VI
EN
An island not too far from shore where you can see the wind turbines slowly turning or the chimneys of the Vinh Tan thermal power plant spewing white smoke against the crimson sky in the evening. Standing on the sheer rocks with waves crashing below, facing the rising sun, an egg yolk gradually emerges from the deep blue water.
Having traveled along many coastlines from South to North, it's probably difficult to find a beach as beautiful as Cu Lao Cau. I often ask myself, "Is this really one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam?"
Is this one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam?
Sitting on a speedboat for 45 minutes, bobbing on the waves, enjoy the wind whipping against your face, carrying the heavy, pungent scent of the sea into your lungs. Looking back towards the mainland, everything gradually shrinks; the cumbersome windmills now seem like tiny propellers, the chimneys billowing white smoke resemble burning cigarettes, and the continuous mountain range looks like a horizontal line dividing the sky and the blue sea. You will feel tiny amidst the vast blue ocean.
I was once lucky enough to spot a sperm whale while traveling to an island. It was a tiny, black, sand-like lump rising from the sea, suddenly喷射 a stream of water high into the air. The captain noticed and announced everyone to look in that direction. Everyone rushed over to see it just as its tail was raised, preparing to dive down. The ship abandoned its journey to the island to chase after it and admire this "monster" that the local fishermen revere. It often appears in that area, but for tourists to happen to come across it is considered a stroke of luck for those on board.
You will find yourself insignificant amidst the vast blue sea.
Gradually, a small island in front of me slowly grows larger, covered in a lush green of shrubs, making it impossible to find shade from the sun on this island. Stepping into the clear seawater, the sunlight filtering through the rippling waves onto the white sand below, I forget the heat. I just want to walk barefoot on the soft sand, immerse myself in the salty seawater, and gaze up at the sky, watching the clouds drift slowly by. I wander from one beach to another, searching for unique spots, from the smooth white sand to the coral reefs with their still-tender branches, or to observe the dead coral reefs through the green foliage.
What I still love most is wandering across the island, seeing the small green bushes everywhere, then climbing onto a large rock to gaze out at the two seemingly separate shades of green blending together in the sunshine and wind of Central Vietnam. Or standing on high rocks watching the white waves crashing against the blue water, spreading my arms to feel the freedom of the seabirds flying over the waves under the free sky.
As you travel across the island, you see small green shrubs covering everything.
The night sky is full of stars at Cu Lao Cau.
A small, sparsely populated island, with only a few locals and soldiers, offers a peaceful haven without electricity or artificial light. Here, you can feel the sounds of the sea and watch the stars move slowly. Relax in the water, let your skin feel the sun and sand, and let the sea breeze carry away your worries. Simple entertainment allows your soul to rest, free from thoughts and anxieties; no singing or partying, just enjoy the melodies of nature with your feet, hands, ears, and eyes.
What is special about this place?
The coral reefs surrounding the island have created a white coral sand area, with some areas fine and others still bearing coral branches, highlighting the clear blue waters of this South Central coastal region. The beach is not too long, divided into smaller stretches offering views in different directions, from the wind farm in Tuy Phong to the Vinh Tan thermal power plant and even towards the distant sea where the sun rises.
The beach overlooks the wind power plant.
Now, only a few intact coral reefs remain deep underwater around the island, visible only through deep diving. Uncle Tư, who lives on the island, recounted, "There used to be so much coral, right up to the shore, but now so much has died."
The seas of South Central Vietnam are famous for their blue color, captivating anyone who passes by. It's no surprise that the water is crystal clear, allowing you to see the bottom. On calm, sunny days, you can see the sunlight filtering through the rippling waves. Furthermore, this area is a sea turtle sanctuary, where they come to lay their eggs each breeding season before emerging from their shells to explore the beautiful waters and survive the waves.
Sea turtle sanctuary at Cu Lao Cau.
The best time to visit Cu Lao Cau Island is during the best season.
The sea is always beautiful when the Central Vietnamese sun returns after days of rain and wind, usually from March to July. When the sky is clear, the sunlight penetrates the seawater, revealing the seabed and highlighting the blue color of the water.
Travel to Cu Lao Cau Island
Lien Huong Port is 260km from Saigon. You can travel there by motorbike or take a local bus to Lien Huong Port in Binh Thuan province.
Boats usually depart from the pier between 8-9 am or 2-3 pm, taking about 30-40 minutes to reach the island, and the return trip to the mainland takes about the same amount of time.
Dining in Cu Lao Cau
You can buy food at Lien Huong market and cook it yourself, or there are two local restaurants on the island where you can buy groceries.
If you have the chance, you should visit this place at least once.
