Phu Yen on Film – Explore the Real-Life Locations of Yellow Flowers on Green Grass
Phu Yen on Film – Explore the Real-Life Locations of Yellow Flowers on Green Grass
Meta Description: Discover the beautiful Phu Yen filming locations of Yellow Flowers on Green Grass, from Bai Xep and Ganh Ong to O Loan Lagoon and Hon Yen.
Some destinations become famous because of their beaches. Others are remembered for their food, architecture or history. Phu Yen has another claim to fame: its unforgettable landscapes became part of one of Vietnam’s most beloved coming-of-age films, Yellow Flowers on Green Grass (Tôi Thấy Hoa Vàng Trên Cỏ Xanh).
Released in 2015 and inspired by the work of Vietnamese writer Nguyen Nhat Anh, the film introduced audiences to a dreamy rural landscape filled with green fields, coastal scenery, small villages and the innocence of childhood.
What makes the story even more appealing to travelers is that much of that atmosphere can still be experienced in Phu Yen today.
You do not need a movie set or special effects to recreate the feeling. Walk across the grassy hills, stand above the rocky coastline, watch fishing boats move across the water and explore the quiet countryside. Suddenly, the scenes from the film begin to feel much closer to reality.
Why Did Phu Yen Become the Perfect Film Location?
Phu Yen has a visual quality that is difficult to manufacture.
The province combines broad agricultural landscapes with rugged coastlines, traditional villages, fishing communities and relatively untouched natural scenery. Instead of looking like a heavily developed beach resort, many areas retain a simple, authentic character.
For filmmakers, that creates a natural backdrop for stories about childhood, family, friendship and rural life. For travelers, it creates an opportunity to experience the landscapes that inspired some of the film’s most memorable images.
Bai Xep – One of the Most Famous Film Landscapes
Bai Xep is perhaps the place most closely associated with the film’s visual identity.
The coastline combines a sandy beach, green vegetation, rocky cliffs and views across the blue sea. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to understand why the location became such an important part of the movie.
For visitors, the experience is less about trying to reproduce an exact movie scene and more about enjoying the landscape itself.
Walk along the beach, explore the rocky areas and look toward the hills from the shoreline. If you enjoy photography, the combination of green grass, dark rocks and blue water creates naturally strong compositions.
Photography Tip at Bai Xep
Arrive early in the morning or stay until late afternoon. Softer sunlight can bring out the textures of the cliffs and make the colors of the landscape more atmospheric.
From higher ground, you can also capture wider views of the coastline rather than photographing only the beach itself.
Ganh Ong – Dramatic Rocks Above the Sea
Not far from Bai Xep, Ganh Ong provides another memorable coastal setting.
The rocky landscape reaches toward the sea and creates an impressive viewpoint over the surrounding coastline. The sound of waves, ocean breeze and open horizon give the area a wonderfully cinematic atmosphere.
This is a good place to slow down. Find a comfortable viewpoint, watch the fishing boats offshore and let the landscape do the work.
For photographers, try using the rock formations as a foreground element while keeping the ocean and sky in the background. This creates more depth than a simple straight-on coastal photograph.
O Loan Lagoon – A Peaceful Side of Phu Yen
O Loan Lagoon offers a completely different mood from the open coastline.
The expansive lagoon is surrounded by green hills and rural communities, creating a calm environment that reflects another side of the landscapes associated with Yellow Flowers on Green Grass.
Early morning is especially beautiful, when the water can appear almost mirror-like and local fishing activity begins along the shoreline.
If conditions and local services permit, a boat trip can be a relaxing way to explore the lagoon. You can photograph fishing boats, reflections, birds and the surrounding hills while experiencing the quieter rhythm of local life.
Don’t Leave Without Trying the Seafood
O Loan Lagoon is also famous for its seafood. Make time for a local meal and try fresh regional specialties, especially dishes featuring seafood sourced from the lagoon and nearby coast.
This combination of landscape and food makes O Loan an excellent stop on a Phu Yen tour.
Hon Yen – A Coastal Escape Shaped by the Tides
Hon Yen is another fascinating destination to add to a Phu Yen itinerary, particularly for travelers who enjoy unusual coastal landscapes.
The small offshore formation and surrounding shoreline offer opportunities to see rocky terrain, clear water and marine life. The appearance of the area can change considerably according to the tides, which makes timing an important part of the experience.
On suitable days, visitors can explore the coast, photograph the rock formations and enjoy the surrounding seascape.
Before planning water activities, always check local weather, tide and sea conditions and follow guidance from local operators.
The Green Countryside Behind the Movie
One of the most memorable elements of Yellow Flowers on Green Grass is not a particular landmark. It is the feeling of the countryside.
That feeling can still be found beyond Phu Yen’s major attractions.
Travel inland and you will encounter rice fields, small roads, traditional houses, trees and agricultural communities. Depending on the season, the fields may appear bright green or golden yellow.
This is the side of Phu Yen that rewards travelers who are willing to slow down and explore without a strict checklist.
Rent a motorbike if you are an experienced rider, or arrange private transportation and simply follow the quieter roads between attractions. Stop for coffee, take photographs and enjoy the scenery.
Beyond the Movie: More Places to Explore in Phu Yen
Following the film trail can be the starting point of your trip, but there is no reason to stop there. Phu Yen offers plenty of other attractions that can easily be incorporated into a movie-inspired itinerary.
Tuy Hoa – Explore the Heart of Phu Yen
Tuy Hoa is the provincial capital and a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region.
Spend some time walking through local streets, visiting markets and discovering small cafés. The city is also a good place to sample regional specialties before heading back out toward the countryside.
For travelers who prefer a balance between sightseeing and everyday local life, Tuy Hoa provides a comfortable contrast to Phu Yen’s more remote landscapes.
Nhan Tower – Discover Cham Heritage
Located on a hill overlooking Tuy Hoa, Nhan Tower introduces visitors to the ancient Cham heritage of the region.
The weathered brick architecture stands out against the surrounding modern city and green landscape. It is particularly photogenic around sunset, when warm light highlights the texture of the tower.
Take time to photograph the architectural details rather than only the entire structure. The brick patterns, decorative elements and changing shadows can produce excellent close-up images.
Da Bia Mountain – A Challenge With a View
For travelers who want to add some physical adventure to their Phu Yen journey, Da Bia Mountain offers a more active experience.
The mountain is associated with the dramatic landscape around Vung Ro Bay. The journey toward higher viewpoints provides changing perspectives over the surrounding coastline and mountains.
Wear appropriate footwear, bring sufficient water and allow plenty of time if hiking conditions require it.
Da Dia Reef – A Natural Masterpiece
If you are already exploring Phu Yen’s cinematic landscapes, make room for Ganh Da Dia.
The unusual basalt formations resemble a vast arrangement of stone columns and create one of the most distinctive geological landscapes in Vietnam.
The dark rocks against the turquoise sea provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Try different angles and use the repeating patterns of the rocks to create leading lines toward the horizon.
Mui Dien and Dai Lanh Lighthouse
Continue south and you can discover another spectacular section of Phu Yen’s coastline around Mui Dien and Dai Lanh Lighthouse.
The lighthouse stands above the sea, surrounded by cliffs and wide-open views. Sunrise is particularly popular with photographers because the changing colors over the ocean can create spectacular images.
If sunrise is part of your plan, stay nearby the night before so you do not have to make a long early-morning journey.
How to Create a Yellow Flowers on Green Grass-Inspired Itinerary
You can easily turn the movie theme into a two- or three-day Phu Yen journey.
Day 1: Tuy Hoa & Cultural Discovery
- Explore Tuy Hoa.
- Visit Nhan Tower.
- Try local Phu Yen specialties.
- Relax at a local café.
Day 2: Bai Xep, Ganh Ong & O Loan Lagoon
- Start early at Bai Xep.
- Explore the coastline around Ganh Ong.
- Continue toward O Loan Lagoon.
- Enjoy fresh seafood by the water.
Day 3: Da Dia Reef & Southern Coast
- Visit Ganh Da Dia.
- Explore local coastal communities.
- Continue toward Mui Dien and Dai Lanh Lighthouse.
- Finish the day watching the sunset by the sea.
If you have more time, extend the journey toward Hon Yen, Vung Ro Bay, Da Bia Mountain and Phu Yen’s inland countryside.
Best Photography Tips for Following the Film Trail
If you are visiting Phu Yen because of the movie’s beautiful cinematography, bring a camera—or simply make sure your phone has plenty of storage.
- Shoot during golden hour: Early morning and late afternoon offer softer, warmer light.
- Look beyond landmarks: Fishing boats, rice fields, old houses and local markets can tell a stronger story than a standard attraction photo.
- Use people for scale: A person walking along a beach or standing beside a rock formation can emphasize the size of the landscape.
- Photograph details: Look for flowers, fishing nets, weathered wood, waves and textures.
- Respect local life: Ask permission before taking close-up photographs of residents.
Travel Tips for Exploring Phu Yen’s Film Locations
The attractions featured in or associated with the film are spread across different parts of the province, so transportation deserves some planning.
A motorbike offers freedom for experienced riders, while private transportation is more convenient for families and groups. Organized tours can also help when you want to combine several distant attractions in one day.
Bring sun protection, drinking water and comfortable footwear. Some viewpoints involve uneven terrain, and coastal weather can change quickly.
Most importantly, do not treat the locations as movie sets. They are real beaches, villages, fishing communities and natural environments where people live and work. Keep the scenery clean and respect local residents.
Combine the Phu Yen Film Trail With Quy Nhon
If you have extra time in Vietnam’s south-central region, consider extending your journey north to Quy Nhon.
A Quy Nhon tour can complement your Phu Yen experience with another collection of beaches, islands, fishing villages and coastal viewpoints.
Travelers looking for an organized experience can also choose a Quy Nhon group tour, then continue independently toward Phu Yen.
Alternatively, a Phu Yen group tour can make it easier to cover major attractions without spending too much time arranging transportation.
Experience the Real Phu Yen Beyond the Screen
Yellow Flowers on Green Grass introduced millions of viewers to a beautiful vision of Vietnam’s countryside, but visiting Phu Yen allows you to discover something more personal.
The real destination is not simply a collection of movie locations. It is the sound of fishing boats returning at dawn, the smell of seafood grilling beside the road, the breeze coming across O Loan Lagoon, the quiet streets of Tuy Hoa and the changing colors of the coast at sunset.
That is what makes Phu Yen so rewarding. The movie may have inspired you to visit, but the province itself gives you plenty of reasons to stay curious.
For more travel ideas, local experiences and regional itineraries, explore Quy Nhon Explorer.
Whether you are a movie fan, photographer, nature lover or simply looking for a quieter corner of Vietnam, a Phu Yen tour can take you far beyond the scenes you remember from the screen.
Come for the movie landscapes, but stay for the real Phu Yen—the beaches, villages, food, culture and unforgettable coastal scenery waiting just beyond the frame.
