Fresh Seafood Season
From June to October, the coastal region enters the southern fishing season, when nutrient-rich waters draw fish, shrimp, crabs, snails, and shellfish closer to shore. This is the peak time for local fishermen to harvest an abundance of fresh, flavorful seafood.
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July often brings abundant rainfall to Lam Dong Province, which sends fresh water from rivers and streams into the ocean. This nutrient-rich outflow carries plankton and organic substances that draw a diverse range of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans closer to the shore.
Along the southeastern coast, well-known seafood hotspots include La Gi, Phan Ri Cua, and particularly Phan Thiet area, which encompasses the wards of Mui Ne, Phu Thuy, Phan Thiet, and Tien Thanh.
Experienced fishermen state that the quantity and taste of seafood are influenced by the tides and ocean currents. The coastline ranging from Phan Ri Cua to Lien Huong is renowned for its shellfish, including flying scallops, Venus clams, fan shells, lime snails, giant sea snails, blood cockles, and spotted babylon snails.
On the other hand, the waters between Phan Thiet and La Gi, as well as Son My, are best recognized for Spanish mackerel, tuna, scad, sand whiting, Indian mackerel, anchovies, and blue swimming crabs.
In Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, the fishing harbors and seafood markets become bustling with activity as early as 5 a.m. Small vessels and round basket boats come back from nearshore fishing, bringing their catches onto the shore. At Ong Dia Rock Beach, where people flock to witness the sunrise and capture photos, tourists frequently outnumber the fishermen in the early morning hours. Between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., seafood vendors and visitors are keenly anticipating fresh catches of crabs, snails, and fish that are still lively in the nets.
The vibrant scene of eager visitors vying to purchase the freshest crabs contributes to the lively atmosphere at the beach. Nguyen Thi Huong Ly, who hails from Ho Chi Minh City and recently enjoyed a holiday that combined both mountain and seaside experiences, remarked: "My daughter wanted to visit Da Lat while my son opted for the beach, so we chose to experience both. I particularly enjoy Phan Thiet because you can assist fishermen in hauling in their nets, select live crabs, fish, and shellfish yourself, and then have them cooked and savor them right on the beach."
In a similar vein, Phan Dang from Tay Ninh mentioned that the southeastern coast of Lam Dong provides a wider variety of delicious shellfish compared to many other coastal regions, making it his preferred spot to purchase seafood as gifts for family and friends.
Visitors staying in Mui Ne can explore the Mui Ne Fishing Village and Mui Ne Market, where fishing boats arrive daily with a wide selection of fresh seafood. In central Phan Thiet Ward, Cam Xin Market is one of the area's oldest and most well-known seafood markets, famous for offering seafood caught the very same day.
Phan Thiet features a bustling fishing port where offshore vessels arrive after their time at sea. Numerous seafood vendors along the harbor keep their catches alive in saltwater tanks, which helps maintain their freshness during long-distance transportation. In addition to these markets and ports, nearly every coastal district around Phan Thiet has small seafood stalls that offer the daily fresh catch directly from local fishermen.
As this is the peak season for fishing, seafood is not only more plentiful but also fresher and cheaper compared to the dry months when supplies are low. If you're in southeastern Lam Dong this summer, be sure to take the chance to enjoy its incredibly fresh seafood.