Nestled along the central coast of Vietnam, Cua Lo Beach in Nghe An Province stands as a serene coastal haven. Renowned for its picturesque vistas and inviting ambiance, this seaside gem allures travelers with its expansive stretches of golden sand kissed by the clear azure waters. Embraced by lush greenery and vibrant culture, Cua Lo Beach offers a tranquil escape amidst natural beauty and cultural richness.
1. Where is Cua Lo Beach? How to get there?
Cua Lo is an enchanting coastal town in Nghe An Province in Central Vietnam. It lies approximately 17 kilometers away from Vinh City, the capital of Nghe An, and 300 kilometers away from Hanoi. Cua Lo Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vietnam, especially for families during summer vacations.
So, how to get to Cua Lo Beach from Hanoi? Tourists can reach the beach by various means of transportation, either by road, air, or train.
- By road: Travelers can take a bus or go on a car/motorbike trip from Hanoi to Cua Lo themselves, with the journey typically lasting around 5 - 6 hours.
- By train: Another option is to take a train from Hanoi to Vinh City. From there, it is about a 17-kilometer journey by road to reach Cua Lo Beach. You can take either a taxi or a motorbike taxi.
- By air: Domestic flights are available from other Vietnamese cities to Vinh City. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi to Cua Lo Beach.
2. Best time to visit Cua Lo Beach
The optimal time to visit Cua Lo Beach is during summer and autumn, specifically from May to October. During this period, Cua Lo basks in abundant sunshine and warm weather, creating an ideal setting for indulging in the sea and enjoying outdoor activities. In summer, one can relish the refreshing atmosphere and clear azure waters, witnessing livelier beach activities. Meanwhile, autumn is perfect for engaging in exploration, hiking, or visiting other tourist spots around Cua Lo Vietnam. To avoid crowds, it is advisable to steer clear of major holidays or weekends. Nevertheless, regardless of the time you visit, Cua Lo will offer an experience worth cherishing.
3. Best things to do at Cua Lo Beach
3.1. Enjoy a variety of beach activities
Among the many beaches in Central Vietnam, Cua Lo Beach stands out with a plethora of engaging activities perfect for beach enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in swimming and sunbathing along its expansive shoreline, basking in the sun's warmth and the soothing embrace of the sea. For the more adventurous, adrenaline-pumping activities like parasailing and jet-skiing offer an exhilarating experience amidst the coastal panorama.
Also, the serene setting of Cua Lo Beach offers a perfect backdrop for stand-up paddleboarding, allowing travelers to paddle out onto the calm waters to witness the breathtaking sunrise or sunset. Meanwhile, scuba diving unveils the mesmerizing underwater world, allowing enthusiasts to explore vibrant marine life. Additionally, as night falls, a unique opportunity for squid fishing emerges, providing an intriguing nighttime adventure.
3.2. Island hop
Island hopping is another must-try activity among things to do at Cua Lo Beach. Hon Ngu Island, merely 4 kilometers offshore, offers waters so clear that you can see the seabed. The island's untamed landscape exudes a tranquility embraced by lush greenery. Its vast pebble beach, smoothed by the relentless waves, presents visitors with picturesque stones to collect as keepsakes.
Meanwhile, Lan Chau Island charms with its pristine allure and serene scenery. It provides a peaceful escape from the urban bustle, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the sea breezes and open skies. This island houses a quaint lighthouse, and ascending it offers a panoramic view of Cua Lo Beach and showcases the heavenly beauty of these islands from above.
3.3. Admire the beauty of daisy fields
Summer in Cua Lo Beach beckons not only with its sprawling sun-drenched beaches but also with daisy flowers adorning the sandy landscapes. These flowers naturally bloom along the pathways leading to the shore, beneath the casuarina trees dotting Cua Lo's coastal promenades. Over time, these blooms have become a compelling attraction, drawing visitors' attention almost as much as the bustling beaches, especially among the younger crowds. Typically in bloom from April to July, these beach daisies reach their peak in June, painting a striking sight along the sun-kissed shores of Central Vietnam.
3.4. Watch the sunrise
Cua Lo Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Vietnam to watch the sun rise. When it does, the local fishermen begin their day, wading into the sea with their fishing gear in harmony with the ocean's rhythm. In summer, the sun's early rays grace the horizon, painting the shoreline with a rosy glow. At dawn, fishing boats venture into the open waters, carrying hopes of a fruitful catch upon their return. Visitors can engage in net fishing alongside the fishermen at daybreak or opt for an electric car tour to explore the bustling fish market, immersing themselves in the lively morning atmosphere of the fishing village.
3.5. Visit nearby religious sites
Besides indulging in beach activities, another enticing thing to do near Cua Lo Beach is exploring the spiritual side of Nghe An. The province has numerous historical and cultural landmarks, such as Lang Hieu Temple in Nghi Hai Ward, Mai Bang Temple and Yen Luong Temple in Nghi Thuy Ward, Van Loc Temple and Lo Son Pagoda in Nghi Tan Ward, Cua Temple in Nghi Khanh Commune, Nguyen Xi Temple in Nghi Hop Commune, and Dao Ngu Pagoda on Hon Ngu Island. These sites showcase Nghe An's rich heritage, inviting spiritual exploration amidst the beachside allure.
4. Best things to eat on your trip to Cua Lo Beach
At Cua Lo Beach, visitors are greeted with an array of tantalizing dishes, such as:
- Fresh squid (Muc nhay): Renowned for their liveliness and freshness, these squids can be prepared in diverse ways - salad, steaming, boiling, stir-frying, or grilling.
- Clam congee (Chao ngheu): Clams are boiled, their broth is used to cook congee, while their meat is sautéed with spices. Mixing the cooked clams with the congee and fresh herbs results in a delicate and fragrant dish.
- Eel congee (Chao luon): This is a local delicacy of Nghe An Province, where eels are stewed with rice. Upon cooking, the eel meat naturally separates from the bones, creating a savory congee flavored with eel.
- Seven-course cobia (Ca gio bay mon): Nutrient-rich cobia meat can be prepared in seven tantalizing ways such as salad, steamed cobia, stir-fried cobia intestines, hotpot, congee, fried cobia fins, and fried cobia rinds.
- Stuffed crab (Moc cua be): Crab meat mixed with spices, mushrooms, and other ingredients is stuffed into crab shells and steamed, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic dish.
5. Where to stay in Cua Lo, Vietnam?
Cua Lo Beach offers an array of hotels and guesthouses at varying price points, especially along Binh Minh Street. Travelers can easily find accommodation options suitable for their budget, ranging from rooms starting at 400,000 Vietnamese Dong per night. It is advisable to make reservations in advance, especially for weekend getaways to ensure a seamless trip amidst the seaside charm of Cua Lo Beach.
In general, Cua Lo Beach stands as a captivating haven where sun-kissed shores meet azure waters. Its pristine beauty, coupled with a range of exhilarating activities and delectable dishes, offers a tranquil seaside retreat for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure amidst nature's splendor.
After reveling in the beauty of Cua Lo Beach, consider extending your exploration across Nghe An's other famed attractions, such as Pu Mat National Park, Sen Village, Kim Lien Relic, etc. They promise a tapestry of both cultural heritage and natural wonder in Nghe An Province.
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