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"Binh Dinh has Mount Vong Phu"
There's Thi Nai Lagoon, and there's Cu Lao Xanh Island."
When mentioning Binh Dinh, and more specifically Quy Nhon city, people often immediately think of famous tourist destinations such as Ky Co, Eo Gió, Hon Kho, Ghenh Rang Tien Sa… As a true "local" of Binh Dinh, Nguyen Thanh Hung, known as Travel Blogger Bi Me Di, did not hesitate to introduce an island that still retains much of its pristine beauty but exudes a charming and romantic allure - Cu Lao Xanh.
“As a native of Binh Dinh, even though I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many places, I’m always proud and want to introduce the beautiful images of Binh Dinh to more people. Perhaps many people don’t know or are unaware of Cu Lao Xanh – an island that is also incredibly beautiful. Therefore, as soon as I could arrange the time, I immediately planned a trip to Cu Lao Xanh,” Hung shared.
Cu Lao Xanh is an island that still retains much of its pristine natural beauty, yet exudes a charming and romantic allure.
For Mr. Hung, Cu Lao Xanh possesses a pristine and unspoiled beauty that lives up to its name.
Cù Lao Xanh, also known as Vân Phi Island, is an island near Xuân Đài Bay, Nhơn Châu commune, Quy Nhơn city, Bình Định province. It is located approximately 24 km northwest of the Quy Nhơn city coastline and 22 km west of the Phú Yên province coastline. With a total area of nearly 365 hectares, the island is divided into three villages: Tây Village (the center), Đông Village, and Trung Village.
Cu Lao Xanh boasts a unique, unspoiled beauty unlike other tourist destinations in Quy Nhon. It is renowned as one of the most beautiful islands in Binh Dinh province. In particular, the air here is exceptionally fresh and cool.
This place is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Binh Dinh province.
In particular, the air here is incredibly fresh and cool.
Enjoy the full beauty of nature.
For Hung, Cu Lao Xanh (Green Island) possesses a pristine and pure beauty, true to its name, with its clear blue sea water and the gentle green of its vegetation. Upon arriving, the blogger was particularly impressed and felt a connection to the friendliness and enthusiasm of the island's inhabitants.
The first impression when viewing Cu Lao Xanh from afar is that of a lush green island nestled in the vast ocean. From the sea, the fishing village leans at the foot of the mountain on a pristine white sandy beach, and looking up at the mountain peak, the tall lighthouse stands out prominently amidst the expansive sea.
The first impression when viewing Cu Lao Xanh from afar is that of a lush green island nestled in the vast ocean.
Youth Flagpole
The place that Mr. Hung suggested everyone should definitely visit when coming to Cu Lao Xanh Island is the Youth Flagpole. Built in 2014, the flagpole is made of granite, stands over 22 meters high, and faces the Hoang Sa archipelago. The flagpole displays the sovereignty, longitude, and latitude of Cu Lao Xanh Island.
This is one of the two iconic landmarks of Quy Nhon, along with Thi Nai Bridge. In particular, the flagpole also symbolizes the affirmation of national sovereignty over the sea and islands. "The Youth Flagpole is considered a source of pride for the people of Quy Nhon; from the flagpole, people can gaze out over the entire beautiful and picturesque fishing village," the blogger shared.
The Youth Flagpole is considered a source of pride for the people of Quy Nhon.
Lighthouse
Built in 1980 during the French colonial period, the Plogam Bir lighthouse boasts a Gothic style and a harmonious blend of Asian and European design. Standing 119 meters above sea level, it has a range of approximately 50 kilometers and is considered one of the most beautiful landmarks on Cu Lao Xanh Island.
Following the path lined with naturally beautiful wildflowers and climbing the steps, visitors can reach the top of the lighthouse. From here, travelers can take in the panoramic beauty of this oasis. At night, the lighthouse glows magically with twinkling lights like lanterns against the starry night sky.
The Plogam Bir lighthouse features a Gothic style and a harmonious blend of Asian and European design.
Prairie rock formations
The grassland rock formation is a large area with large rocks of various shapes and colors. These scattered or stacked rocks are home to several rare bird species such as swallows and swifts. In addition, the rock formation offers a spacious, unspoiled area suitable for camping and outdoor activities.
"The path down to the rocky grassland was quite challenging, but it opened up to an incredibly beautiful view with stacked rocks interspersed with lush green trees against the backdrop of the sea and sky," the blogger recounted.
The prairie rock formation is a large area with large rocks of various shapes and colors.
Scattered or stacked rocks provide a habitat for several rare bird species such as swallows and swifts.
In addition, the rocky beach offers a spacious, unspoiled area, ideal for camping and outdoor activities.
What particularly captivated my feet?
To get to Cu Lao Xanh, Mr. Hung suggested two ways to travel: "From Ham Tu pier, you can take a boat to the island, which takes about two hours, or save time by taking a speedboat in just 30 minutes."
According to Mr. Hung, the best time to experience Cu Lao Xanh is from March to September. During this time, the weather is sunny and the sea is calm and clear, ideal for swimming, snorkeling to admire coral reefs, and sightseeing.
To get to Cu Lao Xanh, Mr. Hung suggested two ways to travel.
Besides the picturesque natural scenery, the cuisine is also a special attraction for tourists. "In addition to local dishes like banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) and fish cakes, when you come to the island you definitely have to try the seafood, and some dishes you absolutely must try are stone crab, flying fish roe, and moon snails…," the blogger said.
Sharing more with Travellive readers, Mr. Hung advised: "Photos or videos can never fully capture the true beauty of Cu Lao Xanh. Therefore, you should travel to Quy Nhon, especially Cu Lao Xanh, to experience this amazing place for yourself."
Besides the picturesque natural scenery, the cuisine is also a special feature that attracts tourists.
A detailed one-day itinerary exploring Cu Lao Xanh Island by travel blogger Bi Me Di:
6:30 AM: Have breakfast in Quy Nhon city center.
7:20 AM: Arrive at Ham Tu pier.
7:30 AM: Depart by speedboat to Cu Lao Xanh Island.
8:00 AM: Arrive at Cu Lao Xanh and complete the procedures to board the island (as Cu Lao Xanh is a military island, it will not accept foreign visitors).
8:30 AM: Relax at a cafe and get ready to go out.
9:00 AM: Go to the Youth Flagpole
10:00 AM: Visit the Lighthouse
10:30 AM: Head to the Grassland Rock Beach
11:15 AM: Go swimming and snorkeling to see the coral reefs.
13:00: Return to shower, have lunch, and rest.
3:00 PM: Board a speedboat to return to Quy Nhon city center.
