Vietnam's 80km scenic coastal highway: Smooth asphalt, breathtaking views and zero gas stations

Vo Chi Cong Road, also known as Route 129, runs along central Vietnam's coast, connecting parts of Da Nang with Chu Lai Airport in the former Quang Nam Province. Traffic has increased in recent months, particularly freight trucks and tourist vehicles traveling between Hoi An and other popular destinations.

However, the roughly 75-80 km stretch between Cua Dai Bridge near Hoi An and Chu Lai Airport has no gas stations, forcing drivers to carefully manage their fuel or take detours to refuel.

Nguyen Ngoc Hung, director of Petrolimex's Quang Nam branch, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper that the company is exploring potential sites and working with local authorities to build fuel stations along the route.

He said demand for fuel was rising and local authorities were helping identify suitable land. However, difficulties in securing sites have delayed the plans, with the company seeking to move forward as soon as possible.

Le Van Sinh, a local official, said there had previously been a proposal from a company to build a rest stop in the area, but the project never materialized.

Sinh said it is now easier to invest in gas stations. Previously, businesses could only build gas stations at locations approved under a separate local fuel retail network plan. This requirement has since been removed.

He said vacant plots and commercial-service land remain available along Route 129 and could be considered for gas stations and rest stops to meet growing travel demand.

Meanwhile, as Da Nang plans to develop a high-speed road linking the city center with Chu Lai, rest stops and essential services will be incorporated into the project's overall planning, he added.