By aussiematesvietnam 
G’day from Vietnam’s Fishing Villages
Crikey, has it really been nearly two decades since Tracy and I packed our bags and swapped the sunburnt country for the lush landscapes of Vietnam? Time flies when you’re having a ball! One of the absolute gems we’ve discovered during our 20-year adventure here is the authentic charm of Vietnam’s fishing villages. These coastal communities offer a ripper glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life that most package tourists never get to experience.
As a couple of Aussie boomers who’ve made Vietnam our home, we’ve spent countless weekends exploring these seaside treasures. Today, I want to share some of our favorite spots and experiences that you, my fellow Australian mates, might enjoy on your next trip to this magnificent country. So grab a cuppa, kick back, and let me take you on a journey through Vietnam’s most captivating coastal communities.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-fishing-boats]
Mui Ne: Where Fishing Meets Tourism
Let’s start with Mui Ne, a spot that’s transformed dramatically since Tracy and I first visited back in the early 2000s. Once just a sleepy fishing village, it’s now a popular coastal resort area, but don’t let that fool you – the authentic heart of this place still beats strong each morning at the local fish market.
Rise before the sun (I know, I know, you’re on holiday, but trust me on this one) and head down to the shore around 6 AM. You’ll witness the iconic round basket boats (thung chai) returning to shore laden with the night’s catch. The rainbow of colors from the boats against the golden sunrise is something straight off a postcard.
One morning, Tracy and I helped an elderly fisherman haul his catch onto the beach. Despite our language barrier, his toothy grin and our shared laughter created a moment we’ll never forget. He even insisted we take home some fresh squid, which we later enjoyed at our accommodation with a cold Saigon beer.
[IMAGE:mui-ne-basket-boats]
Phu Quoc Island: The Pearl of the South
If you’re after a coastal experience with a bit more polish but still plenty of authentic charm, Phu Quoc Island should be high on your list. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, this island has seen tremendous development in recent years, but venture beyond the main tourist strips and you’ll discover fishing villages like Ham Ninh that seem frozen in time.
Ham Ninh village sits on the eastern coast of Phu Quoc, nestled against a backdrop of mountains. The seafood here is so fresh it practically jumps onto your plate. Tracy still raves about the pepper crab we had there – Phu Quoc pepper is famous throughout Vietnam, and when combined with fresh-caught crab, it’s a match made in culinary heaven.
The village itself extends out over the water on rickety wooden piers. Weathered homes on stilts stand as a testament to generations of fishing families who’ve made their living from the sea. It’s a photographer’s paradise, especially during the golden hour as the sun sets behind the mountains.
[IMAGE:phu-quoc-fishing-village]
Nha Trang’s Hidden Coastal Gems
While Nha Trang itself has become quite the tourist hotspot, just a short trip north or south of the city reveals coastal communities where time moves at a more leisurely pace. One of our favorites is Bich Dam village on Hon Tre Island, accessible only by boat.
During one memorable visit, a local fisherman offered to take Tracy and me out on his boat for the afternoon. We helped (or more accurately, tried not to get in the way) as he cast his nets in the traditional manner. The bloke was patient with us two clumsy Aussies, and we gained a newfound respect for the skill and knowledge required for this age-old profession.
The seafood lunch we shared with his family afterward remains one of the most authentic meals we’ve had in Vietnam – simple, fresh, and prepared with generations of know-how. No fancy restaurants can compete with grilled fish that was swimming just hours before!
[IMAGE:fishing-nets-nha-trang]
Vung Tau: A Weekend Escape with Maritime Charm
Just a couple of hours from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City lies Vung Tau, a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers. While the main beaches can get packed on weekends, head to the northern end of the peninsula to Long Son Island, where fishing villages offer a quieter, more authentic experience.
Tracy and I often bring visiting friends from Australia here for a day trip. The narrow canals lined with mangroves create a maze-like network where fishermen navigate with practiced ease. You can hire a boat to explore these waterways, stopping at floating seafood restaurants along the way.
One thing that always gives our Aussie mates a chuckle is seeing the local lads fishing with nothing more than a hand line – no fancy rods or reels in sight – yet pulling in fish that would make a weekend angler back home green with envy!
[IMAGE:vung-tau-peninsula]
Hoi An’s Fishing Heritage
No discussion of Vietnam’s coastal culture would be complete without mentioning Hoi An. While the Ancient Town gets most of the attention (and fair enough, it’s gorgeous), we always make time to visit the nearby fishing communities like Thanh Ha and Cam Thanh.
In Cam Thanh, you can try your hand at casting traditional fishing nets. Let me tell you, it looks a lot easier than it is! Tracy and I have tried multiple times over the years, and we still make a proper mess of it, much to the amusement of the locals. But that’s half the fun, isn’t it?
For a truly special experience, arrange an early morning boat trip on the Thu Bon River. You’ll see fishermen working with the iconic butterfly nets, a fishing technique unique to central Vietnam. The photo opportunities are absolutely stunning, especially as the morning mist rises off the water.
[IMAGE:hoi-an-butterfly-nets]
Tips for Exploring Vietnam’s Fishing Villages
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases – a simple “xin chào” (hello) or “cảm ơn” (thank you) goes a long way
- Bring cash – most villages won’t have EFTPOS or credit card facilities
- Dress respectfully – while it’s hot, super short shorts or revealing tops can be considered disrespectful in traditional communities
- Ask before taking photos of people – a smile and a gesture toward your camera is usually enough to get the message across
- Be prepared for early mornings – fishing villages come alive at dawn
- Try the local specialty – each region has its own seafood dishes that you won’t find elsewhere
Responsible Tourism in Fishing Communities
Before I wrap up, I’d like to put in a word about responsible tourism. These fishing villages aren’t theme parks – they’re living, working communities where people are going about their daily lives. Tracy and I have always tried to travel with respect, and we encourage our fellow Aussies to do the same.
Consider booking tours through companies that give back to the communities they visit. Be mindful of your environmental impact, and please don’t haggle too hard over prices – what might seem like small change to us can make a significant difference to a fishing family’s income.
[IMAGE:responsible-tourism]
Final Thoughts: The Heart of Coastal Vietnam
After nearly two decades of calling Vietnam home, Tracy and I still find ourselves drawn to these coastal communities time and again. There’s something truly special about witnessing a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations, despite the rapid modernization happening elsewhere in the country.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Vietnam or returning for another adventure, I encourage you to venture beyond the typical tourist trail and experience the authentic charm of the fishing villages. The memories you’ll make – from sharing a simple meal with locals to witnessing the daily rhythm of life by the sea – will stay with you long after your tan has