Buzz
For those weary of crowded tourist scenes in major cities like Nha Trang, Phan Thiết, or Vũng Tàu, seeking out serene, less-traveled islands has become an inevitable trend, and Bình Ba is no exception to that rule.
Discovering Bình Ba: Memories to Cherish
Despite being banned for tourism development since November 2015, Bình Ba has only piqued the curiosity of travelers, leading to increasingly crowded days, especially on weekends and holidays. Regardless of when you visit Bình Ba, you'll feel like you've stepped into a distant countryside with its deep blue sea, relaxed atmosphere, and the ability to shed all urban hustle and bustle.
Cruising on Cam Ranh Bay
There are two ways to reach Bình Ba: one is from the Ba Ngòi port in Cam Ranh town, and the other is from the Tàu Bể village in the Bình Lập peninsula. The route from Tàu Bể village is not very popular among tourists but offers a spectacular journey for those who love exploration. To reach this village, you'll have to cross over a pass into Bình Lập hamlet, completely secluded from the outside world. The scenery in Bình Lập speaks for itself, with many comparing it to the Maldives of Vietnam with its dreamy blue sea.
Embarking on a 15-minute Boat Ride to Bình Ba Island
Leisurely Stroll Along Nồm Beach in the Afternoon
Nestled in the southern direction of the island, Nồm Beach's only limitation is the inability to witness sunsets or sunrises, yet this doesn't diminish its irresistible charm. Flanked by two mountain ranges, Nồm forms a natural crescent bay with calm waves year-round, coupled with fine sand. Around 4 p.m., when the sun starts to fade, tourists and locals flock here for a lively beach experience.
Nồm Beach offers various sea activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides at affordable prices. Along the beach are seafood stalls lined up one after another. After indulging in swimming or beach strolling, pick a seafood spot of your liking and savor island delicacies like lobster or famous snail dishes such as moon snails, conchs, or cowrie snails, freshly caught and prepared on-site.
Admiring Sunrise at Chướng Beach
When visiting Bình Ba, make sure to rise early to catch the sunrise at Chướng Beach. While this beach is less popular for swimming compared to Nồm Beach, it boasts a romantic ambiance, perfect for couples or young enthusiasts seeking 'Instagrammable' spots. Jokes aside, the sunrise at Chướng Beach is unparalleled, and you won't regret missing a lazy morning in bed elsewhere.
Imagine a crisp morning, sitting by the beach with your loved one, listening to Thu Phương's rendition of 'Chưa bao giờ', watching the sunrise together. Guaranteed, you'll feel like life couldn't get any better than this, and this will be one of the greatest experiences you've ever had.
Explore Hòn Rùa and the Military Port by Electric Car
Electric car services are quite popular on Bình Ba Island. With these electric cars, you won't have to worry about elderly or young companions. The modified cars run on gasoline for easy hill climbing. Each car can carry over 10 adults around the island.
In just half a day, the driver will take you to see the famous spots of Bình Ba like Hòn Rùa or the panoramic view of the military port seen from the abandoned fort. From here, you can see how vast and expansive the Bình Ba archipelago truly is. Fishing boats dotting the horizon, rowboats swaying aimlessly in the sea create a tranquil scene.
Paddle in a Rowboat to Explore Coral Reefs at Nhà Cũ Beach
It would be remiss to overlook Nhà Cũ Beach. Of the 3 beaches on Bình Ba, this is the one with the clearest water, albeit with many rocks, making swimming impossible. However, it's a haven for a plethora of colorful coral reefs.
Simply hop on the fishermen's rowboat nearby, and you'll marvel at the coral reefs to your heart's content without the need for strenuous diving. Along Nhà Cũ Beach, stretches of bleached coral reefs extend, reminiscent of Maldives' seascape. If you're lucky, you might even spot some unique starfish with intriguing shapes.
Indulge in the Aromatic Grilled Lobster with Cheese
Bình Ba is also known as Lobster Island because almost every household here farms lobsters on rafts. Clean seawater in this area is essential for the lobsters to thrive and develop delicious meat. Bình Ba supplies the majority of lobsters to upscale restaurants nationwide and even exports them abroad.
In the evening, you must try the aromatic grilled lobster with cheese. Just hearing the name makes your mouth water uncontrollably. The tender, fresh lobster meat rivals chicken, one bite and you'll crave another. Not to mention the surrounding cheese that tantalizes your taste buds to ecstasy. Many regret leaving the lobster head uneaten; the advice is to devour it all, as there's plenty of lobster meat.
Karaoke on Fishermen's Rafts
The pier area is adjacent to lobster farming rafts, with eateries directly above. Visitors can handpick their favorite dishes. However, the specialty of these rafts is the karaoke session after dinner, and it's completely free. Evenings in Bình Ba are not as dull as some might think. If you're in a large group, choose a reputable raft to enjoy a memorable dinner with endless karaoke sessions through the night, as music knows no boundaries.
Irresistible Delights: Savory Pancakes and Delicious Cuttlefish Pancakes
Throughout the alleys on the island, you'll come across sidewalk stalls selling tempting savory pancakes and cuttlefish pancakes. Especially in the morning, the aroma of these pancakes fills the air, making tourists weak at the knees. A plate of these pancakes will fill you up for the morning for less than 20,000 VND. If you ever visit Bình Ba, don't miss out on this delicacy.
The preparation of cuttlefish pancakes here is not much different from other regions. Aside from the tasty fresh cuttlefish filling, the pancakes maintain their sweetness. Hence, many tourists visiting the island never tire of indulging in these cuttlefish pancakes.
The Majestic Beauty of Hầm Heo Cliff
Although located on the island, this place is less frequented due to its danger, with a deep cliff close to the sea. Previously, many wild boars inhabited this area, with the steep 20-meter cliff causing them to frequently fall into this abyss, hence the name Hầm Heo (Pig Cave). The most beautiful scenery at Hầm Heo is during the early morning sunrise.
Standing on the highest fortification, you can overlook the majestic eastern side of the island. Each wave crashing against the towering cliffs creates a spectacular sight, making humans feel tiny in the face of vast nature.
Enjoy the Azure Sea and White Sands at Sa Huỳnh Beach
Sa Huỳnh Beach is an incredibly beautiful beach and a haven for natural coral reefs. Sa Huỳnh Beach resembles a crescent moon with fine white sand embracing the calm azure sea. The clean, gentle slope of the sand, flanked by majestic rock formations, offers a diverse and picturesque landscape.
Sa Huỳnh Beach is not located on Bình Ba Island, but on the Cam Ranh Peninsula within a military zone. Therefore, reaching this beach from Bình Ba requires either a boat or a canoe ride. However, it's not always accessible, especially during jellyfish season or rough seas. But once you're here, you'll be enchanted by the pristine, uninhabited waters.
By Tiểu Duy
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
TravelWithEase.comMarch 16, 2016
