Dai Lanh

Situated on a colourful harbour, Dai Lanh, the beach here is beautiful, making it a fine day-trip destination. We can't recommend it for an overnight if you have a choice -- there are only two places to stay, and they aren't very good, food options are limited, and after you've gone for a swim, there are better things to do than linger here.

That said, putting up with Dai Lanh's lacklustre facilities might make sense for those interested in exploring the Hon Gon peninsula. You'll need to look at a map to appreciate the unique geography of the area -- the peninsula is really a large island connected to the mainland via a long, thin sand bar.

All along the coast there are two-story sand dunes, and mile after mile of beautiful beach. Together with nearby Hon Lon Island it's a massive area waiting to be explored -- we were disappointed to only be able to get a taste of it on our visit.

If you've got the time and the transport, it looks to be an ideal place to get away from it all. It's a great place to get lost without getting too lost -- there's ocean in every direction, but for the single road leading back to the mainland.

Orientation
Dai Lanh is just a blip on the road heading north from Nha Trang. There's no bank, and for almost all other services, we can only suggest you head 37km north to Tuy Hoa. There is one internet place, on the western side of the highway, in the northern part of town. The sign doesn't advertise the name, but it does indicate that internet is available, along with Vinaphone services. To get to the Hon Gon peninsula, head south on Highway 1A and take the first left to the east.

No-Name Vinaphone internet: Highway 1A, T: (058) 842 129. Open: 6:00 to 22:00

Arriving and departing
Any of the buses going up and down Highway 1A can be coaxed into stopping here. Otherwise, to arrange transport, call Dai Lanh Tourist (T:(058) 842 127, (058) 842 133). As far as we know, the trains don't stop here, but some daily local shuttles between Nha Trang and Tuy Hoa might.