Stretching for 6km along National Highway No 1, far from the noisy city, Sa Huynh offers a quiet escape along the central coast.

The area was a major salt production centre during the Nguyen Dynasty; its name means "golden sand". Today, tourists can visit the Sa Huynh salt field, where farmers still collect salt for production.

In the 20th century, French archeologists discovered many tombs containing jars and other artifacts. They revealed that the Sa Huynh civilisation was spread over a vast area, from Ngang Pass in the central province of Ha Tinh to Dong Nai and the Central Highlands. At Ma Vuong Hill, visitors can see many of these ancient relics.

"Tourists have many options for day trips. From Sa Huynh beach resort, you can take a half or full day to see the beach, travel in a boat or trek in the forest on Monkey Island," said Sa Huynh resort tour operator Thuy Kieu.

Home to 500 wild monkeys, the island offers adventurers a challenge. "You have to climb up a mountain to land on the island, although you can also rent a boat from local fishermen to explore the island by sea," Kieu said.

Located in central Quang Ngai Province, Sa Huynh is easily accessible by car, train or plane. You can book a tour from travel agencies or go there on your own.

Fly to Chu Lai Airport in Quang Nam Province, 90km away from Sa Huynh, or Phu Cat Airport in Binh Dinh Province. Or take a train to Quang Ngai, followed by an hour-long bus ride.

Sa Huynh is often crowded on summer holidays and weekends. The tourism site attracts 15,000 visitors each year, of which 20 per cent are foreigners.