The architect behind Chamhouse, Vu Trung, is an architect who loves local culture and architecture. Through many years of research and experience, he has skillfully combined the quintessence of Cham culture with the simple lifestyle of coastal fishermen to create a unique and meaningful space.
Inspired by Cham culture
The Cham people used to be a powerful tribe with their own culture, language and writing, and were famous for the architecture of ancient temples and towers. However, after historical upheavals, the Cham people now only have about 300,000 people, concentrated mainly in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan. With his love and respect for this culture, Mr. Trung has cherished the idea of building a place where people can touch the cultural values that seem to have receded into the past.
Mr. Trung shared: “We don’t want to do anything too big, we don’t want to affect the people. We sell peace.” His idea of “selling peace” does not stop at creating a beautiful or luxurious space, but rather brings a slow and gentle experience, so that everyone who comes here can connect with nature, with themselves, with the beauty of the simple things around them.
Travellive had the opportunity to meet and listen to Mr. Vu Trung, architect of Chamhouse, share
Before starting to build Chamhouse, Mr. Trung spent 6 months living at Long Thuy beach, immersing himself in the life of the local people to better understand the coastal lifestyle. He said: “Here, everything is slow and peaceful. The people of the fishing village are honest, friendly and attached to the sea. From seemingly simple things like a meal with fresh grilled fish, dipped in pure fish sauce, I felt full and complete.”
From that experience, Chamhouse was built not only to serve tourists but also to blend into the local lifestyle. Mr. Trung chose Long Thuy beach, a place that is still wild and uncommercialized, to be the place to put his “brainchild”. “We want people to find a peaceful place, not crowded. A place where just by immersing themselves in that space, people will feel the peace,” he added.
Chamhouse has a total of four rooms with an area of 147 m², divided into two blocks, each block has an architectural style associated with the life of a coastal village.
Three-room, tiled-roof house: This is an old house of a local fishing villager. Instead of demolishing it, Mr. Trung and his colleagues decided to keep and renovate it, ensuring both convenience for visitors and preserving the beauty of traditional architecture. Two-story house: Designed in a more modern style, but still rustic with friendly materials and blending into the surrounding space. The top floor of this house is used as a place to eat, rest and watch the sea, where visitors can listen to the murmuring waves and breathe the fresh air.
Everything Chamhouse offers is familiar and simple, just like Mr. Trung experienced during his 6 months living here.
“We want people to find a peaceful place, not crowded. A place where just by letting yourself go into that space, people will feel the peace.”
Experience the simple life in a fishing village
Coming to Chamhouse, visitors not only relax but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the lives of local people. Mr. Trung encourages guests to stay at least a week to fully experience the slow pace of life in the coastal village. Many people even book rooms for a month to seek tranquility and restore energy.
Experiential activities at Chamhouse bring visitors into the peaceful life of Phu Yen's coastal village. Visitors can take a canoe to the island, explore the pristine beauty of Long Thuy sea with clear water and peaceful atmosphere. Another experience is fishing with fishermen, where you can pull the net, fish and cook right on the fire, enjoy the results in simplicity but complete.
Coastal cuisine at Chamhouse is also something not to be missed. Fresh seafood dishes such as rice field fish, stone fish, red grouper are grilled, served with pure fish sauce mixed with spicy chili. Mr. Trung shared: "Just a plate of dipping sauce, a few fresh grilled fish, and a 'beer jug' for 20k for 1.5 liters, and you can drink to your heart's content." Such rustic meals not only satisfy visitors with their taste, but also bring a feeling of closeness and warmth in the human affection of the fishing village.
At Chamhouse, peace is not a distant concept.
Chamhouse is not ostentatious, not sophisticated but leaves a deep impression because of the harmony between culture, architecture and people. With passion and love for Cham culture and Phu Yen land, Mr. Trung has created a space where everyone who comes can feel the peace and closeness.
At Chamhouse, peace is not a distant concept, but something you can touch through every detail: A morning sitting looking at the sea, a simple plate of grilled fish or the conversation of the fishermen. As Mr. Trung said: "We sell peace" and that is also the greatest value that Chamhouse brings.
