Cua Lo Beach
A pine-backed beach in Nghe An, busy for three months and shut for nine.
Updated 30 August 2026
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.
Highlights
- 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.
Practical notes
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.
What to pack for Cua Lo Beach
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Loose, light, long clothing - Covering up beats bare skin in the desert - and locals dress this way for a reason. Find on Amazon
- Strong insect repellent - DEET or picaridin; the jungle is where bites and disease risk are highest. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
