The Traditional Phan Thiet Fish Sauce Craft: Towards National Heritage Recognition.
Recently, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong Province submitted a proposal to the Provincial People’s Committee, recommending the preparation of a scientific dossier to nominate the Traditional Phan Thiet Fish Sauce Craft for inclusion in Vietnam’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2026.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, a comprehensive review of Phan Thiet’s fish sauce-making craft- including its origins, traditional production methods, and cultural significance- combined with a comparative analysis of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage, confirms that the craft fully meets the criteria required to move forward with a formal heritage nomination.
Based on these findings, the Department has recommended that the Provincial People’s Committee authorize it to take the lead, working closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders to carry out the prescribed steps and procedures. The goal is to complete a full scientific dossier on the Traditional Fish Sauce-Making Craft of Phan Thiet and submit it to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2026.
Phan Thiet fish sauce story stretches back more than 300 years, shaped by generations of coastal communities who learned to preserve the sea’s bounty through patience and skill. Today, the former Phan Thiet City is home to over 200 fish sauce producers, collectively turning out tens of millions of liters each year.
Each year, local producers collectively craft tens of millions of liters of fish sauce. While all follow time-honored traditional techniques, every workshop preserves its own closely guarded methods and flavor profiles, proudly promoting a product that reflects its unique heritage and craftsmanship.
The Phan Thiet Fish Sauce Association currently brings together 48 members, including five joint-stock companies, 29 limited liability companies, one private enterprise, and 13 traditional production facilities.