Discovering the Rustic Charm of Coastal Fishing Villages
Beyond the comfort and convenience of seaside resorts lie traditional fishing villages—places that preserve the rhythm of daily life, maritime culture and the collective memory of the sea. These ordinary yet authentic spaces are increasingly shaping the appeal of experiential and coastal cultural tourism of Lam Dong.
A Living Maritime Cultural Space
Fishing villages are not merely places where boats anchor and fishermen make a living at sea; they are vibrant cultural spaces of coastal life. Here, the sound of waves blends with the lively rhythm of labor at dawn, the salty scent of freshly landed seafood fills the air, and stories of the sea are passed down through generations.
For visitors, fishing villages offer authentic experiences that resorts can hardly replicate: following fishermen out to sea at sunrise, witnessing net-pulling and seafood sorting on sandy shores, or listening to simple yet profound stories of life at sea. It is precisely this unpolished authenticity that gives coastal tourism in Lam Dong its unique appeal.
Along the southeastern coastline of Lam Dong, many fishing villages remain closely associated with basket boats—an iconic means of livelihood for local fishermen. At Mui Ne Beach, early each morning as the sun rises over the sea, the shoreline comes alive with basket boats returning to shore, fishermen hauling in nets and sorting fish and shrimp, while freshly caught seafood is traded and purchased right on the beach.
Amid this lively scene, Binh Thanh Fishing Village (located along the coast of Lien Huong Commune) stands out as a promising destination for maritime cultural experiences. The village is well known for rung net fishing, a collective fishing method that requires close coordination among many participants. Each net-pulling session becomes a vibrant community activity, with people of all ages joining in, creating an energetic and spirited labor scene.
Visitors to Binh Thanh can take part in pulling nets alongside fishermen, feeling the weight of the catch, sharing the joy of a successful haul and experiencing the sense of community woven through each rope. Nguyen Hoang Minh, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “It was my first time joining fishermen in pulling a rung net at dawn. The experience was completely different from a typical resort stay—both exciting and deeply insightful into the daily struggles of coastal life.”
Further along the coastal route, Ganh Son and Ganh Rai fishing villages appear as rustic yet distinctive highlights of Phan Ri Cua Commune. With rocky headlands interspersed with sandy beaches, these villages maintain a lifestyle closely tied to the sea, from nearshore fishing to community activities rich in local cultural identity. Visitors come not only to admire the coastal scenery but also to experience the slow, peaceful rhythm of life in the traditional fishing villages.
Preserving Fishing Villages for Sustainable Coastal Tourism
According to the orientation of the provincial culture, sports and tourism sector, coastal fishing villages are regarded as distinctive cultural resources that should be preserved and responsibly developed in connection with experiential and community-based tourism. This approach helps create sustainable livelihoods for local residents while enriching the tourism landscape. The coexistence of fishing villages and tourism urban areas allows visitors to enjoy resort services while easily accessing authentic coastal life within the same journey.
According to Le Hoang Ho, Head of the Economic and Infrastructure Division of Lien Huong Commune, coastal tourism development cannot rely solely on modern infrastructure and services; it must be grounded in the preservation and promotion of local cultural values. When fishing villages are recognized as living cultural assets, tourism becomes more attractive while ensuring livelihoods for fishermen. More importantly, when local people are directly involved in tourism activities, awareness of marine environmental protection and community space preservation is significantly enhanced.
Integrating the preservation of fishing villages with experiential and community-based tourism is considered a suitable approach toward sustainable coastal tourism development. This model not only offers visitors authentic insights into maritime life but also enables fishing communities to participate directly in the tourism value chain, improve livelihoods and safeguard coastal cultural heritage. Preserving fishing villages means preserving livelihoods, living spaces and generations-old traditions tied to the sea—elements that provide depth and a distinctive identity for the sustainable development of coastal tourism in southeastern Lam Dong Province.