Buzz
Just about a 3-hour ride from Saigon by motorbike lies Suoi O Beach in Vung Tau, quickly becoming the new favorite destination for many young travelers down South every weekend.
Fascinating Facts About Suoi O Beach
Suoi O Beach is situated in Binh Chau commune, Xuyen Moc district (Ba Ria-Vung Tau province), approximately 3km from Binh Chau market, on the way to Binh Chau hot springs. Suoi O Beach boasts both fresh water streams and fine white sandy beaches with vast azure waters, a rarity in Vietnam.
Apart from the abundant seafood, the route to Suoi O Beach is refreshingly scenic, with a soft, pristine sandy path winding through lush casuarina forests, enticing everyone to kick off their shoes for a soothing massage amidst the smooth, cool sensation, despite the occasional prickling sensation on the soles from tiny fragments of casuarina leaves.
As a testament to the saying 'straight to the beach,' Suoi O unfolds before you with endless stretches of pristine white sands against the backdrop of the azure sky and two distinct shades of blue water, separated by the white expanse of sand. These two blue lines, one the river mouth - a brackish stream (known locally as Suoi O), the other the sea. Suoi O remains so untouched that the only signs of human presence are a few bamboo baskets and small fishing boats anchored in the distance.
Looking out to sea, Suoi O Beach boasts a deep blue embracing the stretch of smooth white sand. Visitors can clearly see the fresh water flowing from the forest. To reach the beach, one must wade through the stream. Depending on the season, this water may taste sweet or salty due to the mix with seawater.
From the stream bank to the beach is about 30 meters. At high tide, the water level reaches only the waist or chest, depending on the depth. Below the stream is fine sand. Sometimes, guests may be walking with the water at chest level, but a few steps further, it's thigh-deep. Veering a few steps to the right or left, the water level changes. Here, people simply carry their luggage on their heads and wade through the stream to reach the beach. It's inconvenient but everyone feels happy to reach such a unique destination – where getting to the beach means crossing a stream.
Transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Suoi O Beach
To get to Suoi O Beach, it's advisable to first travel to Vung Tau City by various means such as car, motorbike, or hydrofoil. However, to fully appreciate the beauty of the beach here, traveling by motorbike is the most enjoyable.
Option 2: From Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose the route from Cat Lai ferry (District 2, Ho Chi Minh City) to Nhon Trach (Dong Nai). This road will lead to National Highway 51 at the entrance gate of Nhon Trach Industrial Zone. This route is approximately 20km shorter.
Moreover, for those self-driving travelers, they can opt for the route down to Vung Tau via the Long Thanh - Dong Nai expressway, which will shorten the distance to Vung Tau to only about 2 - 2.5 hours.
Upon reaching Vung Tau City, head along the coastal road towards Long Hai, Ho Tram to reach Suoi O Beach. This beach is quite close to the Binh Chau hot spring.
The road to Suoi O Beach is a beautiful coastal route paved with smooth asphalt. The path passes through peaceful and tranquil fishing villages by the sea. In many sections, the population is sparse and untouched. There are stretches where resorts are built close to each other. After passing through all the resort areas and fishing villages, you'll arrive at the beach. If you're not familiar with the route, travelers can go to Binh Chau Market, where locals will enthusiastically provide directions. Suoi O Beach is only about 3 kilometers from the market.
Exciting Experiences at Suoi O Beach
This place remains untouched, so the beach still retains its pristine beauty. Previously, only local fishermen ventured in and out on small boats. Occasionally, on weekends, a few groups of visitors come to swim and bring food. Nowadays, due to the increasing number of visitors, some locals are considering opening food stalls to serve tourists, renting out floaties, and offering freshwater bathing services.
Suoi O Beach is very clean. The pure white sand is completely free of any trash, as if someone cleans and maintains the beach daily. The beach is wide and long, allowing tourists to gather and organize various recreational activities. When bored, tourists can immerse themselves in the clear, vast blue water or take a leisurely stroll along the beach.
The beach here is spacious and quite shallow. Sometimes, you can walk for a long time and only realize how far you've gone when you look back. Lying on a self-equipped float, visitors can drift for hours while the gentle waves carry them back to shore. If equipped with diving goggles and a breathing tube, guests will be thrilled by the underwater scenery at Suoi O: no coral reefs, but the seabed sparkles in the sunlight, offering endless fascination.
This coastal area borders Binh Thuan and extends deep into the mainland, so it's relatively safe, with fewer waves compared to Vung Tau. Visitors can camp here or stay overnight with local residents.
If you want to explore the life of fishermen, you can contact local residents to join them on their coracles or small boats drifting on the sea, casting nets. The next morning, return to pull up the nets and catch the fish caught in them. It's a simple yet fascinating experience that many people dream of being a fisherman for a day.
From Suoi O Beach, visitors can also explore the beautiful scenery in nearby areas such as Binh Chau hot spring, Ho Coc Beach... in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, La Gi-Kê Gà Beach... in Binh Thuan province.
This coastal area is rich in seafood such as shrimp, crab, grouper, squid, various types of fish and shellfish, scallops... Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood purchased from fishing boats at cheap prices, either cooked by the host family or prepared using improvised utensils when camping on the beach. Visitors can also order lunch at local homes with a customized menu.
Where to Stay?
As it's still relatively untouched, travelers can opt for homestays, a popular accommodation option. Locals are very friendly, always creating the most comfortable atmosphere for guests. Alternatively, you can prepare a tent for overnight camping on the beach, enjoying the cool breeze, stargazing, and strolling along the beautiful beach at night.
Additionally, if you prefer resort-style vacations with your family, there are many resorts in this area to consider, such as Carmelina Beach Resort, Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort & Spa, Sanctuary Ho Tram Resort & Villas, The Grand Ho Tram Strip Vung Tau Resort, and more.
By San San (Compiled)
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourFebruary 25, 2016
