VI
EN
Amidst the bustling city of Nha Trang, with its dazzling 5-star resort complexes and relentless urban life, few would guess that just 8 nautical miles from the mainland lies a "forgotten paradise." This is Bich Dam fishing village, the largest island in the Hon Tre archipelago, yet presenting a stark contrast to the vibrant city center. It's not just a newly emerging independent travel destination, but also a place that preserves the most authentic values of a traditional South Central Vietnamese fishing village, boasting a breathtakingly pristine and rustic beauty.
Emerald Green Land and the Journey Back to Pristine Beauty
The name Bich Dam (Emerald Green Lagoon) perfectly captures the place's beauty: a lagoon with crystal-clear, emerald-green waters year-round. To reach it, visitors must begin their journey from Phu Quy port on the only ferry departing daily at 11:00 AM. For a modest cost of just 30,000 VND for a nearly two-hour journey, you'll find yourself gradually separating from the towering buildings and entering a tranquil space where only the sound of waves and the deep blue of the vast ocean can be heard.
Bich Dam possesses a rare beauty that is hard for anyone who visits to forget.
Bich Dam fishing village has just over 200 households and approximately 855 inhabitants. The people here mainly live off the sea, with fishing and aquaculture accounting for up to 60% of their economy. Although located on the same island as leading entertainment areas, Bich Dam is completely free from mass tourism. The absence of concrete structures and industrial pollution has helped Bich Dam preserve its unique natural forest-sea ecosystem. This is a key factor in making it a hot topic in the sustainable tourism and community tourism trends in Khanh Hoa by 2026.
Cinematic coordinates and the depth of cultural heritage
Unlike the flat, well-planned beaches of commercial areas, Bich Dam Island boasts a challenging terrain with cliffs jutting out into the sea and natural trails hidden beneath the pristine forest canopy. According to the experiences of previous visitors, the best way to fully explore the island is with a local guide from the fishing village. For around 200,000 VND, you'll have a genuine guide who will lead you along treacherous paths to reach Egg Rock Beach or Emperor Beach, where giant rocks rest alongside crystal-clear water so transparent you can see all the way to the bottom. The scenery here is truly cinematic, leaving any photographer or photo enthusiast in awe.
The name Bich Dam comes from the fact that the seawater in this area is emerald green all year round.
A must-see highlight of the trekking journey is the Hon Lon Lighthouse. Built in 1890, it is one of the five oldest lighthouses in Vietnam. After climbing over 1.5 km under ancient trees, visitors will stand more than 100m above sea level. From here, the entire Nha Trang Bay unfolds before your eyes, with small basket boats dotting the turquoise sea. The majestic nature blends with the architectural features of the late 19th century, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and freedom.
Besides its natural beauty, Bich Dam also preserves precious spiritual values. The Bich Dam village communal house, a provincial-level historical and cultural relic dating back to the mid-19th century, nestles peacefully at the foot of the waves. A special highlight in the courtyard is an ancient banyan tree, over 150 years old and reaching a height of 21 meters, which was recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree in June 2024. The banyan tree stands like a majestic "guardian deity," providing shade and protection for generations of fishermen, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the community living in this coastal area.
An oasis "without lights, without waves" in the heart of Nha Trang Bay.
What truly defines Bich Dam and leaves a lasting impression on visitors is its unique "disconnected" lifestyle. The survival experience at Bich Dam begins precisely at 9 PM, when the entire island simultaneously switches off its lights to conserve energy. At this time, all daily activities are powered by batteries with limited lighting. No Wi-Fi, no television, no dazzling LED lights; Bich Dam is plunged into profound darkness, yet it reveals a starry sky and the clear, gentle sound of the waves more distinct than ever before.
The harmonious blend of clouds, mountains, and the blue sea creates a poetic natural landscape.
This is the perfect time for tourists to embark on a "spiritual revolution," temporarily stepping away from their phone screens to engage in self-reflection or gather with friends under the flickering oil lamps. In the darkness of the fishing village, all distances seem to disappear, leaving only the stories of life and work of the genuine fishermen. This experience is not just about the lack of conveniences, but a proactive choice to find absolute tranquility, a luxury in modern society.
Bich Dam, with its eternal emerald green waters and 9 PM lights-out nights, awaits those who love freedom and yearn to rediscover their true selves. Amidst the whirlwind of modernization, this island stands as a reminder of the beauty of simplicity and the power of pristine nature. If you're looking for a summer 2026 getaway away from the crowds, Bich Dam is the perfect answer for a healing and discovery journey.
