Buzz
Immerse in the tranquility as we share the poetic essence of a day on An Binh Island by the words of Như Quỳnh.
A peaceful day on An Binh Island
Whether to rejoice or lament is uncertain when a 23-year-old girl like me has only set foot in the sea twice! It may sound a bit regretful, but luckily both times I reached the shores of pristine, sparsely populated beaches. The first time was at Nhật Lệ Beach, and this time it's on an island that truly lives up to its name: An Binh Island – Quang Ngai.
The Maldives of Vietnam
An Binh Island (also known as Small Island) belongs to Quang Ngai province, just 15 minutes by boat from Ly Son. Due to its untouched nature, the population on the island is sparse. Electricity, water, and food are not abundant as everything has to be transported from the mainland. However, in return, the landscape is incredibly majestic, and life is undeniably peaceful like nowhere else.
Reminiscing about that morning when we arrived at An Binh Island around 9 am. The sky was intensely blue with not a single cloud, and the sun, unusually strong, seemed to be more radiant than usual. Surprisingly, it wasn't hot at all; the sea breeze appeared to compensate for everything, sweeping away the 35-degree heat. As the canoe docked at the port, my best friend and I shouted in disbelief, trusting our eyes. Truthfully, before coming here, we hadn't googled what An Binh Island was like. Just a few urgent messages from friends the day before saying, 'You must go to An Binh Island, it's as beautiful as the Maldives. You'll regret it for life if you don't.' So, to accurately describe what unfolded before my eyes, I only need to wrap it up in one word: SHOCK.
Given only a day to spend on the island before catching the return train, we quickly calculated our route and the essential things to do. The first task, of course, was to capture timeless photos on the sea. In high spirits, I helped my friend create awe-inspiring photos, ignoring the scorching sun.
The First Hidden Gem
I'll share with you some fascinating hidden corners that few people know about and that we discovered ourselves here. I hope you'll have wonderful experiences like we did.
This first spot is undoubtedly known to those who have been to An Binh Island, but its interesting aspect is probably overlooked by many. Situated to the right from the port entrance, you'll easily notice black sedimentary rock cliffs stretching along the sea. Usually, people only see the bottom or the side of the cliffs, but we'll show you a more panoramic view!
In reality, due to the challenging terrain, few people know about it. Before climbing, we encountered some locals who turned back, saying, 'Don't go up there; there's nothing much.' However, hopeful for another SHOCK, my friend and I were determined to climb. It's not too difficult, just be careful not to get scratched by the rocks. Slowly climbing up isn't too dangerous. If you don't go up here, you'll undoubtedly regret it, even though you might get quite a few pine needles sticking to you.
Encountering Fortune at the Second Hidden Gem
Without a specific itinerary, we walked while asking locals for directions. Although people enthusiastically pointed out the main road around the island, passing through several garlic fields left us weary. Just in time, an electric vehicle carrying 4 individuals passed by, seeing two of us walking pitifully, they called us to join. Feeling as if we had struck gold, the two of us thanked them profusely and comfortably sat, moving on to the next point.
Leaving the wooden bridge area, the two of us walked back to the old road because the route around the island was under construction nearby, making it impassable. After a short distance, the kind-hearted people in the vehicle caught up with us and picked us up to continue our journey. Truly feeling fortunate and grateful for their kindness because the road around the island was much longer than we thought.
The Third Hidden Gem
The vehicle passed through villages and garlic fields before returning to the coastal road. The majestic green color overwhelmed us along with the towering cliffs. I suddenly thought, 'If it looks this beautiful from above, what would it be like if we climbed down there?' Turning to my best friend, we decided to greet the kind individuals and get off the vehicle to continue our exploration.
This area is very close to the coral diving area, facing the dragon fruit hill. I don't know the name of this spot because not many people stop to explore, but anyone wanting to come here just needs to pay a little attention. The two hours spent here were one of the most memorable moments in our journey, a beauty and tranquility that are hard to put into words.
The Ultimate Hidden Gem
This is an unmissable destination for anyone visiting An Binh Island. If you google An Binh Island, information and images of Bai Sau will appear first. Here, you can paddle in a coracle, dive into coral reefs, and indulge in the sea. However, when I arrived, feeling a bit sunburned and tired, I opted out of the recreational activities. Instead, I had ample time to admire the majestic rock cliffs, breathe in the salt-infused breeze, and listen to the islanders' stories. These were precious moments for me, unhurried and enjoyed at a leisurely pace!
Riding the electric car back to the port, gazing at the scenery on both sides, I felt a strange sense of lightness and serenity. I don't know when I'll return here, but I hope An Binh Island remains pristine, peaceful, and tranquil over the years. Thank you, An Binh Island, and until we meet again!
By Hoang Thi Nhu Quynh
***
Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourJuly 11, 2018
