Cua Hien - where the sea is a shared gift
The sea has no barriers, the waves do not divide, and so do people's hearts – together we love and cherish Cua Hien as if it were a sacred gift bestowed by nature upon all.
Shared sea, shared love.
I arrived at Cua Hien on a morning in April, when the sun wasn't too strong and the sea wasn't too rough. From the center of Vinh city, following National Highway 46C, then turning onto the winding inter-communal road between rice fields and rows of casuarina trees, I soon arrived.
Cua Hien Beach lies within the administrative boundaries of Nghi Loc and Dien Chau districts. For a long time, this coastal area has been familiar and deeply connected to the people of both districts. In the morning, when the sun still peeks from behind the casuarina trees, the small fishing boats of Dien Trung fishermen set out to sea. In the late afternoon, when the waves begin to subside, the familiar figures of the fishermen from Nghi Yen village reappear on the shore, diligently cleaning up trash, picking up every shell and piece of net left behind after each tide. The sea has no barriers, the waves do not divide, and neither do the hearts of the people.
"InletHien GateIn the Dien Trung area (Dien Chau district), there is a legend associated with An Duong Vuong – the king who lost his country to Trieu Da due to the betrayal of his son-in-law, Trong Thuy. After being reprimanded by the Golden Turtle deity, the king drew his sword and killed his daughter My Chau before throwing himself into the sea. The body of water where he later transformed, according to folklore, is the Cua Hien sea. Besides this legend, our beach also has a tall, large, and flat rock called the "fairy's chessboard." Since ancient times, the elders here have told stories about fairies descending to earth to play, often landing there to rest, play chess, and enjoy wine. No one in the local area dares to climb it – they believe it would violate the sacredness of the rock," said Cao Van Dung, a cultural officer of Dien Trung commune.
And with the pride of a local resident of Cua Hien, Mr. Dung pointed out to us the smooth, polished surface of the rock's summit, the unique patterns on its body, and the rough, shell-like textures at its base – traces of the rising tides… Near that beach is Cuong Temple – an ancient temple located on Mo Da mountain, built to commemorate An Duong Vuong.
“The sound of the waves is the sound of belated repentance, and that rock is where the heartbroken father knelt to weep as he bid farewell to his son,” an old fisherman I happened to meet on my trip said. Lost in ancient legends, the seascape evokes both sacredness and profound sorrow. History and legend intertwine into a sacred flow, preserved with the reverence of the local people.
About 1km to the south, next to the rocky beach, is a gently sloping beach with white sand and calm waves, located in Nghi Yen commune (Nghi Loc district) - known as an ideal place to check in and enjoy seafood.
For the people of Nghi Yen, Cua Hien is not just about the waves, but a place that holds the love and memories of countless generations. Tran Cong Le (born in 1991), the owner of a small seaside restaurant, shared: “Even though I gaze at the sea every day, I am still deeply moved by its beauty. The red sunrise, the deep purple sunset, the boats heading out to sea, the children fishing… These images nourish the souls of the people here.”
According to Mr. Le, thanks to the rocky beach, Cua Hien has become an ideal fishing spot. For generations, no child in the Cua Hien coastal area has been unfamiliar with fishing on the rocky beach. Those skilled at fishing can even earn 100-200 thousand dong a day to help their parents. They wade in the water and play among the rocks as if it were their own playground. Then, Mr. Le showed me one of the many clips he had saved on his phone: Two men silently casting their lines amidst the twilight. The sound of waves lapping against the rocks, the patience of the fishermen, the sunlight spreading across the water – all painted a heartwarmingly peaceful picture. To protect such a scene, young people in Nghi Yen regularly organize clean-up efforts, gathering trash along the rocky beach as if caring for a treasure of the village.
Neither the people of Dien Chau nor the people of Nghi Loc claim a larger share in the story of Cua Hien. For them, the sea is not just a place to earn a living, but also a realm of memories, a shared source of pride. And thus, the love for their homeland here is as abundant and overflowing as the sea itself, which sings day and night.
These are "precious gems".
Cua Hien is as simple and unpretentious as its name suggests – gentle, pristine, without bustling shops or modern resorts. Because of this, it possesses rare "precious gems": long stretches of fine white sand, impressive natural rock formations, and a peaceful atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle of life…
Ngư Hải Rock Beach – the name locals give to Cửa Hiền Rock Beach – is truly an abstract painting of nature. Each rock has its own unique shape; some resemble turtles, others seem to be cradling a lotus bud, some look like a hand waving, and others are intentionally shaped by "man-made" hands into human figures facing the sea…
When the tide recedes, visitors can walk far out, along the rocky outcrops, and experience the magic of standing in the middle of the sea without getting their feet wet. The sea here is shallow and clear, so visitors can clearly see schools of small fish swimming around their feet and crabs hiding in the crevices of the rocks. Each step is a small surprise, making one feel lighthearted and young again.
On the shore, the pace of life in the Cua Hien area is equally tranquil. Along the coastal roads are rows of casuarina trees rustling in the wind year-round, lush green vegetable fields, concentrated shrimp farms, and simple, hardworking people… This very tranquility possesses a unique charm – something that can only be truly appreciated when you set foot there, listen to the sea breeze, and hear the age-old stories of the locals.
Because Cua Hien beach is still very pristine, it's a favorite spot for young people who frequently visit to organize camping and picnics on weekends. “Visitors to Cua Hien are usually not in a hurry. They walk, sit and admire the sea, or simply choose a flat rock to fish and chat. Many groups of young people bring small tents, spread out tarpaulins and camp right on the beach, lighting bonfires in the evening and watching the sunrise in the morning. I believe that camping by the sea with the sound of waves will be a wonderful experience for anyone. Not long ago, Cua Hien was even chosen as the location for a fishing competition with the participation of hundreds of famous anglers,” shared Mr. Cao Van Dung.
Not only famous for being beautiful, but also because...peacefulCua Hien is also famous for its fresh and inexpensive seafood, reflecting the authentic atmosphere of a fishing village. Crabs, squid, mackerel, scad... are caught daily by locals and prepared simply while preserving their natural sweetness. A meal right on the beach, under the coconut trees, with the cool sea breeze blowing through – enough to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Despite retaining its pristine beauty, Cua Hien is gradually receiving more investment in tourism infrastructure. The road from Cuong Temple to the beach has been widened, and a coastal lighting system has begun to be implemented. Several charming small homestays have started to spring up around the beach area, enough to accommodate tourists who want to stay overnight while still enjoying a quiet, nature-friendly atmosphere. Along the national defense road, young people have quickly grasped the demand, opening small sidewalk cafes to serve visitors who want to admire the sea…
On every journey, people not only seek places to visit, but also things to remember. And Cua Hien – with its rustic beauty, its profound legends, and its healing tranquility – is such a destination.
