Tuy Hoa, the coastal city and capital of Phu Yen Province in south-central Vietnam, is around 512 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. An Hoa Hai Commune, situated 25 kilometers north of Tuy Hoa City in Tuy An District, boasts a coastal landscape with picturesque small islands dotting the sea.
The residents of An Hoa Hai earn their livelihood through fishing. Despite the presence of a coastal landscape, tourism has not developed in the area yet. However, visitors do come to the commune for seasonal camping experiences.
Two specific locations within the commune that are popular among tourists are Phuoc Dong fishing village and Mai Nha Island.
Hoang Minh Duc, along with his friends, chose the month of April, known for its calm sea season, to embark on a summer retreat to Phuoc Dong fishing village and Mai Nha Island.
Phuoc Dong fishing village maintains a peaceful atmosphere. The village features a long stretch of white sandy beach and traditional boats parked along the shoreline, while the azure waters mirror the sky's hue.
The Phuoc Dong fishing village has gained popularity in recent years. According to Vo Thanh Phuong, the village head of Phuoc Dong, this recognition is due to the village's unspoiled coastal scenery, the quality of the air, and the simple way of life of the people living in this area.
Upon arrival, Duc was greeted by a familiar sight: villagers working together to untangle nets and clean boats. Duc noticed the absence of city noise as he arrived.
“It's the peaceful scenery and the calming blue of the sea that really soothes me,” he said.
The shops and eateries, set up under temporary tents along the beach, offer visitors the chance to savor fresh seafood dishes.
Duc highly recommends trying the raw squid dish, where live squid with flickering light dots on their bodies can be savored.
The cost of food at Phuoc Dong fishing village is surprisingly affordable, with crispy pancakes priced at VND1,000 (3 cents) each, banh it - glutinous rice cake at VND2,000 each, a cup of sweet soup dessert at VND3,000, and a bowl of vermicelli ranging from VND7,000 to VND10,000.
Leaving the fishing village, Duc and his group took a boat from An Hai Wharf to Mai Nha Island, with tickets priced at VND100,000 ($3.90) each.
Mai Nha Island is around 1.2 square kilometers in size and lacks any buildings or human habitation. It creates the impression of being stranded on an uninhabited island.
It features tall cliffs, some forested areas with few plants, wide grassy plains, and a wide view of the ocean.
The group set up camp on the island, spending the night under the stars and witnessing the sunrise over the sea.
According to Vo Van Dieu, a tour guide in Phu Yen who frequently brings visitors to Mai Nha Island, camping and stargazing has been the most popular activity among tourists for the past two years.
Visitors have the option to explore the island independently, camp for free, bring their own tent, or rent one for VND100,000 - VND200,000. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks or arrange for food services in advance at the fishing village.
In the southwest of the island, there are beaches full of marine life like guppies, moss, and seaweed. Some travelers bring kayaks for paddling, while others enjoy snorkeling to see the coral reefs.
The best locations for camping overnight and experiencing both sunrise and sunset on the island are the front and back beaches. On the front beach, local residents have set up temporary tents where they offer seafood, facilities for preparing food, and access to restrooms.
Additionally, this beach is protected from the wind, making it easier to set up camp and have a fire, as mentioned by Dieu.
Duc advises tourists to bring additional batteries for their lights, insect repellent, and maybe a thermos of coffee to enjoy while watching the sunrise early in the morning.
The back beach, adorned with large boulders, petite caverns, and grassy fields, offers photo opportunities and fishing, especially during sunset.
Additionally, the island has a natural water feature known as "infinity pools.. These pools form naturally within rocky crevices, filling up with water as the tide goes out, creating unique spots for photography.
For Duc, An Hoa Hai embodies the harmony between humanity and nature, with no barriers separating tourists from the local populace.
From An Hoa Hai Commune, visitors can explore attractions such as the Hon Yen national scenic complex, renowned for its geological, cultural, and historical significance, as well as diverse plant life.
Additionally, iconic Phu Yen destinations at Xep Beach and a coastal area of interlocking rock columns called Ganh Da Dia, located roughly 8 and 15 kilometers away respectively, offer unique coastal landscapes and geological formations.
Before embarking on a journey to An Hoa Hai, Duc advises tourists to carefully consider their travel preferences. They should not expect the amenities of a typical tourist destination but rather embrace the authentic lifestyle and natural beauty of the area in its purest form.
