Sunrise at Binh Son - Ninh Chu beach
The Bình Sơn - Ninh Chữ beach remains the same as I've known it for many years. But walking slowly in the dawn light, gazing intently at the distant, languid, yellowish clouds, and watching a few boats return to the harbor, I suddenly sensed something subtly different that I had never known before...
Despite human intervention, its pristine beauty remains. The sea forms a crescent-shaped bay, with glimpses of hills and mountains, boats bobbing on the shore, and here and there, sea morning glory creeping across the white sand. The sea slopes gently from the shore, the waves are just small ripples, softly caressing the bare feet of those strolling along the beach...
Bougainvillea-lined road, Binh Son - Ninh Chu beach
I leisurely counted my steps along the bougainvillea-lined path by the sea, then jogged across the fine white sand, slowly getting my body used to the cool morning seawater. I swam about ten strokes and felt a strange sensation: the water was cool above the surface, but about a meter deeper, there was a different, gently cool stream of water.
This feeling is most pronounced when I switch to standing while swimming. But when I swim gently on my back or lie still and relax, watching the swallows soaring above, the sunrise caressing my skin, and the clouds drifting slowly by, I feel refreshed and peaceful, like meditating on the sea, and all my worries and sorrows disappear.
This Tet holiday, my family spent a day experiencing Vinh Hy Bay, because it's been quite a while since I last visited the bay, and I heard that it has changed a lot since then.
On the Vinh Hy - Binh Tien road
It's truly different from before, especially the newly opened Vinh Hy - Binh Tien road; mountains on one side, the sea on the other, winding mountain passes, curving along the slopes with layers of large and small rocks piled on top of each other. The scenery here is both majestic and romantic. I've heard that many couples have chosen this picturesque route to film and photograph their special day.
Revisiting several places, we found the scenery enhanced by the careful addition of new tourism products: coral viewing by glass-bottom boat now includes the experience of riding a banana boat pulled by a high-speed speedboat; checking in at Rai Cave offers resting tents and a protective iron bridge for climbing the mountain to take photos and videos...
Hang Rai, Vinh Hy, Ninh Thuan
Perhaps the most enjoyable experience on this trip to Vinh Hy was crossing the Lo O stream, climbing the mountain to admire the view from above, and enjoying the beautiful rock formations in the Doai coffee plantation.
I've often looked at landscapes from above with a variety of emotions.
Visiting Da Nang and exploring Ba Na Hills, admiring the view from the cable car cabin, I felt so small and fragile amidst the endless mountain ranges.
Going up to Da Lat and admiring the streets and pine hills from the top of Lang Biang mountain, I found the mountain town shrouded in mist to be truly poetic.
This time, gazing at the picturesque landscape from the high, windy mountaintop in Vinh Hy, I felt a profound sense of tranquility, and life down below seemed so peaceful and serene!
After a day of sightseeing, the family members were tired and their stomachs were rumbling, so we chose banh xeo and banh can for dinner, two of the specialties of the coastal region.
The Vietnamese savory pancakes here are neither too big nor too small, delicately shaped like water hyacinth leaves, cooked on an earthen stove over charcoal fire. In a state of impatience, with a rumbling stomach due to the fragrant aroma wafting through the thin smoke, the eagerness to enjoy these pancakes becomes overwhelming.
The pancake was visually appealing because inside the small circle was a mixture of fresh pork, shrimp, squid, and bean sprouts; when folded, the underside of the pancake was a deep yellow color.
Ninh Thuan's banh xeo and banh can (Vietnamese savory pancakes)
These small, teapot-sized rice cakes are made from finely ground rice and leftover cooked rice, molded in earthenware kilns in the Bau Truc pottery village. Depending on personal preference, the filling can be pork, shrimp, squid, or egg, and is topped with chopped scallions when served. I ate them while blowing on them to cool them down; they were crispy and fluffy, yet still had a unique chewy texture.
What makes it unique is the variety of dipping sauces to choose from: fermented fish sauce, lime and chili fish sauce, peanut fish sauce, fish stew with onions, served with a variety of fresh vegetables. This dish must be eaten hot, with the sweet flavor of fresh shrimp and squid, and the crispy, slightly charred edges of the pancake – only then will you truly appreciate the unmistakable taste of Ninh Thuan's banh xeo and banh can!
The Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions and relaxation after a busy year of earning a living. But being able to slowly enjoy the cool weather, the poetic and peaceful scenery, and the cheerful people fills me with peace, serenity, and hope for a brighter and happier new year.
There are only 4 days left until the end of the "My Tet Moment" contest.
The "My Tet Moment" contest is an opportunity for readers to share beautiful moments and unforgettable experiences from Tet with family and friends.
Each article should be a maximum of 1,000 words in Vietnamese, and including photos, photo series, or videos is encouraged.
Your entry should share your favorite destinations and unique places to visit. Through your story, you will help many people discover new lands and must-see locations for spring travel.
It could be an article documenting moments of friends and family gathering, celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year), and having fun together.
These are notes and accounts of personal experiences from trips and business trips away from home during the Lunar New Year holidays that you have experienced.
The photo contest highlights the beauty of landmarks, places, or regions you've visited. This is an opportunity to tell the story of the vibrant colors and beautiful scenery of Vietnam or the countries you've been to.
From January 25th to February 24th, readers can submit their entries to khoanhkhactet@tuoitre.com.vn.
The awards ceremony and closing event are scheduled to take place in March 2024. The prize structure includes 1 first prize (15 million VND in cash and gifts), 2 second prizes (7 million VND and gifts), and 3 third prizes (5 million VND and gifts).
The program is sponsored by HDBank.
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