What is Long Thuy Beach like?
Long Thuy Beach is part of An Phu Commune, just north of Tuy Hoa, where a long arc of sand meets a small fishing village. Instead of resorts, you find rows of coconut and casuarina trees, a sheltered bay with usually gentle waves, and simple streets leading to the shore.
The atmosphere is laid-back, with narrow alleys, modest homestays, and seafood shacks serving fresh catch. It’s still a low-key destination, though trash can sometimes wash up along the tideline. For travelers, it’s a good spot for quiet swimming and a glimpse of village life—less dramatic than Phu Yen’s headline sights, but easy to combine with nearby stops.
What to see & do at Long Thuy Beach
1. Swim & beach time
The main reason to come here is, of course, the beach itself. Long Thuy has wide sandy shallows and gentle water that makes it easy for a quick dip or a longer swim. Families will appreciate that the sea stays shallow for quite a distance, so kids can paddle safely when conditions are calm. Just keep in mind that weather can change, especially outside the dry season, and waves may get stronger. Most afternoons you’ll share the sand with local families and schoolchildren who come down for a swim.
2. Sunrise fish market & fishing boats
If you are an early riser, this is one of the most atmospheric moments of the day. Between about 5:30 and 7:00 in the morning, the fishing boats return and unload their catch. The beach briefly turns into a small fish market with baskets of anchovies, squid, and other seafood. It’s a lively scene, well worth photographing, but remember to be respectful and, if possible, buy something small rather than just watching.
3. Village wander
Behind the beach lies a compact fishing village. Narrow alleys lined with small homes, tiny shrines, and the occasional cow shed make wandering here more interesting than the beach alone.
It’s not a “sight” in the traditional sense, but the everyday character of the place is what gives Long Thuy its appeal. A short stroll gives you a sense of coastal life in Phu Yen without much tourist polish.
4. Boat trips to nearby islets
From the beach, you can arrange a short boat ride out to the nearby islets of Hon Chua, Hon Dua, and Hon Than. These are small, undeveloped islands with rocky shores, some sandy spots, and coral areas around Hon Chua. Don’t expect organized tours—usually it’s a simple wooden fishing boat run by local boatmen. If you want to try, ask at a beachfront restaurant or homestay.
5. Snorkeling (conditions & care)
Snorkeling is possible around Hon Chua when the sea is calm and the water clear. The coral is fragile and not always colorful, but it’s still a good way to see marine life. Bring your own gear if you’re serious, since rentals here are hit or miss. As always, avoid touching or standing on coral. Availability of boats and equipment varies, so plan with low expectations and treat it as a bonus if it works out.
6. Kayak/SUP (informal rentals)
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards occasionally turn up at local homestays or beach shacks. The bay is calm in the mornings, making it suitable for a short paddle. Don’t expect professional rental shops—gear can be basic and not always available. If this is important for you, it’s better to ask in Tuy Hoa before coming.
7. Seafood meals by the water
One of the highlights is eating fresh seafood right by the beach. A row of casual restaurants and stalls line the waterfront, offering grilled squid, clams, and other local catches. Prices are usually fair but sometimes a little higher than what you’d pay in town. The setting more than makes up for it: plastic chairs in the sand and waves just a few meters away.
8. Easy add-ons for the same day
If you’re making Long Thuy part of a longer outing, there are a few easy stops nearby:
- Bai Xep (4–5 km) – Known for small coves and coastal viewpoints.
- Hon Yen area (north) – At very low tide, coral beds and rock pools appear; check tide times first.
- Ganh Da Dia (about 45 minutes by car) – The famous basalt columns of Phu Yen; better to plan as a half-day trip combined with other sights.
Best time to visit
Timing makes a difference at Long Thuy Beach. Water clarity, wave conditions, and even how clean the beach looks depend heavily on the season.
The most reliable months are April to August, when seas are calm, skies are clear, and the beach is at its most inviting for swimming and boat trips. The months on either side can still be pleasant, though conditions are more changeable. From late autumn into early spring, the northeast monsoon brings stronger winds, rougher water, and more debris washing ashore, which can make the beach less appealing.
If you’re interested in local traditions, the Cau Ngu Festival—held around the sixth lunar month—adds cultural color. Fishermen gather to pray for safety and good catches at sea, and the celebrations bring a festive energy to the otherwise quiet village setting.
Location & getting there
Where is Long Thuy Beach?
Long Thuy Beach is in An Phu Commune, about 10 km north of Tuy Hoa city center. The drive takes 15–20 minutes along Lê Duẩn Street or via spurs from Highway QL1A. It’s a simple trip from town, and the beach is easy to pair with other Phu Yen stops in the same direction.
Taxi / ride-hailing
The easiest option from Tuy Hoa is a taxi or a ride-hailing service. Just ask to be dropped at the beachfront lanes, which lead directly to the sand. Getting back is usually straightforward during the day, but after dark taxis may be harder to find, so it’s smart to arrange a pickup time with your driver if you plan to stay for dinner.
Car with driver (private)
Hiring a private car with driver makes sense if you want to combine Long Thuy with nearby sights like Bai Xep, Hon Yen, or Ganh Da Dia. This option works well for families or anyone who prefers not to worry about return rides. Prices are agreed in advance, and the driver waits while you visit, making the day more flexible and stress-free.
Renting a motorbike
For budget-friendly independence, renting a motorbike is the most popular choice. It’s ideal for a beach-hopping day around Tuy Hoa and gives you the freedom to explore small villages along the way. Just keep in mind that you should carry a valid license and IDP, and ride defensively—local roads are not chaotic but can be narrow, with fishing activity and village traffic.
Staying at Long Thuy Beach
Accommodation at Long Thuy is simple and mostly aimed at local travelers. In the village you’ll find a handful of small hotels and homestays within walking distance of the beach. Rooms are usually clean and functional, but don’t expect resort-style service or modern facilities. A few places offer balconies with sea views, which can be pleasant if you want to wake up by the water.
For most foreign travelers, the experience is more about the setting than the rooms themselves. Staying overnight gives you a chance to enjoy sunrise at the fish market, have dinner in a beachside shack, and wander the quiet alleys after day-trippers head back to Tuy Hoa. It feels closer to village life than a polished tourist beach.
That said, the options are limited. If you want comfort, facilities like a pool, or a wider choice of dining, you’ll be better off basing yourself in Tuy Hoa city, which is only 15–20 minutes away and has everything from budget hotels to upmarket resorts. In other words, staying at Long Thuy works best if you’re after a low-key, off-the-beaten-path overnight experience, but it’s not essential—you can just as easily visit as a half-day trip from Tuy Hoa.
Practical visiting & travel tips
- Bring essentials: sun protection, drinking water, small cash, sandals, a light towel, and a dry bag if you plan to take a boat trip.
- Trash reality: the tideline can collect litter, especially after storms or strong onshore winds. Pick cleaner spots and carry your own waste back out.
- Facilities: expect only basic services—some beachfront stalls offer drinks, snacks, or simple showers. Shade is limited once you step away from the coconut trees.
- Boats & gear: if you want to visit Hon Chua or nearby islets, ask at local eateries or homestays. Always confirm the price, trip duration, and whether safety gear is included before boarding.
- Tides & coral: coral zones near Hon Yen are only visible at certain tides. Check conditions in advance and never walk on coral.
- Weekends & holidays: locals flock here, so the beach is livelier. For a quieter experience, come in the early morning.
- Roadworks & access: approach roads are narrow and sometimes under repair. Take it slow and allow a bit of extra time for the last stretch.
Is Long Thuy Beach worth visiting?
Yes, if you’re looking for a local, no-frills beach close to Tuy Hoa. Long Thuy is easy to reach, offers calm and shallow swimming, and has a lively early-morning fishing scene that feels authentic. Add in simple seafood meals by the water and the option of hopping on a boat to nearby Hon Chua, and it makes a relaxed outing that combines nature with village life.
It’s less appealing if you expect perfectly kept beaches or big-name scenery. Litter along the tideline can be an issue, facilities are basic, and the landscape isn’t as dramatic as Phu Yen’s more famous spots like Ganh Da Dia or Vung Ro Bay. Think of Long Thuy as a pleasant, local alternative rather than a headline destination.
