes and exhilarating experiences.

Nestled in Nhon Ly commune, the Phuong Mai sand dunes are easily accessible. The tour involves a scenic drive along the Quy Nhon - Nhon Hoi route, followed by a brief, guided 10-minute walk from Nhon Ly's centre to this stunning locale. Perched beside Nhon Ly Beach on the Phuong Mai Peninsula, these sand dunes are among the tallest and most stunning in central Vietnam. Towering up to 100m above sea level, their gently sloping forms create an illusion of an endless desert, merging with the clear blue sky. From these heights, visitors are rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Phuong Mai Peninsula, the Nhon Hoi Economic Zone, Thi Nai Lagoon, and nearly the entire city of Quy Nhon. The ever-changing patterns in the sand, sculpted by the wind, offer a dynamic visual feast that changes hourly and daily. Feeling the cool sea breeze, gazing at the sea and rows of casuarina trees, and sinking bare feet into the fine sand are an experience that sets the spirit free. For the adventurous, sandboarding down dunes as high as 50m is a thrill seeker’s epic Instagram upload. Tran Van Thanh, Director of the provincial Department of Tourism, has unveiled plans to engage the local community in fostering sustainable tourism. The province aims to attract responsible investors committed to preserving the natural landscape, adopting advanced and eco-friendly technology, and promoting the dunes to both domestic and foreign visitors. "Our goal is to develop Phuong Mai sand dunes into a premier eco-tourism destination," Thanh said. "We aim to strike a balance between offering exceptional experiences to visitors and preserving the natural beauty and ecology of the dunes". Future plans include zoning off the dunes with functional areas, complete with service facilities, walking paths, art photography spots, sand activity areas, kite-flying zones, and sightseeing platforms. This will significantly broaden the range of services available to visitors. The sand dunes welcome visitors at any hour, with each time of day presenting a unique perspective. The ideal window to fully appreciate the site's beauty is from 4 pm to 7 pm daily. For those wishing to catch the sunrise over the dunes, an early morning visit is recommended. During midday and early afternoon, when the sun is at its zenith, visitors can witness the stunning golden hues that envelop the space, creating a breathtaking scene. For a chance to see the breathtaking sunset over the vast expanse of sand, they should visit in the late afternoon. Additionally, if anyone is interested in the exciting activity of sandboarding, it's best to come in the morning or late afternoon for convenience. This experience will surely offer a different perspective compared to the view from the beach./.