Changing Scenery in Thạch Bằng

If you're tired of the overly famous and ancient destinations, then Xuân Hải (Thạch Bằng commune, Lộc Hà district, Hà Tĩnh province) might just be a reference for you to 'refresh' this summer.

Summer Travel: Changing Scenery in Thạch Bằng

Xuân Hải Beach is located approximately 15km northeast of downtown Ha Tinh City, secluded from residential areas, hence boasting a rather soft and wild beauty. However, transportation to this area is quite convenient, with road infrastructure planned for expansion to promote and leverage the coastal tourism potential.

1. The spacious roads with large roundabouts led me astray. And somehow, I found myself lost in a bustling narrow alleyway when the peculiar dusk sun was saturating the drops of gold like honey under the azure sky.

The scenery of the neighborhood ahead burst with vitality, painted in the red hues of flags and banners fluttering proudly above the street. There's a serene tranquility that gently seeps into the soul.

Navigating through twists and turns, then reversing in narrow alleys, locals patiently await as the pickup truck maneuvers its way, then carefully directs towards the shortcut leading to the beach, their voices chirping like birds.

The 12km coastal road of Xuân Hải is meticulously bordered with long stretches of sandy shores and lush mangrove forests receding into the mainland.

There aren't many eateries or accommodations here, as it remains a local retreat for residents of Thịnh Lộc, Thạch Kim, Thạch Bằng, and nearby city dwellers. They only flock down for a morning or evening dip, seldom staying overnight.

Only distant travelers come to know about Thạch Bằng and the emerging new services. One of the most esteemed lodging options here is the 'Viet Lao Friendship Guesthouse,' established by the Hà Tĩnh border guard themselves, venturing into the economic realm.

2. In the afternoon, the beach comes alive with vibrancy. Families, parents, children, friends, and scattered groups of tourists flood onto the shore. Youths get entangled in volleyball nets, playing soccer on the sand. Children splash around, jumping waves. Laughter and chatter fill the air.

As the sun descends behind the mangrove canopy, dusk envelops the sandy shore, painting a peculiar shade of green across the sea. A serene, tranquil green that washes away a day of scorching heat and exhaustion.

The open sea embraces its children, cradling them in its arms, soothing them with the melody of the waves, casting away all worries and cares into its depths, so that they may come ashore with a serene, carefree mind.

Dinner at the guesthouse courtyard is no easy feat as the food and service are limited, while the influx of guests is overwhelming.

After some fumbling, we managed to order from the seafood menu, featuring shrimp, fish, clams, mussels, crabs, squid, and mantis shrimp... all sourced from the daily catches of local fishermen and the 'market runs' of the soldiers, ensuring unquestionable freshness.

We were also treated to the famous floating fern dish of the Central region, no longer a humble meal of the past but now a renowned delicacy known far and wide.

3. Nights on Thạch Bằng Beach. Only a few locals linger along the embankment, seeking respite from the heat. Vendors gather, chatting away, occasionally serving coconut water or sugarcane juice to passersby.

Offshore, fishing boats illuminate the night, flickering like distant stars on the horizon, unaware whether tonight the fishermen will haul in a bountiful catch. The breeze from the sea or from the distant mangroves whispers through, reaching into villages, gardens, and kitchens.

The vast expanse of space lulls the soul, as the stories along the embankment fade into whispers amidst the reverberating echoes from the sea. It won't be long before this land turns...

As usual, despite staying up late the night before, I always set an alarm for dawn by the sea.

4. Gone is the hustle and bustle of the previous evening; the early morning sea is serene and gentle. The smooth, flat sands stretch out to embrace the restless sea, where Xuân Hải Beach boasts calm waters without dangerous whirlpools or currents.

Many people jog along the sandy shore, mostly women or middle-aged men rising early for their morning exercises, inhaling the fresh air and invigorating their bodies to greet the new day.

The sun rises majestically, radiating warmth and intensity. The dazzling sunrise illuminates the returning ships or those just setting sail, leaving me in awe.

I sit quietly on the sandy shore. The sea beyond is warm. Like my peaceful heart in the early morning, breathing in and out the salty air of the sea.

Thạch Bằng is not just a place to 'change the air', it's my hometown!

According to Youth

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour