Fishing Villages and Coastal Adventures in Vietnam

Exploring Vietnam’s Hidden Gems: Fishing Villages and Coastal Treasures

G’day, fellow adventurers! Aussie Mates here, coming at you from the stunning coastal landscapes of Vietnam. After nearly two decades of calling this magnificent country home, Tracy and I have discovered some truly remarkable fishing villages and coastal hideaways that most tourists never get to experience. Today, I’m excited to share some of our favourite seaside spots that showcase the authentic Vietnamese way of life.

When Tracy and I first arrived in Vietnam back in the early 2000s, we were immediately drawn to the bustling energy of cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. But it wasn’t until we ventured off the beaten track to explore the coastline that we truly fell in love with this country. There’s something magical about watching the sunrise over a fleet of colourful fishing boats, the salty air filling your lungs as local fishermen prepare for their daily catch.

[IMAGE:vietnamese-fishing-boats]

So grab your hat and sunnies, and join us on a journey through Vietnam’s most captivating coastal communities – from the untouched beaches of Phu Quoc to the floating fishing villages of Ha Long Bay. Trust me, mates, these experiences will stay with you long after you’ve returned to the land down under!

Mui Ne: Where Fishing Traditions Meet Tourist Paradise

Let me paint you a picture of Mui Ne, a place Tracy and I visit at least twice a year. This coastal gem, about 200km east of Ho Chi Minh City, offers one of the most fascinating contrasts in Vietnam. On one end, you’ve got luxurious resorts lining pristine beaches. On the other, a thriving fishing village where generations of families have harvested the sea’s bounty using methods passed down through centuries.

Wake up before dawn (I know, I know – you’re on holiday, but trust me on this one), and head to Mui Ne Fishing Harbour. The sight that awaits you is nothing short of spectacular. Hundreds of round basket boats, known locally as “thung chai,” dot the shoreline, while larger, brightly painted wooden vessels return from overnight expeditions.

[IMAGE:mui-ne-fishing-harbour]

One morning, Tracy and I joined Mr. Thanh, a local fisherman in his sixties who spoke remarkably good English from years of chatting with tourists. He showed us how they sort their catch right on the beach – from tiny anchovies that will become fish sauce to massive tuna destined for local restaurants. The energy is infectious as locals haggle over prices and restaurants send representatives to secure the freshest catch.

“The sea provides everything we need,” Mr. Thanh told us with a weathered smile. “But you must respect her moods.” Words of wisdom from a man who’s spent more time on water than land.

For the ultimate Mui Ne experience:

• Visit the harbour between 5-7am to see fishermen returning with their catch
• Try a seafood breakfast at one of the small stalls – the freshest meal you’ll ever have
• Ask permission before taking photos (a respectful nod and gesture toward your camera usually suffices)
• Bring small denominations of Vietnamese dong for purchasing seafood directly

Phu Quoc Island: From Fishing Village to Tourism Hotspot

If you’d asked me about Phu Quoc Island when Tracy and I first arrived in Vietnam, I might have scratched my head. Fast forward to today, and this island in the Gulf of Thailand has transformed dramatically – though thankfully, much of its fishing heritage remains intact.

The first time we visited Ham Ninh Fishing Village on the eastern coast of Phu Quoc, it felt like stepping back in time. Wooden houses on stilts extend into the shallow turquoise waters, creating a scene that hasn’t changed much in centuries. What makes Ham Ninh special is that despite the island’s rapid development, this community has maintained its traditional way of life.

[IMAGE:phu-quoc-stilted-houses]

During our most recent visit (just before the pandemic hit), we spent an afternoon with a local family who showed us how they farm pearls in the waters surrounding their home. Mrs. Lan, our hostess, prepared a feast of rock crabs – a Ham Ninh specialty – seasoned simply with lime, salt, and pepper. Sometimes the simplest meals are truly the most memorable!

Phu Quoc is also famous for its fish sauce (nuoc mam) production. Now, I’ll be honest with you – the smell of a fish sauce factory is… potent, to put it mildly. But seeing the traditional wooden barrels where anchovies ferment for up to a year gives you a new appreciation for this essential Vietnamese ingredient. Tracy still laughs about how I couldn’t get the smell out of my favourite shirt for weeks!

For an authentic Phu Quoc experience:

• Visit Dinh Cau Night Market for incredible seafood at reasonable prices
• Take a boat tour with local fishermen who will show you traditional catching methods
• Try your hand at squid fishing after dark (prepare to get messy!)
• Visit a pepper farm – another island specialty that pairs perfectly with fresh seafood

Ha Long Bay: Life Among the Limestone Karsts

No discussion of Vietnam’s coastal communities would be complete without mentioning the incredible floating villages of Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its otherworldly landscape of limestone islands, but what many tourists miss is the chance to understand the unique way of life that has evolved here.

Tracy and I first visited Cua Van floating village nearly 15 years ago, and while tourism has certainly increased, there’s still something profoundly moving about seeing entire communities living in harmony with the sea. Homes, schools, and shops – all floating on the emerald waters, surrounded by towering karst formations.

[IMAGE:halong-bay-floating-village]

What struck me most was the resourcefulness of these communities. Without access to basic services many of us take for granted, they’ve developed ingenious solutions for everything from fresh water collection to education. The floating school at Cua Van serves children from several surrounding villages, with students arriving by rowboat each morning.

On our last visit, we met Mr. Vinh, whose family has lived on the waters for five generations. “Before tourism,” he told us, “only the fish knew we existed.” Now, while visitors provide a valuable income source, traditional fishing remains the backbone of their economy and identity.

Many families still practice sustainable fishing using methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. One fascinating technique involves using trained cormorant birds to catch fish – though today this is primarily demonstrated for tourists rather than for commercial fishing.

If you’re planning to visit Ha Long Bay:

• Choose tour operators that work respectfully with local communities
• Opt for at least one overnight stay to experience the bay without day-tripping crowds
• Visit the fishing villages early in the morning to see daily life unfold
• Consider bringing educational supplies for the floating schools – pencils, notebooks, and English-language books are always welcomed

Nha Trang’s Fishing Communities: Beyond the Beach Resorts

Nha Trang has earned its reputation as Vietnam’s premier beach destination, with its stunning bay and resort-lined shore. But venture just a few kilometers north or south of the main tourist drag, and you’ll discover fishing communities that feel worlds away from the sunbathers and beach bars.

Tracy and I have a special connection to a small village just north of Nha Trang. During our first visit, we got caught in a sudden tropical downpour. A family invited us to wait out the storm in their modest home, where three generations lived together under one roof. What started as shelter from the rain turned into an impromptu cooking lesson as the grandmother showed Tracy how to prepare freshly caught squid with lemongrass and chili.

[IMAGE:nha-trang-coast]

We’ve returned to visit this family several times over the years, watching as their children grew up and the village slowly modernized. What hasn’t changed is their connection to the sea and the rhythm of life dictated by tides and seasons.

One fascinating aspect of Nha Trang’s fishing culture is the use of traditional coracle boats. These circular vessels, made from bamboo and waterproofed with coconut oil and resin, look wildly unstable to the untrained eye. Yet local fishermen navigate them with remarkable skill, using a single paddle to maneuver through even choppy waters.

During one memorable visit, an elderly fisherman convinced me to try paddling one myself. Let’s just say it provided the village with entertainment for the day as I spun in circles, getting precisely nowhere! Tracy still has the video evidence of my failed coracle career, which she threatens to post online whenever I get too cocky about my adventuring skills.

If you’re visiting Nha Trang:

• Explore the fishing harbors at Hon Ro or Vinh Luong, especially in the early morning
• Take a boat trip to the offshore islands where smaller fishing communities exist
• Visit Dam Market to see the incredible variety of seafood brought in daily
• Look for small family restaurants near the fishing areas – they often serve the freshest catch at a fraction of resort prices

Hoi An’s Coastal Communities: Where Past and Present Merge

Hoi An holds a special place in our hearts. This ancient trading port, with its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets, draws visitors from around the world. But just a short bike ride from the Ancient Town lies Cam Thanh, a coastal community where fishing and traditional net-making still form the backbone of local life.

The Thu Bon River estuary around Hoi An creates a unique ecosystem where freshwater and saltwater fish thrive, supporting generations of fishing families. What makes this area particularly special is the basket boat fishing that takes place among the water coconut palms that line the waterways.

[IMAGE:hoi-an-basket-boats]

Tracy and I spent a memorable afternoon with a family who taught us how to cast traditional fishing nets from these circular boats. It’s a skill that requires far more finesse than strength – something I learned the hard way after nearly capsizing us multiple times! The grandmother of the family, well into her seventies, showed me up completely, casting her net with perfect precision while barely seeming to move.

Another fascinating aspect of Hoi An’s fishing culture is the use of fixed fishing nets that operate with the tides. These massive structures, called “đáy,” consist of a complex system of nets suspended between wooden poles driven into the riverbed. As the tide changes, fish are naturally channeled into collection baskets. It’s an ingenious passive fishing method that has been used for centuries.

During the full moon festival each month, fishing temporarily pauses as the community focuses on spiritual observances. This deep connection between fishing practices, lunar cycles, and spiritual beliefs offers a glimpse into the holistic worldview that has sustained these communities for generations.

When visiting Hoi An’s coastal areas:

• Take a sunrise basket boat tour through the water coconut forests
• Cycle along the coastal road between Hoi An and Cua Dai Beach to spot traditional fishing activities
• Visit the local fishing port at Duy Hai, about 10km from Hoi An Ancient Town
• Try specialties like “cao lầu” noodles, which are traditionally made using water from ancient Cham wells

Responsible Tourism: Supporting Vietnam’s Fishing Communities

After nearly two decades of exploring Vietnam’s coastline, Tracy and I have witnessed firsthand how tourism can both help and harm traditional fishing communities. The influx of visitors brings economic opportunities but also challenges to traditional ways of life and fragile marine ecosystems.

We believe strongly in responsible tourism that benefits local communities while preserving their cultural heritage and natural environment. Here are some guidelines we’ve developed over the years for respectful engagement with Vietnam’s fishing villages:

• Choose locally-owned accommodations and restaurants over international chains when possible
• Hire local guides who can provide authentic insights and ensure your tourist dollars reach the community
• Respect privacy – always ask before photographing people, especially during their daily work
• Be mindful of waste – coastal pollution directly impacts fishing livelihoods
• Purchase seafood from sustainable sources – ask about fishing methods and avoid endangered species
• Learn a few phrases in Vietnamese – even basic greetings go a long way in building goodwill

In some areas, community-based tourism initiatives have emerged, offering homestays and authentic experiences while ensuring benefits flow directly to local families. These programs often include opportunities to learn traditional fishing methods, cook local specialties, and even join overnight fishing expeditions if you’re feeling adventurous.

[IMAGE:sustainable-tourism]

The Changing Tides: Challenges Facing Vietnam’s Fishing Communities

It would be remiss of me not to mention the significant challenges facing Vietnam’s traditional fishing communities. Climate change, overfishing, coastal development, and plastic pollution all threaten livelihoods that have sustained families for generations.

During our travels, Tracy and I have heard firsthand accounts from fishermen who must venture further from shore to find diminishing catches. Young people increasingly leave fishing villages for opportunities in urban centers, taking with them generational knowledge that may never be recovered.

Yet amidst these challenges, we’ve also witnessed remarkable resilience and adaptation. In some communities, fishing families have diversified into sustainable aquaculture or tourism while maintaining their connection to traditional practices. Organizations both within Vietnam and internationally are working to support sustainable fishing practices and preserve cultural heritage.

By choosing to visit these communities with respect and mindfulness, you’re contributing to a vision of tourism that values authenticity and sustainability over exploitation. Your interest in these traditional ways of life signals their value in our increasingly homogenized world.

Final Thoughts: The Soul of Vietnam’s Coast

As Tracy and I reflect on our nearly two decades exploring Vietnam’s coastal communities, what stands out most isn’t just the stunning landscapes or the delicious seafood – though both are certainly memorable! Rather, it’s the profound sense of connection these communities maintain with the rhythms of nature and the wisdom embedded in traditions passed through generations.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions and artificial urgency, there’s something deeply grounding about watching a fisherman read the water and sky, making decisions based on knowledge that no smartphone app could replicate. There’s wisdom in the patience shown while waiting for the right tide, the right wind, the right moment.

Vietnam’s fishing villages offer more than just picturesque photo opportunities or fresh seafood. They offer a window into a way of life that has sustained communities for centuries – a life built on intimate knowledge of natural cycles, resourcefulness in the face of challenges, and deep interdependence between people and environment.

[IMAGE:vietnam-sunset-fishing]

So when you visit Vietnam, by all means, enjoy the luxurious beach resorts and the vibrant city life. But do yourself a favor and set aside time to experience the coastal communities where the heart and soul of Vietnam reveal themselves in daily rhythms as old as time.

Until next time, mates – may your travels be rich with authentic experiences and your seafood always fresh!

Cheers,
Aussie Mates