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During the recent ancestral memorial holiday, we embarked on a short journey to discover Binh Hung Island and Vinh Hy Bay. The entire trip was fantastic, filled with breathtaking scenery, and we are eager to share it with everyone.To reach Binh Hung Island, we flew to Cam Ranh Airport, hired a taxi to travel approximately 50km to Kinh Beach in Ninh Thuan province, where we boarded a boat to the island. The island is close to the mainland, and the boat ride only took about 10 minutes on a wooden boat—perfect for those who want to visit the island but are concerned about seasickness or long travel times on the boat. This is my second time visiting Binh Hung Island, yet the awe-inspiring green hues of the sea still leave me in admiration.
Our cozy homestay, aptly named 'Sit and Chill,' embraces its laid-back atmosphere right by the seaside. Picture a spacious yard adorned with paper flowers, a set of tables and chairs under the shade of trees, and a hammock for leisurely lounging. According to Mờ, the homestay owner, the house underwent renovations starting early 2021, taking about six months to complete. Unfortunately, it was just finished when the intense wave of the Covid outbreak hit, delaying the welcoming of guests until recently, making everything still feel fresh and new.
The view from the yard overlooks the mesmerizing blue sea, revealing its crystal-clear depths.
A crucial aspect contributing to the genuine 'homestay' feel is the warm hospitality extended to us. The homestay owner, along with family members and local residents, engages in various activities, from cooking main meals to organizing pancake and savory cake parties, even a barbecue feast, all right in the homestay's yard.
The homestay host enthusiastically discussed the ingredients for our upcoming lunch.
A narrow alley overlooking the sea on the island.
As the beach was crowded due to the holiday, our group decided to climb up the mountain wall for some leisure time and wait until it got less crowded before heading down for a swim.
Experiencing the sunrise at the Egg Rock beach was truly a magical moment. We were fortunate to have perfect weather that day – the sky was clear, and the sun gently illuminated the surroundings. The golden morning rays on the unique rock formations, combined with the soothing sound of the waves, created a breathtaking and serene scene. Another stroke of luck was the relatively low crowd despite being a holiday; besides our group, only a few others were scattered around, allowing for a peaceful and enjoyable time to soak in the beauty and, of course, capture some stunning photos.
Viewing the village and scattered houses from a high vantage point gave a feeling reminiscent of scenes from Korean dramas. The picturesque landscape unfolded below, presenting a charming spectacle that could easily belong in a cinematic masterpiece.Leaving Binh Hung Island, we made our way to Vinh Hy Bay and stayed at a different homestay called Chanh Ranh. Chanh Ranh is named after a wild flower abundant in Ninh Thuan, often seen on both sides of the road. Locals frequently cut these flowers to arrange them in vases at home, adding a touch of beauty to their surroundings. According to the homestay owner, these flowers are believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits 😁.
In Ninh Thuan, the vibrant and exquisite flower known as chành rành flourishes abundantly.Near Vĩnh Hy, there's a vegetarian restaurant named Đoài perched atop a mountain. To reach this delightful spot, our journey involved traversing a bamboo suspension bridge about 1.5km from the homestay. From there, it's a scenic 10-minute walk. The pedestrian path crosses a small dam, so be cautious about potential shoe dampening if wearing low-soled footwear. Opting for sandals is advisable.
A captivating corner at Đoài, the vegetarian haven.
Ninh Chữ Beach is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Its pristine shores offer a tranquil escape for those seeking serenity by the sea.During the journey, a detour led me to a quaint fishing village. The picturesque road beckoned, revealing a community untouched by tourism. The locals, deeply connected to the ocean, created an atmosphere of solitude and authenticity.
Exploring a corner of the fishing village, I discovered a charming scene that encapsulated the essence of coastal life.On the last afternoon, we rented a small boat to head to the beach. There were a few secluded spots around the bay, and of course, we asked the boatman to take us to the most serene one possible. Once again, luck was on our side as the beach was exclusively ours, with the sea crystal clear and inviting for a plunge.
Initially, it seemed like the sunset might be obscured by clouds, but in the end, the clouds dispersed, revealing a breathtaking scene that words can't capture. It was a perfect finale to an incredible journey.
As the sun dipped behind the mountain range of Amanoi resort, it hinted at the prospect of returning to Ninh Thuan for another memorable visit. Until next time!
