Ham Ninh Fishing Village is a peaceful place located on Phu Quoc Island. Visitors to Ham Ninh will get to see the beauty of Phu Quoc’s traditional fishing life and have great views of the sea.
Introduction To Ham Ninh Fishing Village
Ham Ninh Fishing Village is situated on the eastern shore of Phu Quoc Island and is one of the oldest and most beautiful villages on the island. With Ham Ninh Mountain in the background and the endless blue sea ahead, the village is untouched, rustic, and has a slow pace of life. Fishing boats bob gently in the water next to wooden stilts used as homes, while the local villagers go about their daily business as they have for centuries. The smell of the ocean and fishing village fills the air, and the setting is a scene from old coastal Vietnam, with time all but forgotten.
Visitors are drawn to Ham Ninh not only for the scenery but also for the real local experience. It is a perfect spot to recognize fishermen, eat freshly caught seafood, and take in stunning sunrises that light the bay. In particular, Ham Ninh crab is well-known: sweet, firm, and best enjoyed right by the sea. A peek into the village is a glimpse into the soul of Phu Quoc, simple, natural, and invariably beautiful.
History Of Ham Ninh Fishing Village
The precise establishment date of Ham Ninh Fishing Village is unknown. It is speculated that when Phu Quoc Island remained wild and uninhabited and was often referred to as “a wild land without human habitation,” various small groups of fishermen from other coastal areas arrived to take advantage of the plentiful resources of the sea and gradually built their dwellings along the shore.
Through time, the calm sea and natural protection of Ham Ninh made it suitable as a safe anchorage for occasional trading boats and fishing boats. While Duong Dong Port had bustling and roaring waves, Ham Ninh was quiet and safe for boats to berth and rest.
Top 5 Iconic Attractions In Ham Ninh Fishing Village
Ham Ninh Fishing Village is not only a place to admire the tranquil beauty of Phu Quoc, but also a destination that features many interesting attractions. Each corner of the fishing village attractions from the beautiful pier to seafood stores, has something special to explore.
Bai Vong Pier
Bai Vong Pier is one of the exits for items entering Phu Quoc from the mainland. This spot provides a beautiful perspective of fishing boats coming and going, and, in the early morning, is one of the most spectacular areas to gather to watch the sun rise. The calm atmosphere and coastal breezy air make this spot a fantastic area for pictures for travelers.
Pearl Farming Area
You can also visit a pearl farming attraction that is one of the more unique experiences in Ham Ninh, which provides you with the opportunity to witness or find out about the farming and harvesting of natural pearls. The experience can also be usefully involved in the ability to buy genuine pearl jewelry as a quality and valuable part of the trip.
Floating Seafood Restaurants
These unique restaurants built on stilts above the sea are a must-see. You get to eat freshly caught squid, crab, and scallops while peacefully gazing out to sea at a 360-degree view. The taste of the sea in a gentle atmosphere is part of the experience.
Ham Ninh Beach
Ham Ninh Beach is celebrated for its clear water and shallow beach extending far out to sea. At low tide, a vast sandbank appears, and the symmetrical lines and angles are striking and vary throughout the day, perfect for a walk, photos, and appreciating the simplicity of a fishing village.
Ham Ninh Market
Ham Ninh Market is located right at the center of the village. Vendors sell a variety of seafood, dried specialties, and souvenirs. This is an excellent way to experience daily local life while sampling delicious products and doing your tourist shopping.
7 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
When you visit Ham Ninh Fishing Village, you will find a side of Phu Quoc that is serene, picturesque, and authentic. This small fishing village is much more than just a great view; you will feel the pulse of the village as you immerse yourself in life there. During your visit, you simply must experience the following.
Watch The Sunrise And Sunset Over the Sea
Ham Ninh Fishing Village is one of the few places on Phu Quoc where you will be able to witness the sun rise and set at different points in the day. In the morning, as daylight breaks, the first part of the sun illuminates the placid waters, and you will see fishing boats drifting in the distance. The fresh cool sea breeze brushes by, the sound of the waves, and the glow from the warm sun washes over you as your world transforms into a magical moment for peace and restoration.
As evening takes hold, the sky becomes a beautiful canvas of orange, pink, and gold as the sun sets. To spend such quiet moments watching the day begin and end has a lasting impression long after you leave.
Savor The Renowned Ham Ninh Crab
Your voyage to Ham Ninh will not be complete without trying its renowned crab, one of the most famous specialties in Phu Quoc. Fresh crab is caught from the waters, and the fresh-cracked, sweet, tender, and firm meat of crabs is awesome. The locals prepare the crabs by steaming or grilling them with salt and chilli to maintain the freshness of the flavor. Best of all, the dish is very affordable, meaning that everyone can taste the iconic flavor of the island.
Live Like A Local Fisherman
If you’re curious what it’s like to live by the sea, Ham Ninh is the place for you. Join the fishermen on their regular day-to-day flow – leaving from the market, early morning on longtail boats, casting nets, or capturing fish or squid.
Some tours even let you go diving for sea urchins or snorkeling along the coral reef to get a better look at the marine world that feeds their community. A chance to engage in marine life allows you to experience the dedication and skill, and strength of the village that has spent their lives connected to the ocean.
Visit Lively Ham Ninh Market
You can’t visit Ham Ninh without visiting the busy floating market – a colorful place where the life of the sea meets the life of man. Fishermen bring catches of the day (fish, squid, shrimp, shellfish, etc.), which glisten from the morning sunshine.
You’ll smell the ocean and hear the giggles of the traders as you wander through the market. You can purchase fresh seafood at very affordable prices or grab a quick meal at a stall near the dock. It’s also great for souvenirs of dried fish, seaweed, or pearls. Walking through this market, you’ll get a glimpse of the heart of the community that is humble, hardworking, and full of life.
Get Around The Pearl Farms
For a view into one of Phu Quoc’s most interesting local handicrafts, the pearl farms in the vicinity of Ham Ninh are a good option. The farms raise the oysters in the local clean coastal water and carefully develop them for years when needed to produce the pearls. The pearls are then extracted, cleaned, and polished by hand before being presented. The Pearl Farms also sell jewelry, necklaces, rings, earrings, and so on as mementos or gifts.
Swim In The Calm Blue Waters
The beaches near Ham Ninh are blessed with pristine beauty – stretches of soft white sand, gentle waves, and crystal blue water. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and simply float in the sun, while enjoying the warm embrace of the sea. The shallow waters allow for safe swimming, suitable for families with children, and the serenity of the surrounding areas allows you to fully unwind.
Capture Images On The Wooden Bridge
The extended wooden bridge that extends into the sea has now become a symbol of Ham Ninh Fishing village, where there is harmony between sky, sea, and land. While stepping along the wooden bridge, you’ll hear the soft creaking of the wood under your feet, coupled with the wind from the surroundings on your face. It is the perfect spot to take photos, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light reflects golden illusions across the water.
Entrance Fee
Ham Ninh fishing village is completely free to enter, and you can explore the village in your own fashion without any entrance fee. There is no need to book your tickets; you can simply visit at a time that is convenient for you.
In the case of free entry to Ham Ninh fishing village, you still need to pay if you want to do optional experiences such as eating at floating seafood restaurants, buying local specialties, or seeing nearby pearl farming areas.
Best Time To Visit Ham Ninh Fishing Village
The ideal time to go to Ham Ninh Fishing Village depends on the experience you are seeking. Early morning time (around 5:00 – 6:00 AM) is the best way to see the sunrise over the calm sea and watch the fishermen returning after a long night of fishing, and buy the freshest seafood at the best prices.
Late afternoon time (around 5:00 – 6:00 PM) creates an especially romantic date as the sun sets in the west, coloring the sky and the water in glimmers of gold. Later at night, you can sit back and enjoy a good seafood dinner at one of the floating restaurants along the coast – it’s a local experience not to miss.
How To Get To Ham Ninh Fishing Village
Reaching Ham Ninh Fishing Village is a simple process, with two main options for travelers.
- Option 1: Starting in the center of Duong Dong Town, you will travel northeast for approximately 20 kilometers. The road is in good condition and very nice, taking you directly into Ham Ninh Commune in under 30 minutes.
- Option 2: If you are coming from the mainland, you can take a speedboat from Ha Tien directly to Ham Ninh Fishing Village Pier. Alternatively, if you are traveling from Rach Gia, you can take a ferry to Bai Vong Port and then travel 4 kilometers by taxi or motorbike to the village.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Ham Ninh Fishing Village
Before exploring the coastal settlement of Ham Ninh Fishing Village, it is a good idea to make careful preparations to make your time at this charming seaside destination as fulfilling as possible. The following are general suggestions that will help you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience.
- Bring the necessary medications, such as motion sickness tablets, allergy tablets, and, if need be, something to help ease digestion if you experience sudden stomach issues during the coastal visit.
- Before your outing, check the weather. Skip the trip if it’s raining heavily or the seas are rough.
- When buying seafood at the local markets, observe how the sellers prepare the food to make sure they are selling fresh, high-quality food.
- Check pricing first so that you may avoid being charged too much or being scammed by other tourists.
- If you are boating or joining in any activities in the water, make sure that you are using their safety equipment and taking directions from their tour guides.
- Respect the local community and the local environment, don’t litter, and in general, think about responsible tourism if you want to spend time here.
Final Thoughts: Is Ham Ninh Fishing Village Worth Visiting?
Ham Ninh Fishing Village is genuinely a hidden gem of Phu Quoc, where you get to experience the sheer, yet simple, beauty of island life in a classic coastal community. From the tranquil scenery of wooden houses on stilts to the bustling seafood market, you can also appreciate the stunning sunrise over Ham Ninh’s seascape village. If you are making plans for your trip to Phu Quoc, do not forget to take the time to visit this lovely fishing village of Ham Ninh, and Seni World is honored to become your trusted companion in providing unique travel experiences.
