Uniquely national treasure shines

      The recent recognition of Bai Mon (Mon Beach) and Mui Dien (Dien Cape) in central Phu Yen province as national landscapes has cast an extra shine over the coastal site that is always flooded with scorching sunlight in the summertime.
Undoubtedly, the site is a real national treasure as certified by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism once you have trekked up to the cape and climbed up the lighthouse before immersing yourselves with idly lying on Mon Beach and swimming in the turquoise waters.
Phu Yen province organized a solemn ceremony earlier this week to receive the certificate of recognition for the national status of Mon Beach and Dien Cape, which I have visited several times over the past three years without losing my desire to return to the site so as to again shrug off the daily chores and hide away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Endless fascination goes the whole trip to Mon Beach and Dien Cape as a lot of astonishing sights lie along the road. The beauty of Cu Mong Pass, Vung Ro Bay and the boats docking by the shore satisfy your eyes during the 30-minute trip from National Highway 1A to the national landscape.
You have two options to treat your desire, climbing the cape and swimming in the clear waters by the beach. But, my experience shows that the best choice is to explore the cape and its lighthouse at 110 meters above sea level.
A path through bushes, lines of pines and hills of rocks leads to the lighthouse. People often stop at the foot of the lighthouse as they feel a little tired after 20 minutes of trekking or think that there is nothing worth seeing at the top. The reward for those who step on the spiral staircase inside the lighthouse to its top is a panoramic view of Mon Beach and other pristine beaches, ranges of hills and mountains and other must-see sights.
The glows of dawn and dusk on the sea can best be savored from the top of the lighthouse, a structure that has experienced its ups and downs since its inauguration about 119 years ago. Historical documents say the tower was built by the French in 1890 and closed in 1945. It was reopened in 1961 but deserted due to the war until 1997 when it was relit again for the third time.
It’s time to jump into the transparent waters, not from the tower, but from Mon Beach, to cool off your body after climbing the cape. The quiet white-sand beach is nestled at the root of the cape and bounded by rocks and hills.
The beach is so serene that you can lie leisurely on the white sand to sleep, read or enjoy the breezes and waves that polish the rocky shoreline.
A stream running into Mon Beach is a source of fresh water and is recommended for a bath to wash away the salt after swimming in the sea.