Experience pristine nature at Ne Island, Thanh Hoa

1. A brief overview of Ne Island Thanh Hoa

1.1 General introduction to Ne Island Thanh Hoa

Ne Island belongs to Van Loc commune, about 6 km east of the Thanh Hoa coast. The island is one of the typical nearshore islands of the North Central Coast region. Along with Me Island and Bien Son Island, Ne Island holds an important strategic position for the national defense, security, and marine economic development of Thanh Hoa.

Dao Ne is about 3 nautical miles from the Thanh Hoa mainland. (Source: Collected)

Seen from afar, Dao Ne appears like the full, vibrant breast of Mother Nature, standing out amidst the clear blue waters of Hau Loc sea. The island is nearly 900 m long and about 400 m at its widest, oriented Southwest - Northeast. The southwestern part of the island is the highest point, reaching over 70 m in altitude, then gradually slopes down towards the northeast, creating a unique multi-layered terrain.

Dao Ne, along with the Linh Truong range and nearby islets such as Hon Mui Hai (Hai Ti), Hon Sup, and Hon Bo, form a natural arc shielding against winds and waves from the South and East, helping the sea area remain calm all year round. Thanks to this special terrain, local people often liken this sea area to being in the "wave's shadow," a place favored by nature with peace amidst the vast ocean.

1.2 Natural, Historical Values, and Potential of Dao Ne Island

Not only significant for national defense and security, Dao Ne Thanh Hoa island is also a convergence of many unique natural, ecological, and spiritual cultural values. The marine ecosystem around the island is rich with coral reefs, benthic organisms, and clear coastal waters, creating favorable conditions for the development of ecotourism and marine experiential tourism.

Historically, Dao Ne is a place associated with the heroic pages of the nation's history. In July 1964, in this sea area, soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy bravely fought, ambushed, and repelled the US destroyer Maddox, marking the beginning of resounding victories for the Vietnamese Navy during the anti-US resistance period.

Today, with its beautiful natural landscape, pristine ecological environment, and profound historical and cultural values, Dao Ne is considered one of the "green pearls" of Thanh Hoa sea, holding great potential to be developed into an attractive marine tourist destination in the near future.

2. How to Get to Dao Ne Island

The journey to Dao Ne Thanh Hoa island begins from Ngu Loc pier (Van Loc commune), where fishing boats lie side-by-side by the water's edge. From here, visitors board a boat to cross the sea for about 5-6 nautical miles to reach the island. This journey takes an average of 40-50 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the tide of the day.

Clam farmers need to time the low tide to access the island. (Source: Collected)

An interesting feature of the journey to Ne Island is having to time the tides correctly, because only when the tide is high can boats dock near the guardhouse or the foot of the island. According to local fishermen, the tide usually recedes from around 3 AM and returns around 9 - 10 AM the same day. If you want the most convenient travel, it is advisable to depart between 11 AM and 3 PM, when the water is high, the sea surface is calm, and the wind and waves are gentle.

3. Ideal time to explore Ne Island

With its wild, pristine beauty and mild climate, Ne Thanh Hoa Island can welcome visitors almost year-round. However, the period from April to September is still considered the most ideal for exploration. At this time, the sea is calm, the waves are gentle, creating a beautifully peaceful scene. This is also when tourists can conveniently travel by small boat, admire the calm sea surface, and fully experience the beauty of Thanh Hoa's coastal region.

Scenery at Ne Island when the tide recedes. (Source: Collected)

Early mornings on the island, when the dawn light paints the water pink, or late afternoons when the sunset hues the sky and sea golden, all offer moments that captivate visitors. The pleasant weather, the gentle sea breeze, and the rhythmic sound of waves make a trip to Ne Island a relaxing and memorable experience.

4. Highlights of Ne Island

4.1 Visiting the Temple of King Thong Thuy Ne Son

On Ne Island, the temple dedicated to King Thong Thuy Ne Son is still preserved. This sacred structure is closely linked to the maritime beliefs of fishermen from the former Hậu Lộc, Nga Sơn, and Hoằng Hóa regions. According to legend, long ago, a man was swept away by the waves and washed ashore into a cave on the island. The compassionate fishermen buried him on the spot and built a shrine. Remarkably, from then on, seafarers who visited the island to offer incense always experienced good fortune and smooth sailing. The locals believed he was a deity sent down to protect them, so they erected a temple right in front of the cave, which is now the Temple of King Thong Thuy Ne Son.

Annual fish-worship festival of the people with the temple of King Thong Thuy Ne Son. (Source: Collected)

Through many ups and downs, the temple has been renovated and restored many times, becoming an important spiritual destination for coastal residents. In the wisps of incense smoke, the sound of waves blends with prayers, Ne Island appears both sacred and deeply imbued with the humanistic culture of coastal beliefs.

4.2 Admire the stunning wild natural scenery

Ne Island Thanh Hoa is favored by nature with a mountain shape rising amidst clear blue waters, with trees covering the rocky slopes. The multi-layered terrain creates a diverse landscape: the southwest has a peak over 70 m, gradually sloping down to the northeast, where waves crash year-round. Interspersed among the natural rocky outcrops are lush carpets of grass and shrubs, blending the gray of the rocks with the blue of the sea, creating a vibrant natural picture.

From the island's summit, visitors can gaze out at the vast East Sea , see the majestic Linh Truong range, glimpse fishing villages along the coast in the early morning sun, or admire the brilliant sunset as the red sun gradually disappears below the horizon.

4.3 Learn about clam farming on Ne Island

Not only a tourist destination, the waters around Ne Island are also the famous 'clam capital' of Thanh Hoa. This is where people dedicate their lives to farming and harvesting clams amidst the vast waters. From the early morning mist, when the tide recedes around 3 AM, women and fishermen from the mainland take boats to the island, beginning a busy day of labor on the tidal flats. They work until the water begins to rise again around 9-10 AM, then rest in clam watch huts built firmly in the sea.

Fishermen are devoted to clam farming on Ne Island. (Source: Collected)

Watchtowers, about 15-20 m² wide, are made from large wooden posts deeply planted into the seabed, with roofs made of corrugated iron or wood, sturdy enough to withstand sea winds. To create farming areas spanning hundreds of hectares around Ne Island, the locals have painstakingly reclaimed, built up, and toiled under the sun and wind for many years. Now, the image of small boats following each other across the waves, watchtowers appearing and disappearing in the vast sea, has become an indispensable part of the Thanh Hoa coastal labor life picture.

5. Experience and notes when traveling to Ne Island

Before embarking on a journey to explore Ne Thanh Hoa Island, thorough preparation will ensure the trip is safe, smooth, and brings many memorable experiences. Here are some useful notes for tourists:

Contact local fishermen early to book a boat to the island, preferably 1-2 days in advance.

Follow the weather forecast carefully before departing. It is advisable to go to the island on calm sea days with clear skies to ensure absolute safety throughout the journey.

Prepare all necessary personal items, including life jackets, hats, sunscreen, light raincoats, drinking water, and snacks. If you are prone to seasickness, bring motion sickness medication and take it before boarding the boat to avoid fatigue while traveling at sea.

Maintain environmental hygiene and natural scenery, and avoid littering.

6. Suggestions for tourist attractions near Ne Island

6.1 Linh Truong Mountain

Linh Truong Mountain is part of a long mountain range forming a crescent shape that shields the Thanh Hoa coastal area from the South wind and East waves. From Ne Island, visitors can easily admire the majestic mountain range winding along the coast, like a natural screen protecting the peaceful fishing villages behind.

Not only does Linh Truong possess scenic value, but it also bears witness to the history and culture of the Thanh region, preserving many legends about sea gods, battles for national defense, and stories connected to the lives of coastal residents. With its picturesque natural scenery, it is an ideal stop to immerse yourself in nature, breathe in the salty air, and feel the wild breath of the sea.

6.2 Sam Son Beach

After exploring the pristine beauty of Ne Island, visitors can continue their journey to Sam Son Beach. With its long sandy beach, gentle waves, clear blue water year-round, and modern tourist facilities, Sam Son is the perfect place to relax after a trip to the island.

Sam Son Sea Square with a modern space. (Source: Collected)

One of Sam Son's new symbols is the Sea Square. This is a large-scale cultural and tourist center located right next to the Nam Song Ma avenue. The square's space opens towards the sea, where festivals, music events, light shows, and vibrant community activities are frequently held.

Besides swimming, visitors can enjoy rich seafood cuisine, stroll along the Ho Xuan Huong coastal road, or watch the sunset from the sea square.

6.3 Le Hoan Temple

Le Hoan Temple is a cultural and spiritual destination rich in historical value. The temple is where King Le Dai Hanh is worshipped, the person who led the army and people of Dai Co Viet to defeat the invading Tong army, opening a period of prosperity for the country.

Le Hoan Temple grounds in Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)

The temple is built on the homeland of King Le, featuring ancient architecture with curved tiled roofs, a courtyard shaded by old banyan trees, and intricate carvings. Not only a place to commemorate the national hero, Le Hoan Temple is also a unique cultural destination of Thanh Hoa region, where the temple festival takes place annually in the third lunar month, attracting a large number of tourists and locals.

Combining a visit to Ne Island - Linh Truong Mountain - Sam Son - Le Hoan Temple, visitors will have the opportunity to fully experience the quintessence of Thanh Hoa: from the vast beauty of islands and seas to the cultural and historical heritages that have been associated with the land and people here for thousands of years.

Ne Island in Thanh Hoa is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a place that preserves the sacred historical, cultural, and spiritual values of the Thanh Hoa coastal region. Amidst the vast space of waves and sea winds, the small island possesses a wild, peaceful beauty along with stories about people who stick to the sea and protect the island. Plan your exploration to fully appreciate the beauty and sacred significance of this unique island!