Exploring Lagi Independently: A Comprehensive Backpacking Guide from A to Z

If you're someone who adores long stretches of sandy beaches, pristine blue waters, and endless rows of palm trees, then Lagi is a destination you can't afford to miss on your must-visit list. Dubbed as the 'majestic princess of Binh Thuan', Lagi is now a place where tourism potential is flourishing. Let's explore what this place has in store!

1. When is the Best Time to Visit?

Weather in Lagi doesn't fluctuate much, making it pleasant to visit at any time of the year. The best time to visit Lagi is from March to August annually because during this period, the weather is quite comfortable, with beautiful sunshine and the sea retaining its clear blue hue, perfect for swimming and outdoor activities.

March to August every year is the ideal time to travel to Lagi @quaisa41

Golden sunshine, white sand, and true blue sea @gin_gjnn

However, there are still some periods when Lagi may be affected by storms, so make sure to check the weather carefully before planning your Lagi exploration.

2. How to get there?

As a town situated between Binh Thuan and Ba Ria Vung Tau provinces, Lagi is only about 170km away from Ho Chi Minh City, which means it's just a 3.5 - 4-hour drive, very close indeed. So, you can easily travel to Lagi by the following means of transportation:

– Motorbike: The road to Lagi is relatively new, easy to navigate, and offers countless beautiful scenes along the way (rice fields, beaches, rocky mountains, etc.), making motorbikes the suitable choice for those who want to both travel and enjoy the scenery along the road. Riding a motorbike to Lagi will surely be an exciting experience. To avoid getting lost, you should use Google Maps or research the route before setting off. There are two main routes from Saigon to Lagi as follows:

+ Route 1: From Ho Chi Minh City, take National Highway 1A to Tan An, then turn onto National Highway 55. From there, continue onto Nguyen Chi Thanh Street and drive about 8km further to reach Lagi town. This route is popular and easy to travel but there is quite a bit of truck traffic, so be careful.

+ Route 2: Following the coastal road, from Saigon, you take the Cat Lai ferry and head towards National Highway 51 leading to Ho Tram. From there, continue until you see the sign for Road 44B, then turn onto the coastal road towards Binh Thuan, and you will reach Lagi. This route is incredibly scenic and refreshing, perfect for sightseeing.

Many young people opt for motorbikes as their means of transportation to Lagi.

The road to Lagi is as picturesque as a painting.

– Bus or car: If you prefer not to ride a motorbike, you can still take buses from Ho Chi Minh City directly to Lagi, with ticket prices ranging from 120 to 150k. We recommend a few bus routes that have good reviews below:

+ Kim Hung Coach (Address: 1B Bac Hai, Ward 15, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City): There are two trips per day, departing in the early morning and noon. Ticket prices range from 120,000 VND to 150,000 VND.

+ A Liem Coach (Phone: 0913848404): Usually, there is only one trip per day, departing around 1 a.m. and arriving directly at Lagi town bus station at around 5 a.m. Ticket price is about 150,000 VND.

+ Phuong Carall Car Service: This is a 7-seater car service with door-to-door pick-up and drop-off. The service is quite good, providing complimentary snacks, cold towels, and free chocolate. The ticket price is 150,000 VND per way. There are two trips daily from HCMC to Lagi.

+ Beach Bus: This is a newly operated route with a ticket price of 150,000 VND per way, and the final stop is Coco Beach in Lagi. The advantage of this bus is that it runs quite fast, taking only about 3 hours, and stops to pick up passengers at various points (Hotline: 0902867678)

Lagi's beach looks stunning like this @hn.nguyen_

3. How to Get Around Lagi?

– Motorbike: Although Lagi is not very large, there are quite a few tourist attractions to visit. If you decide to explore multiple tourist spots here, you should rent a motorbike to be completely self-sufficient in your travels. Most guesthouses, hotels, or homestays in Lagi offer motorbike rental services for around 150k/day.

– Taxi: Taxis are also quite common here, and the fare is not too expensive, but you should still inquire about the fare before booking. If traveling with a group and many people, taxis are a suitable means of transportation.

4. Must-Visit Places in Lagi

CocoBeach Camp

Coco Beach Camp – the virtual living paradise for young people Source: FB Coco Beach Camp

Dubbed as the 'virtual living paradise' for young people, Coco Beach Camp is a place you can't miss when visiting Lagi. The way to Coco Beach is quite simple. From the Cam Binh intersection, turn onto Le Cong Minh street and drive straight ahead until you reach Coco Beach. Stepping into Coco Beach is stepping into a completely different space compared to the outside world. Who would have thought that in this peaceful Lagi, there is a beach paradise with a space imbued with the essence of Hawaii, bustling and lively as it is. The space at Coco Beach is impeccable, beautiful in every millimeter. Every corner offers a beautiful view for you to freely indulge in photography.

COCO BEACH, the Paradise for Beach Travelers among the Youth <— More about Coco Beach Camp here!

Every corner is a virtual wonderland, perfect for your Instagram moments @jennie.2209

No one would doubt if you said this photo was taken in Hawaii Source: FB Coco Beach Camp

@khanh.nguyenv3

Apart from swimming, you can try experiences such as beach camping, bonfires with BBQ parties, engaging in water sports, or dancing to the rhythm of music in epic beach parties on weekends. With an entrance fee of only 50k/person, Cocobeach is truly the ultimate destination in Lagi.

Nights like these are what Beach parties are all about Source: FB Coco Beach Camp

Cam Binh Beach

Cam Binh Beach, located in Cam Binh village, Tan Phuoc commune, Lagi town, has become a favorite destination for many tourists recently. If you appreciate the pristine and natural beauty of long stretches of sand, lush green rows of casuarina trees along the coast, then this beach is undoubtedly the perfect destination for you.

What sets Cam Binh apart is not only the opportunity to swim but also to experience buying and enjoying freshly caught seafood directly from the fishermen, ensuring its freshness. After purchasing seafood, you can ask locals to prepare it for you, just make sure to negotiate the price to avoid overcharging. You can also rent a tent and camp overnight here, waking up in the midst of the vast sea and sky is definitely an exciting experience.

The vivid blue of Cam Binh Beach @cambinhresort

Kite flying season by the sea @tranduy07

Doi Duong Beach

Doi Duong Beach in Lagi is different from Doi Duong Beach in Phan Thiet. This one is only about a 15-minute drive from the center of Lagi. While it may not be as famous as Cam Binh, it's still an ideal beach for those who appreciate the tranquil atmosphere of the sea. The water here is relatively warm, with beautiful long stretches of sand. You can come here to admire the sunrise or sunset over the sea, which is equally fascinating.

Sunset over the sea. Source: Internet

Dinh Thay Thim

If you get the chance, make sure to visit Dinh Thay Thim, a famous spiritual tourist destination with a long history in Lagi. Located in Tan Tien commune and only about a 20-minute drive from Lagi town, this place is closely associated with a touching legend about a couple of virtuous and helpful hermit monks. Dinh Thay Thim was built in 1986 with architectural influences from the Nguyen dynasty, featuring dragon columns, tiled roofs, and mythical creatures like black and white tigers.

Dinh Thay Thim. Source: Internet

The architecture of the Dinh bears the distinctive marks of the Nguyen era. Source: Internet

Visiting Dinh Thay Thim is an opportunity for you to explore a part of ancient history and the unique cultural aspects of our national spiritual beliefs.

Some nearby tourist destinations near Lagi you can combine with:

Tà Cú Mountain Tourist Area

Heading to Lagi isn't just about the beach; there are also mountains to explore. Tà Cú Mountain Tourist Area is an attractive destination for those who enjoy the thrill of conquering mountains. Located along National Highway 1A, Ham Thuan Nam, Binh Thuan, with an elevation of 649 meters above sea level, this mountain enjoys a cool climate year-round. The vegetation here is also quite diverse, with over 150 species of valuable herbs and many rare wild animals. At the summit, there's a small temple for blessings. There are two ways to reach the summit. One is to climb nearly 1000 steps, which is a fascinating journey through forest trails, allowing you to admire the stunning wilderness. The second way is simpler; you just need to buy a ticket and take the cable car straight to the top. At the summit, there's a giant reclining Buddha statue, and from here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Ham Thuan Nam.

View from the top of Tà Cú. @belousovamaria

Mountain climbing can lead to capturing epic shots like this. @daihan1409

Giant Buddha statue lying down. @fleurxle

Kê Gà Cape

With its cool blue sea, majestic rocky mountains surrounding the oldest and most ancient lighthouse in Vietnam, and the stunning long beaches, these are the reasons you can't miss Kê Gà when visiting Lagi. Located in Ham Thuan Nam and quite close to Lagi, Kê Gà Cape is a small island about 500m from the mainland. It's called Kê Gà Cape because from a distance, this island resembles the head of a rooster sticking up. Although it has been developed for tourism for a long time, Kê Gà still retains its original pristine beauty. To get to Kê Gà, you have to park your motorbike on the mainland and rent a canoe to reach the island. The place where you park will also provide canoe rental services, so just ask the friendly owners here. The canoe rental price is not too expensive, around 30k-50k per person for the round trip. Make sure to keep the contact number for pickup on the return trip.

Kê Gà Cape in legend. @hoang.my__

Camping at Kê Gà. @i.pinsu

Group photoshoots are so cool. @baojuanwu2

The natural scenery at Kê Gà is absolutely stunning, even the steps up to the lighthouse are beautifully crafted from stone. You can explore the lighthouse, camp, swim, and enjoy romantic sunrises and sunsets. Don't miss out on Kê Gà when visiting Lagi, it will definitely not disappoint you.

Hon Ba Island

Hon Ba is located about 2km east of Lagi, Binh Thuan. It's an island where the Cham people used to build a temple to worship the Mother Goddess Ponagar, hence the more familiar name Hon Ba Island. With a height of 38m above sea level and an area of ​​only about 2.5 hectares, Hon Ba is a great day trip destination. Besides visiting the temples, you can take a walk around the island to enjoy the natural scenery or admire the blue sea and waves. It's a must-visit spot in Lagi that you should definitely add to your travel itinerary!

Hon Ba Island @_vu_thu_thao

@tran_khac_tung

5. Where to Stay?

Although tourism services have only been heavily developed in recent years, Lagi has no shortage of luxurious and beautiful accommodation options.

– Coco Beach Camp: Not just a camping site, Coco Beach Camp is also renowned for its accommodation services. Here, you'll find colorful mini houses, Mongolian-style tents, gorgeous wooden houses surrounded by gardens, or charming dorm rooms for your stay. Room rates range from 200k to 1 million, giving you plenty of choices. These rooms are not only beautiful but also provide fantastic spaces for you to immerse in photography.

Get hyped for an overnight stay at the unique beach huts exclusive to Coco Beach Camp.

Wooden Houses at Coco Beach Camp Source: FB Coco Beach Camp

Dorm Rooms are also Lovely Source: FB Coco Beach Camp

– Minh Nhi Hotel (354-356 Nguyễn Trường Tộ, Tx Lagi): The price for a double room here ranges from 350-500k per night. Spacious space, clean rooms, and good service attitude.

– Hoàng An Hotel (40/1 Phạm Hông Thái): With rooms made of wood, Hoàng An Hotel easily wins over even the most demanding customers with its beautiful space, clean rooms, and extremely affordable prices, only 300k per night for a double room.

Hoàng An Hotel Source: Internet

If you have more budget, experience the space at resorts. Lagi is truly a resort paradise, from budget to luxury. Here are some suggestions:

– Cam Bình Resort (Le Cong Minh Street, Tan Phuoc, Tx. Lagi): Compared to other resorts, this one has quite affordable prices, ranging from 700-1300k per night. However, the service here is highly rated and suitable for relaxation.

– Sonata Resort & Spa and Cong Chua An Nam Resort & Spa: These two resorts have beautiful spaces and receive many good reviews for their service and style, with prices ranging from 1200 – 2500k per night.

The ambiance at Sonata Resort & Spa. Source: @iamrukochan

6. What to Eat?

Lagi, being part of Binh Thuan, offers not only delicious dishes but also carries the distinct flavors of the coastal region. Check out the list of delicious eateries in Lagi below:

- Chả lụi 19/5 (35 Tran Hung Dao): This is one of the most famous spots for the divine grilled meatball skewers in Lagi. If you're here, you must try this dish, priced at 30k for a hearty portion of grilled meatball skewers.

- Thong Nhat Pancakes (331 Thong Nhat): When it comes to pancakes, this is the place to go. The pancakes here are delicious, and the street-side stall is always bustling with customers. A serving costs around 20k.

- Kim Suong Quang Noodle (76 Nguyen Truong To): A large and delicious bowl of Quang noodle for only 25k, too cheap for such a tasty meal.

- Lagi Fish Cake Soup: This is Lagi's specialty sold at Dai Dong Market or small stalls along Tran Binh Trong Street. A portion costs only 15-20k.

- Thuy Lai Restaurant (Cam Binh Beach): This restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood dishes, with an average price of 500k per person.

Delicious fresh seafood. Source: Internet

7. Souvenirs and Local Specialties

In Lagi, there are numerous shops selling handmade souvenirs, all meticulously crafted from seashells, snail shells, and coral. You can buy them as gifts for your loved ones or as souvenirs.

Many shops in Lagi offer various souvenir items. Source: Internet

Moreover, in the local markets of Lagi, you can find a wide variety of dried seafood: shrimp, squid, fish, etc. This is also a great suggestion for buying gifts while traveling in Lagi.

8. Some Tips:

The weather in Lagi can be quite hot and sunny, with strong sea breezes, so make sure to bring sun protection items such as sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin. When sightseeing, remember to bring water and snacks. And most importantly, always inquire about prices before renting services or dining to avoid overcharging. Fresh seafood can be bought at the beaches for a lower price than in restaurants, so it's a good idea to purchase and have locals cook it for you, which can save you quite a bit of money.

Hotels and resorts are often crowded on weekends, so it's advisable to book accommodation a few days in advance to avoid the risk of rooms being fully booked upon arrival. Alternatively, you can also visit on weekdays when it's less crowded, ensuring you won't have any issues with accommodation.

@aliceeeph

Although a relatively new destination on the Vietnamese tourism map, Lagi has the potential to captivate young travelers who love beach tourism. Besides the bustling Phan Thiet and Mui Ne, there is still a pristine and intriguing Lagi waiting for you to explore. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

Performed by: Vân Anh

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Keywords: Lagi independent travel tips, comprehensive backpacking guide from A to Z