It should come as no surprise that Vietnam, a country that borders the ocean from top to bottom, relies heavily on its fishing industry. Colorful fishing villages scatter its extended coastline, and local fishing markets are plentiful.
One of these villages, Nhon Hai, can be found mere kilometers away from the coastal city of Quy Nhon. Visit Nhon Hai in the early morning and witness how the neighborhood wakes up and reveals its hidden charms.
From fishermen hauling in their daily catch to children playing hide and seek in its maze-like alleys, Nhon Hai Village is brimming with life.
Read along as we share more on what to expect and how you can fully experience the beautiful fishing village of Nhon Hai in Quy Nhon, Vietnam.
Life at a Vietnamese Fishing Village
Tucked away in the foothills of the Hai Giang Peninsula in Quy Nhon lies the fishing village of Nhon Hai. Though the village is easy to reach and not completely off-the-beaten-track, Nhon Hai is still an overlooked gem.
The village has a harmonious blend of tranquility and liveliness that perfectly captures the traditional Vietnamese fishing community. In the morning, the fishing village slowly comes to life as upbeat music blasts from speakers attached to poles. The tunes echoing across the village signal the rest of the community to wake up. And after a few minutes, the rhythm of the neighborhood shifts.
Families dry their fish along the shore, food vendors are crowded, and the air is filled with laughter from children playing in the streets. With this change of pace, the once sleepy fishing village has transformed into an energetic small town that entices you to be part of it.
Interested in discovering more authentic villages in Vietnam? Visit Lang Go Co Village in Sa Huynh and enjoy its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
The Beauty of Nhon Hai Village
The Nhon Hai Village is as captivating as its daily rhythm. The village's vibrant charm is evident in its brightly painted buildings and blossoming flowers lining the streets, accompanied by waving flags.
Along the shore, dozens of colorful boats are seen dotting the coastline. Local fishermen are busy hauling in their daily catch as their wives eagerly wait to receive the buckets filled with fish.
Yet, perhaps the most fascinating feature of Nhon Hai is its maze-like alleyways. Narrow roads weave through the Vietnamese village, with every twist and turn exposing you to the bustling lives of the local residents. Venture around and try Banh Canh, a noodle soup with thick and chewy rice noodles, at one of the local households.
Read: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam
Banh Xeo with a Twist
Nhon Hai is famously known for its Bánh xèo mực, or squid pancakes. Bánh xèo is a well-known dish all around Vietnam, but the variant sold in Nhon Hai is one of its kind.
Here, the crispy rice flour pancakes are baked in small pans, topped with fresh squid and scallions, and served with a fish sauce to dip.
How to Order: Visit one of the ladies serving Bánh xèo along the shore of Nhon Hai and point at the pancakes in the pan. They don’t speak English, but gesturing will get you a long way.
You get to choose between plain pancakes or those topped with fresh squid. We recommend trying both and ordering more of whichever one you like best.
Note: The squid is served with the ink still in it; the ink is edible but might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Read: 9 Local Delicacies to Try in Dalat
Where to Stay in Nhon Hai
If you’re interested in staying at the fishing village for the night, here are some of the accommodation options you can book. Find all accommodation in Nhon Hai village here.
How to Get to Nhon Hai Fishing Village
Nhon Hai fishing village is located about 20 kilometers from the city center of Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh Province.
It takes around 30 minutes to drive, and the easiest way to get there is to hire a driver for the day so you can visit nearby attractions such as Ky Co Beach and Eo Gió.
Planning to visit Vietnam soon? Make sure you have everything you need! Read our 17 top things to know before visiting Vietnam.
Otherwise, we recommend renting a motorbike at your accommodation. Driving to the village is straightforward; type “Lang Chai Nhon Hai” into your navigation and follow the directions.
From Quy Nhon center, take the national road (QL19) and cross the Thi Nai bridge (Cầu Thị Nại) until you reach the roundabout. Turn right and follow the small road leading all the way to Nhon Hai fishing village.
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Visiting Nhon Hai fishing village is a great way to experience the local life in Vietnam and in our opinion one of the best things to do in Quy Nhon!
If you’re looking for more traditional villages in Vietnam, travel to Cao Bang Province to visit the incense village in Phia Thap. You can also find more villages in the south, such as the fishing village of Mui Ne and the mat weaving village in the Mekong Delta.
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
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