Tam Tien in Nui Thanh District, around 45 km from Hoi An ancient city, has grown from a small fishing village to the largest seafood market in Quang Nam.
About 15 years ago, Tam Tien was a mere docking station for boats. Later, as the number of fishing vessels increased, a bustling seafood market opened as the main distribution point for much of the province.
The market is open during the monsoon season, between April and September.
From 3 a.m. locals wake up and row their coracles to the middle of the sea to carry fresh batches of seafood from the fishing boats to the shore.
The fishermen head out to sea at around 3-4 p.m., and return about 12 hours later.
A man walks to Tam Tien beach and carries a bucket of water to shore to keep his seafood basket fresh.
On the shore, women select and sort the quality of fish and other seafood. Sorted fish is iced for delivery to markets, restaurants and eateries in Tam Ky City and other surrounding areas.
Most seafood is bought within minutes after being brought to the mainland. The selling price of each type is different, a kilogram of scad ranges from VND50,000 - 70,000 ($2.12-2.96) while squid costs about VND100,000 - 140,000 a kilo.
The rainy season in Tam Tien starts from October, forcing the fishing boat to halt operation due to rough seas.
A fresh catch of mackerel, which is used as the main ingredient to make noodle soups in the central region style.
The busy scene at the market at 6 a.m.
Some local women earn their income by carrying heavy batches of fish for the buyers. These women come from different backgrounds and vary in age, ranging from teenagers to wrinkled elders.
A local fisherman smiles while posing for photos.
The seafood market had been overlooked by foreign tourists for years due to its seclusion.
But that changed when the five-star Tui Blue Nam Hoi An Resort opened in 2020, two kilometers from Tam Tien beach.
The resort currently offers daily tours for its guests to visit the market at dawn and explore the daily lives of local fishermen.
