Seaside Spring Adventure

In the misty days leading to Tet, the roads from Ho Chi Minh City to the provinces of the East and Central regions bustle with people and vehicles. Every vehicle is packed with luggage, hopeful for joyful reunions in the new year. We, too, shoulder our backpacks, answering the call of the spring breeze, planning to follow the coastal route from Ba Ria to Phan Thiet, Phan Rang, and onwards to Cam Ranh, covering a total distance of approximately 400 km.

Amidst the influence of a record-breaking cold spell in the Southeastern region, everyone struggles against the cold while riding through the early morning mist. The road from Ba Ria to Ho Tram, although familiar, takes on a different look today with thick, lingering mist over the lush green fields. The coastal road passes through Ho Tram, Ho Coc, with cherry blossoms delicately tinting the landscape with shades of pink in spring.

Planning to reserve energy for the Phan Rang – Cam Ranh stretch, we head straight to Phan Thiet without lingering too long, except for a 20-minute pause to admire the majestic Ke Ga lighthouse against the wind and sea. After lunch in Phan Thiet, we continue our journey across the red and dry characteristic plains of Binh Thuan.

To proceed towards Phan Rang, we traverse the newly completed coastal road from Bau Trang to Phan Ri Cua, spanning over 50 km. This is one of the most impressive stretches of the trip. The winding road unfolds, on one side, the white pristine sand dunes of the desert, and on the other, the vast expanse of the blue sea. Occasionally, we encounter a few off-road travel groups passing by, exchanging waves, wishing each other a safe and enjoyable journey.

After nearly 3 hours of battling the challenging winds of Ninh Thuan, we arrive in Phan Rang – Thap Cham, immersing ourselves in the lively Tet atmosphere of the coastal city. The Tet market and bustling flower streets near nightfall create a vibrant and lively atmosphere, not unlike Saigon.

Seize the energy boost and explore local cuisine simultaneously. We embarked on a city tour, indulging in some of Phan Rang's signature delights like crispy pancakes, tiny pancakes, and rolled pork sausage. Witnessing the warm family atmosphere, I was eager to complete the journey according to the schedule to return to Saigon for Tet celebrations with my family.

The next morning, waking up in the chilly weather, we filled our stomachs with fish cake soup before hitting the road, passing through numerous salt fields, rice paddies, and vineyards. Most people were on Tet holiday, and across the vast fields, only the sound of the rustling wind remained.

One of the most impressive discoveries on this journey was Hang Rai in Ninh Thuan, about 7km south of Vinh Hy Bay. Although we had seen this location in photos and information on the Internet, we were still a bit puzzled as to its exact location, with no specific signs on the road. Fortunately, local people directed us to the office of the Environmental Education and Environmental Services Center of Nui Chua National Park, which also serves as the entrance to Hang Rai.

Ascending stone steps, before us unfolded a coastline both majestic and untouched, with rocky outcrops extending into the sea, resilient against the crashing waves. Weathered over the years, the edges of the mountainous rocks formed caves right by the sea, also the habitat of a group of swifts, the origin of the name Hang Rai. During this season, the turbulent sea adds to the spectacular scene, making it the ideal time of the year for capturing the extraordinary moments of nature.

Tired of mundane photos, we continued our journey on the DT702 route to Vinh Hy Bay, Binh Tien Beach, and then turned to the Binh Lap Peninsula. The coastal road DT702 has been invested in, modernized, harmonizing with the picturesque natural scenery, becoming a legendary route that anyone fond of long journeys should experience at least once. Passing through a mountain pass to reach a bay, we were truly overwhelmed by the gifts that nature generously bestowed upon the central coastal region.

Another pleasant surprise on this exploration was the pristine, picturesque beaches of the Binh Lap Peninsula, located in Cam Lap commune, Cam Ranh city. Winding through narrow village roads, we stopped at Bai Ngang. In the distance, under the coconut trees, lay stretches of sea in the captivating color of jade. Swinging on a hammock with the evening breeze, I admired the gentle and soothing greenish-blue hue of the sea, with the distant green hills of Binh Hung and Binh Ba islands.

For me, the joy of the journey is not just the thrill of exploration or entertainment, but also the happiness of witnessing the serene beauty of my homeland welcoming spring, observing the ongoing modernization and innovation of my country.

According to Saigon Businessman

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour