Have you ever dreamed of a sun-soaked escape to Portugal’s stunning coastline? But the hefty price tags and draining 15-hour flight from Changi Airport not worth it? Well, grab your passports, because we’ve found an undiscovered destination that offers those same sweeping summer European vibes for 5x cheaper and without the jet lag. Tucked away just a short regional hop from Singapore is a jaw-dropping hidden gem that most travellers don’t even know about. Wonderfully, Quy Nhon in Vietnam might just be Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret getaway and it’s perfect for long weekends. In fact, it resembles Portugal’s famous Algarve coast featuring dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins, sleepy fishing villages, cheap seafood, and hidden coves on breathtaking beaches—giving it the nickname The Algarve of Asia. Here’s why it needs to be on your bucket list.
Why is this secret coastal gem being dubbed Asia’s Algarve?
Quy Nhon’s striking coastal destination is a dead ringer for the famous rocky shorelines of southern Portugal. Travellers can explore The Windy Strait (Eo Gio) offering a crescent-shaped rocky strait, with plunging jagged mountains that drop directly into roaring turquoise waters—just like Ponta da Piedade’s dramatic cliffs in the Algarve. From wandering scenic pathways at sunrise to snapping epic shots of the ocean views…it’s the ultimate Portuguese dupe.
Additionally, Quy Nhon has its own ancient history that resembles Portugal’s medieval castles. Similarly, there are striking 11th century Hindu temples called Cham Towers such as Banh It, built by the ancient Champa Kingdom on lush green hilltops overlooking the ocean.
Meanwhile, the real showstopper is a secluded bay with hidden coves to explore just a short boat ride away. Interestingly, the uncrowded beach paradise named Ky Co Beach has earned the local title of the Maldives of Vietnam. Travellers are often spotted lounging on the pristine white sand, swimming in the shallow crystal-clear waters, and enjoying a range of water sports including canoeing to the secret coves.
Plus, the string of humbling fishing villages in Quy Nhon bare striking resemblance to those in The Algarve. Although, places like Bai Xep remain authentic, working fishing villages where life revolved around the tides and local fishermen are often seen working in basket boats. In contrast, old Portuguese fishing villages such as Comporta or Faro have been overrun with luxury mega resorts and tourism.
Excellently, Asia’s Algarve is just as famous for seafood as Portugal. For instance, Quy Nhon has its own world-class seafood culture with plenty of street markets offering cheap grilled scallops, fresh sea snails, and dishes just caught hours prior offshore. And the best part is that everything is spectacularly cheap value in Vietnamese prices.
Other things to do in Quy Nhon
Beyond the dramatic European-like cliffs and ancient ruins, Quy Nhon hides plenty of thrilling attractions to make your itinerary unforgettable. From a secluded retreat once favoured by Vietnam’s last Empress Queen’s Beach to strolling along egg-shaped stones that look like giant dinosaur eggs, and jumping on a wooden board down the towering Phuong Mai Sand Dunes….this under-the-radar gem packs a massive selection of budget-friendly activities into one.
Certainly, Quy Nhon is a unique lesser-known destination to discover offering a mix of raw natural beauty and deeply rooted authenticity. But it won’t stay a secret in Southeast Asia for too long so you better get booking!
How is it 5x cheaper than Portugal?
The massive draw is that a trip to Vietnam is extremely affordable compared to a long-haul trip to Portugal. The price breakdown includes a round-trip flight to Quy Nhon (via Ho Chi Minh City) usually costing around S$250, while a round-trip flight to Portugal’s Lisbon or Faro could easily set you back S$1,800+ from Changi Airport. Meanwhile, local Vietnamese dishes are priced as little as S$5. Plus, a gorgeous beachside resort in Quy Nhon is around S$50 per night, while The Algarve’s hectic summer season could see you pay between S$250 and S$400 per night. Overall, this means Vietnam’s hidden gem is 5x cheaper.
How to get there
Travellers from Singapore can reach Vietnam’s Quy Nhon in a few short hours. There is a direct flight from Changi Airport to Ho Chi Minh City in 2 hours and 10 minutes, followed by a connecting flight to the coastal town in 1 hour and 10 minutes. Absolutely, the connection is worth the extra hours to see the Algarve of Asia for yourself.
