Visitors to Khanh Hoa can explore charming, untouched fishing villages where they can immerse themselves in the lives of local fishermen, breathe in the fresh sea air, and enjoy affordable, freshly caught seafood.

Bich Dam fishing village

Bich Dam Island belongs to the Hon Tre island cluster in Khanh Hoa. The island remains pristine and tranquil, with no tall buildings, luxury resorts, or the blaring sound of traffic. Life here moves at a gentle pace, and the area still lacks access to the national power grid, meaning local homes do not have air conditioning.

Travel to the island takes about 30 minutes by speedboat or over an hour by passenger boat. As the boat docks, visitors are greeted with crystal-clear blue waters, humble fishermen's homes, and winding paths shaded by lush greenery.

Despite its size, the island features several historic sites such as Bich Dam communal house, An Thanh shrine, Bich Son pagoda, Dinh Ong Lon, and Hon Lon lighthouse. Overnight stays are available at local homes, with accommodation costing around $4 per person. At low tide, visitors can wade into the sea to hunt for snails, fish, shrimp, or go squid fishing.

While in Bich Dam, don’t miss the chance to sample fresh seafood caught or farmed by locals, including shrimp, fish, squid, and sea urchin. Food prices on the island are generally very reasonable.

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The unspoiled beauty of Bich Dam Island attracts travelers. Photo: Thieu Sang
The island offers film-like scenery ideal for photography. Photo: Ninh Thai Thai/Le Duy Hai

Ninh Thuy fishing village

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Ninh Thuy fishing village comes alive at sunrise. Photo: Khang Ocean

Located in Dong Ninh Hoa ward, Khanh Hoa province, Ninh Thuy is a coastal fishing village comprising four hamlets: Ngan Ha, Ba Ha, My Luong, and Thuy Dam. The village is known for its long stretches of soft white sand, clear blue waters, and a bustling early morning seafood market that draws curious tourists.

From 4 to 5 a.m., fishing boats return to shore laden with fresh catches. The vibrant market offers everything from common fish like mackerel, tuna, and pomfret to prized delicacies like lobster, squid, and abalone. Tourists can buy fresh seafood and bring it to local food stalls, where it's cooked on the spot and served piping hot.

Son Hai fishing village

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Son Hai is peaceful but lacks developed tourism infrastructure. Photo: Huynh Gia Linh

Son Hai village is located in Phuoc Dinh commune, Khanh Hoa (formerly part of Thuan Nam, Ninh Thuan province). It is also known as the "wind-chasing village" due to its year-round harsh weather, characterized by intense heat and strong sea winds.

However, Son Hai is stunningly beautiful, with rolling sand dunes and a crystal-clear shoreline rich in seafood.

Key attractions include Mui Dinh lighthouse, the Son Hai sand dunes, and morning seafood markets. Visitors can rise early to watch the sunrise and observe daily life in this humble fishing village.

Tri Nguyen fishing village
Peaceful corners of Tri Nguyen Island. Photo: hbt.79/Tuan Tu

This village is situated on Tri Nguyen Island (also known as Hon Mieu), the closest island to the mainland in Nha Trang Bay. It is only 1 km from shore, about a 15- to 20-minute journey by passenger boat.

The village maintains its rustic charm, with a peaceful atmosphere free from the hustle and bustle of modern tourism. It's perfect for those seeking serenity and a slower pace of life by the sea. To reach the island, travelers head to Phu Quy ferry station in Nha Trang, where boats depart every 10 minutes at a fare of just $0.20 per ride.

On the island, visitors can find a countryside-style market offering local dishes such as banh can, banh xeo, fish noodle soup, crab soup, sweet soups, and fresh coconut - all priced between $0.20 and $0.80.

Locals also operate many floating seafood farms raising green and spiny lobsters, grouper, cobia, and more, with fresh seafood sold at fair prices.

Vinh Hy fishing village

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Vinh Hy by night. Photo: Nguyen Hong Nhat

Vinh Hy Bay, located in Vinh Hai commune, Khanh Hoa (previously Ninh Thuan), has become a rising travel destination thanks to its breathtaking, majestic, and poetic scenery.

The village of the same name offers a full range of services, including homestays, seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and local tour agencies. The locals are friendly and down-to-earth, working as both fishermen and tour operators.

In the early morning, tourists can walk along the embankments, watching the lively seafood market at sunrise. They can then rent a boat or speedboat to cruise the bay, explore nearby islands, or visit mysterious caves.

The village boasts an array of fresh, affordable seafood, including lobster, squid, and snails.

Linh Trang