Doc Let, 49 kilometers north of Nha Trang City, is a beach in Ninh Hoa Ward known for its scenery and mild climate.
While it is a destination that can be visited year-round, the best time to go is between March and July.
Nguyen Hong Nhat, 36, and his family spent three days and two nights in Doc Let during an 11-day road trip from Hanoi to Nha Trang. He decided to stay longer after friends and relatives recommended it.
Nhat describes the beach as having clear water and fine sand. He says posing next to the basket boats there was enough to capture a summer vibe in photos.
As a photography lover, Nhat hoped Doc Let would match the social media images he had seen, though he remained skeptical about the sea color before his trip.
"The reality at Doc Let exceeded my expectations," he says.
Nhat's family stayed at a beachfront homestay that offered seafood and photo spots. The beach itself stretches 10 kilometers with calm waters perfect for swimming.
For the best light, Nhat thinks visitors should take photos between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. He also offers other spots, including a village gate leading to the sea and several murals.
Doc Let at sunrise, its surface tinted gold by the light, as fishing boats return to shore after a night at sea.
Visitors can stay at resorts such as TTC Van Phong Bay and Pax Ana Doc Let Resort & Spa. Alternatively, homestays are available, including 4be San Ho, Cham Bien, and Cas Vita.
Homestays and villas sit right by the water with minimalist designs.
For Nhat, the most valuable part of the trip has been the sense of living in the fishing village. This slower pace allowed him to appreciate pleasures like eating and sleeping well.
"We love how simple and unspoiled it is here. Sometimes happiness can be just that simple."
The Ninh Thuy fish market is Doc Let's busiest spot at sunrise.
Visitors can buy squid there and bring it to eateries in the village to have it turned into banh xeo (crispy pancakes) for VND3,000 (10 cents) each. The area also has stalls serving fish noodle soup and watermelon juice.
Food in Doc Let is varied and affordable. Visitors can try fish noodle soup for VND20,000 (80 cents) a bowl or squid hotpot with la e (lemon basil) at Thap Nhat Cay Dua restaurant.
Other eateries, such as Gai Phuong and the stalls around Ninh Thuy Market, serve specialties including beef noodle soup and sweet soup desserts.
Visitors can also buy seafood at Ninh Diem market to cook themselves at their homestay.
