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“The ‘Robinson Crusoe’ Island Escape in Phu Yen: A Tranquil Haven for Sunset Camping and Soulful Solace”

13 June, 2025

The “Robinson Crusoe Island”: A Breathtaking Destination

This small island, with its modest size, has been likened to a miniature “Robinson Crusoe Island.” Upon arriving at Cu Lao Mai Nha, visitors can leave their hectic lives behind and immerse themselves in pristine nature, experiencing the tranquility and grandeur of the sky, sea, rocks, and sand.

Cu Lao Mai Nha is uninhabited, with only a few fishermen stopping by seasonally. This interesting feature has preserved the landscape’s pristine beauty and added an air of mystery.

The crystal-clear seawater, the stretch of fine white sand, and the uniquely shaped reefs make this place special. When you step onto the island, the first feeling is one of complete detachment from the modern world, as if you’ve stumbled upon an untouched land. Hence, the nickname “mini Robinson Crusoe Island” was born. Cu Lao Mai Nha is for those who love exploration and the sensation of living amidst raw nature.

In terms of scenery, Cu Lao Mai Nha captivates visitors with its multi-layered beauty. The western side of the island features undulating rocky terrain interspersed with small caves formed from volcanic rock, creating a mysterious atmosphere that piques curiosity. In contrast, the eastern side boasts fine white sandy beaches stretching towards the sea, making it an ideal spot to witness the spectacular sunrise reflecting on the water.

On clear, sunny days, the island appears as a green jewel amidst the vast ocean when viewed from above, evoking a sense of both serenity and grandeur. Despite its proximity to the mainland, the island’s ecosystem remains rich and diverse, boasting coral reefs, colorful fish, starfish, and swaying seaweed beneath the waves.

Cu Lao Mai Nha is not only a perfect spot for nature admiration but also a hub for thrilling experiences for adventure seekers. One of the most popular activities among visitors is camping to witness the breathtaking sunset.

There are two suitable areas for camping: the front beach and the back beach. While the front beach is not as picturesque as the back beach, it is closer to the local fishermen’s dwellings, making it more convenient for cooking, using the restroom, and moving around. Additionally, the front beach is a sheltered spot, making it easier to pitch tents and light fires. On the other hand, the back beach boasts the pristine beauty of natural cliffs and rocks, perfect for photography and fishing. However, due to its wind exposure, the back beach lacks a sandy shore and experiences stronger winds.

As there are no accommodation services or electricity on the island, many young travelers bring their tents and cook their meals, fully embracing the experience of living on a miniature “Robinson Crusoe Island.”

Cu Lao Mai Nha also offers opportunities for SUP paddling, fishing, exploring fascinating cliffs, and partaking in light trekking along the island’s shore.

Many visitors liken the experience to living in an adventure book, truly embodying a miniature “Robinson Crusoe Island” in the heart of Phu Yen’s seas.

To reach Cu Lao Mai Nha, travelers depart from Tuy Hoa city center and travel about 30km north to Phuoc Dong village (An Hai commune, Tuy An district). From there, they can hire a local fishing boat to reach the island, a journey of approximately 25 minutes. As the island has not yet developed mass tourism, all necessary items, from drinking water and food to personal hygiene products, must be prepared beforehand on the mainland.

It is essential to consider the weather conditions and choose calm, sunny days for a safe and enjoyable journey to the island.

Notably, due to its pristine state, Cu Lao Mai Nha lacks a waste collection service. Therefore, each visitor should be environmentally conscious and take responsibility for maintaining the island’s beauty. By cleaning up and taking their trash back to the mainland, individuals can contribute to preserving the island’s pristine and pure charm for the long term.

Cu Lao Mai Nha offers a unique appeal with the absence of modern conveniences like hotels, restaurants, wifi, or strong phone signals. Instead, visitors can embrace a slower pace of life, savoring every moment in nature, listening to the waves, tasting the sea breeze, and immersing themselves in the peaceful atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere.

Cuisine to Indulge in When Visiting Phu Yen’s Coastal Region

As Cu Lao Mai Nha remains undeveloped and sparsely populated, culinary options are limited. However, you can savor the specialties of Phu Yen’s coastal region before venturing to the island. Here are three must-try dishes when visiting Phu Yen:

O Loan Dam Blood Clams

Not far from Cu Lao Mai Nha lies O Loan Dam, renowned for its abundant seafood, particularly blood clams.

The blood clams from this area are highly regarded for their thick, reddish meat, rich in nutrients, and distinct sweet taste due to their growth in the brackish water where river and sea meet.

While there are various ways to prepare blood clams, such as grilling with scallion oil, simmering in tamarind sauce, steaming with ginger, or eating raw with mustard, the simplest method of grilling them to a rare finish is often the best way to savor their natural flavor. This dish, though uncomplicated, becomes a memorable culinary experience when enjoyed amidst the vast sea and sky, blending nature and taste seamlessly.

Bluefin Tuna Eyeball

Mentioning Phu Yen’s cuisine without including bluefin tuna eyeball would be a significant omission. This unique delicacy is typically braised with Chinese herbal medicine in an earthen pot, along with ingredients like jujube, goji berry, ginger, onion, and pepper, to neutralize the fishy smell and enhance its refreshing and nutritious qualities.

Each earthen pot usually contains one “eyeball,” round and fatty, playfully dubbed the “headlight of the ocean” by locals. The meat around the eye is chewy and crunchy, while the eyeball itself is fatty and blends perfectly with the sweet broth, resulting in a special dish that is both tasty and nourishing. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea initially, it can quickly become addictive. Visitors can indulge in this delicacy in Tuy Hoa city before heading to the island, at seaside seafood restaurants or specialty eateries.

Sea Cucumber Noodle Soup

In the scorching heat typical of central Vietnam, a bowl of cool and refreshing sea cucumber noodle soup is a delightful treat to soothe the palate and energize explorers for their island adventures.

The sea cucumbers used in Phu Yen are caught near the shore, carefully selected for their small size and crisp texture, ensuring they are not bitter. They undergo a thorough cleaning process and are quickly blanched to retain their freshness.

The combination of the sea cucumber’s coolness, the natural sweetness of the broth, and the freshness of the vegetables creates an unforgettable culinary experience for visitors.

The broth is made from the sweet and non-greasy stock of sea fish or tuna bones, complemented by fresh vegetables, tomatoes, scallions, and a small amount of steamed fish cakes, resulting in a harmonious and flavorful dish. Phu Yen’s cuisine not only satisfies the taste buds but also opens a door to understanding the region’s culture and people, who are known for their simplicity, honesty, and vibrant spirit. Indulging in these specialties is more than just dining; it is a cultural experience where each dish tells a story connected to the sea, the land, and the daily lives of Phu Yen’s locals.