(TITC) – Located about 15 kilometers northeast of downtown Nha Trang, Bich Dam is a small island in Vinh Nguyen ward that has retained much of its pristine beauty and the tranquil charm of a traditional fishing village. Unlike the bustling, crowded tourist beaches nearby, Bich Dam offers visitors a sense of serenity, closeness to nature, and the rare chance to experience authentic community-based tourism rooted in the daily lives of coastal fishermen.
The peaceful beauty of Bich Dam (Photo: Khanh Hoa News)
A traditional fishing community
Bich Dam is one of the oldest fishing villages in Nha Trang Bay. For generations, local life has been intertwined with the sea, from fishing and aquaculture to cultural practices passed down through time. The rustic simplicity of the people, combined with the island’s poetic landscapes, makes Bich Dam an ideal destination for travelers who wish to discover the essence of community life in Vietnam’s coastal regions.
A day in Bich Dam typically begins at dawn, as basket boats and wooden fishing vessels return with their fresh catches. Visitors can join fishermen in hauling nets, sorting seafood, or learning how to prepare traditional dishes using the day’s harvest. Many island families welcome guests into their homes, offering authentic homestay experiences. Around the dinner table, simple family-style meals featuring grilled fish, steamed squid, or scallops sautéed with garlic become moments of cultural exchange and connection, where the flavors of the sea tell their own stories.
Community-based tourism and its meaning
Beyond its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Bich Dam’s model of community tourism holds significant social and economic value. Local residents now earn additional income not only from fishing but also from offering accommodation, meals, and hands-on experiences to visitors. This diversification improves living standards while simultaneously encouraging the preservation of cultural identity and sustainable environmental practices. The involvement of the community ensures that tourism benefits are shared and that development is balanced with respect for the sea and natural resources.
Support for sustainable development
In recent years, local authorities and social organizations have supported Bich Dam in upgrading infrastructure and providing training in sustainable tourism practices. As a result, more households have invested in homestays, small tourist boats, electric vehicle rentals, and island tours. These improvements have enhanced the visitor experience while reinforcing the village’s commitment to eco-friendly tourism. The model serves as a blueprint for how small communities can successfully combine tradition with modern hospitality to create meaningful travel experiences.
Experiences beyond the sea
For travelers, Bich Dam is more than just a quiet seaside escape. It is an opportunity to live like a local, even if only for a short while. Guests can stroll through the village, listen to stories of the sea, or join in daily tasks that reveal the resilience and warmth of the islanders. The smiles of the villagers, their generosity, and their pride in their way of life transform each visit into a deeply personal and memorable journey.
Surrounded by clear waters, dotted with fishing boats, and framed by the backdrop of Nha Trang’s islands, Bich Dam offers both relaxation and cultural immersion. Here, time seems to move more slowly, allowing travelers to step away from the noise of the city and reconnect with the essentials – nature, people, and tradition.
A destination of peace and meaning
Bich Dam Fishing Village is not just a place to visit; it is a story to experience. Every net cast into the sea, every meal shared with a host family, and every laugh exchanged with local fishermen reflects the enduring bond between humans and the ocean. For visitors to Nha Trang, a trip to Bich Dam is a chance to discover a peaceful haven – a reminder that the most meaningful journeys are often found not in crowded resorts, but in the quiet, genuine beauty of communities that live in harmony with nature.
Tourism Information Technology Center
