Buzz
Bình Thuận – the southernmost region of Central Vietnam never fails to impress visitors with its endless stretches of white sand dunes, vast blue sea, unique Cham towers, and exquisite cuisine. Apart from Mũi Né, Bàu Trắng, and La Gi beaches, Bình Thuận also boasts Cù Lao Câu – a pristine island off the coast of Tuy Phong district.
Cù Lao Câu Island is uninhabited, with scarce electricity and fresh water sources. A visit here guarantees an experience akin to being a modern-day Robinson Crusoe. Embark on an unforgettable Cù Lao Câu adventure with Mytour.
Here are some fascinating facts about this stunning island
Cù Lao Câu, also known as Cù Lao Cau or Hon Cau, is a small island located in Tuy Phong district, approximately 110km from Phan Thiet city.
Viewed from the mainland, Cù Lao Câu resembles a warship anchored in the ocean, with its bow facing east. The island is about 7 nautical miles from the mainland. On calm days, the journey by boat takes about 40 minutes, but on rough seas, it can take up to 75 minutes.
The seawater here is crystal clear, allowing one to see right to the seabed from the boat. There are numerous rocks, with diverse and peculiar shapes, and their colors vary depending on the sunlight each day.
'The deserted island' of Cù Lao Câu is a paradise of sea and sunlight - Photo: collected
Best Time to Explore Cù Lao Câu
The ideal time to visit is from April to August in the lunar calendar, which is the calm sea season. From the 8th lunar month to the 3rd lunar month is the rough sea season. During this time, traveling against the big waves is very tiring and prone to seasickness.
Traveling to Cù Lao Câu Island
Cù Lao Cau is a marine conservation area, not a famous tourist spot, so getting here can be quite challenging. If you're coming from Ho Chi Minh City, you can drive to places like Phuoc The fishing port, Lien Huong town, Ca Na town, Vinh Tan commune. Then take a boat to the island from there.
Experience Traditional Basket Boat Riding on the Island - Photo: Internet
Departing from Ca Na fishing port to Cù Lao Câu takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Ca Na has a large parking lot and decent services available.
If departing from the ferry terminal in Lien Huong town, you can contact the Marine Conservation Center to take a canoe. You can call Mr. Lập in advance at 0918335617 to book a canoe, priced at 250,000 VND per person for a round trip.
Departing from Phuoc The fishing port, you can take a wooden boat operated by fishermen to the island or hitch a ride on a boat carrying fresh water and food to the island, which takes about 30 minutes.
Accommodation
This is perhaps the most concerning issue when visiting Cù Lao Câu. Your concerns are valid because it's no different from a deserted island, with no inhabitants living here.
Usually, tourists only visit the island in the morning and play until the afternoon before returning. If you want to stay overnight, you'll need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, or you can request to stay at the border guard station.
Beautiful Sightseeing Spots on the Island
Coral Reef Beach: Domestic tourism to Cù Lao Câu, you cannot miss this destination. This is the habitat of many rare marine species, including colorful coral reefs. Coral Reef Beach is a wonderful place for you to admire the 'priceless gift of the sea'.
The water here is crystal clear, allowing you to see all the way to the bottom - Photo: collected
Yen Cave: This is where hundreds of swiftlets build their nests. Previously, fishermen or people from the mainland often came here to harvest eggs and swiftlet nests, but now it is under the protection of the border guard forces. Therefore, the swiftlets on the island are thriving more and more.
Sunset on Cù Lao Câu - Photo: Huỳnh Hoàng Long
Three-Stone Cave: Formed by three standing rocks, it has a very unique shape, and everyone who comes here takes photos.
Embarking on an affordable travel journey to Cù Lao Câu, tourists can also spend time visiting the Gieng Well, Fairy Beach, Love Cave, Blissful Crevice, and Continuous Fish Beach.
