Story: Phuong Phuong
Photos: Thai Viet Hoan

Explore the rhythm of seaside life in one of Ba Ria – Vung Tau’s most popular beach resorts.

Colorful coracles on the beach

The district of Long Dien in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province boasts a 14.7km-long coastline with beautiful beaches, white sand, and gentle waves. Among these, the coast of Long Hai, located in the south of Long Dien district, is especially popular with visitors from near and far. This area is home to Ky Van Cape, mentioned in a traditional folk song, “Vè cát lái” (The boatmen’s chanty):

“Ky Van owns the beach, where fishermen use gillnets,
High mountains, deep sea, drown sorrows deep in the heart.”

Beautiful views and historic sites

Long Hai also encompasses Nuoc Ngot Pass, which will be part of the improved and expanded road between Vung Tau and Binh Thuan (DT994). Spanning nearly 77 km, construction of the pass began on June 17, 2023. Once finished, this road should provide a significant boost to Ba Ria – Vung Tau province’s tourism industry. Winding along the base of Minh Dam Mountain, Long Hai Beach offers striking views, with one side flanked by the sea and the other by lush mountains. Traversing the coastal road, drivers are met with the raw, serene beauty of deserted rocky beaches.

Minh Dam Mountain has a proud history tied to the heroic resistance of the people of Ba Ria – Vung Tau. Visitors can rent motorcycles and ride up Nuoc Ngot Pass to enjoy panoramic views or visit renowned historical sites. The sacred Dinh Co Temple Complex covers an area of over 1,000 square meters, including Tam Quan Gate, located at the foot of Ky Van Cape. In February 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism recognized the traditional Dinh Co Festival as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Around one km from Dinh Co lies Mo Co, a tomb that overlooks the ocean on Co Son Hill, where pilgrims worship a local goddess.

Startig the day's catch on the beach

Life in a fishing village

Visitors to Long Hai should rise early to catch the dawn, stroll along the beach, dip in the refreshing sea, and explore daily life in a fishing village. Discover scenes of bustling markets and feast on freshly caught seafood of all kinds – from Indian mackerel, and herring to snails, crabs, octopuses, and squid.

Mr. Ty, aged 53, has been a fisherman for over 20 years. He said: “This fishing village provides employment for hundreds of local laborers. Earning a living in our own hometown makes us very happy.”

On the beach, right at the foot of the waves, many fishermen are busy mending their nets and sorting their fresh catches, with coracles lined up neatly on the sandy shore. From higher viewpoints you can see distant boats loaded with fish and shrimp returning to port, where crowds of loved ones anxiously await the return of their husbands and sons. After a rough journey at sea, when they haul in a good catch, the fishermen’s smiles are so bright that onlookers can’t help but feel happy too.

Fresh seafood

Upon visiting the town of Long Hai, tourists should stop by the fish market to buy fresh seafood and organize a barbecue right on the beach. The market vendors are ready to prepare the seafood if requested. Visitors can also buy dried seafood and handicrafts made from seashells as gifts.

“While we are young, we live for experiences; as we age, we live for memories. That’s why I love wandering around, exploring the coastal life of Vietnam. I will return to Long Hai many times to listen to the endless whispers of the ocean, taste the tang of the salty sea air, and observe the local fishermen’s industrious way of life,” explained photographer Thai Viet Hoan.