Queen’s Beach, locally known as Bãi tắm Hoàng Hậu (Empress Beach) or Bãi Trứng (Egg Beach), is a historically significant and visually unique destination nestled within the Ghềnh Ráng – Tiên Sa Scenic Complex. Its convenient location—only about 3 kilometers southeast of central Quy Nhơn—makes it one of the most accessible and beloved landmarks in Bình Định Province.
History and the Royal Connection
The beach’s elegant name originates from a fascinating royal anecdote.
Imperial Association: Legend holds that Vietnam’s last Empress, Nam Phương, visited and chose this particular cove as her favorite resting and swimming spot during her travels with Emperor Bảo Đại in 1927. This royal endorsement solidified its place as the “Queen’s Beach.”
Ghềnh Ráng – Tiên Sa: The beach forms part of the larger Ghềnh Ráng area, which King Bảo Đại designated as a royal vacation retreat. Visitors can sense the tranquil, exclusive atmosphere that historically attracted the monarchy.
The Unique Stone Egg Beach
The beach is most famous for its highly unusual geological feature, distinguishing it from the fine-sand beaches of the region.
Egg-Shaped Rocks: Thousands of smooth, round stones, resembling giant bird eggs, cover the shore. The constant motion of the waves polished these rocks over millennia, creating a stunning, rare landscape. You can take off your shoes and enjoy the sensation of walking barefoot across the smooth, water-washed “eggs.”
Photogenic Scenery: The combination of the turquoise water, the surrounding rocky cliffs, and the unique stone shoreline provides excellent opportunities for photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset when the low light bathes the rocks in warm colors.
Visitor Information and Nearby Attractions
Queen’s Beach provides a peaceful escape and is often combined with other points of interest in the complex.
Han Mặc Tử’s Tomb: The Ghềnh Ráng complex also houses the resting place and memorial area of the celebrated Vietnamese poet, Hàn Mặc Tử. He spent his final years in the nearby Quy Hòa Leper Hospital and remains an important cultural figure in the area. This memorial offers visitors a moment for quiet reflection.
Tiên Sa Beach: Beyond the Queen’s Beach, the complex includes Bãi Tiên Sa (Fairy Beach), a small cove with a long, white sand beach. This area offers additional stunning coastal views.
Accessibility and Fee: Accessing the Ghềnh Ráng – Tiên Sa Scenic Complex, including Queen’s Beach, is generally free of charge. Parking fees for motorbikes are nominal. Its close proximity to the city means travelers can easily reach it via a short taxi or motorbike ride down Hàn Mặc Tử Street.
Swimming Note: While the water is clear, the beach is often very rocky, meaning it is more suitable for strolling, viewing, and taking photos than for vigorous swimming.
