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Bai
Dai (long beach) in central Khanh Hoa Province in the
past three years has slowly been building its reputation
among tourists as a sleeping beauty finally being awoken
by an influx of visitors.
Last
April, a 21-kilometre road that allowed easier access
to this hidden treasure was opened, linking the southern
part of the Lo.River
in Nha Trang to Cam Ranh airport.
Bai
Dai, stretching 10 kilometres across Cam Hai Dong Commune,
Cam Ranh Municipality, impresses visitors with its pristine
beauty, white sands, turquoise waters and shallow shores.
If tourists drift from the coast, they may also discover
forests of poplar trees sitting atop stunning sand dunes.
Long
Beach got its name from a vast sandy area that appears
during low tide on calm days. The beach is shallow
and safe, excellent for children and non-swimmers.
Before
leaving, visitors should enjoy the tranquil atmosphere
and cool breezes experienced while lying under the poplar
trees. Especially for those coming from metropolitan
areas, the forests offer shade from the stresses of
city life.
Please
be warned, however, that those who expect to find accommodation
similar to other, more developed beach towns in Vietnam
may be disappointed upon arrival to Bai Dai.
While
waiting for the construction of more modern and comfortable
resorts, tourists can take advantage of the 30 or so
makeshift restaurants that lie along a one-kilometre
stretch of beach.
Here,
visitors can feast on fresh squid, fish and crab at
lower prices than those in the capital city of Nha Trang.
There is also the option of bringing your own food and
drinks and renting chairs at VND 5,000 each.
Finally,
it comes as a surprise to many that each of the restaurants
have a fresh-water well dug next to shore, where tourists
can rinse off or bathe at no charge.
The
authorities of Khanh Hoa have planned to turn Bai Dai
into one of the major tourism areas in the southern
part of the province. They plan to build a three or
four-star tourism complex with luxury resorts on a 200-hectare
expanse.
To
discover this hidden treasure, go straight on Nguyen
Tat Thanh Boulevard for 10 kilometres from Cam Ranh.
After passing through Dong Bo Mountain, you continue
going straight on a dirt road. Bai Dai is some 200 meters
from there. (SGT) |
