Golden sun, azure sea
Lying in the northern part of Phu Yen province, the town of Song Cau has a winding coastline known for its poetic beauty. The adjacent mountains and sea have formed pictures que lagoons, bays, and capes that captivate visitors, such as Xuan Dai Bay, Hoa Bay, and Cu Mong Lagoon.
Xuan Dai Bay
About 50km north of central Tuy Hoa along National Highway 1A, you will find beautiful Xuan Dai Bay nestled at the foot of Doc Gang Slope. The Co Ngua mountain range stretches out to the sea, forming the Xuan Thinh Peninsula, which embraces Xuan Dai Bay and Cu Mong Lagoon. From afar, an area of green mountains and blue water appears, with mountains on three sides and an endless expanse of coconut groves, water, and overlapping mountains. The coast features many different terrains, with fishing villages, white sand beaches, and rocks that form interesting shapes at the foot of the mountains. The bay has smooth and gently sloping beaches where visitors can befriend the waves that crash ashore day and night.
Coconut trees are everywhere in Song Cau. Along the shore of Xuan Dai Bay, in the fishing village of Ganh Do, small houses nestle close together and peek out from under the green canopies of coconut palms. Boats rest by the wharf, bobbing gently with the peaceful waves.
Everyone wants to linger here to enjoy the deep blue water and the intoxicating sounds of the waves and wind whispering of the sea.
Seafood Farming Rafts Dot Cu Mong Lagoon
Early in the morning, the bay is usually calm, making this the perfect time for tourists to sail around and enjoy the scenery. In the distance, majestic mountains shelter the village. Under the crystal clear water, you can see soft corals clinging to the rocks like clusters of flowers and schools of colorful and playful fish. At this time, the villagers start work, welcoming the fishermen ashore with their catches of fresh seafood. Visitors can buy a range of offerings, including Xuan Dai Bay’s famous firm and sweet lobsters, crabs, groupers, and sea snails, etc. Be sure to bring your appetite to Xuan Dai Bay to fully enjoy the area’s rich coastal cuisine.
Cu Mong Lagoon
From Xuan Dai, following the winding road to Hoa Bay, visitors will be amazed by the mountains on one side and the vast sea on the other. Located in Xuan Thinh commune, Song Cau town, Hoa Bay’s beach forms a large arc of white sand that sparkles under the sun. This gentle bay hides behind rustic rows of coconut and casuarina trees. Close to the beach lie some cute and well-equipped bungalows. The owners of these resorts are very sincere and can cook delicious meals for guests.
Hoa Bay Beach is flat, with clean and pure sand and calm, clear blue water. It’s a great place to dive and admire the coral. The most beautiful coral reets lie quite deep, displaying many colors along with various aquatic species.
After hours of fun, relax in a hammock and swing beneath a shady canopy, watching the sun shine on the rolling waves, which chase each other to the horizon. As night falls, the vast space grows quiet, with only the sounds of gentle waves lapping the shore. The velvet-smooth night sky highlights the twinkling stars.
Ong Cop – Longest Wooden Bridge
If Hoa Bay is calm, nearby Cu Mong Lagoon has a much more vibrant rhythm of life. This long and narrow lagoon is surrounded by the Cu Mong mountain range, which stretches out to sea and creates a charming landscape.
Fish and lobster farming rafts are densely packed on the lagoon’s surface. Kindly and enthusiastic fishermen take tourists out in their basket boats to fish. Everyone gets excited with what they catch.
Phu Yen Province
Raft houses for farming mussels and milk oysters are also found on Cu Mong Lagoon. People make frames and drive stakes into the lagoon’s bed, then tie on strings on which the oysters attach and grow. Visitors can easily harvest oysters by hand. Strings of freshly-caught mussels and oysters are steamed and enjoyed right on the raft. The lagoon also offers grouper, Cu Mong crab with firm and flavorful meat, and thick and sweet clams. The seafood is served with various herbs, Vietnamese coriander, green mangoes, and rice paper. All of these dishes carry the fresh flavors of the sea. Tourists can dine while admiring panoramic views of Cu Mong Lagoon at sunset, as the horizon glows gold.
Phu Yen is at its best during the dry season, from January to August, when the sea is calm and sunshine is abundant.
The natural conditions are ideal for tourism activities and water sports, while the unique natural scenery and delicious food make this the perfect spot for a sweet summer beach vacation.
