Dec - 19 - 2025
Phuoc Hai Fishing Village is one of coastal Vietnam’s most authentic and captivating secrets, a place where the rhythmic pulse of the ocean dictates the pace of daily life. Far from the high-rise hotels and bustling promenades of more developed tourist centers, this traditional village offers a rare glimpse into a timeless way of life. Imagine a colorful shoreline of fishing and basket boats, alive with the buzz of a morning seafood market and a community deeply connected to the sea. At GTrip, we believe travel is about discovering these hidden gems. This comprehensive guide is your ultimate resource for exploring Phuoc Hai, covering everything from how to get there and where to stay to the incredible local experiences.
Overview of Phuoc Hai Fishing Village
Phuoc Hai is one of the oldest traditional fishing villages in the region, known for its raw and unfiltered charm. Unlike commercialized beach towns, its atmosphere reflects everyday coastal life, from weathered fishing boats to bustling seaside markets and sun-tanned fishermen. A visit here is more than a beach escape, it’s a cultural experience that offers a quiet connection to Vietnam’s rich maritime heritage.
Where is Phuoc Hai Fishing Village?
Location: Along the coastline of Phuoc Hai Commune (formerly Phuoc Hai Town, Dat Do Town, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province), Ho Chi Minh City.
Phuoc Hai Fishing Village, situated at the foot of Minh Dam Mountain, is a key destination on the scenic coastal road that connects the popular beach of Vung Tau with Long Hai and Binh Chau. Its convenient location makes it an easy and rewarding day trip or a tranquil weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City.
Phuoc Hai is a historic fishing village known for its raw authenticity, where vibrant coastal life, traditional markets, and maritime heritage create a peaceful
Best time to visit Phuoc Hai Fishing Village
- Best season (weather): November to April (dry season)
- Best time of day (experience): 5 AM to 7 AM (morning market)
- Less ideal time: May to October (rainy season, with potential for rough seas)
The best time to visit Phuoc Hai Fishing Village is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and the humidity is lower. For the most vibrant local experience, the best time of day is early morning, between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. This is when the fishing boats return to shore, and the iconic Phuoc Hai Market bursts into life, offering an unforgettable spectacle of local commerce and community.
The ideal time to visit Phuoc Hai is during the dry season from November to April, especially early in the morning when fishing boats return
How to get to Phuoc Hai Fishing Village?
Getting to Phuoc Hai Fishing Village is easy and scenic, with good connections from major hubs like Ho Chi Minh City and former Vung Tau City (now under the administration of Ho Chi Minh City). The coastal route adds to the experience, offering beautiful ocean views and flexible travel options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Private car
A private car is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel to Phuoc Hai Fishing Village, especially for families, small groups, or those carrying luggage. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours via the Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway.
This option provides door-to-door service, allowing you to travel on your own schedule and make spontaneous stops along the scenic coastal route. At GTrip, we can arrange a private car and driver, making your trip smooth, comfortable, and completely hassle-free.
Motorbike
For adventurous travelers and experienced riders, traveling by motorbike is the most exhilarating way to reach Phuoc Hai Fishing Village. This mode of transport gives you complete freedom to explore the stunning coastal roads at your own pace. The most popular route from Ho Chi Minh City follows Highway 51 towards Vung Tau before branching off onto the spectacular coastal road that passes through Long Hai and leads directly to Phuoc Hai.
This drive includes the famous Nuoc Ngot Pass, offering breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. Remember to wear proper safety gear and ensure your bike is in good condition before you depart.
Motorbike travel to Phuoc Hai offers flexibility and scenic coastal views, ideal for experienced riders
Bus
Traveling by bus is the most budget-friendly option for getting to Phuoc Hai Fishing Village**.** The process involves two steps. First, you take a comfortable limousine bus or a standard passenger bus from Mien Dong Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City to the Vung Tau bus terminal, which takes about 2 hours.
From Vung Tau, you can easily catch a local bus or hire a taxi or "xe om" (motorbike taxi) for the final 16 km leg of the journey to Phuoc Hai. This method is perfect for solo travelers or those looking to minimize costs while experiencing local public transport.
Hydrofoil boat
For a unique and fast maritime journey, you can take a hydrofoil boat from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau. The boat runs from Bach Dang Wharf to Cau Da Port in Vung Tau in about 90 minutes, offering a scenic ride that avoids road traffic. Once you arrive in Vung Tau, you will need to take a taxi, rent a motorbike, or catch a local bus to cover the remaining distance to Phuoc Hai Fishing Village. While it requires a transfer, the hydrofoil provides a memorable start to your coastal adventure.
Things to do at Phuoc Hai Fishing Village
A trip to Phuoc Hai invites you to slow down and experience the authentic rhythm of coastal Vietnam. Here, culture, nature, and everyday local life come together peacefully and memorably.
1. Explore the lively early-morning seafood market
The best way to experience the soul of Phuoc Hai is by visiting the bustling early-morning seafood market**.** Every day between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, the shore of Phuoc Hai Beach transforms into a vibrant, open-air trading floor. Watch as fishermen haul in their nets, their boats brimming with the night's catch. The air buzzes with the sounds of bargaining as locals and restaurateurs haggle over glistening piles of fresh seafood, such as prawns, crabs, squid, and countless varieties of fish. It’s a raw, energetic, and photogenic scene that offers a powerful insight into the local economy and way of life.
Visit the early-morning seafood market to witness Phuoc Hai at its liveliest, as fishermen return with fresh catches and the beach fills with vibrant trading and local life
2. Swim and unwind on the serene beach
The main attraction for relaxation is the beautiful Phuoc Hai Beach, a long, sandy expanse that offers a tranquil alternative to the more crowded beaches in Vung Tau. The water here is generally clean and calm, perfect for swimming and wading. The beach retains a wild, natural beauty, framed by casuarina trees and the distant silhouettes of fishing boats. You can rent a simple lounge chair, sip on a fresh coconut, and watch the world go by. It’s the ideal spot to unwind, read a book, and soak in the peaceful coastal atmosphere without the usual tourist crowds.
3. Discover authentic life in a traditional fishing village
A core activity in Phuoc Hai is to simply wander through the village and observe the authentic daily life of its residents. This is not a "tourist village", it's a real, working community. You will see fishermen mending their vibrant blue nets in the shade, women sorting fish and shellfish, and children playing along the alleyways. Take note of the iconic "thung chai", or basket boats, that line the shore. These unique, coracle-like vessels are a symbol of Vietnam's coastal ingenuity. This un-commercialized environment provides a genuine and humbling look at the hard work and strong community bonds that define a traditional fishing village.
Stroll through Phuoc Hai to witness authentic fishing village life, with fishermen, basket boats, and everyday coastal routines
4. Savor freshly caught local seafood
Indulging in the local seafood is a non-negotiable part of any visit to Phuoc Hai. Because you are at the source, the seafood here is as fresh as it gets and remarkably affordable. You can buy directly from the morning market and ask a local eatery to cook it for you for a small fee. Alternatively, visit one of the simple, no-frills seaside restaurants. Don't miss out on local specialties like steamed squid with ginger, grilled scallops with scallion oil, or a hearty seafood hotpot. Eating fresh seafood with your feet in the sand is an essential Phuoc Hai experience.
5. Visit Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery
For a moment of peace and spiritual reflection, visit the Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery. Located serenely at the foot of Minh Dam Mountain, this beautiful Buddhist monastery is a tranquil sanctuary away from the coastal bustle. Known locally as "Monkey Pagoda" due to the large, friendly troop of monkeys that resides in the surrounding forest, it offers a unique blend of nature and spirituality. The intricate architecture, peaceful gardens, and the gentle sounds of chanting create a calming atmosphere. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds respectfully and enjoy the palpable sense of serenity.
6. Pay respects at Dinh Co Temple & Shrine
Explore local folklore and spiritual traditions by visiting the Dinh Co Temple, located a short drive away in Long Hai. This vibrant temple is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and is dedicated to a young virgin girl, Le Thi Hong, who, according to legend, drowned and washed ashore centuries ago. Local fishermen built the shrine to worship her spirit, believing she protects them at sea. The temple is an important spiritual center for the local community. This is especially evident during the annual Dinh Co Festival, held from the 10th to the 12th of the second lunar month, featuring colorful processions and traditional rituals.
Visit Dinh Co Temple in Long Hai to discover local folklore and coastal spirituality, with sweeping sea views and deep-rooted fishermen's traditions
7. Hike and enjoy panoramic views at Minh Dam Mountain
For active travelers and history enthusiasts, a hike up Minh Dam Mountain is a must-do activity. This mountain, which provides a dramatic backdrop to Phuoc Hai Fishing Village, served as a crucial revolutionary base during the wars against France and the United States. Today, you can hike the trails that wind through the dense forest, discovering hidden caves and remnants of the past. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire coastline, from Long Hai to Binh Chau and the village below. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes it a rewarding excursion.
8. Fly giant kites at Phuoc Hai Square
Participate in a beloved local pastime by flying a kite at the main square near the beach. On windy afternoons, especially on weekends, the sky above Phuoc Hai fills with dozens of enormous, creatively shaped kites. You’ll see everything from giant octopuses and majestic eagles to colorful dragons dancing in the strong sea breeze. It’s a joyful and mesmerizing spectacle. You can buy a kite from a local vendor or simply enjoy watching the colorful display. This simple, fun activity is perfect for families and offers a wonderful glimpse into the local recreational culture.
Fly a kite by the beach and enjoy a joyful local pastime as colorful, giant kites dance across the windy skies of Phuoc Hai
9. Check in at Phuoc Hai wave-breaking embankment & Loc An stone sea wall
Capture stunning photos at the picturesque man-made coastal structures like the Phuoc Hai embankment and the nearby Loc An sea wall. These long concrete and stone barriers, designed to protect the coastline from erosion, have become iconic check-in points for photographers and young travelers. The long, straight lines extend far into the sea, creating dramatic leading lines for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light is golden. The contrast between the rugged, man-made structures and the vast, natural ocean makes for powerful and memorable images.
10. Enjoy a scenic drive along Nuoc Ngot Pass
Experience one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal drives by taking a ride along the Nuoc Ngot Pass. This scenic mountain pass links Phuoc Hai and Long Hai, offering sweeping views of the blue sea and the green slopes of Minh Dam Mountain. The road twists and turns, with several spots to pull over and soak in the scenery. If you're on a motorbike or in a car, this scenic drive is an essential part of the journey and a highlight for anyone exploring the region.
Accommodation and resort options in Phuoc Hai Fishing Village
Accommodation near Phuoc Hai ranges from luxurious beachfront resorts to affordable local guesthouses, catering to every type of traveler and budget. While the village itself is more traditional, the surrounding Long Hai and Dat Do areas offer excellent options just a short drive away.
- Luxury resorts & villas: Oceanami Villas & Beach Club, Lan Rung Beach Resort, Tropicana Beach Resort & Spa, …
- Mid-range hotels & resorts: Bella Vita Hotel, Thuy Duong Resort & Hotel, Sao Mai Boutique Villa, …
- Budget guesthouses: Bien Xanh Phuoc Hai Guesthouse, Anh Dao Phuoc Hai Guesthouse, Tuan Anh Phuoc Hai Guesthouse, …
- Homestays: Mango Homestay Phuoc Hai, Tina House Homestay Phuoc Hai, Moc An Nhien Homestay, …
Phuoc Hai offers a wide range of stays, from luxury beachfront resorts to budget guesthouses and local homestays, with many great options in nearby Long Hai
Phuoc Hai Fishing Village travel tips
To make the most of your visit, keep these practical travel tips in mind. Following this simple advice will help ensure your trip to Phuoc Hai is smooth, respectful, and enjoyable.
- Wake up early: The village is most active between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Don't miss the morning market.
- Carry cash: Many small eateries and market vendors do not accept credit cards. It's essential to have Vietnamese Dong (VND) for food, drinks, and small purchases.
- Pack sun protection: The coastal sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself, especially during midday.
- Respect local culture: This is a working village, not a theme park. Be mindful when taking photos of people, always ask for permission first, and dress modestly when visiting temples like Dinh Co Temple.
- Learn a few words: Simple Vietnamese phrases like "Xin chao" (hello) and "Cam on" (thank you) go a long way in showing respect and connecting with locals.
Simple preparation and cultural awareness will help you enjoy a smooth, respectful, and rewarding visit to Phuoc Hai Fishing Village
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A journey to Phuoc Hai Fishing Village is a step back in time, an opportunity to connect with the soul of coastal Vietnam in a way that feels utterly genuine. It’s a place that reminds you of the simple beauty found in a hard day's work, a shared meal of fresh seafood, and the breathtaking colors of a sunrise over the ocean. Phuoc Hai offers a rich mix of lively local markets and peaceful mountain landscapes, revealing a living community with stories to share beyond just a place on the map. GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency hope our guide has inspired you to exchange the beaten path for a shoreline filled with basket boats and authenticity.
