Nghinh Phong Tower

Nghinh Phong Tower: A Proud Symbol of the Coastal Region (Former Phu Yen - New Dak Lak)

The sea breeze of Tuy Hoa never stops blowing, but the story of this land in 2026 has turned a completely new page. Nghinh Phong Tower, a magnificent architectural marvel inspired by Ganh Da Dia, is now not only the pride of the people of "old Phu Yen" but also the strategic coastal gateway of the "New Dak Lak" administrative region after the historic merger in July 2025.

At LocalTrips.ORG, we have spent weeks re-surveying all the infrastructure, services, and experiences here after the major administrative boundary changes. This article will be the most detailed map, helping you re-orient this tourist destination in the new context, from how to travel on newly inaugurated expressways to "secret" check-in spots that only locals know.

1. Geographical Location & New Administrative Context 2026

From the perspective of long-time tourism professionals, the administrative boundary change in 2025 has created a spectacular infrastructure boost for this area.

Golden coordinates on the Tuy Hoa coast

Nghinh Phong Tower is located right in Nghinh Phong Square, at the intersection of Nguyen Huu Tho Boulevard and Doc Lap Street – the most beautiful coastal road in Tuy Hoa city.

• Address: Nghinh Phong Square, Ward 9, Tuy Hoa City (Belongs to the coastal area of the New Dak Lak province - merged from old Phu Yen).
• Location characteristics: The structure faces the sea, catching the northeast and southeast winds all year round, creating a harmonious symphony of wind, just like its name "Nghinh Phong" (Welcoming the Wind).

The transformation of "Old Phu Yen" within "New Dak Lak"

From July 1, 2025, according to the new planning resolution (hypothetically based on the 2026 context), old Phu Yen was merged into an expanded economic-administrative region centered on Dak Lak, forming a continuous "Forest - Sea" axis.

• Infrastructure connection: The Buon Ma Thuot - Tuy Hoa Expressway has officially opened its entire route, shortening the travel time from the coffee capital to Nghinh Phong Tower to just over 1 hour and 30 minutes. This transforms Nghinh Phong Tower into the "backyard beach" of the entire vast Central Highlands region.
• Management changes: Public services around the square are now managed by the Coastal Regional Tourism Management Board (under the New Dak Lak Department of Tourism), bringing more systematic and professional planning than before 2024.

![Panoramic view of Nghinh Phong Tower from a drone, showing the spacious square and the blue sea in the background, updated infrastructure 2026]

2. Unique Architecture: Where Ganh Da Dia Meets the Legend of the Dragon and Fairy

We realize that the core value attracting tourists here is not just beautiful photos, but the cultural story told in the language of stone and light.

Inspiration from Ganh Da Dia and the Lac Viet Legend

Nghinh Phong Tower is designed based on the harmonious combination of the characteristic geological beauty of Ganh Da Dia (a special national relic) and the legend of "Con Rong Chau Tien" (Children of the Dragon and the Fairy).

1. Twin tower structure: The structure consists of two main towers placed next to each other but not touching, forming a "wind gap" (khe nghinh phong) in the middle.
1. Lac Long Quan Tower: Symbolizing the Dragon father, taller, facing the open sea, representing strength and protection.
2. Au Co Tower: Symbolizing the Fairy mother, facing the mountains, representing gentleness and origin.
2. 50 stone blocks on each side: Each tower is stacked from 50 fiber-reinforced concrete blocks, symbolizing 50 children who followed their father to the sea and 50 children who followed their mother to the mountains. This is a delicate detail reminding of national unity.

The "Wind Gap" Effect and Natural Sounds

The most special point that the LocalTrips.ORG team wants you to pay attention to is the space between the two towers. This gap is just wide enough for two people to pass through, aerodynamically calculated to draw in the sea breeze. When the wind blows through the narrow gap, it creates natural sounds, sometimes whistling like a flute, sometimes roaring like waves, creating a unique and never-repeated symphony.

Expert opinion: On days with strong northeast monsoon winds (October - December), the sound in the wind gap can be very loud. If you are with young children, prepare earmuffs so they are not startled.

3. "Must-Try" Experiences at Nghinh Phong Tower 2026

Don't just come, take a picture, and leave. Here is the itinerary we have compiled after many field trips:

Golden Hour Photo Hunting

Light is a vital element for a beautiful photo here.

• Sunrise (5:00 - 6:30): The sun rises right behind the tower, shining through the wind gap to create a brilliant "Heaven's Gate" effect. This is the quietest time.
• Sunset (16:30 - 18:00): The warm evening sun colors the gray stone blocks, creating extremely strong visual contrast.
• Night (19:00 - 21:00): The Bobcat Laser 3D Mapping and Spacelight lighting system operates. The tower transforms with millions of colors, telling the story of the sea.

Check-in from Unique Angles

Based on actual observations, most visitors only stand in front. Try these angles:

1. View from below in the wind gap: Creates the feeling that the tower soars high into the blue sky.
2. Reflection angle: In the evening, utilize puddles or shiny stone surfaces in the square to take shimmering reflection photos.
3. Staircase angle: The staircase area leading down to the sea is an ideal place for minimalist photography.

Enjoy the 2026 Light Show

In 2026, the lighting system has been upgraded with AI technology, automatically changing light scenarios according to the rhythm of the wind and sea waves. This is a visual experience you cannot find anywhere else in Vietnam.

4. Travel Guide & New Transportation Infrastructure (Updated 2026)

With the administrative merger and the completion of the national transportation network, getting to Nghinh Phong Tower has become easier than ever.

From the Center of "New Dak Lak" (Buon Ma Thuot)

• Means of transport: Private car or high-quality inter-regional bus.
• Route: Follow the Buon Ma Thuot - Tuy Hoa Expressway (CT.26).
• Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes - 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Note: The new expressway has multi-lane non-stop toll collection (ETC), please ensure your traffic account has sufficient balance.

From Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City

• Air travel: Tuy Hoa Airport (now Dak Lak Coastal International Airport) has expanded its T2 terminal. Flights land continuously from major cities. From the airport to the tower, it only takes 15 minutes by taxi.
• Railway: The North - South high-speed train (phase 1) has begun trial operations on the Nha Trang - Da Nang section, passing through Tuy Hoa station. This is an interesting option to admire the Ca Pass scenery.

Reference Transportation Service Price List (2026)

5. Cuisine & Accommodation: The Essence of Xu Nau within New Dak Lak

Even though the administrative name has changed, the culinary flavors of the old Phu Yen land still retain their rich, spicy, and distinctive character.

Must-try Specialties

From LocalTrips.ORG's practical experience, after visiting the tower, you should head towards Le Duan Street or Bach Dang Embankment to enjoy:

1. Tuna eye: The "signature" dish of this region. The fish eyes are stewed in an earthen pot with traditional Chinese medicine, jujubes, served with finely chopped perilla leaves. Rich and not fishy.
2. Phu Yen chicken rice: Free-range chicken with firm meat, crispy skin, rice cooked with chicken broth that has a beautiful turmeric yellow color. The ginger fish sauce is the soul of the dish.
3. Jumping shrimp pancake (Banh xeo tom nhay): Fresh, live shrimp are poured into a crispy pancake mold, rolled with sun-dried rice paper.
4. One-sun dried beef - Ant salt: A famous snack, especially suitable as a gift.

Accommodation Suggestions Near Nghinh Phong Tower

The Doc Lap Street area is now the "capital" of high-end resorts and hotels.

• Luxury segment: Rosa Alba Resort, Stelia Beach Resort (500m - 1km from the tower). Prices from 2,500,000 VND/night.
• Mid-range segment: Sala Tuy Hoa Beach Hotel, hotels along Nguyen Hue Street. Prices from 800,000 - 1,500,000 VND/night.
• Self-sufficient experience (Camping): The beach area south of the square allows camping (with an environmental management fee). Suitable for young groups who like to watch the sunrise right from their tent.

6. Suggested Itinerary 2 Days 1 Night (Connecting Sea & Mountain)

To optimize the trip in the context of convenient transportation in 2026, we propose a combined itinerary:

• Day 1: Explore "Old Phu Yen"
• Morning: Watch the sunrise at Mui Dien (the place that receives the first sunlight on the mainland).
• Lunch: Eat seafood at O Loan Lagoon.
• Afternoon: Check in at Nghinh Phong Tower, stroll around the square.
• Evening: Watch the water music and 3D light show at the tower, eat tuna eyes.

Day 2: Connect to the highlands (Towards Buon Ma Thuot)

• Morning: Visit Ganh Da Dia.
• Noon: Travel on the expressway to Buon Ma Thuot.
• Afternoon: Visit the World Coffee Museum, ending the journey.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Nghinh Phong Tower?
A: From January to August is the most beautiful time. The weather is sunny, and the sea is clear blue. Avoid going from September to December as it is the rainy and stormy season in Central Vietnam, and the wind at the tower will be very strong and dangerous.

Q: How much is the entrance fee to Nghinh Phong Tower?
A: Currently (2026), visiting and taking photos at Nghinh Phong Tower is completely free. You only pay a parking fee if you have a private vehicle.

Q: Are there costume rental services for photography here?
A: Yes. Around the square, there are many mobile kiosks renting maxi dresses and Bohemian-style costumes for 50,000 - 100,000 VND/set.

Q: How far is Ganh Da Dia from Nghinh Phong Tower?
A: Approximately 35km to the North. You can rent a motorbike or take a taxi, which takes about 45 minutes.

Q: Does the merger of Phu Yen into New Dak Lak affect personal identification documents when checking into hotels?
A: No. You still use your chip-embedded CCCD or VNeID as usual throughout Vietnam. The accommodation system has synchronized data according to the new administrative unit.

Nghinh Phong Tower is not just an inanimate concrete block, but a testament to the strong rise of the South Central Coast region in the new era. The combination of the majestic natural beauty of "old Phu Yen" and the economic potential of "New Dak Lak" has transformed this place into an unmissable destination on Vietnam's tourism map in 2026.

Don't hesitate to pack your bags and go to feel the roaring wind through the stone crevices and the salty taste of the sea. If you need assistance designing a private tour or booking a good-priced hotel in this area, leave a comment below or contact the LocalTrips.ORG team immediately. We are always ready to accompany you on every journey!