Sea Embankment Raises Hopes for Tourism Revival in Coastal Fishing Village

What was once one of the most erosion-prone coastal areas in the region has gradually been transformed into a public gathering space where residents and visitors now stroll, relax and enjoy the sea breeze beside a 1-kilometer embankment completed nearly two years ago.

From Coastal Anxiety to Stability

Before the embankment was built, residents of Phu Tan hamlet lived under the constant threat of coastal erosion and seasonal monsoon waves.

During strong northeast monsoon seasons, waves repeatedly crashed against homes near the shoreline, forcing families to evacuate at night as seawater advanced deeper into residential areas.

Le Tam, a local resident, recalled years of uncertainty caused by coastal erosion.

“At that time, people here did not dare build solid houses. Every monsoon season, the sea would erode the coastline, and no matter how many rocks were placed along the shore, the waves still destroyed everything,” he said. “Some homes lost half of their foundations overnight.”

According to local authorities, approximately 553 households in Phu Tan hamlet were directly threatened by coastal erosion before the embankment project was implemented.

To protect the residential area, authorities invested nearly VND 80 billion (approximately US$3.1 million) to construct the sea embankment stretching about 1,000 meters along the coast.

The structure not only reduced wave impacts and protected homes, but also created new public space for community activities and emerging tourism services.

A New Coastal Lifestyle Emerges

Today, the embankment has become a central part of daily life in Hoa Phu village.

Each afternoon, elderly residents walk along the coastline for exercise while children ride bicycles, fly kites and swim in the sea. Small beverage stalls and seating areas have gradually appeared along the embankment, serving both locals and visitors.

During full moon nights, the area becomes livelier as residents gather by the sea to socialize and enjoy the cooler evening atmosphere.

The transformation has also created additional sources of income for fishing households beyond traditional fishing livelihoods.

Truong Nhan, head of Phu Tan hamlet, said the project helped stabilize the local population and preserve the village’s fishing workforce.

“The embankment not only protects the residential area, but also helps retain local labor,” he said. “Previously, many families considered relocating. Now people are staying and continuing to make a living from the sea because more than 97% of residents here depend on marine-related work.”

Tourism Expectations Grow

The future prospects of Hoa Phu fishing village have gained additional momentum following the provincial government’s recent approval of the general development plan for the Mui Ne National Tourism Area through 2040, with a vision to 2050.

Under the plan, Phan Ri Cua has been designated as one of three major development centers within the coastal tourism corridor, alongside Hoa Thang and Mui Ne.

The area is expected to develop into a coastal resort and tourism zone featuring long-stay accommodation, wellness tourism, public beach spaces and community-centered services.

For residents of Hoa Phu fishing village, the announcement has strengthened hopes that the embankment area could eventually evolve into a seaside night street featuring cafes, local food stalls and community tourism services.

Many households are also considering converting parts of their homes into homestay accommodations to meet growing demand for experiential and wellness-oriented tourism.

Preserving Identity While Expanding Tourism

Local officials and residents say the embankment’s long-term success will depend on balancing tourism development with environmental protection and preservation of the fishing village’s traditional identity.

Beyond its original purpose as a coastal protection project, the Hoa Phu sea embankment is increasingly viewed as a foundation for broader socio-economic development and community tourism.

If developed sustainably, residents believe the area could become a distinctive coastal destination contributing to the diversification of tourism products within the Mui Ne National Tourism Area.