Experience Ham Ninh Fishing Town: Where to Go and What to Eat?

If you're searching for a peaceful corner of Phu Quoc Island where you can witness traditional fisherman life and savor the freshest seafood, Ham Ninh Fishing Town is your ideal destination. Join Vietnam Airlines as we guide you through where to go and what to eat in Ham Ninh Fishing Village.

1. Overview of Ham Ninh Fishing Town

Ham Ninh Fishing Town (also known as Ham Ninh Fishing Village) lies on the eastern coast of Phu Quoc Island, in Ham Ninh Commune, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province. The village is nestled at the foot of Ham Ninh Mountain and offers breathtaking views of Hai Tac Archipelago, Hon Nghe Island, and Ong Doi Cape.

Ham Ninh Fishing Town is one of the oldest fishing villages on the island, Ham Ninh is rich in coastal heritage and reflects the lifestyle of traditional Vietnamese fishermen. Most residents make their living through fishing and aquaculture. The area is especially famous for its fresh blue crabs, a delicacy loved by both locals and tourists.

The architecture is simple. Houses are modest, and a long wooden pier stretches into the sea, creating a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere. Despite being under the radar in terms of mass tourism, the village remains attractive for its raw beauty, honest lifestyle, and delicious seafood.

Ham Ninh Village is simple and still keeps its own raw beauty (Source: Internet)

2. How to Get to Ham Ninh Fishing Town?

Visiting Ham Ninh requires two main steps: getting to Phu Quoc Island, then traveling to the village itself.

1 - Getting to Phu Quoc

• By Air: The quickest and most convenient way. Direct flights to Phu Quoc International Airport are available from major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.
• By Land and Sea: Alternatively, you can take a sleeper bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien, then board a high-speed ferry to the island.

2 - From Phu Quoc Center to Ham Ninh

• From Duong Dong town, the island’s center, it’s a 14km ride to Ham Ninh - about 30 - 40 minutes by taxi or motorbike.
• If arriving at Bai Vong Port, you can grab a taxi or a local motorbike taxi to reach the village quickly.

3. What to Do in Ham Ninh Fishing Town?

Ham Ninh isn’t a place packed with flashy attractions or modern resorts - it’s a destination where simplicity becomes beauty. The real charm here lies in everyday coastal life, nature, and cultural immersion. Here’s a deeper dive into what you can do when visiting this humble but unforgettable village.

3.1. Watch Sunrise and Sunset By The Beach

One of the most poetic things to do in Ham Ninh is simply to watch the sun rise and set over the calm waters.

• Sunrise: Come early - around 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM. You’ll see the horizon light up in soft orange and pink while local fishermen head out to sea. The atmosphere is quiet, serene, and utterly peaceful.
• Sunset: Though the village faces east, its wide ocean view still lets you enjoy dramatic skies in the late afternoon. Light reflects off the waves and wooden pier, casting a golden glow across the village.

The 200-meter wooden bridge, reaching far into the ocean, is the best spot to enjoy these moments. Whether you’re capturing it with your camera or simply soaking it in, sunrise and sunset here are unforgettable.

Sunset by Ham Ninh Village is magnificent, so plan your trip accordingly (Source: Internet)

3.2. Try Out Fisherman Experiences

What better way to understand life in a fishing village than to actually live it, even just for a day? These below activities not only entertain but also offer cultural insight into how generations have lived in harmony with the sea.

• Go Fishing with Locals: Hop on a small wooden boat and experience traditional net fishing. You’ll learn how to drop and pull in nets, sort the catch, and hear stories of life at sea.
• Night Squid Fishing: Join a boat around 6:00 PM 7:00 PM as it heads out with bright lights to attract squid. It’s a fun, interactive experience, and you get to cook and eat what you catch right on board.
• Snorkeling & Coral Viewing: Many boat tours departing from Ham Ninh offer stops at nearby reefs where you can snorkel and admire the underwater life. Coral is colorful and relatively shallow - great even for beginners.
• Row Basket Boats: Try navigating the signature round basket boats of Vietnamese fishermen. It’s trickier than it looks and a great photo opportunity too!

You can try out this fishing experience with the locals (Source: Internet)

3.3. Take Picture With The Iconic Wooden Bridge

The long wooden pier - extending boldly into the ocean - has become a symbol of Ham Ninh. Originally built for fishing boats to dock, it has since become a favorite for photographers and couples looking for the perfect coastal backdrop.

• At low tide, the sea retreats, revealing mudflats and a wide sky, giving photos a dreamy, endless-horizon feel.
• At high tide, the water sparkles blue-green, and the reflection of the sky in the calm surface adds a magical touch.

Don’t forget to visit during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the most flattering light. The bridge has rustic wooden planks and weathered posts that add texture and depth to every shot - no filters needed!

The wooden bridge is a great photoshoot corner (Source: Internet)

3.4. Visit the Pearl Farming Area

Phu Quoc is famous for its natural pearls, and Ham Ninh is one of the main centers for traditional pearl farming on the island.

• Guided Tours: Many local farms offer short tours where you can see how oysters are bred, how pearls are extracted, and how they are turned into elegant jewelry.
• Live Demonstrations: Witness the moment a pearl is carefully removed from an oyster - it’s a delicate, almost ceremonial process that shows the value of each gem.
• Pearl Shopping: If you're looking for a meaningful souvenir, this is the place to find genuine Phu Quoc pearls at local prices. From earrings to pendants, many are handmade on-site.

Some recommended pearl farms in the Ham Ninh area include:

• Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm – known for high-quality Akoya pearls.
• Quoc An Pearl Workshop – where you can also try your hand at polishing.
• Long Beach Pearl Showroom – though more upscale, it provides a wide selection of certified jewelry.

Whether you're exploring natural beauty or cultural depth, Ham Ninh offers authentic, engaging activities that go far beyond surface-level tourism.

Natural pearl farms are great places to shop for jewelry (Source: Internet)

4. What to Eat in Ham Ninh Fishing Village?

Ham Ninh is a paradise not only for nature lovers but also for seafood enthusiasts. Thanks to the daily catch brought in by local fishermen, the food here is as fresh as it gets - cooked simply but rich in flavor. Here are the top dishes you shouldn’t miss when visiting this coastal gem:

Ham Ninh Crab

Arguably the most iconic dish in Ham Ninh. These blue swimming crabs are known for their firm yet tender meat, naturally sweet flavor, and delicate aroma. The dish is usually steamed and served whole, they go best with a mix of salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice. When dining, choose smaller-sized crabs (around 300–500g) for the best meat quality.

Herring Salad

This is a classic Phu Quoc delicacy. Thinly sliced raw herring is marinated with lime juice, chilies, garlic, and fresh herbs, then wrapped in rice paper with vegetables and dipped in fermented anchovy sauce. The dish balances freshness, spiciness, and umami—perfect for adventurous foodies.

Herring Salad has the umami flavour - perfect for summer days (Source: Internet)

Grilled Mackerel

Fresh mackerel is marinated with local spices and grilled over charcoal until golden and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Often served with rice or vermicelli, dipping sauce, and pickled vegetables.

The simple preparation allows the natural richness of the fish to shine (Source: Internet)

Seahorse in Wine

A rare specialty with a touch of medicinal tradition. Dried seahorse is soaked in herbal rice wine and believed to have health benefits, especially for vitality. You can also try seahorse steamed, stir-fried, or even in porridge - ask the restaurant for recommendations.

Where to Eat in Ham Ninh?

For the freshest seafood and best value, these restaurants consistently receive high reviews from travelers and locals alike:

• Bien Xanh Restaurant – Known for excellent crab and ocean views.
• Thuan Kieu Seafood – Local-style cooking with fair prices.
• Be Ghe Floating Restaurant – Eat while floating on the sea, with live seafood tanks.
• Tinh Bien Seafood Raft – Friendly service, great for grilled and steamed dishes.
• Hanh Nhung Restaurant – Perfect for groups and seafood hotpot lovers.

5. Best Time To Visit Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Timing can elevate your experience from ordinary to unforgettable. Here's how to plan your trip to make the most of it:

Best time of day

The golden hour in Ham Ninh is between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

• This is when the village starts winding down, the temperature is cooler, and the lighting is perfect for photos.
• Stay until after sunset to enjoy the soft, quiet charm of the village as the evening breeze rolls in.

Beautiful golden hour at Ham Ninh fishing town (Source: Internet)

Best time of year

For the most pleasant weather and clear views, plan your trip between November and April.

• This is the dry season in Phu Quoc, offering sunny skies, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor activities and boat rides.
• Avoid the rainy season (May - October), especially during stormy days, when sea travel might be disrupted.

6. Tips for Visiting Ham Ninh Fishing Village Phu Quoc

To ensure a smooth and memorable visit, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the Weather: Always look up the forecast before heading out. Rain or strong winds may cancel boat activities or obscure sunrise views.
• Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and water. Don’t forget basic meds - especially for motion sickness, headaches, or stomach issues.
• Choose Trusted Restaurants: Go for places with good reviews or high foot traffic. It ensures freshness, fair pricing, and safe food practices.
• Bargain at the Market: When buying seafood at the pier or local market, ask around and don’t hesitate to negotiate. Always double-check the weight and freshness.
• Wear a Life Jacket: If joining any boat tour, kayaking, or snorkeling trip, insist on wearing a life jacket for your safety.

Whether you’re drawn by the charm of a quiet seaside village, the thrill of fishing adventures, or the promise of incredibly fresh seafood, Ham Ninh Fishing Town offers an authentic glimpse into coastal life that’s becoming increasingly rare. This is not just a place to visit - it's a place to slow down, to breathe in the salt air, and to savor the rhythm of a community shaped by the sea.

To explore Ham Ninh Fishing Town, book your Flight to Phu Quoc with Vietnam Airlines today! For more details on flights, baggage policies, and travel itineraries, contact Vietnam Airlines via their hotline at 1900 1100, or through Fanpage or Zalo for expert advice.