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The man behind Chamhouse, Vu Trung, is an architect who loves local culture and architecture. Through years of research and experience, he has skillfully combined the essence of Cham culture with the simple lifestyle of coastal fishermen to create a unique and meaningful space.
Inspired by Cham culture
The Cham people were once a powerful tribe with their own culture, language, and writing system, and were distinguished by the architecture of their ancient temples and towers. However, after historical upheavals, the Cham population now numbers only about 300,000 people, mainly concentrated in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces. With a love and respect for this culture, Trung conceived the idea of building a place where people could connect with cultural values that seemed to have faded into the past.
Trung shared: "We don't want to do anything too extravagant, we don't want to affect the local community. We sell peace." His idea of "selling peace" doesn't stop at creating a beautiful or luxurious space, but rather aims to provide a slow and gentle experience, so that everyone who comes here can connect with nature, with themselves, and with the beauty of the simple things around them.
Travellive had the opportunity to meet and listen to Mr. Vu Trung, the architect of Chamhouse, share his insights.
Before starting the construction of Chamhouse, Trung spent six months living on Long Thuy beach, immersing himself in the lives of the local people to better understand the coastal lifestyle. He recounted: “Here, everything is slow-paced and peaceful. The fishermen are genuine, friendly, and deeply connected to the sea. From seemingly simple things like a meal of freshly grilled fish dipped in pure fish sauce, I felt a sense of fulfillment and completeness.”
It was from that experience that Chamhouse was built not only to serve tourists but also to blend into the local life. Trung chose Long Thuy beach, a place that is still pristine and unspoiled by commercialization, as the location for his "brainchild." "We want people to find a peaceful, uncrowded place. A place where, simply by immersing themselves in the space, they will feel a sense of tranquility," he added.
Chamhouse has a total of four rooms with an area of 147 m², divided into two blocks, each block featuring architecture closely associated with life in a fishing village.
The three-bay, tiled-roof house: This is the old house of a local fisherman. Instead of demolishing it, Trung and his colleagues decided to keep and renovate it, ensuring both convenience for tourists and preserving the beauty of traditional architecture. The two-story house: Designed in a more modern style, yet still rustic with eco-friendly materials that blend seamlessly into the surrounding space. The top floor of this house is used for dining, relaxation, and sea viewing, where tourists can listen to the gentle sound of waves and breathe in the fresh air.
Everything Chamhouse offers feels familiar and down-to-earth, just as Trung experienced during his six months there.
"We want people to find a peaceful, uncrowded place. A place where, simply by immersing themselves in the atmosphere, they can naturally feel a sense of tranquility."
Experience the simple life in a fishing village.
At Chamhouse, visitors not only get to relax but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the lives of the local people. Mr. Trung encourages guests to stay for at least a week to fully experience the slow pace of life in the seaside village. Many people even book rooms for a month in advance to seek tranquility and recharge their energy.
The activities at Chamhouse immerse visitors in the tranquil life of a Phu Yen coastal village. Visitors can take a canoe to the island, exploring the pristine beauty of Long Thuy beach with its crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. Another experience is fishing with local fishermen, where you can personally pull nets, catch fish, and cook them over a fire, enjoying the fruits of your labor in a simple yet fulfilling way.
The coastal cuisine at Chamhouse is also not to be missed. Fresh seafood like barracuda, devilfish, and red grouper are grilled and served with a dipping sauce made from pure fish sauce mixed with spicy chili peppers. Trung shared: “Just a plate of dipping sauce, a few grilled fresh fish, and a bottle of beer (20,000 VND for 1.5 liters) is enough for a great meal.” Such simple meals not only satisfy visitors with their flavors but also provide a warm and friendly feeling of community in this fishing village.
At Chamhouse, peace is not a distant concept.
Chamhouse is unpretentious and simple, yet it leaves a deep impression through the harmony between culture, architecture, and people. With passion and love for Cham culture and the land of Phu Yen, Mr. Trung has created a space where everyone who visits can feel peace and closeness.
At Chamhouse, peace isn't a distant concept, but something you can touch through every detail: a morning spent gazing at the sea, a simple plate of grilled fish, or the conversations of the local fishermen. As Trung said, "We sell peace," and that's precisely the greatest value Chamhouse offers.
