Xanh Island

Nestled amidst the clear blue waters of Xuan Dai Bay and approximately 24 km from the center of Quy Nhon, Xanh is a small island belonging to Nhon Chau commune, Gia Lai province (formerly part of Binh Dinh province). With an area of ​​just over 3 km², but boasting pristine natural landscapes, emerald-green seas, unique rock formations, and the peaceful rhythm of coastal fishing villages, Xanh Island is becoming an attractive destination for those who love exploration and relaxation. Unlike many other famous islands, it offers a tranquil, close-to-nature atmosphere, allowing visitors to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the pure beauty of the sea.

Overview of Xanh Island

Xanh Island (Vietnamese: Cù Lao Xanh; Cù Lao means island; islet), also known as Phi Vân Island, has two distinct seasons: the dry season from March to September, and the rainy season from October to February of the following year. The average annual temperature is around 24.5 degrees Celsius.

The ideal time to visit Xanh Island is during the dry season. This time of year is sunny, the sea is calm, and the water is clear, making it ideal for traveling to the island for swimming and snorkeling. During the rainy season, especially from November to January, the sea is rough with large waves, making it impossible for boats to reach the island.

How to get there?

To get to Xanh Island, visitors must go to Ham Tu pier in the center of Quy Nhon. There are parking areas for motorbikes and cars there.

The fastest way to get to the island is by speedboat; wooden boats are also available. The speedboat trip takes about 30-40 minutes. The one-way ticket costs about 200,000 VND per person, departing at 7:30 AM and returning around 2 PM. The wooden boat trip takes almost two hours and costs 30,000 VND. There are two trips daily, at 8 AM and 1 PM, with return trips at 7 AM and 3 PM.

Alternatively, visitors can rent a boat from fishermen at Xep Beach in Dak Lak to go to the island, which takes over an hour, and the price is negotiable. However, according to a local tour guide, ferry schedules are often not fixed due to weather conditions and passenger numbers. Because the island is small, tours usually need to gather enough people. It is necessary to contact the pier in advance to purchase tickets and inquire about information.

To get around the island, tourists can rent motorbikes from guesthouses or homestays, or hire motorbike taxis. There are a few electric vehicles on the island, which are used to transport tourists and organize tours around the island.

Accommodation

Xanh Island does not have high-end resorts or hotels; it mainly consists of hotels, homestays, and guesthouses. Some homestays that tourists can consider include Cu Lao Xanh Homestay, Son Tiem Homestay, and Binh Minh Homestay. Some guesthouses include Quy Nhơn Land, Ngoc Dinh, and Thanh Trai. The price for an overnight stay on the island ranges from 150,000 to 500,000 VND per room.

What makes Xanh Island so attractive to tourists?

The first thing that impresses you upon arriving at Xanh Island is the crystal-clear seawater, so transparent you can see the seabed on sunny days. The sea here boasts a range of colors, from turquoise and light blue to deep blue, creating a captivating scene. Along the coastline are fine white sand beaches interspersed with natural rock formations of unique shapes, eroded by waves and wind over thousands of years. When the tide recedes, small pools of water appear between the rocks like natural swimming pools, reflecting the blue sky and providing a beautiful backdrop for photography.

Not only is it prominent for its beautiful sea, but Xanh Island also possesses a rich marine ecosystem. The waters around the island are home to many colorful coral reefs and various tropical fish species. This is an ideal condition for developing coral reef diving activities. Simply by wearing a life jacket and goggles and swimming in the designated area, visitors can admire the underwater world with its clusters of soft and hard corals and schools of small fish swimming around them. During calm seas, the crystal-clear water makes the ocean exploration experience even more complete.

One of the island’s prominent landmarks is the Cu Lao Xanh lighthouse. Built by the French in the late 19th century, it sits atop a high hill with panoramic views of the entire island and surrounding sea. To reach the lighthouse, visitors will travel along a winding path through lush green trees. From above, the vast seascape, the small houses of the fishing village, and the pier appear like a peaceful painting. This is also an ideal spot to watch the sunrise or sunset, when the sunlight bathes the sea in golden light, creating a romantic scene.

The life of the island’s inhabitants is also a unique attraction of Xanh Island. Most residents make their living from fishing and aquaculture, so the atmosphere here is always distinctly that of a coastal fishing village. Early in the morning, boats dock, bringing in a variety of fresh seafood such as fish, squid, crabs, shrimp, and shellfish.

Visitors can enjoy dishes prepared on the same day, with their characteristic fresh and sweet flavors. In addition, the genuine and hospitable nature of the local people leaves a lasting positive impression, making many visitors feel at home as if they were visiting a familiar coastal village.

In addition to swimming and diving to see coral, Xanh Island is also suitable for many other experiential activities such as walking around the island by motorbike or electric car, camping on the beach, fishing, kayaking, or simply sitting on the rocks listening to the sound of waves. At night, when the sky is less affected by urban light, visitors can watch the starry sky and enjoy the rare cool atmosphere. That peace is what makes many people choose Xanh Island instead of crowded tourist destinations.