Cua Lo Beach

Cua Lo lies where the Lam river reaches the sea in Nghe An, a strip of firm sand several kilometres long backed by casuarina pines that were planted to hold the dunes, developed as the beach resort for Vinh and the surrounding provinces. Its season is short and sharp: from May to August it is full, with seafood restaurants on the front working at capacity, and outside that the north-east monsoon brings cold wind and rough sea and most of the place closes. Two islands lie offshore, Hon Ngu and Hon Mat, with boats out to them in season.

What you actually see

• Several kilometres of firm sand - backed by planted casuarina.
• A three month season - full from May to August.
• Seafood on the front - the resort's main trade.
• Two islands offshore - reached by boat in season.

When to go

May to August; it is largely shut the rest of the year. A full day.

Honest expectations

Outside the summer months most of the resort is closed and the wind is cold. In season it is crowded and prices rise sharply. Overcharging is a known complaint. There is little to do beyond the beach and eating.

Nearby

Vinh is west; the Thanh Chuong tea islands are inland.