Amid rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and the endless whisper of the sea breeze, Tan Phung fishing village emerges like a tranquil painting. Located in My Tho commune, Phu My district, about 70 km north of Quy Nhon City, this is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful, untouched seaside escape and a deep dive into local life.
Over 300 Years of History at the Foot of the Mountain
Tan Phung is one of the oldest fishing villages in Binh Dinh, with more than three centuries of maritime tradition. Nestled at the foot of a mountain, the village backs onto lush hills and faces the vast East Sea. It is surrounded by impressive rocky formations like Bai Ban and Da Dung, and most notably, Mui Vi Rong (Dragon Head Cape) – a natural wonder shaped like a mighty dragon stretching toward the sea, bold and mysterious.
Photographer Nguyen Phan Dang Quan, a local who has spent years capturing the beauty of his homeland, shared: “Each season brings a different charm to Tan Phung, but summer is the best time to visit – with clear skies, calm seas, and perfect lighting to explore every corner of the village.”
Authentic Fishermen’s Life – Simple Yet Captivating
In Tan Phung, you’ll encounter vivid scenes of fishing boats gliding over the waves, fishermen hauling in nets and sorting fish along the sandy shore. Depending on the tides and seasons, locals fish from dusk until dawn or from early morning until early afternoon. Fresh catches are traded right on the beach or brought to the bustling Tan Phung market.
Adventurous travelers can even join fishing trips at sea, go squid fishing at night, or help cast nets with the locals—a raw, memorable way to greet the sunrise in the heart of the ocean.
Mui Vi Rong – A Monument of Stone and Sea
No trip here is complete without visiting Mui Vi Rong, a massive rock cape jutting out into the sea. The crashing waves create a mesmerizing scene of frothy spray that resembles a dragon diving into the water. Inside the headland lies a deep sea cave—shaped by millennia of waves, wind, and time.
Here, visitors can swim, paddleboard, or simply marvel at the vast horizon. From November to January, large swells attract many international surfers who come to conquer the powerful surf.
Hon Tranh – An Untouched Gem in the Middle of the Sea
Just a short distance from Mui Vi Rong is Hon Tranh, a small, wild island that still retains its original beauty. At its center is a flat grassy area perfect for camping, picnicking, and watching the sunrise or sunset. There are canoe services available to take visitors from the mainland, but all activities are still self-guided and off-the-grid.
Visitors should prepare their own camping gear and supplies. Locals on the island are friendly and helpful, often offering guidance and support to first-time travelers.
A World Beneath the Waves: Coral Reefs, Reef Pools, and Colorful Marine Life
The waters and rocky reefs around Tan Phung harbor over 100 species of coral, along with grouper, snapper, lobster, seaweed, and shellfish. Small natural tide pools formed by erosion are often compared to “infinity pools” right on the water’s edge—ideal for photography lovers.
Anchovies of Summer – A Taste of the Sea
In June, schools of anchovies swim close to shore, and you can witness locals drying anchovies on neatly arranged bamboo trays, sun-soaked and sea-scented. It’s a perfect time to enjoy delicious dishes made from fresh anchovies or purchase some as unique gifts.
How to Get There & Travel Tips
From Quy Nhon, you can rent a motorbike or car and follow route DT639—a scenic coastal road flanked by sea on one side and hills on the other. Depending on your plan, you can take a day trip or stay overnight with a local family, as tourism here remains undeveloped and deeply authentic.
Important tips: As Tan Phung has yet to embrace large-scale tourism, visitors should come prepared, respect the environment, avoid littering, and follow safety guidelines, especially when exploring rocky coasts or venturing offshore.
A Place to Find Peace
Unlike popular tourist destinations, Tan Phung wins hearts with its purity, slow pace, and enduring connection to the sea. If you’re weary of the city’s noise and craving a quiet retreat, spend a day—or more—at this timeless village beneath the Dragon Head Cape, where the waves speak, the sky opens wide, and peace flows like the tide.