Top 10 Things You Should Know When Traveling to Thien Cam Beach

Thien Cam Beach in Ha Tinh offers a wide variety of accommodations, with numerous hotels, resorts, and budget-friendly guesthouses along the coastline. Room rates tend to rise sharply during public holidays or the summer season, so it’s recommended to book in advance to secure better prices and availability. Be sure to check prices carefully before making a reservation as the cost may vary depending on the quality of the hotel.

Here are some accommodation options you can consider:

• Cong Doan Hotel: Thiên Cầm Town, Cẩm Xuyên District - 0239 3862 226 or 0239 3862 226
• Bo Cong An Hotel: Cẩm Thượng Commune, Cẩm Xuyên District - 0239 386 227 or 0239 386 2275
• Sao Mai Hotel: Tỉnh Lộ 4, Cẩm Nhượng Commune, Cẩm Xuyên District - 0239 2214 286 or 0239 3757162
• Thiên Ý Hotel: Thiên Cầm Town, Cẩm Xuyên District - 0913 836 707
• Sông La Hotel: Thiên Cầm Town, Cẩm Xuyên District - 0896 699 922
• Tre Nguồn Hotel: Tỉnh Lộ 4, Cẩm Nhượng Commune, Cẩm Xuyên District - 0239 3757 999

Thien Cam Beach: Thien Cam Beach, shaped like a crescent or a guitar, has three main bathing areas. The main beach stretches 3 km, while the other two extend about 10 km. The soft, flat white sands slope gently into the crystal-clear, turquoise waters where you can even see the seabed. The shoreline is gradual, allowing you to swim even 100 meters from shore. The water here has a very high salt concentration.

Hon Buc Island: Adventurous travelers can take a boat to Buc Island, known for its fascinating rocks and stunning scenery. The beach offers a peaceful place to stroll, with smooth sand and gentle waves, allowing visitors to relax in the refreshing waters.

Thien Cam Mountain: This small mountain is nestled by the sea, forming a picturesque combination of land and water. At the base of the mountain is the Yen Lac Pagoda, built in the 13th century and a designated historical site, featuring the famous “Ten Courts of the King of Hell” paintings.

Cam Son Pagoda: Located at the top of the mountain, Cam Son Pagoda has a simple architecture consisting of a main hall, monk quarters, and a shrine. The pagoda preserves several historical artifacts, including a bell cast in 2010 weighing nearly a ton. The pathway leading up to the pagoda consists of 405 stone steps, winding up the mountain, providing easy access for pilgrims.

Yen Lac Pagoda: Located in Chua Hamlet, Cam Nhượng Commune, Yen Lac Pagoda faces southwest, close to Provincial Road 14 and the sea. Although the pagoda has undergone several renovations, it retains many of its original architectural features, such as the main gate, lower and upper halls, and a large bell weighing over 80 kg, bearing the inscription “Yen Lac Temple Bell” from the Canh Thinh era.

Dong Noi Ecotourism Area: Situated on over 40 hectares of sandy land, the Dong Noi Ecotourism area, located 1 km from Thien Cam Beach and 10 km from National Road 1A, offers a variety of activities, including sand sliding, off-road biking, visiting lotus ponds, fishing, walking across bamboo bridges, taking photos in sunflower fields, and enjoying fresh fruits at the local market.

Ke Go Nature Reserve: Ke Go Nature Reserve is covered by dense forests with many rare tree species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, including green ironwood, honey locust, and agarwood. It showcases a rich plant system typical of North Vietnam, South China, and Southeast Asia, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

Ke Go Lake: Ke Go Lake, an artificial reservoir built on the Rao Cai River in Cam My, Cam Xuyen, is the largest lake in Ha Tinh province. The lake, used primarily for irrigation, spans nearly 30 km, with one main dam and ten auxiliary dams, holding over 300 million cubic meters of water.

Cua Nhượng Fish Market: Located along the southern coastline, Cua Nhượng Fish Market is over a century old, known for its fish sauce production. Visitors can experience the daily life of the local fishing community, especially during the early morning market hours when fishing boats bring in fresh catches.

Cua Nhượng Lighthouse: Standing 15 meters tall, the Cua Nhượng Lighthouse is located on the southern shore of the Cua Nhượng estuary in Cam Linh, Cam Xuyen. From Thien Cam Beach, you can reach the lighthouse by crossing the Cua Nhượng Bridge and taking a left along the coastline. The area around the lighthouse features several beautiful, secluded beaches. The view from the top of the lighthouse is stunning, especially at sunset when the sun slowly sets over the horizon, providing a peaceful experience in Ha Tinh.

Cu Ky Bird: This dish is popular throughout central Vietnam, and especially in Ha Tinh. The Cu Ky bird is rare, typically found in the Truong Son mountain range, so it’s recommended to book in advance if you wish to try it. The bird's meat is tender, sweet, and fragrant, with an average weight of 2-3 kg. It can be cooked in various ways, including porridge, grilling, roasting, or boiling, depending on personal preference. Due to its rarity, some restaurants may serve counterfeit dishes, so it’s best to choose reputable establishments to avoid being scammed.

Goat Meat Dishes: Goat meat in Ha Tinh is different from the dishes in Ninh Binh. If you’re a fan of goat meat, you should definitely try it in Ha Tinh. The goat meat here is tender, with a stronger, richer flavor, and it comes from goats raised in other parts of the province, not near Thien Cam Beach. Local restaurants specialize in this dish, particularly the famous grilled goat meat.

Fish Porridge: This type of fish is quite expensive but incredibly delicious. The porridge is unique and irresistibly appealing, and you won’t find its full flavor anywhere else but in Thien Cam. A pot of fish porridge for seven people costs around 350,000 VND, while purchasing a whole fish costs approximately 1,000,000 VND.

Eel Dishes: If you're in central Vietnam, especially in Nghe An and Ha Tinh, you must try the local eel dishes. With a special preparation method, eel dishes here will surely impress you. You can enjoy these dishes when you head back to Vinh.

Thien Cam Seafood Dishes: A visit to the beach isn’t complete without tasting the fresh seafood. Some of the popular seafood dishes include squid, lobster, and crab. One special dish is the sun-dried squid, which is highly favored by tourists. The squid is dried in the sun, preserving its fresh, crispy, and sweet taste. From sun-dried squid, you can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes prepared by the locals.

Thien Cam is known for its vibrant evening entertainment. Visitors can unwind with their families or join in the various fun activities available here.

• Night squid fishing: This activity is particularly popular among young people who enjoy adventure and exploration. The price is 1,000,000 VND per group (5-7 people).
• Riding a tandem bicycle: 30,000 - 40,000 VND per hour rental.
• Beach lounge chairs: 25,000 VND per chair, perfect for those who love to relax and listen to the sound of the wind and waves.
• Outdoor karaoke: This is a unique and special feature in the area. Locals often go out for drinks in the evening and sing karaoke together. You’ll find outdoor karaoke setups at various beach spots in Thien Cam.

Seafood: When visiting the beach, most tourists naturally opt to buy seafood as souvenirs. You can find affordable, locally-branded seafood in Ha Tinh, such as sun-dried squid, sea worms, dried fish, and more, all clearly priced for your convenience.

Cu Do Candy of Ha Tinh: This candy might look rough on the outside, but once you taste it, you'll experience a sweet molasses flavor, a rich peanut taste, and the fragrant spiciness of fresh ginger. Unlike the imitation Cu Do candies from other places, the authentic version from Ha Tinh is wrapped in a crispy sesame-flavored rice cracker, giving it a harmonious color and texture. On a beautiful day, savoring a piece of Cu Do candy paired with a cup of dried tea is a perfect combination. This is one of the most popular souvenirs to buy when visiting here.

Cuoi Nhue Fish Sauce: Different from the famous fish sauces of Nha Trang or Phan Thiet, or the ones sold in supermarkets, Cuoi Nhue fish sauce is considered the soul of the people of Ha Tinh. With over a century of tradition, it is made using methods passed down through generations, resulting in a smooth, sweet taste without the unpleasant fishy odor. Visitors can buy this unique fish sauce to use or give as a gift to loved ones.

From your location, take a sleeper bus to Vinh City: From Vinh City, head towards the Dong Loc Junction, then continue on to Thien Cam to check in. Be sure to confirm your hotel booking in advance to ensure availability.

Day 1: Thien Cam – Ke Go Lake:

• 6:30 AM: Have breakfast while enjoying the sunrise over Thien Cam beach
• 7:30 AM: Begin your tour of Yen Lac Pagoda, home to the famous “Ten Courts of Hell” painting, and visit Dong Noi tourist area and Ke Go Lake.
• 11:00 AM: Return to Thien Cam beach for lunch and check into your hotel for a rest.
• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Rent a tandem bike to ride along the coastline, take photos, and enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Thien Cam.
• 6:00 PM: Savor local specialties while watching the sunset over the sea.

Day 2: Thien Cam Beach – Return to your location:

• 6:00 AM: Visit the Cua Nhue Fish Market
• 7:30 AM: Have breakfast and stop by the Cua Nhue Lighthouse
• 9:00 AM: Rest, pack your things, and check out
• 11:00 AM: Take a bus back to Vinh City and head home.

• Bring all necessary personal items to ensure your health and well-being.
• Choose an appropriate time to visit, avoiding the storm season, and keep track of weather updates for better preparation.
• Make sure to carry all required identification and documents for booking services, reserving rooms, and participating in recreational activities.
• If you’re traveling to Thien Cam Beach by train, it’s recommended to take a night train so you can rest and be refreshed for your onward journey.
• Follow all local regulations at Thien Cam Beach to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Thien Cam is a newly developed tourist area covering 200 hectares, extending from the boundary of Cam Hoa Commune (Cam Xuyen, Ha Tinh) to Cu Ky Beach in Ky Xuan Commune, Ky Anh. To the southeast, it stretches to Cam Nhượng Commune. The area features scenic beauty with Thiên Cầm Mountain on one side and Đầu Voi Mountain, along with Cùm Nậy (Big Mountain) and Cùm Con (Little Mountain), forming two parts of a grand celestial instrument, the Kỳ La River meanders and flows gently into the sea. According to legend, during the reign of the 13th Hung King, while passing through, the king heard the sound of the ocean waves and the wind through the pine trees, which he mistook for the music of the gods. He ordered his officials to climb the mountain, where they discovered it resembled a pipa (a traditional musical instrument), and he named it 'Thiên Cầm Sơn,' meaning the 'Heavenly Pipa Mountain.' Every year, the Hung Kings would visit this mountain in spring to enjoy the scenic views, listen to the sound of the wind, and sample the fresh seafood. It's said that on calm days, standing atop Thiên Cầm Mountain, one can hear a strange, otherworldly sound, almost as if it were music from the heavens. This might be the reason why Thiên Cầm literally translates to 'Heavenly Instrument.' The beach is a perfect blend of full tourist services while maintaining its pristine, untouched beauty.

As the southernmost area in Vietnam still influenced by the northern climate, Thien Cam and Ha Tinh experience very cold winters, making beach activities impossible. Therefore, the best time to visit Thien Cam is during the summer months. From April to June is considered an ideal period, while July and August may still be hot, with an increased risk of storms that could affect the Thien Cam beach area. If you plan to visit during this time, it's essential to keep an eye on the weather forecast for safety. Be sure to check the latest weather reports before your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

From Hanoi to Thien Cam:

• Bus: You can purchase tickets at the Nuoc Ngam bus station, where many bus companies operate routes to or through Ha Tinh. These buses are usually high-quality sleeper buses, with ticket prices ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 VND per person. It’s recommended to take a night bus so you can sleep and arrive in Ha Tinh the next morning.
• Train: There is a train route from Hanoi to Yen Trung station, with ticket prices ranging from 200,000 to 560,000 VND one-way. Tickets can be purchased online at dsvn.vn.
• Airplane: The nearest airport to Ha Tinh is Vinh Airport, which is about 40 km away from Thien Cam. From Vinh, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Ha Tinh.
• Self-drive: If you prefer to drive, take National Highway 1, passing through Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces. When you reach Tinh City, take a left turn toward Cam Xuyen district, and follow the road to Thien Cam Beach.

From Ho Chi Minh City or Southern provinces to Thien Cam:

• From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel to Thien Cam by bus, train, or plane. However, flying is the most convenient option.
• The nearest airport is Vinh, about 40 km from Thien Cam. You can fly from Tan Son Nhat to Vinh, and then take a taxi or shuttle to Ha Tinh.

Getting around in Thien Cam:

• To explore the Thien Cam area, you can either walk or rent a motorbike. The local tourism services are well-developed, so it’s easy to rent a motorbike for about 100,000 - 150,000 VND per day.