Nam O is situated approximately 17 km northwest of the central city of Da Nang, within the administrative boundaries of Hoa Hiep Bac and Hoa Hiep Nam wards (Lien Chieu – Da Nang City). It is an ancient fishing village nestled south at the foot of the Hai Van Pass, featuring pristine and majestic landscapes.
In the 15th century, King Le Thanh Tong, during a royal journey, paused on the summit of the pass to admire the scenery and compose poetry. Astonished by the beauty and grandeur of the clouds in this area, the King named Hai Van Pass 'The First Majestic Gateway.'
Experience the breathtakingly beautiful landscape
Nam O's Ancient Fishing Village with Cu Đê Forest on Phụng Island (Cu Đê Mountain)
The Cu Đê Forest, situated on Phụng Island (also known as Cu Đê Mountain), resembles a majestic bird with outspread wings over the golden sandy beach, reaching out towards the sea. Nam O boasts captivating landscapes and numerous cultural-historical landmarks. Let's start our journey by exploring the picturesque Nam O beach.
Travelers captivated by the stunning Nam O mossy reef.
From Nam O beach, take a boat journey westward along the Cu Đê River, passing through a railway bridge from the French colonial era that spans the river, creating a grand and expansive view towards the West.
On the south bank, lush coconut trees cast soothing shadows along the river, with fishing nets and coracles drifting gracefully on the turquoise water under the azure sky and drifting white clouds. In the distance, the Trường Sơn mountain range fades into a misty blue hue... or you can observe residents harvesting clams on the beach and engage in conversations with them.
The scenic beauty on the Cu Đê River (segment above the Nam Ô Bridge).
Small Nam Ô fishing village bustling with activity.
To the north, not far away, lies Vân Village beside a stunning sea inlet overlooking Đà Nẵng Bay, bordered by 'mountain-top clouds' on one side and 'blue waves' on the other. This area, slated for future investment, aims to become a high-end resort destination, fostering eco-tourism based on the mountain and sea landscape. If you visit in spring, you'll witness a mesmerizing moss-covered reef and the exhilarating traditional boat race on the Cu Đê River, where local water residents showcase their skills amidst the lively beats of drums and cheers.
Coconut trees casting soothing shadows along the river.
Nam Ô Railway Bridge.
Nam Ô specialties are a must-try!
On both sides of the riverbanks, numerous stalls offer local delights known as Nam Ô Fish Salad. Thanks to the abundance of anchovies and wild vegetables harvested from the Hải Vân mountain in the early morning dew, the exquisite Nam Ô Fish Salad is a unique delicacy found nowhere else. The fish meat is sweet and refreshing, complemented by a rich dipping sauce, and the spicy fragrance of ginger and chili blends harmoniously with various types of 'forest aroma' leaves, enhancing the gastronomic pleasure of this 'Nam Ô specialty.' You can purchase fresh seafood still wriggling for surprisingly affordable prices from the fishermen of the fishing village. Additionally, explore and learn about the renowned Nam Ô fish sauce-making craft, famous nationwide. You might want to grab a few bottles as souvenirs. Recently, 'Nam Ô Fish Sauce Making' has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The renowned Nam Ô Fish Salad, a delectable specialty that has captivated countless tourists.
The cultural and historical richness of the Nam Ô region
According to the research of 'Quảng Nam Studies' scholar Nguyễn Văn Xuân, the land of Nam Ô (at the mouth of the Cu Đê River) marks the footsteps of the ancestral 'Southern Expedition.' The imprints were left by our forefathers, journeying on horseback along the Cu Đê River to the Nam Ô pier. In those days, there were two mountain passes through Hải Vân from North to South. The passes are now known as Hải Vân Lower Route and another Hải Vân Upper Route, crossing through U Bò Land, descending to Quán Sảng in the Bàu Bàng region, Trường Định at that time (upper reaches of the Cu Đê River).
Foreign visitors pausing to admire the picturesque scenery of Nam Ô's waterways.
Traditional boat racing on the Cu Đê River.
Currently, within Nam Ô fishing village, there is a substantial tomb, and the village elders always pass down to the younger generations the knowledge that this is the resting place of a general in Nam Ô in 1306. He played a crucial role in arranging the marriage between King Trần Anh Tông and Princess Huyền Trân to King Chiêm Thành, expanding Đại Việt's borders to the Thu Bồn River. Another piece of information adds that this grand tomb is the final resting place of a general who, in 1307, went south to rescue Princess Huyền Trân at the behest of Trần Khắc Chung. Next to the tomb, there is a dilapidated shrine with remnants of its architectural charm and ancient dignity still evident.
Xuân Dương Village Temple, a place steeped in the cultural, historical, and spiritual essence of the Nam Ô region.
The Whale God's tomb, constructed 300 years ago, preserves dozens of large and small porcelain jars containing the remains of the Whale God. The ancient Xuân Dương Temple features intricately carved wooden motifs depicting ancient patterns. Traces of an ancient Cham tower with large, well-preserved brick blocks, along with some square stone wells providing year-round clear, cool, and sweet water, complete the landscape. Thus, Nam Ô bears the imprints of its ancient Cham inhabitants.
Nam Ô – a unique destination for 'cultural, historical, and culinary' tourism
Discussing the development of Nam Ô fishing village, Huỳnh Văn Hùng, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports in Đà Nẵng, remarks: 'After Nam Ô fish sauce was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Department of Culture and Sports, in collaboration with the People's Committee of Liên Chiểu District, has completed the project to develop the Nam Ô fish sauce industry. In the future, the Department of Culture and Sports will coordinate with the Provincial Department of Tourism to transform this place into an attractive destination, connecting with the Hải Vân Quan relic to create a unique cultural and historical tourism tour. In October, the provincial Department of Culture and Sports will also organize a boat racing festival, tug of war, barrel shaking, and traditional folk ceremonies to promote and introduce Nam Ô fish sauce to tourists…'
One of the 'clam digging' groups taking a break on Nam Ô beach.
On the North-South poetic highway, travelers often pause at the Nam Ô Bridge area to admire the scenery, take photos, and immerse themselves in the dreamy, charming atmosphere of the fishing village at the doorstep of Đà Nẵng.
Source: Explore Nam O Fishing Village - Vntrip.vn