Thi Nai Lagoon

Thi Nai Lagoon is one of Gia Lai’s prominent destinations, attracting tourists with its serene beauty, rich ecosystem, and close-to-nature experiences. Located between Quy Nhon and Tuy Phuoc, the lagoon covers an area of ​​over 5,000 hectares, making it the largest brackish water lagoon in the province and one of the largest lagoons in Central Vietnam. With its vast landscape, fresh air, and rich cultural and historical values, Thi Nai Lagoon is an ideal stop for those who want to explore a rustic yet captivating Gia Lai.

An ecological gem in the heart of Gia Lai

The most impressive feature of Thi Nai Lagoon is its expansive natural scenery, with its long stretch of water reflecting the blue sky and the low mountain ranges in the distance. Each time of day, the lagoon offers a unique beauty. Sunrise casts a thin layer of mist over the lagoon, creating a peaceful scene, while sunset paints the entire area with vibrant orange-yellow hues. This is also the time many tourists choose to admire the scenery and capture beautiful photographs.

A landmark of the area is the Thi Nai Bridge – a bridge spanning the lagoon connecting the center of Quy Nhon with the Phuong Mai peninsula. This is the longest sea-crossing bridge in Vietnam, with a total length of nearly 2.5 km, a railing width of 15.5 m, and 54 spans. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the vast lagoon, mangrove forests, and fishing villages along the shore. This is one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Gia Lai, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Beyond its picturesque scenery, Thi Nai Lagoon boasts a diverse mangrove ecosystem. The mangrove forests provide a habitat for many species of fish, shrimp, crabs, and other aquatic creatures. It is also home to 5,000- 7,000 migratory birds. During the bird migration season, flocks of birds soaring over the water create a vibrant scene, attracting nature lovers and photographers.

In Thi Nai Lagoon, visitors can experience many interesting activities such as boat trips to explore the lagoon, admire the mangrove forests, go fishing, or learn about the lives of local fishermen. The tranquil atmosphere and slow pace of life offer a relaxing feeling, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of coastal tourist areas.

Thi Nai Lagoon is also famous for its fresh seafood. Thanks to its nutrient-rich brackish water, it’s an ideal environment for many aquatic species to thrive, such as crabs, prawns, mullet, sea bass, and oysters. Along the lagoon’s edge, many restaurants serve seafood dishes prepared with local flavors, offering a fascinating culinary experience for visitors.

Thanks to its convenient location, Thi Nai Lagoon is often included in itineraries exploring Quy Nhon along with Eo Gio-Ky Co, Phuong Mai Peninsula, Doi (Twin) Tower, or other famous beaches in Gia Lai. Just a 15-20 minute drive from the center, visitors can immerse themselves in the expansive natural landscape and enjoy the fresh air.