How do I visit Mui Dien (Cape Varella) from Tuy Hoa?
Mui Dien (Cape Varella) is 25–30km south of Tuy Hoa in Hoa Tam commune. Ride south on Highway 1A then turn toward the coast. Park at the base and hike 15–20 minutes to the lighthouse. Bai Mon beach is below via 300 steps or a trail. Go at 4:45am for Vietnam's mainland first sunrise.
The sun rises first at Mui Dien. On Vietnam’s mainland coast, this headland at the southern end of Phu Yen province is as far east as the land goes — the lighthouse here catches the first light before any other point on the ground.
Most travelers sleep through it. The ones who set an alarm and ride south at 4:45am remember it.
Getting there
Mui Dien is in Hoa Tam commune, Dong Hoa district — about 25 to 30 kilometers south of Tuy Hoa city center. From central Tuy Hoa, take National Highway 1A south. After roughly 20 kilometers you’ll pass through the small town of Hoa Hiep. Continue south; when you reach the base of Deo Ca (the mountain pass marking the border with Khanh Hoa province), look for the turnoff toward the coast — signs point to Bai Mon and Mui Dai Lanh. Turn east. The road narrows to a single lane through coastal scrub. Drive until it ends at a parking area near the base of the headland.
Total riding time from Tuy Hoa: approximately 45 minutes on a clear road.
The lighthouse
From the parking area, a paved path climbs the headland to the lighthouse — about 15 to 20 minutes on foot. The lighthouse is French-built, dating from the colonial period, and still in active operation. The building itself is closed to visitors, but the headland around it is open. The view from the top is unobstructed in three directions: open sea to the east, the curve of the Phu Yen coast to the north, and the mountains of Deo Ca to the south.
The sunrise from here on a clear morning arrives somewhere between 5:30 and 5:50am, depending on the season. In the months near the solstice it’s earlier; in winter, later. Come prepared with a headlamp for the trail up.
Bai Mon beach
Below the lighthouse, Bai Mon is a small beach accessible by descending roughly 300 steps or taking a parallel trail cut into the hillside. The beach is narrow and backed by rock, with clear water and no development whatsoever — no food stalls, no umbrellas for rent, no lifeguard. What it has is quiet and a view up to the lighthouse cliff that photographs well.
Bring water and anything you want to eat. Nothing is sold here. The beach is swimmable from January through August; avoid it from September to December when the south winds rough up the water.
What to bring
- Headlamp or phone torch — the path to the lighthouse is unlit
- Jacket — it’s cool near the cape in early morning year-round
- Water and snacks — nothing available at the site
- Reef shoes if you plan to wade at Bai Mon
Combining with other stops
Mui Dien works well as the first stop on a southern day loop from Tuy Hoa:
- Leave Tuy Hoa at 4:45am → Mui Dien for sunrise (~5:30–5:50am)
- Explore Bai Mon beach until 8am
- Continue south to Vung Ro Bay — boat trip through the sheltered bay
- Return north via Highway 1A for lunch in Tuy Hoa by early afternoon