Buzz
Embarking on a Phan Thiet Adventure, Few Discover Cù Lao Câu – a Small, Beautiful Island in Bình Thuận Province.
Unwinding in the Scenic Beauty of Cù Lao Câu
Cù Lao Câu is located 110km northeast of Phan Thiet in Tuy Phong district, Bình Thuận province, just 7 nautical miles from the mainland.
Cù Lao Câu is quite small, with the island stretching approximately 1.5km. A leisurely stroll around the island takes about two hours, preserving the pristine nature of Cù Lao Câu, almost entirely isolated from the noisy, bustling world.
Cù Lao Câu is also one of the rare remaining places where sea turtles lay their eggs. There is no electricity on the island at night, relying solely on solar energy.
Freshwater is a precious commodity on Cù Lao Câu, necessitating the storage of scarce freshwater brought from the town in barrels. The island boasts only one rare freshwater source from the Fairy Well, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy exploration, endure hardships, and love wild nature.
The best time to visit Cù Lao Câu is from May to September when storms are rare, and the sea is calm and serene. The deep blue sea, gentle breeze, and golden sunlight create a picturesque setting.
Additionally, the island hosts the Festival of the Southern Sea Deity on the 15th-16th of April every lunar year. If you wish to participate in this unique festival, plan your visit to Cù Lao Câu accordingly.
To reach Cù Lao Câu, take a ferry to Liên Hương town, Phước Thể fishing port, or Cà Ná town.
Before arriving, contact the captain of the Song Én boat to arrange pickup at the port. If you're traveling alone or want to experience the rocking waves on the sea, you can hitch a ride on a wooden boat operated by local fishermen.
From the fishing port, the Song Én boat takes 45 minutes to reach the island. Opting for a wooden boat will take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the sea conditions that day.
Cù Lao Câu lacks hotels or guesthouses, with only two dining spots owned by Uncle Tư Hữu and Uncle Ba. You can pre-order meals or ascend to the island, buy seafood, vegetables, and fruits, bring a stove, and enjoy a fun and exciting cooking experience.
Since there are no accommodations on the island, small groups may request to stay at Uncle Tư Hữu and Uncle Ba's houses. For larger groups, bring sleeping bags, tents for camping, and about 4 liters of water per person as freshwater is scarce on the island.
Some local specialties to try on Cù Lao Câu include Vú Nàng snails, moon crab, razor clam, and jellyfish porridge.
Take time to stroll around the small island, which only takes a few hours. Walk through green fields, admire unique and surreal rock formations.
Visit stunning and tranquil beaches such as Coral Beach, Fairy Beach, or explore Yến Cave, Ba Hòn Cave, and the Southern Sea Deity Temple.
Cù Lao Câu is compact, allowing for a weekend getaway. On Friday night, take a sleeper bus to Liên Hương. Early Saturday, upon arrival in Liên Hương, a shuttle will transfer you to the fishing port.
Depart from the fishing port on the pre-arranged Song Én canoe to reach the island. Explore the island freely, swim, dive, walk to different beaches, and witness the vibrant sunset on the island.
Camp under the stars and indulge in a BBQ dinner on Saturday night. On Sunday morning, enjoy the sunrise, take a refreshing swim, and by noon, board the boat back to Liên Hương town for the return journey to the city.
Temporarily set aside the hustle and bustle of work and daily life to immerse yourself in Cù Lao Câu, surrounded by deep blue seas, rejuvenating your energy.
Upon leaving the island and returning to daily life, we are filled with energy, eagerly anticipating the next exploratory journey.
By Dương Quán Hạ/Tuổi Trẻ
***
Explore: Travel Guide on Mytour
MytourDecember 28, 2017
