Cù lao Câu - The Emerald Paradise of Bình Thuận

The melodic sound of the rippling sea waves, the azure hue of the water are the signs of a vibrant summer.The blue sea, white sand, golden sun converge in a picture-perfect scenery that will make your summer incredibly beautiful. Let's visit Cù lao Câu – the tiny island known as the 'emerald paradise' of Bình Thuận to immerse ourselves in the refreshing space of the open sea.

The sea water is vividly blue at Cù lao Câu.

Information about Cù lao Câu

Cù lao Câu (or Cau Island) is a small island located in Tuy Phong district, Bình Thuận. This island is about 110km away from Phan Thiet city and 240km away from Saigon. To reach the island from the mainland, one needs to take a boat or a large ship, canoe. The area of this island is quite small, only about more than 10km.

Currently, Cù lao Câu remains a relatively pristine island, thus preserving its beauty and especially having very little garbage. The island is surrounded by vivid blue sea water and the color of the water changes according to different times of the day. Moreover, beneath the sea lies a unique coral ecosystem.

Breathtaking check-in views on the island.

When should you visit Cù lao Câu?

The best time for calm seas and beautiful waves at Cù lao Câu lasts from around March to August every year. Before heading out, you should also check the weather forecast for a more complete trip or contact the boatman directly on the island for more accurate information.

Getting to Cù lao Câu

1. Travel to Liên Hương port

From Saigon, you can take a sleeper bus, train, or ride a motorbike to get to the port.

+ Traveling by sleeper bus: From Saigon, there are many sleeper buses to Bình Thuận such as Quốc Ngọc with ticket prices ranging from 250,000 VND to 340,000 VND. Ask the bus to stop at the intersection of Liên Hương town, then call a motorbike taxi to go to Liên Hương port.

+ Traveling by motorbike: If starting from Saigon and choosing to ride a motorbike, you will fully enjoy the beauty of the most beautiful coastal road in Vietnam passing through national highway 51 – Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu – Lagi – Kê Gà – Phan Thiết – Bàu Trắng - Phan Rí mouth.

2. Getting to Cù lao Câu

Cù lao Câu is not too far from the mainland, only about 7 nautical miles away. On calm days, it only takes about 40 minutes to travel from Liên Hương port to the island. Currently, there are quite a few boats going to the island every day, you can go to the port and contact directly. If traveling in a group and wanting to be more prepared, you can call Mr. Lập's boat (0918335617) to make a reservation. Canoe prices range from 250,000 to 350,000 VND depending on the number of passengers.

Exciting experiences at Cù lao Câu

1. Beach bathing and enjoying the pristine green space

The area of Cù lao Câu is quite small, only about 1.5km so it will only take you about 1 - 2 hours to walk around and explore the island. Cù lao Câu still retains its pristine beauty, with no houses, only 1 border guard post, and 2 huts for eateries. Surrounded on all sides by vast ocean waters. This place is truly suitable for those who love the blue sea and want to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Diving and coral reef watching.

Walking around the island, you will easily see large rock cliffs with unique shapes reaching out to touch the sea. Choose a beautiful spot to sit back and listen to the soothing sound of the waves, breathe in the cool breeze carrying the breath of the sea. Don't forget to prepare some snacks and drinks.

2. Watching sunrise and sunset in the same day with a 180-degree view

The sea is always a suitable place for you to admire the changing colors of the sky. On Cù lao Câu, there are many high rocky cliffs, you can choose a suitable position to watch the sunrise and sunset. Sunset on the island will make you extremely excited when witnessing the vast blue sky, the dancing clouds forming a sparkling curtain of light. The sea stretches out in front, shining brightly as the sun shines directly on it.

Sunset clouds hovering over the island.

And the late afternoon shines brightly over a stretch of sea.

Sunrise brings a gentle sense of tranquility as the sun rises above the sea and the sky begins to change colors. It could be the mystical purple-blue light as the sun gradually overtakes the night, mixed with the horizon's orange and yellow glow like the yolk of a slowly brightening egg pulling the sun up. The long stretch of sand in front also begins to brighten. And right by your side, gentle waves softly lapping. Don't forget to brew a cup of coffee or a warm tea to enjoy with the rising sun.

Gentle sunrise.

3. Beach camping with a super chill BBQ party

The most exciting time of the day is surely when the sun sets, the air starts to cool, and everyone gathers together to prepare for dinner. If you have leisure time and don't need to return to the mainland for the day, ask permission at the border guard station to set up camp on the beach.

You can prepare and bring camping gear from Saigon. Here are some addresses to rent tents, chairs, and SUPs:

Chilling out camping.

Delicious dishes at Cù lao Câu

If you've been to the beach, then of course, the dishes not to be missed are seafood. The seafood dishes available at Cù lao Câu are also very diverse with red snapper, scallops, snails... You can visit the two eateries on the island to pre-order food for the camping trip or buy fresh seafood on the way to the island.

Fresh and fragrant seafood on the campfire.

Fresh and fragrant seafood on the campfire.

Have a drink and sing together.

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