Discover the beauty of Sam Son Beach, a popular destination in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam. This guide covers everything you need to know, from activities to dining. Sam Son Beach, one of the coast’s gems of Thanh Hoa province in Vietnam, beckons tourists with its promise of sun-kissed beaches, refreshing waters, and a lively atmosphere. This popular retreat has long been a favorite of locals and now is attracting foreign tourists seeking a real Vietnamese beach experience. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty and energy of Sam Son Vietnam, a destination that is as typically Vietnamese as it comes.
An overview of Sam Son Beach
Sam Son Beach, one of Central Vietnam’s finest coastal stretches, is situated about 16 kilometers from Thanh Hoa’s city center (180 kilometers from Hanoi). This idyllic beach, which looks like a crescent moon, extends 9 kilometers from the foot of Truong Le Mountain to Quang Cu Village.
The beach of Sam Son Vietnam is divided into 4 sections: A, B, C, and D, each of which has its own distinctive offer:
- Beach A has the best color, smooth sand, and crashing surf. Ideal for snapping scenic pictures including vessels and rocky cliffs, it requires caution with some sharp rocks.
- Located in the direction of Beach A, Beach B has milder waves, making it a great choice for elderly visitors and children. There are also plenty of beach-front snack stalls in this area.
- Beach C has larger waves and a more distinct vibe. Flat, the area is popular for recreation, and tourists can visit many restaurants and cafés.
- Beach D is the quietest, near a fishing village which makes it eventful for people looking for peace.
For the transportation ways, you can consider some of the options below:
- By coach: Various coach operators offer services between Hanoi and Thanh Hoa, departing My Dinh or Giap Bat Stations. The ticket price is usually from VND 100,000 to VND 180,000 depending on the supplier.
- By train: Train travel gives travelers the opportunity to soak in views during the journey. Onboard services include food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Ticket prices range from 160,000 VND to 280,000 VND, depending on the type of seat.
- By private vehicle: Flexible travelers can use a car or motorbike. To have more time to enjoy Sam Son Beach, you should make a trip starting in the morning, from 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM. After all, if you are not too sure about the traffic rules, locals and native speakers can guide you on your way.
Nearby attractions to explore around Sam Son Beach
In addition to the scenic shoreline, Sam Son Beach is surrounded by numerous fascinating historical and cultural sites that add meaning to any journey.
1. Hon Trong Mai
Situated in Truong Le Mountain, Hon Trong Mai is a well-known natural wonder consisting of two big rocks resembling a rooster and a hen. This site is full of local legend, telling the tale of a tragic love story between a fisherman and a sea maiden who was swept ashore. Their love, in spite of heavenly intervention, was ultimately turned into rock figures as a symbol of unwavering commitment and everlasting love.
2. Doc Cuoc Temple
Perched on Co Giai Peak of Truong Le Mountain, Doc Cuoc Temple is a revered spiritual site. The temple is dedicated to a legendary giant who unselfishly cut his body in half to protect both the land and the sea simultaneously to save the region from sea demons. His footprint is claimed to be a distinct rock indentation in the grounds, where pilgrims visit to pray for protection and strength. You can be in awe of the temple’s ornate architecture and view the ocean from its heights.
3. Co Tien Temple
Located at the far end of Truong Le Mountain, Co Tien Temple is a religious destination shrouded in legend. Legend states that a kind healer fell in love with a poor man despite the disapproval of her father. She was afflicted with leprosy but was miraculously cured by an old woman who sheltered her. The pair lived out their lives curing others and then mysteriously vanished. Their previous home is now Co Tien Temple where visitors go to pray for happiness, good health, and good luck. Not only do these sites add cultural and historical significance to Sam Son Beach, but they also enable tourists to better understand the local legends and traditions passed down through generations.
What to eat at Sam Son Beach?
Thanh Hoa is a travel city that attracts tourists with its unique culinary culture, let’s see what can Sam Son Beach offer us:
1. Thanh Hoa fermented pork roll (Nem Chua)
Renowned all over Thanh Hoa, Nem Chua is among the best specialties, rivaling other dishes in Sam Son. Its popularity stems from the perfect combination of slightly sour flavors, chewy pork skin, and fragrant garlic-chili mixture. After a refreshing dip in the sea, lounging in a reclining chair enjoying Nem Chua with an iced beer is an experience to top. Not only is Nem Chua delicious as a snack, but it also has the potential to be a good souvenir, priced between VND 25,000 and VND 50,000 for a dozen, depending on the type.
2. Sweet ginger cake (Che Lam Phu Quang)
Just like as famous Che Lam of Duong Lam, Hanoi, this ancient snack is paired very well with hot tea. However, Phu Quang Che Lam is crunchy with an intense ginger aroma that stimulates our body and senses.
3. Sea crabs and fresh crabs
No seafood outing in Sam Son is complete without trying crabs and sea crabs, a true symbol of seafood. To enjoy the freshest seafood, wake up early and make your way to the fishing village, where you can pick crabs yourself and have them cooked at a local restaurant. Steamed, stir-fried with tamarind, or served with glass noodles, the taste is well worth the effort. Besides, buying crabs straight from the fishermen is much cheaper than dining in a restaurant. Trading a few extra minutes of sleep for a fresh seafood feast is definitely a worthy exchange!
4. Black glutinous rice cake (Tu Tru Gai Cake)
The Tu Tru Gai Cake is among Thanh Hoa specialties which is definitely a try if you have a chance to go to Sam Son. Wrapped in banana leaves, this black sticky rice cake is filled with sweet mung bean paste and shredded coconut, imparting a rich and aromatic flavor. This dish was once an offering to the royal family during Tet celebrations. Today, it remains a favorite souvenir, with tourists often purchasing one or two dozen cakes to bring home to family and friends.
5. Grilled blood cockles with scallion oil
If you’ve already ordered a platter of crabs, why not add grilled blood cockles with scallion oil to your feast? Considered a highlight of Sam Son’s seafood cuisine, these plump and juicy cockles are grilled over hot charcoal until perfectly cooked, then topped with fragrant scallion oil. For an extra burst of flavor, dip them in chili sauce or a tangy pepper-lime dip. Consuming sizzling hot cockles on the beach is a great experience you don’t want to miss on your next Sam Son excursion!
6. Nhech fish salad
This is a transparent reflection of Sam Son’s culinary identity and a taste that is highly distinct from the rest. While fish salads in other places are often served with fish sauce or shrimp paste, Nhech Fish Salad of Sam Son comes along with “cheo nhech” – a secret sauce made from ground fish bones steamed in a mixture of fermented rice and some traditional spices. When well prepared, the sauce is reddish-brown in color, thick in consistency, and highly fragrant. It is served in small bowls with crunchy fish rolls, creating an unforgettable combination of texture and taste.
7. Thanh Hoa shrimp cake (Cha Tom)
A trip to Sam Son would not be complete without trying Cha Tom, a specialty that is outstanding due to its careful preparation. In contrast to other places, Thanh Hoa’s shrimp cake is made of pounded shrimp that has been blended with gac fruit extract to add color, along with pre-fried and minced pork belly, garlic, pepper, and spices. This is wrapped in pho rice paper instead of banana leaves as the norm. What makes the dish special is that it is grilled over charcoal rather than being fried, and has a smoky and aromatic flavor. With fresh herbs and tangy-sweet dipping sauce, Cha Tom is an excellent combination of flavors. You can get this dish at Nha Tho Street, Le Thi Hoa, and Dao Duy Tu Street from 3:00 PM onwards, at an average price of VND 30,000 per plate.
8. Steamed rice rolls stuffed with shrimp (Banh Cuon Tom)
Even the locals in Thanh Hoa say their Banh Cuon is among the best, so it’s worth a try! Unlike Hanoi and other provinces, Thanh Hoa-style steamed rice rolls have shrimp instead of pork and mushrooms. The shrimp is peeled and mixed with minced lean pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots before being wrapped in soft, chewy rice sheets made from finely milled rice. The showstopper of the dish is its lightly salted fish sauce with a splash of fresh lime juice, which unlocks the delicate sweetness of the shrimp.
9. Porridge made from eel (Chao Luon)
Eel porridge is well known in both Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, but it has a liquid-style broth rather than thick one, so the flavor of the freshwater eel will be showcased. The environment and water there are ideal for high-grade eel, giving the meal a rich, unique flavor. After de-boning it with care, the eel is stir-fried with scallion oil and then added to slow-cooked rice porridge. The Vietnamese coriander and sawtooth herb are added to the top, finished with a squeeze of lime for an added burst of flavor. This simple but authentic countryside dish will be long remembered.
10. Thanh Hoa shrimp paste (Mam Tep)
A village favorite of Dinh Trung Village, Mam Tep was once a royal favorite and is today one of the most famous culinary destinations in Thanh Hoa. This fermented shrimp paste is renowned for its salty umami flavor and pungent aroma. A dish of boiled slices of pork marinated in mam tep is one of the required dishes in Sam Son, with a taste of traditional Vietnamese food unforgettable. Preparation is highly intricate, including careful selection of materials and a fermentation process lasting as much as one year to produce its signature intensity of flavor with assurance of food safety. Not only is mam tep one of the best-loved domestic dishes, but it is also a popular souvenir to bring back home as a gift.
Best time to visit Sam Son Beach
The best time to travel to Sam Son Beach is from May to September, when the weather is dry, with mild sunshine and few rains. The favorable weather is suitable for swimming, outdoor activities, and enjoying the fresh sea breeze. During this period, travelers can also enjoy the stunning red flamboyant flowers and purple crape myrtle trees blooming, making the landscape even more scenic.
Sam Son Vietnam vacation over the summer offers both beautiful landscapes and exciting cultural festivals and events. Among the highlights are the Shining Street Carnival, the fabulous musical fountain night show in the beach square, and the colorful kite festival.
For tourists who want a quieter, relaxing holiday, autumn is another good option too. With temperatures that are more moderate and standard service charges, it is ideal for visitors to enjoy a relaxing holiday without the crowds of the peak season.
Read more: Ho Citadel: Explore Vietnam’s ancient wonder
Tips for visiting Sam Son Beach
Hey, don’t forget to memorize these tips to avoid any surprises when coming to the beautiful land of Sam Son:
- Accommodation: Sam Son offers a range of accommodations, from low-cost guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts. Book early, especially during peak season because some hotels may have the booking in advance option.
- What to bring: Pack light clothing for hot and humid weather. Pack swimwear, sun protection, hat, and sunglasses. Insect repellent is also a good idea. Good walking shoes are needed if you’re hiking or sightseeing.
- Food and drink: Fresh seafood is what Sam Son is famous for. Make sure to sample local dishes such as grilled fish, shrimp, and squid. Don’t hesitate to venture into local restaurants and markets to sample authentic Vietnamese food. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, particularly during the summer months.
- Money: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the currency used locally. It is recommended to have some VND cash for small purchases and tips. Credit cards are accepted by some larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is still very common. Thus it is advisable to bring some cash when coming to small eateries and local markets.
- Language: The official language is Vietnamese. English might be spoken in some tourist areas, but it is helpful to know a few basic Vietnamese phrases. Some common Vietnamese phrases are “Bao nhiêu?” (How much?), “Cảm ơn” (Thank you), “Xin chào” (Hello).
- Safety: Be mindful of your personal belongings, especially in public. There can be petty theft. Be careful while swimming and watch out for waves and currents. Follow any safety instructions provided by lifeguards.
- Respect local culture: Dress modestly when visiting temples and other places of worship. Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Bargaining: Bargaining is common at local markets and shops. Don’t shy away from bargaining a lower price.
- Staying connected: Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Sam Son. Most cafes and hotels offer Wi-Fi. However, the Wi-Fi may not be stable in crowded or rural areas, so you can consider buying a SIM or eSIM for a better travel experience.
- Tipping: Tipping is not required in Vietnam but is appreciated for good service.
- Leave no trace: Keep Sam Son Beach beautiful and clean by disposing of your trash properly.
Sam Son Beach represents the essence of a Vietnamese coastal experience, where natural beauty unites with energetic local culture. From the inviting waters and shores to the diverse food culture and nearby places to explore, Sam Son is an unforgettable experience for all types of travelers. Relaxation, adventure, or tasting the local lifestyle, this sea paradise in Thanh Hoa province caters to everything. With its ease of access and range of facilities, Sam Son Vietnam is a simple and satisfying holiday destination. So grab your bags, prepare to soak up the sun, and enjoy the splendor of the beach, a gem on Vietnam’s stunning coastline.
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