The bicycle wheels roll freely through the streets
On the breezy coastal roads of Tuy Hoa City in the early morning and late afternoon, many people choose cycling as a way to improve their health. For them, it’s not only a fitness activity but also a joyful experience—riding along beautiful routes and relaxing in the embrace of nature.
Over the past decade, the cycling movement has grown in popularity, becoming a distinctive feature of the young city of Tuy Hoa.
A love for bicycles
At just past 4:30 a.m., while the sky is still dark, groups of cyclists can already be seen heading towards the sea on Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Hue, and Tran Phu streets. Many of them cross the Hung Vuong Bridge, riding out of the city towards Dong Hoa Town. I, too, hop on my familiar bicycle to start my journey.
After about 10 minutes of riding, the dawn begins to appear as a pink hue in the eastern sky. The scenery on both sides of the road gradually emerges. In the fresh morning air, the sea breeze cools my face, filling my body with a sense of calm and comfort. In this peaceful early hour, with sparse traffic, I can even hear birds chirping brightly in the casuarina trees.
I strike up a conversation with Ms. Nguyen Thanh Xuan (50 years old, from Phu Dong Ward), who has been passionate about cycling for over two years. She says she gets up early every day to ride from her house to Hung Vuong Avenue, then to Nghinh Phong Tower, and along Doc Lap Street by the Tuy Hoa coastline back home. “Maintaining this habit daily, I feel my mood improves, and I’m more energetic and resilient,” she shares.
Cycling every day is also a routine for Mr. Pham Van Phuong (from Phu Dong Ward), who has kept it up for more than five years since retiring. According to the 67-year-old man, riding more than 25 kilometers each day has helped him gradually overcome issues such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Through cycling, Mr. Phuong hopes to spread his love for sports and positive energy to his grandchildren.
Along the coastal road from Tuy Hoa City to Dong Hoa Town, I often see a group of teenagers aged 13 to 16 cycling by. Among them are Nguyen Ngoc Thuat, Le Thanh Danh (from Hoa Tri commune, Phu Hoa district), Le Huynh Phuc Nguyen (from Ward 9), and Tran Viet Nguyen (from Ward 5). Thuat and Danh are in Grade 8 at Luong Van Chanh Secondary School, while Phuc Nguyen and Viet Nguyen are 11th graders at Duy Tan High School.
Wiping sweat from his forehead while pedaling, Thanh Danh smiles and says: “I wake up at 4:30 a.m. every day, then cycle with friends to our meeting point at Vincom (Ward 5). From there, we ride over Hung Vuong Bridge to Hoa Hiep Industrial Park and back. On days when we feel strong, we even ride all the way to Mui Dien (Dong Hoa Town)… Cycling daily makes us feel healthy, happy, more connected with friends, and study better. Our parents fully support us joining this sport.”
Discovery and experience
Over the past ten years, bicycles have become increasingly present on the fresh, green coastal roads of this land known for its “yellow flowers and green grass.” These roads are popular with cycling enthusiasts of all ages—from middle-aged people to teenagers, from office workers to civil servants, retirees, businesspeople, students, and more.
Many people don’t hesitate to invest millions to tens of millions of VND in bikes, along with accessories, cycling gear, helmets, shoes, gloves, and more, just like professional cyclists. For them, besides the health benefits, cycling is also an enjoyable way to spend time with friends, explore scenic routes, and reconnect with everyday life’s beauty and meaning.
Phu Yen is not only famous for its blue sea, white sand, and flavorful cuisine but also for its long, beautiful, and poetic coastal roads. Many visitors to Phu Yen enjoy exploring the area by bicycle.
Nguyen Minh Duc, a professional cyclist from Ninh Thuan, shares: “I have a close friend in Phu Yen, so I’ve had the chance to visit many times. I love the coastal roads here, especially the route from Tuy Hoa City to Mui Dien – Dai Lanh Lighthouse, with lush mountains on one side and the vast sea on the other. Cycling while enjoying the view and stopping to take photos with friends—there’s nothing better.”
Mr. Le Quang Minh from Hanoi says: “This is my third visit to Phu Yen. This time, I decided to rent a bicycle from the hotel to discover the charming city of Tuy Hoa, instead of touring by car as before.” From the United States, Ms. Cloe Parks shares: “I love cycling along the coastal roads here. The scenery and climate are stunning, and the locals are so friendly and hospitable.”
Messages from the wheels
According to experts, cycling is a great way to stay active daily. It improves cardiovascular health, enhances flexibility, strengthens muscles, and helps shape the body. As such, the use of bicycles is being promoted worldwide. Cycling helps reduce air pollution and creates a cleaner living environment.
Since 2018, the United Nations has designated June 3 each year as World Bicycle Day to celebrate the benefits of cycling for health and environmental protection. It’s also a time for countries to commit to building a greener, healthier, and happier future, especially now as traffic congestion remains a pressing issue in many crowded urban areas.
In late 2023, Vietnam welcomed many international leaders. Among the most memorable images from these visits was the sight of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte cycling together under Hanoi’s ancient tree-lined streets. This image conveyed a powerful message to the world about a beautiful, peaceful, friendly, and welcoming Vietnam.
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