Lan Chau Island Travel Guide: Nghe An’s Coastal Toad-Shaped Gem

A Unique Coastal Escape in Nghe An

Lan Chau Island, locally known as Rú Cóc (Toad Island) for its toad-like shape, is a captivating destination off Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An Province, just 16 km from Vinh Ward and 294 km from Hanoi. This small island, dividing Cua Lo Beach into three distinct areas—Lan Chau Beach (north), Xuan Huong Beach (middle), and Song Ngu Beach (south)—offers stunning sea-eroded cliffs, serene shores, and a tranquil escape from urban life. With activities costing $0.50–$15 (12,500–375,000 VND), it attracts eco-tourists and beach lovers seeking an authentic coastal experience.

Nghe An’s tropical climate (dry season: November–April, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F) enhances the island’s allure, with sustainable practices like eco-friendly boat tours and community-led beach cleanups preserving its natural beauty. Legend Travel Group’s tours provide a responsible way to explore Lan Chau, blending coastal adventures with cultural immersion. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com for an unforgettable journey.

Administrative Update

As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s administrative reform reorganized Nghe An’s districts into wards and communes. Cua Lo Town is now Cua Lo Ward, and Vinh City is Vinh Ward. Use “Lan Chau Island, Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An” for precise navigation.

With over 17 years leading sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly tours to Lan Chau Island, combining coastal exploration with environmental care. Our tours use low-impact boats, support local fishermen, and feature English-speaking guides sharing insights into Nghe An’s coastal heritage and ecosystems. Aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals, we offer transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible adventure.

Lan Chau Island’s unique terrain, shaped by wind and waves, creates a dramatic landscape with sea-eroded cliffs on its eastern side and a peninsula connection to Cua Lo Beach at low tide. At high tide, the island’s “legs” appear submerged, enhancing its toad-like silhouette. Less developed than Cua Lo’s main Xuan Huong Beach, Lan Chau offers a serene escape, with potential for future eco-tourism projects like resorts and cultural villages. Its pristine shores and natural beauty make it a hidden gem in Nghe An’s 82 km coastline, perfect for sustainable exploration.

These budget-friendly activities ($0.50–$15) highlight Lan Chau’s coastal and cultural allure:

1. Explore at Low Tide

Walk to Lan Chau from Cua Lo Beach at low tide, best at 7:00 AM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND) beach entry, admiring sea-eroded cliffs and rock formations.

• Cost: $0.50–$2.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (check tide schedules).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support beach cleanups; avoid disturbing marine life.

• Tip: Wear sturdy sandals; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).

2. Photograph Coastal Cliffs

Capture the island’s dramatic cliffs and ocean views, best at 6:30 AM for sunrise, for free with beach entry ($0.50–$2).

• Cost: Free with entry.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Respect no-drone zones; minimal environmental impact.

• Tip: Use a tripod for long exposures; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).

3. Swim at Lan Chau Beach

Enjoy the northern section of Cua Lo Beach, best at 8:00 AM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND), with clear waters and fewer crowds than Xuan Huong Beach.

• Cost: $0.50–$2.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable towels; support local cleanups.

• Tip: Swim in designated areas; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).

4. Savor Cua Lo Seafood

Dine on steamed crabs or mực trộn tép bưởi (squid with pomelo) at nearby Cua Lo eateries, best at 6:00 PM, for $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Cost: $2–$5.

• Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with biodegradable plates; sustainably sourced seafood.

• Tip: Visit Bình Minh Street stalls; included in Nghe An Coastal Food Tour ($65–$95).

5. Join the Cau Ngu Festival

Experience Cua Lo’s vibrant fishing festival (February/March), best at 10:00 AM, for free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), celebrating coastal traditions.

• Cost: Free; donations encouraged.

• Hours: Varies by lunar calendar.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Community-led; low-impact event.

• Tip: Book festival tours early; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).

• November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Ideal for beach activities and low-tide walks, with clear skies and moderate crowds (100–300 daily visitors). Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F): Suitable for fewer crowds (50–150 daily visitors), but high tides may limit access. Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) for Cau Ngu Festival, with high crowds (500+ visitors); spring (February–March) for cultural events. Avoid Tet for quieter visits.

• Timing Tip: Check tide schedules (available via local apps like Windy); mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for low tides and cool weather; avoid swimming after 6:00 PM due to tides.

Lan Chau Island, 4 km off Cua Lo Ward and 16 km from Vinh Ward (294 km from Hanoi), is accessible via Cua Lo Beach:

• From Hanoi (5.5–7.5 hours):

  • Train: $20–$60 (500,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5.5–7 hours to Vinh Station, then taxi to Cua Lo Beach ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND, 45 minutes).

  • Bus: $16–$30 (400,000–750,000 VND) round-trip, 6–7 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7).

  • Private Car: $80–$100 (2,000,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours to Cua Lo Beach.

  • Xanh SM Taxi: $140–$180 (3,500,000–4,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours.

• From Ho Chi Minh City (2.5–31 hours):

  • Flight: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip, 2 hours to Vinh Airport (unavailable July–December 2025), then taxi to Cua Lo ($10–$12 or 250,000–300,000 VND).

  • Train: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 26–30 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7).

  • Bus: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip, 28–30 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7).

• From Vinh Ward to Cua Lo Beach (16 km, 45–60 minutes): Taxi ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND) or motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required). Walk to Lan Chau at low tide (free).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Cua Lo Beach, Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow Highway 1A to Cua Lo. Parking: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose trains or Xanh SM taxis for lower emissions; walk to the island at low tide to minimize boat use.

• Safety: Confirm taxi fares with reputable operators (Mai Linh, Vinasun); avoid unlicensed motorbikes to prevent fines ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND). Check tide times to avoid being stranded.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire, sturdy sandals, swimsuit; waterproof jacket ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Beach Gear: Reusable towel, SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, hand sanitizer ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), insect repellent.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Activity Costs

• Beach Entry: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Photography: Free with entry.

• Seafood Dining: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Cau Ngu Festival: Free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).

• Guided Coastal Tour: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).

• Homestay in Cua Lo: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (Seashell Crafts): $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Round-Trip)

• From Hanoi: Train: $20–$60 + taxi ($10–$14); Bus: $16–$30 + taxi ($10–$14); Private Car: $80–$100; Xanh SM Taxi: $140–$180.

• From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight: $60–$120 + taxi ($16–$22); Train: $50–$100 + taxi ($10–$14); Bus: $50–$80 + taxi ($10–$14).

• From Vinh to Cua Lo: Taxi: $10–$14 (250,000–350,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$25 (bus, beach, homestay).

• Mid-range: $35–$60 (train, homestay, guided tour).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, seafood dining, premium stay).

• Tip: Carry cash (cards rarely accepted); budget for activities ($0.50–$15) and transport ($10–$180).

• Timing: Visit at low tide (6:30–9:00 AM) for peninsula access; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (50–150 vs. 100–300 on weekends).

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; buy beach entry and food on-site.

• Sustainability: Support vendors with biodegradable packaging; participate in beach cleanups. Use reusable bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Navigation: Save “Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An” in offline maps; check tide schedules via local apps like Windy.

• Safety: Swim in designated areas; secure valuables. Avoid cliffs during high tides or after 6:00 PM.

• Weather: Dry season for beach activities; rainy season needs rain gear ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào”; respect festival traditions during Cau Ngu.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Lan Chau Island and beyond:

• Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95/person, 1 day): Walk to Lan Chau at low tide, swim at Cua Lo Beach, dine on seafood. Includes guide, eco-transport.

• Nghe An Coastal & Cultural Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Combine Lan Chau with Kim Lien Village, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, guide.

• North-Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Explore Lan Chau, Pu Mat National Park, Thanh Hoa, eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transports.

• Prices include guides, eco-transports, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Lan Chau Island, Nghe An’s toad-shaped coastal gem, offers a serene escape with its sea-eroded cliffs, tranquil beaches, and vibrant Cau Ngu Festival. Supported by sustainable practices like eco-friendly transport and community cleanups, it’s a haven for responsible travelers. Legend Travel Group’s Nghe An Tours guide you through Lan Chau and Nghe An’s coastal treasures, ensuring a sustainable Nghe An Travel experience with authentic, eco-conscious adventures. Whether walking the peninsula at low tide or savoring local seafood, Lan Chau promises unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to explore Lan Chau Island? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group for an authentic coastal adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group for content copyright.