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Not particularly prominent on the bustling tourist map, Nhon Hai quietly preserves its slow pace of life, the pristine simplicity of the sea and its people – qualities that captivated Pham Van Phong, a photography enthusiast from Thanh Hoa, during a short but emotionally fulfilling trip.
The coastal road winds around the fishing village, like a soft silk ribbon tied to the hearts of those far from home.
"I chose Nhon Hai because I wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, away from the familiar sounds. The pictures of everyday life, children playing, people working hard... that I had seen online were deeply ingrained in my mind. And I wanted to come and experience it firsthand," Phong shared.
Not a place with luxurious resorts or famous beaches, Nhon Hai evokes fond memories in its own unique way.
Not a place with luxurious resorts or famous beaches, Nhon Hai evokes a sense of nostalgia in its own unique way: crystal-clear, bottomless waters, gently sloping sandy shores, and traditional basket boats lying peacefully in the midday sun. Surrounding the fishing village are islands like Hon Kho and Cu Lao Xanh, forming a gentle embrace for the calm, windless sea. The air here is clean and fresh, carrying the salty yet pure scent of the Central Vietnamese sea – something that easily allows one to leave all worries behind.
The air here is clean and fresh, carrying the salty yet pure scent of the Central Vietnamese sea – something that makes it easy to leave all worries behind.
The sea surface is impressively gilded.
Phong arrived in Nhơn Hải on a clear day and spent more than a day immersing himself in the rhythm of life in the fishing village. Instead of rushing to capture impressive photos, he quietly walked along the coastal road, letting himself be carried away by the peaceful atmosphere, as if detached from time.
"The natural scenery here isn't particularly outstanding compared to other coastal areas, but in return, there are many nearby islands. The air quality, along with the sea water, is very good and clean. You can forget your worries when you come here on an afternoon, listening to the sound of waves, the sounds of people working diligently, and children playing... all your troubles will disappear," Phong confided.
Life here isn't luxurious, but everyone seems to have learned to be content with what they have.
Mornings in Nhon Hai begin very early. As the sun just begins to peek over the horizon, small boats line up, cutting through the waves and heading out to sea. Returning from the ocean, whether with a small or large harvest, everyone's face reflects an unspoken contentment. Life here isn't affluent, but everyone seems to have learned to be happy with what they have.
Speaking to a Travellive reporter, Phong said: “I talked to some locals here, and they were very gentle and friendly. The children were polite and full of energy. Perhaps because life is still difficult, they value kindness and gentleness towards each other even more.”
The land of peaceful early summer dreams
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, people often seek out places as far away as possible, the more unusual the better. But sometimes, a gentle touch of a simple life, with smiling eyes and hands still salty with the taste of the sea, is enough to fill a weary heart. For Pham Van Phong, Nhon Hai is just such a place.
He captured these moments with his camera, but more importantly, he preserved them in his heart: a child playing with crabs on the sand, a woman carrying baskets of fish slowly down a narrow alley, a man meticulously mending a torn fishing net under the setting sun.
Without fanfare or ostentation, that fishing village lives quietly, quietly beautiful in its own way.
"There's a very strong feeling I carry with me after this trip. It's the feeling of a place with a slow pace of life, honest people, and pristine nature. If I have the chance, I will definitely return to Nhon Hai," Phong said.
Quiet and unassuming, the fishing village lives quietly, beautifully in its own way – like a slow-developing film, deeply moving, making it hard for anyone who visits to forget. For Phong, it's not just a destination, but a much-needed moment of tranquility amidst a world always in a hurry.
