Straying off the beaten beach path makes a difference in Khanh Hoa

Straying off the beaten beach path makes a difference in Khanh Hoa

An endless blue embraces a white sand bank. Big rocks shaped like rough caricatures of different animals stand sentinel on the beach. You are admiring the scenery on Binh Lap Beach.

Apart from its most popular attraction, Nha Trang, the coastal province of Khanh Hoa boasts many beaches that are still pristine, and one of them is Binh Lap, located in Cam Lap Commune, Cam Ranh District.

Binh Lap is 90km from Nha Trang and 35km from the Cam Ranh Airport. From the Ba Ngoi Wharf in Nha Trang, it used to take two hours to get to Binh Lap Village, which overlooks the sea from a comfortable height. However, in recent years, it can be accessed by motorbikes via a newly-built road that skirts around the Nui Chua Mountain. This is a good way to enjoy the unfolding landscape of the sky, sea and mountain.

Those travelling by train get off at the Thap Cham Station, 40km from Binh Lap.

Once we got there, we took a leisurely walk on the beach, breathing in the freshness of salt-smelling breezes that blew in from the sea. The transparent waters allowed us to enjoy the incessant drama of shifting sands.

Along the coast of Binh Lap Village, several "mini-beaches" - Lao, Kinh and Ngang - invited us to swim, each with a different look difficult to describe. After accepting the invitation, we take a boat to Binh Hung Island, an hour away.

There is no point not climbing to the top of the Hon Chut Lighthouse built on the island almost 100 years ago. The panoramic view of Cam Ranh Bay with the tiny-looking boats and lobster farms is something that will stay with us.

Apart from other swimming options - the Robinson, Chuoi and Ong Gia beaches - visitors can also choose to soak themselves in a freshwater stream and hire a boat with a glass bottom to see the coral reefs.

Armed with a pair of goggles and a waterproof camera, I took a short dive to get closer to the coral and make the acquaintance of many colourful fishes.

For the picky tourist, accommodation - medium-quality rooms of homestays - can prove to be a disappointment, but the tranquility and food cooked by the locals make up for it.

We decided to return to Binh Lap Village to spend the night.

Binh Lap used to be the poorest village in Cam Lap Commune, because it stood isolated between the sea and the mountain. The villagers earned their living by small-scale fishing.

In recent years, they have developed lobster breeding, and life has gotten better, according to resident Nguyen Van Chau.

"We have a better life thanks to the lobster farms and tourism," he said.

Beside fishing, he has opened a small stall to serve fresh seafood. Grilled lobster is a must-try dish. Chau leads gourmets to his lobster cages and catches the ones they select. He said villagers dry corals on beach and use them as "cradles" for breeding small lobsters.

The barbecue party on the beach ended with a camp fire. Sitting with the locals around the fire and listening to their stories was an experience to remember.

At dawn, the local fishermen allowed us to go fishing with them. They cast a net and asked us to help them draw them in. The net was heavier than it looked. That our group of seven needed to huff and puff away for a while just three of the locals did it in minutes showed us how unfit we were, relatively speaking.

The small fish we caught might not have impressed the fishermen, but for us, the experience of catching was more important than the catch.

We had set out looking for a different holiday on the beach, and Binh Lap delivered on its promise.

Source: VOV

Bài viết liên quan

	DPM introduces VN’s tourism to ABC News Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam on May 13 joined a live interview with the ABC News for its "Good Morning America" to introduce Viet Nam’s tourism. Detail >>

	Vietnam Festival in Japan to promote friendship The 2015 Vietnam Festival is scheduled to take place in Yoyogi park in Tokyo, Japan on June 13-14, as heard a press conference in the city on May 13. Detail >>

	Long Thanh folk show launched (TITC) – Cheo Ha Noi Theatre has launched a unique art performance which combines Cheo (Vietnamese Popular Theatre) and water puppetry to serve audiences. Detail >>

	Culture helps cement Viet Nam-Slovakia ties Viet Nam and Slovakia has signed a cultural cooperation agreement, which is in coincidence with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Detail >>

	Monsoon tourism of Cao Pha Valley Traditionally, the advent of the monsoon season has meant a sharp fall in the number of tourists-but that’s not true for the Cao Pha Valley located roughly 250km northwest of Ha Noi. Detail >>

	Exhibition on “Study and Follow Ho Chi Minh’s Moral Example” An exhibition entitled “Study and Follow Ho Chi Minh’s Moral Example” celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minh (May 19) opened at the Exhibition House in Hanoi on May 15. Detail >>

	President Ho Chi Minh’s 125th birthday marked abroad The 125th birth anniversary of the late President Ho Chi Minh (May 19) is being celebrated in numerous countries across the world. Detail >>

	Son Doong Cave tops world’s incredible beauties Son Doong Cave in Viet Nam’s central Quang Binh ranked first in the list of the top 10 incredible beauties hidden in caves selected by a US travel advisory website. Detail >>

	An expedition to world’s largest cave Since the broadcast of En Cave and Son Doong Cave in the north-central coast province of Quang Binh on the ABC’s Good Morning America program last week, many people have been captivated by the spectacular images of Son Doong. Detail >>

	Visit Ha Long Bay of the hills With its gigantic landscape and precious natural resources, Na Hang Eco-Tourism Zone in the highland district of the northern province of Tuyen Quang has become a popular tourism destination. Detail >>