Bai Mon - Mui Dien, Old Phu Yen, New Dak Lak

Bai Mon - Mui Dien: The "Sun Gate" of the New Dak Lak Region (Formerly Phu Yen)

At the foot of the majestic Dai Lanh lighthouse, where the first rays of the new day touch Vietnam's S-shaped strip of land, Bai Mon appears as a giant arch embracing the ocean. For avid travelers, the name Bai Mon - Mui Dien is no longer unfamiliar, but the context of 2026 has brought a completely different position to this region.

After the historic administrative reform on July 1, 2025, when Vietnam's map was reorganized into 34 streamlined provinces and cities, the former Phu Yen region officially merged and became the strategic coastal gateway of the New Dak Lak province. This change is not only geographical but also opens up vital connecting routes from the Central Highlands to the sea, transforming Bai Mon into a true "golden forest, silver sea" destination. At LocalTrips.ORG, we spent 2 weeks stationed here to update the latest changes, providing you with an authentic perspective on conquering the easternmost point in the new era.

1. Geographical Location and New Administrative Context 2026

Bai Mon nestles at the foot of Deo Ca Pass, within Hoa Tam commune, Dong Hoa town. Before 2025, this was the pride of Phu Yen province. Currently, on administrative documents and the updated 2026 Google Maps, this area belongs to the Coastal Subdivision of the New Dak Lak province.

This merger has created a strong infrastructure boost. Bai Mon is no longer an isolated destination on the Central Vietnamese coast but has become the "backyard beach" of the entire vast Central Highlands region.

• Coordinates: Located about 35km southeast of the city center (formerly Tuy Hoa, now a coastal urban area directly under the province).
• Topographical features: Bai Mon is nestled between two mountains, forming an arc shape, providing excellent wind protection. This is why the sea here is calm even when there are big waves offshore.
• Highlight: This is the only place on the mainland where you can witness the earliest sunrise (the debate about the easternmost point between Mui Dien and Mui Doi still exists, but for tourism, Mui Dien is considered the symbol of the first sunlight).

![Image: Panoramic view of Bai Mon from above with fine white sand and a freshwater stream flowing into the sea. Alt text: Flycam of Bai Mon Mui Dien in New Dak Lak, an arc-shaped beach at the foot of Dai Lanh lighthouse.]

2. Ideal Time to "Hunt" the Sun

The climate in the New Dak Lak Coastal Subdivision is influenced by tropical monsoons and strong sea winds. Based on the practical experience of the Local Trips team over many years of observation:

• January to August: This is the "golden time." The sky is clear blue, the sun is golden, the sea is calm, and the water has a distinctive jade green color. Especially, from February to May is the best season for overnight camping because the night air is cool, not too cold, and there is no rain.
• September to December: This area enters the rainy and stormy season of Central Vietnam. Big waves and strong winds can be dangerous for swimming or climbing the lighthouse. If you go during this period, you need to closely monitor the weather forecast for the New Dak Lak province.

Note: If your main goal is to watch the sunrise, check the sunrise time in advance (usually from 5:15 - 5:30 AM depending on the season) to plan your travel accordingly.

3. Travel Guide & Transport Infrastructure 2026

Thanks to the merger with New Dak Lak, National Highway 29, connecting Buon Ma Thuot to Vung Ro port and Bai Mon, has been upgraded to a 4-lane expressway, reducing travel time from the Central Highlands to the sea to just over 2 hours.

Travel by air

Tuy Hoa Airport (now Dak Lak Coastal International Airport) has expanded its runway to accommodate international flights. From the airport, it only takes about 40 minutes by taxi or private car to reach Bai Mon.

Phuoc Tan - Bai Nga coastal road

This is the route that LocalTrips highly recommends you experience. Known as one of Vietnam's most beautiful coastal roads, this route winds through rolling sand dunes and majestic rocky outcrops.

• Motorbike: The most flexible means of transport. You can rent a motorbike at the coastal urban center for about 150,000 - 200,000 VND/day.
• Self-driving car: The road is very beautiful and uncrowded, with smooth asphalt (regularly maintained according to new infrastructure standards).
• Public bus: High-quality bus route 08 (Buon Ma Thuot - Vung Ro) has a stop right at the junction leading to Mui Dien.

![Image: Phuoc Tan - Bai Nga coastal road winding with mountains on one side and the deep blue sea on the other. Alt text: The most beautiful coastal road in New Dak Lak leading to Bai Mon.]

4. Explore the Bai Mon - Mui Dien Scenic Complex

We noticed that many tourists only visit the lighthouse for a check-in and then leave, missing out on many profound experiences here. Below is an optimized itinerary for visiting:

Bai Mon - The Most Pristine Beach

There are no resorts, no concrete restaurants right on the beach; Bai Mon retains its pristine beauty. The beach is about 400m long, astonishingly white and clean.

• Suoi Dong Be: An interesting geographical feature here is a freshwater stream flowing from a mountain gorge, crossing the beach and then emptying into the sea. The stream water is clear and cool, an ideal place to rinse off after swimming in the salty sea.

Dai Lanh Lighthouse (Mui Dien)

Built by the French in 1890, this lighthouse is an enduring historical witness.

• Journey: You will have to walk about 1km up stone steps or follow a trail along the stream.
• View: From the top of the lighthouse tower, you can gaze out over the vast East Sea and see tiny fishing boats like bamboo leaves on the water.

Mui Rang Dong (Cape of Dawn)

This is the easternmost point on the mainland (according to the coordinate marker). Here, there is a granite stele inscribed with the words: "Where the first rays of dawn touch the mainland of Vietnam." Standing here, feeling the sea wind on your face and hearing the waves crash against the sheer cliffs is a powerful experience of nature.

5. "Signature" Experience: Overnight Camping & Sunrise Viewing

Accommodation services at Bai Mon - Mui Dien are mainly self-arranged or small-scale services provided by the management board. This is not a place for luxurious retreats but a paradise for campers.

Camping Procedure (Updated 2026)

According to new regulations from the Management Board of New Dak Lak Provincial Relics, overnight camping requires prior registration through a local tourism application or directly at the ticket gate to ensure security and environmental hygiene.

1. Tent rental: Tents (4-person, 2-person) can be rented at the ticket counter or you can bring your own.
2. Nighttime dining: You should prepare food from Dong Hoa town or buy seafood at the nearby Vung Ro port. A BBQ party on the beach under a star-filled sky, listening to the stream and waves, is a "million-dollar" experience that no 5-star hotel can offer.
3. Watching the sunrise: At 4:30 AM, wake up, get ready, and start climbing the lighthouse or Mui Rang Dong. Don't forget to bring a flashlight and a light windbreaker.

![Image: Tents pitched on Bai Mon beach at night with a campfire and starry sky. Alt text: Overnight camping at old Bai Mon Phu Yen - a backpacking experience in New Dak Lak.]

6. Local Cuisine: Flavors of the Sea and Forest

The administrative merger brings an exciting culinary fusion between East Sea seafood and Central Highlands spices.

• Ocean tuna eye (Ocean headlight): The "signature" dish of the former Phu Yen region. The fish eye is stewed in an earthen pot with traditional Chinese medicine, jujube, and goji berries. It has a rich, sweet, and extremely nutritious flavor.
• Vung Ro seafood: Lobster, Huynh De crab, spiral babylon… caught and served fresh at the Vung Ro floating rafts (5km from Bai Mon).
• Grilled chicken with chili salt and é leaves: A new variation as Central Highlands culture extends to the coast. Free-range chicken with firm meat, grilled with the distinctive white é leaves of this region, creates an irresistible spicy flavor.
• Chive banh canh: A rustic dish with the eye-catching green of chives, and a sweet broth made from mackerel.

7. Reference Service Price List (Updated 2026)

Below is an estimated cost table to help you budget (Unit: VND). Note that prices may change during holidays.

8. Important Notes from LocalTrips Experts

To ensure a complete and safe trip, especially in the new administrative context, please note the following:

• Undertows: Although Bai Mon appears calm, there are rip currents. Absolutely do not swim too far from shore and obey safety signs.
• Environmental hygiene: With the "Green Tourism" policy of the New Dak Lak province, penalties for littering are very high (up to 3,000,000 VND). Please take your trash off the beach.
• Phone signal: Phone signal in the Bai Mon basin can sometimes be erratic. This is a good opportunity for a technology "detox," but inform your family or friends of your itinerary in advance.
• Attire: You should wear sports shoes with good grip for climbing the lighthouse and Mui Rang Dong. The rocks in this area can be quite slippery.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which province does Bai Mon belong to in 2026?
After July 1, 2025, Bai Mon (formerly belonging to Phu Yen) now belongs to the Coastal Subdivision of the New Dak Lak province. However, locals still refer to it as the "Xu Nau" region.

2. Are there any hotels or resorts right at Bai Mon?
No. To preserve the natural landscape, no permanent structures have been built on the beach. You can only camp or stay at hotels in nearby areas (about 10-15km away).

3. Is the path to Dai Lanh Lighthouse difficult?
The path has been paved with stone steps and is quite easy, taking about 20-30 minutes. However, if you have difficulty walking, you can hire a local motorbike taxi service to take you directly to the base of the tower.

4. Should I go to Mui Dien or Ghenh Da Dia?
These two locations are on opposite sides of the central city. If you like hiking, camping, and watching the sunrise, choose Mui Dien. If you like unique geological formations, choose Ghenh Da Dia. If you have 3 days and 2 nights, you can definitely visit both.

5. How much does a 2-day, 1-night self-sufficient trip cost?
For a group of 4 people, the average cost is about 1,200,000 - 1,500,000 VND/person (including motorbike rental, gas, unlimited seafood dining, and tent rental).

Conclusion

Bai Mon - Mui Dien is not just a destination; it's a conquest. Standing on the boundary between land and ocean, at the easternmost point of the country in the new administrative form of Dak Lak, you will feel the grandeur and sacredness of nature. Though administrative names may change, the pristine beauty, the gentle sound of the waves, and the radiant sunrise here remain unchanged.

Do not hesitate to leave a comment below if you need more detailed information about the itinerary or want LocalTrips to help connect you with reputable camping services. Pack your bags and go be the first to greet the new day!

Contact LocalTrips.ORG now for a completely free "tailor-made" 3-day, 2-night itinerary to explore New Dak Lak!