A 'healing' day in Bich Dam island village

Visitors to Bich Dam Island in Nha Trang City can climb mountains to see the ancient lighthouse, eat seafood and learn about life in the fishing village.

Bich Dam residential group belongs to Hon Tre island cluster, Vinh Nguyen ward. The coastal village has more than 200 households, most of whom work as fishermen and freelancers. In early March, this area was approved by Nha Trang City People's Committee to become a green and sustainable community tourism destination.

Tran Bao, 25 years old, living in Nha Trang, and his friends went to the island village to explore and relax on the weekend of March. He and his group went to Phu Quy ferry terminal in Vinh Nguyen ward, boarded the ferry to the island village at 11am.

"The ticket to the island is 30,000 VND per person. There is only one departure per day and the return trip is at 6am the next morning, so you need to be at the pier 30 minutes in advance to avoid missing the trip," Bao said.

A day of healing in Bich Dam island village — **Bich Dam landscape at night.** Photo: Bui Toan

The boat trip to Bich Dam takes about an hour and a half by wooden boat. Storm suggests that visitors can rent a private canoe to the island village for about 30 minutes, but the cost will be more expensive, about 10 times more.

Arriving at Bich Dam, the first place tourists should visit is the village communal house. In the communal house grounds is a 21-meter-tall, 150-year-old banyan tree, the tallest in Nha Trang. The tree was recognized as a heritage tree by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment in June 2024. Near this area is also a place for trading and common activities of the villagers.

The storm contacted a local resident who opened an accommodation service on the island, for 100,000 VND per night. Afterwards, he and his friend had lunch at a vermicelli and noodle soup restaurant located in the residential area.

The restaurant is open twice a day, from 6-9am and 11am-4pm, with prices of 20,000 VND per bowl. Drinks of all kinds cost between 7,000-15,000 VND each. "The prices are quite affordable compared to the general level in Nha Trang, suitable for those who want to travel to the islands at a low cost," Bao said.

After lunch, Bao and his friends chose to explore Hon Lon lighthouse - one of the five oldest lighthouses in Vietnam. To reach the lighthouse, the group had to walk about 1.5 km over the mountain.

There is a trail leading up to the lighthouse, the location is also clearly indicated on the map so it is "easy to go but also requires good health". In addition, along the beautiful landscape route, visitors can visit the "Tay Son Trieu - Le Gia Tu Kiet" memorial stele, and admire the rocks from the mountain. On both sides of the road, there are many tree canopies forming a natural and beautiful arch.

After about 45 minutes of walking along the trail, Hon Lon lighthouse gradually appears, located next to the 750 m2 operating building. Hon Lon lighthouse was built in 1890, at an altitude of more than 100 m above sea level. The lighthouse's light can reach 47 km.

In the lighthouse area there are resting places overlooking the sea, visitors can watch many fishing boats in Nha Trang Bay and Hon Noc island cluster.

"The best time to visit Bich Dam island village is from April to June every year when the sky is blue and the sea is calm," Bao suggested. In addition, Bich Dam island village also has a number of beaches, Bich Son pagoda, Ong Lon palace, An Thanh temple for tourists to visit and experience.

Coming to Bich Dam, enjoying fresh seafood caught and prepared on the spot by the locals is an experience not to be missed. Visitors can order their favorite dishes in advance so that the vendors can prepare them in time. Bao's dinner consisted of grilled fish and stir-fried squid. "With about 300,000 VND, each person can fully experience the attractive seafood dishes."

The island village does not have access to the national grid, most people use electricity through generators or solar power. Mr. Bao said that visitors should proactively charge their phones and electronic devices when coming to the island.

"There are not many activities in the evening, visitors can eat, watch the sea, and feel the quiet atmosphere of the coastal village," Bao said, adding that Bich Dam is a suitable "healing" place for those who want to temporarily get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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