Complete guide to traveling and exploring Loc An fishing village

1. General introduction to Loc An fishing village

1.1. Where is Loc An fishing village? Why does this place attract visitors for experiences?

Loc An fishing village is located in Loc An commune, Dat Do district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, about 50 km from Vung Tau city center towards Binh Chau. This is one of the seaside villages that still retains its rare pristine beauty amidst an increasingly vibrant Vung Tau. Not noisy, not crowded with mass tourism, Loc An attracts tourists with the peaceful life of its fishermen, the long, green beach, the rustling casuarina trees, and the stone dyke running along the coast, creating a simple yet very "chill" scenery.

Peaceful scenery at Loc An fishing village. (Source: Collected)

The special point that makes Loc An fishing village attractive is the traditional cultural values that are still fully preserved: the seafood catching profession, community activities typical of the Southern region, along with festivals – beliefs associated with the sea. Visiting Loc An, tourists not only enjoy pristine nature but also have the opportunity to learn more about the lives of fishermen – something that many developed tourist destinations have gradually lost.

Besides, Loc An is also very suitable for eco-tourism and community experience activities: rowing boats, following fishermen to pull nets, exploring the river mouth, taking photos at the stone embankment, or simply watching the brilliant sunrise over the sea. The harmony between nature – culture – local life has made Loc An an ideal destination for those who want to find a "quiet space" amidst the urban hustle and bustle.

1.2. Ideal time and climate at Loc An fishing village

Loc An fishing village has the sub-equatorial climate of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, with warm and pleasant weather year-round, so you can visit at any time. However, the most beautiful time is the dry season from December to April next year, when the skies are clear, the seas are calm, and the gentle early sun is perfect for watching the sunrise, boating on the river mouth, or following fishermen to pull nets. From May to November, Loc An enters the rainy season, but the rain is usually short and not too heavy, and the sea sometimes has stronger waves, creating a wild, tranquil scenery – suitable for those who prefer tranquility. The average temperature year-round ranges from 25–30°C. In the afternoon and evening, the sea breeze blows strongly, bringing cool air, ideal for strolling along the coast or enjoying seafood by the casuarina forest. Overall, each season at Loc An fishing village has its own charm: the dry season is vibrant and clear, the rainy season is gentle and peaceful – allowing tourists to easily choose the time that suits their preferences.

2. Directions to Loc An fishing village

2.1. How to get from Ho Chi Minh City or Vung Tau center to Loc An fishing village

From Ho Chi Minh City or Vung Tau center, you can easily reach Loc An fishing village by various means such as motorbike, private car, or bus. The most popular and convenient route is to follow National Highway 51 to Ba Ria city, then turn onto Provincial Road 44 towards Dat Do – Loc An. The coastal road section from Ba Ria – Dat Do – Loc An is loved by many tourists for its beautiful scenery: on one side is the blue sea, on the other are vast grasslands, salt fields, and casuarina forests, suitable for a short day trip or a relaxing weekend journey.

From Ho Chi Minh City, it only takes a little over 2 hours for tourists to reach Loc An fishing village. (Source: Collected)

From Ho Chi Minh City to Loc An takes about 2–2.5 hours by car or motorbike. If you choose a bus, you can take the Ho Chi Minh City – Ba Ria route, then rent a motorbike or take a taxi to Loc An; ticket prices range from 80,000–150,000 Dong/person depending on the bus company. The cost of traveling by motorbike or private car is also quite reasonable, mainly gasoline cost and road tolls. In general, the road to Loc An is wide, easy to drive, with few traffic jams, making it very convenient for both groups of young friends and families with young children.

For tourists from the Northern or Central regions, the most convenient way to reach Loc An fishing village is to fly to Ho Chi Minh City, then continue by bus, private car, or rent a motorbike following the National Highway 51 – Provincial Road 44 route to Dat Do – Loc An.

2.2. How to get around Loc An

Exploring Loc An is relatively simple because the area is peaceful, with small but airy roads. The most suitable means of transport include self-driven motorbikes, locally rented bicycles, or local taxis if you are traveling as a family group. Motorbikes are the most preferred choice for tourists as they facilitate easy movement between the beach, sea entrance, stone embankment, and the fishing village residential area.

If traveling by private car, you can park at parking lots near the beach area or at roadside homestays; parking fees are usually very affordable. Some households in the fishing village also rent out motorbikes/bicycles with decent quality, priced from only 100,000–150,000 Dong/day. Thanks to the short distances and beautiful scenery, getting around Loc An provides a very relaxing feeling, especially suitable for those who want to enjoy the slow pace of life in the seaside village.

3. Unmissable experiences at Loc An fishing village

3.1. Check-in at Loc An stone embankment – a prominent photo spot

Loc An stone embankment is a "hot trend" check-in spot for tourists visiting the fishing village. (Source: Collected)

Loc An stone embankment is located right next to the beach, stretching about 500m straight out to sea, and is one of the most beloved check-in spots for tourists visiting Loc An fishing village. Large rocks stacked naturally create a wild, powerful landscape, combined with crashing waves and natural light at dawn or dusk helps you easily capture "million-view" photos. This is also a place where many tourists stop by to stroll, enjoy the sea breeze, or go fishing for relaxation in the afternoon.

3.2. Visit Loc An fishing port – immerse yourself in the fishermen's life

Experiencing the fishermen's life is a memorable memory for tourists when visiting Loc An fishing village. (Source: Collected)

Loc An fish port is a place for boats to dock and an important seafood transit point for the entire Dat Do – Loc An region. Visiting the port in the early morning, you will capture the bustling yet simple rhythm of life of the fishermen: the scene of boats docking in the early morning sunlight, fresh catches of fish being unloaded, weighed, sold, transported, and the lively conversations of the fishing village people. This is an experience that helps you understand more clearly the livelihood culture of Loc An – where the fishing profession has been preserved intact through many generations.

3.3. Experience being a fisherman: pulling nets, fishing, and exploring traditional professions

Some households in Loc An fishing village organize practical experience activities such as following boats to the nearby sea, joining fishermen to pull nets, cast lines, or harvest seafood. This experience is not only interesting but also educational, helping tourists understand more about the hardships of the sea profession. If lucky, you can also learn how to make fish sauce and process fresh seafood dishes right on the beach – an activity much loved by young groups and families with children.

3.4. Camping, picnicking, and watching sunrise – sunset on Loc An sea

With its long and airy beach, rustling casuarina forest, and quiet space, Loc An is an ideal spot for weekend camping or picnicking. You can set up tents in the area near the beach or along the sea entrance, where the ground is spacious and breezy. Just prepare a tent, mat, mini grill, and some food, and you'll have a relaxing evening by the sea. Here, the sunrise is very fast and brilliant, while the sunset paints the horizon golden – two moments you definitely shouldn't miss. If staying overnight, remember to check the weather, keep warm, and choose a safe location, avoiding being too close to the water's edge when the tide rises.

4. Cuisine of Loc An fishing village: Dishes you must try

Coming to Loc An fishing village, tourists can not only enjoy the peaceful scenery but also have the opportunity to savor fresh seafood dishes, just caught from the sea. Thanks to abundant seafood resources and simple processing methods true to the coastal people's style, the cuisine here always retains its natural sweetness and rich flavor, which is hard to find elsewhere.

Must-try dishes include threadfin bream, shark catfish, grouper, mantis shrimp, green crab, and squid – all processed on-site into simple yet extremely delicious grilled, steamed, boiled, or stir-fried dishes. Especially, many tourists like to choose seafood themselves right at the beach or fish port in the early morning, then ask nearby restaurants to process it as requested – the way to enjoy it truly "fresh from boat to table".

Fresh catches of fish caught daily by fishermen. (Source: Collected)

Besides seafood, Loc An is also famous for its signature dishes such as flavorful seafood hot pot, oyster congee, Mai fish salad, or rustic dishes like grilled fish, braised squid, sun-dried fish – gifts that many people often buy as souvenirs. Seaside eateries, casual restaurants in the fishing village, and stalls along the road to the rock embankment always serve enthusiastically with affordable prices, suitable for both large groups and families.

Loc An's cuisine is not elaborate, but the freshness and authenticity of the sea have created an unforgettable flavor, making any tourist who has tried it want to return.

5. Useful experiences and tips for traveling to Loc An fishing village

5.1. Preparation before the trip

To have a complete experience at the Loc An fishing village, you should check the weather 1-2 days in advance, especially if you plan to camp or join the net-pulling experience with fishermen. Prioritize bringing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a light jacket, and a power bank, as some areas near the sea have strong waves or high winds. If traveling by car or motorbike, it's advisable to start early to fully enjoy the peaceful morning in Loc An.

5.2. Sightseeing and photography tips

The rock embankment and beach of Loc An are most beautiful at dawn or dusk, when the light is soft and the sky colors change constantly. If you want to take “Instagrammable” photos, bring shoes with good grip to stand firmly on the rock embankment and avoid moving too close to the water's edge. When visiting the fish market, you should go early from 5:30–7 AM to capture the bustling atmosphere of the day's first catches, while also remembering to maintain cleanliness and not disturb the fishermen's business activities.

5.3. Safety and respect for local culture

The Loc An fishing village still retains its rustic charm and traditional way of life, so visitors should maintain a friendly attitude, ask for permission when photographing people or boats. When camping overnight, choose a high, dry area away from the water's edge and prepare a trash bag to clean up after leaving. If participating in sea trips or net-pulling experiences, remember to follow the fishermen's instructions to ensure absolute safety.

6. Suggestions for other famous attractions in Vung Tau

6.1. Tam Thang Square

Tam Thang Square is considered one of the most modern and impressive structures in Vung Tau today. With its vast space, open sea view, and sophisticated landscape design, it has quickly become a meeting point for locals and tourists, especially in the afternoon and evening when the sea breeze is cool.

Visitors to Vung Tau cannot miss Tam Thang Square - a new symbol of Vung Tau (Source: Collected)

Besides the open space suitable for walking, sightseeing, or taking photos, the square is also a venue for many cultural and entertainment events of the city. Thanks to its central location, visitors can easily combine visits to nearby cafes, restaurants, and tourist streets in a single tour.

6.2. Bai Sau Vung Tau

Bai Sau is the most famous beach in Vung Tau thanks to its long coastline, fine sand, and clear blue sea. It is an ideal destination for those who want to swim, walk on the sand, or participate in water sports. The atmosphere at Bai Sau is always lively and bustling, suitable for families, groups of friends, or first-time visitors to Vung Tau.

Besides swimming, the area around Bai Sau also has many seafood stalls, beachfront drink shops, and entertainment areas. In the afternoon, visitors can watch the sunset and enjoy the cool sea breeze – a characteristic experience of the coastal city.

6.3. Vung Tau Lighthouse

Located on top of Nui Nho, Vung Tau Lighthouse is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the city. The road leading up to the lighthouse winds through lush green forests, very popular with young people for motorbike rides or light trekking. Upon reaching the summit, you will admire an extremely expansive view of the sea, mountains, and city.

Vung Tau Lighthouse is a famous attraction of the coastal city. (Source: Collected)

The lighthouse architecture has an ancient French style, a white color that stands out against the blue sky, is a perfect background for souvenir photos. Around the lighthouse area, there are also yogurt shops, ice cream, and coconut water – "specialties" associated with the journey of exploring this place.

6.4. Statue of Christ the King

The Statue of Christ the King on Small Mountain is one of the most famous symbols of Vung Tau. To reach the statue, you will climb over 800 steps amidst green trees and sea breeze, a journey that is both challenging and interesting. This is also an activity loved by many tourists to train their health and enjoy the natural scenery.

The top of the statue offers a panoramic view of the blue sea and Vung Tau city, especially beautiful in the morning. Besides the scenery, this place also holds great spiritual value, it is a peaceful resting place for those who want to find relaxation and tranquility.

Loc An fishing village possesses a simple yet captivating beauty, where visitors can find a peaceful blue sea, a slow pace of life, and experiences connected to the local fishing culture. From strolling on the stone embankment, following fishermen to cast nets at dawn, to enjoying fresh seafood, every moment in Loc An brings a fresh and authentic feeling. If you are looking for a place to "escape" the hustle and bustle of the city, Loc An is definitely an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a short trip to Vung Tau. With just a backpack, you are ready to explore one of the most beautiful and peaceful fishing villages in the Southern coastal region.