People often mention Sam Son when thinking about Thanh Hoa, but little do they know about the beautiful Hai Tien beach – a paradise for tourism in this area. Let RuudNguyen.com assist you in gaining a comprehensive A-Z experience of visiting Hai Tien Beach, Thanh Hoa.
Introducing Hai Tien Beach
Hai Tien is an attractive tourist destination in Thanh Hoa (Photo: Thủy Tin)
Hai Tien Beach in Thanh Hoa boasts the longest coastline in the northern region of our country, stretching 12km along its shores. Located in Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province, Hai Tien Beach is approximately 165km away from Hanoi and just around 20km from the center of Thanh Hoa City. This beach was opened for exploitation and use in 2014.
Furthermore, this is also a strategic location in Thanh Hoa for tourists to conveniently combine visits to other famous attractions. Hai Tien Beach is often likened to the second Tra Co, as it possesses a charm and a sense of poetic romance that can only be fully appreciated by setting foot on its shores. If you have the time, you can dedicate a day to come and explore Sam Son Beach to complete your experience.
When is the best time to visit Hai Tien Beach for tourism?
Alongside Sam Son, Hai Tien is a beach that attracts many tourists (Photo: Thủy Tin)
Thanh Hoa experiences two distinct seasons throughout the year: a hot season from May to October and a cold season from November to April of the following year, characterized by northeastern winds, low rainfall, and dry early-season conditions.
Based on my experience of traveling to Hai Tien Beach, the ideal time to visit is from April to August annually. During this period, the weather is suitable for refreshing swims, beach strolls, photography, and indulging in delicious fresh seafood.
Traveling to Hai Tien, Hai Hoa, or Sam Son Beach during the summer is wonderful; however, there are a few things to keep in mind. The summer months coincide with the rainy and stormy season in the northern region, so it’s essential to closely monitor the weather before heading to the beach.
Directions to Hai Tien Beach
Private vehicles
If traveling by private vehicle, take the Hanoi – Ninh Binh expressway (Photo: Thuy Tin)
If using personal vehicles, follow the direction of the Ninh Binh expressway and a section of the Mai Son expressway (for cars) or QL1A (for motorcycles). Once you exit the expressway at the Bim Son town interchange, turn back and move on QL1A toward Thanh Hoa.
When you reach the intersection with QL10, turn left and continue straight in the direction of Nga Tu Gong (But Son town). This will lead you to Hai Tien Beach Resort. The distance from Hanoi to Hai Tien Beach is approximately 170km. If driving by car on the expressway, it should take around 3 hours, while riding a motorcycle might take a little over 4 hours.
Public Transportation
Coach
From Hanoi, you can travel directly to Hai Tien Beach using high-quality sleeper intercity buses departing from Giap Bat Bus Station and My Dinh Bus Station. These bus routes, on the return journey (Hai Tien – Hanoi), often pick up passengers directly at hotels. You only need to contact in advance to arrange with the bus company.
Train
Train travel is a comfortable and relatively safe mode of transportation. However, in Thanh Hoa, the trains only stop at a single station in Thanh Hoa City. Therefore, when using the train, you will need additional transportation to reach your hotel.
Transportation in Hai Tien
Bicycles are used by many groups of friends to walk around the sea (Photo: Thuy Tin)
When in Hai Tien, there are several options for getting around:
-
Walking: The compact size of the area makes walking a convenient way to explore the immediate surroundings and the beach itself.
- Motorbike Rental: Renting a motorbike is a popular choice for exploring the wider region. It provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to visit nearby attractions and local spots.
- Bicycle: Many accommodations offer bicycles for rent. Riding a bike can be a leisurely way to explore the beach and nearby areas.
- Local Taxis: Taxis are available and can be hailed or arranged through your accommodation. They are a comfortable option for longer distances or if you’re not comfortable with motorbike rental.
- Motorbike Taxis (Xe ôm): These are motorbike taxi services where you ride as a passenger behind the driver. They’re often a quick way to get around shorter distances.
- Local Buses: There might be local buses connecting different parts of Hai Tien and nearby towns. Check with locals or your accommodation for more information.
Remember to consider safety, weather conditions, and local traffic rules when choosing your mode of transportation in Hai Tien.
Accommodation in Hai Tien
Hai Tien currently has a considerable number of hotels and even a few resort areas (Photo: Thuy Tin)
Hotels at Hai Tien Beach are divided into two types: Beachfront hotels and ocean-view hotels. Beachfront hotels in Hai Tien (with direct beach views) tend to have higher prices compared to ocean-view hotels.
Ocean-view hotels are located around 30-100 meters from Hai Tien Beach, providing a convenient view of the ocean for travel purposes. So, you should consider these factors when making your choice.
Beach guesthouses in Hai Tien are often located around 120-300 meters away from the central area of Hai Tien Beach. These guesthouses are quite suitable for young travelers and those seeking cost-effective travel options.
One piece of advice to keep in mind is to be cautious when booking guesthouse rooms that are far from the central beach area. During peak seasons, the room rates for guesthouses can be quite high, and security might not be guaranteed.
When visiting Hai Tien, especially during busy times (especially during summer holiday periods like April 30th and weekends of hot weather), always remember to book your hotel rooms in advance.
What to Do When Traveling to Hai Tien Beach?
When traveling to Hai Tien Beach, it’s also an opportunity to explore the unique landmarks and scenic spots of the Thanh region, such as the Trang Quynh Temple, Hoi Long Pagoda, Hoang Truong People’s Militia Monument, visiting the Nuoc Mam Hai Tien fish sauce factory, and exploring the Ba Cay and Ma Nhon islets, where a historic uprising to regain local governance took place.
Hai Tien Beach
Hai Tien attracts tourists with its tranquil and untouched beauty (Photo: Thuy Tin)
The beachfront boasts a gently sloping shoreline with stable and elevated sand, regulated currents, and no dangerous whirlpools. The beach gradient and wave levels are also safe for tourists’ swimming activities.
The greatest advantage of this tourist area is its proximity to historical and cultural sites. The beach retains its natural beauty, situated close to the sea’s entrance with silt deposition, resulting in a clean, sandy, and smooth surface.
Hai Tien Marina
The Hai Tien Marina and Port Area features a European-style design (Collected Photo)
The Hai Tien Marina is situated right at the heart of the beach, designed with a vintage European architectural style. With its minimalist white color scheme and unique design, it has become a distinctive check-in point for tourists whenever they visit the Hai Tien tourism area.
The Hai Tien Marina and Beach Tourist Boat Pier have started providing boat and canoe trips to take tourists to the nearby Ne Island and Sam Son Beach. You can choose from various service packages if you want to fully experience this area.
Hai Tien Seafood Market
You can buy seafood by the bucket or purchase in larger quantities for better prices (Collected Photo)
The bustling seafood market in Hai Tien starts as early as 5 AM. Small boats venture near the shore to head out to sea in the early hours, returning with a wide variety of shrimp, fish, and seafood.
The fresh catch is sorted and sold to tourists right on the beach. Additional services such as steaming, grilling, and packing in ice are available to meet the needs of travelers who want to take the seafood with them on their journey.
Thrilling amusement park
Adventure Games You Can Play in Hai Tien (Collected Photo)
Featuring nearly 20 adventure games with unique design concepts, offering fresh sensations, all equipment has undergone stringent checks and certifications for both structure and safety. These are considered the most modern in the North. Some exciting games you can try are: Thrilling Chase, Carousel, Conquering the Golden Tower, and Daredevil Roller Coaster.
Hoi Long Pagoda
Hoi Long Pagoda (Collected Photo)
Hoi Long Pagoda is located in the center of Ngoc Chue Commune, now part of Hoang Thanh Ward, Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province. The ancient pagoda is situated on a high and level sand dune, positioned in a manner referred to as “Situated on a mountain, facing the water,” with its back leaning against Linh Truong Mountain and its front facing the convergence of the Ma River and Cung River.
Built during the 11th century under the reign of King Ly Cong Uan, Hoi Long Pagoda is one of the sacred ancient temples that continues to exist to this day as a testimony to Thanh Hoa’s history.
Bang Mon Dinh
Bang Mon Dinh (Collected Photo)
Bang Mon Dinh is the name of a village communal house located in Hoang Loc Commune, Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province. Bang Mon Dinh was constructed in the 15th century and serves as both a place of worship for the village’s guardian deity and a gathering spot for Confucian scholars to study history.
It honors the achievements of the village’s academic scholars. Bang Mon Dinh has become a symbol of the village’s dedication to learning, widely recognized and designated as a national historical and architectural heritage site.
Trang Quynh Temple
Trang Quynh Temple, also known as Nguyen Quynh Temple, is situated in Hoang Loc Commune, Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province, just about 10km away from Hai Tien Beach. In 1992, Trang Quynh Temple was recognized as a national-level cultural and historical heritage site. The temple is solemn, well-maintained, and surrounded by a clean and refreshing environment.
It attracts numerous visitors every day who come to explore and offer incense for remembrance. Additionally, it serves as a spiritual destination for those seeking blessings in terms of wealth, education, and success in examinations, both for local residents and visitors from afar.
Le Gia fishes sauce factory
The fermentation process of fish sauce in wooden barrels at Le Gia Fish Sauce Factory (Collected Photo)
Le Gia Fish Sauce Factory is about 3 km south of Hai Tien Beach. You can take an electric car to get there at a cost of around 200,000 VND for a round trip. Upon arrival at the factory, tourists can witness the traditional fish sauce fermentation process inside large wooden barrels.
The aroma is delightful and the flavor is rich, making it a perfect souvenir for family and friends. The factory is known for its impressive Boi Loi wooden barrels, which have a diameter and height of over 2.5 meters, adding to the unique experience.
What to Eat in Hai Tien?
Hai Tien Seafood
You can enjoy seafood right at the beachside eateries (Collected Photo)
It’s not surprising that one of the delicious dishes in Thanh Hoa that you should definitely try is seafood. At coastal destinations like Hai Tien, there are always boats bringing in fresh seafood daily. You can indulge in these culinary delights if you’re visiting the beach destinations in Thanh Hoa.
Thanh Hoa Fermented Pork Roll
“Nem chua” is a very famous dish from Thanh Hoa (Collected Photo)
When mentioning Thanh Hoa, everyone knows about the famous dish “nem chua”. Therefore, this dish becomes a meaningful gift that many people choose to bring back after their trip. It can be enjoyed with spicy chili sauce, enhancing its delicious flavor.
Additionally, the distinctiveness of this Thanh Hoa specialty also lies in the traditional recipe for making “nem”, the flexible fermentation time according to each season, resulting in a perfectly balanced sour taste.
Thanh Hoa Steamed Rice Rolls
In Thanh Hoa, steamed rice rolls are commonly filled with a mixture of shrimp and pork, and the rolls themselves are thicker in texture (Collected Photo)
The Thanh Hoa steamed rice rolls have a distinct and delightful flavor that’s unlike anywhere else. The translucent, thin rice sheets are as delicate as paper but surprisingly chewy. Wrapped within these rice sheets are fillings like minced pork, shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, and black fungus.
On the outside, there’s crispy fried shallot that adds a golden crunch. Dipping these rolls into a zesty blend of fish sauce, lime, and chili will make you not want to stop after just one bite.
Ha Yen Small Shrimp Sauce
Ha Yen Small Shrimp Sauce – a royal delicacy (Collected Photo)
According to the seniors here, the reason why the fish sauce is called “Trip sauce to the king” is because since ancient times, this place has had this kind of fish sauce, famous for its delicious taste, so every New Year’s Eve, people in the area choose the best jars of fish sauce to present to the king. The fish sauce is made from shrimp, a type of shrimp with a small, clear green body and only available on the Hoat river.
Hai Tien Beach Itinerary
Hai Tien has recently become quite popular during each summer break in the Northern region (Photo: Thủy Tin)
Based on my experience, Hai Tien Beach in the evening might be a bit dull, with fewer activities or places to enjoy compared to Sam Son city. You should consider visiting both places during a weekend if you have your own transportation.
Day 1: Hanoi – Hai Tien
Wake up, have a relaxing breakfast and coffee, then depart around 11 AM. It takes about 3 hours to get there, arriving just in time to check into your accommodation. Remember to book your hotel in advance.
During the afternoon, you can head to Thanh Hoa City for some activities, and in the evening, return to Hai Tien Beach for a swim. Back at the hotel, take some rest. In the evening, stroll along the beach, enjoy seafood varieties, and savor the coastal atmosphere.
Day 2: Hai Tien – Sam Son
The next morning, you can continue your beach relaxation or set off early for Sam Son. The distance from Hai Tien to Sam Son is around 28 km, taking about an hour’s drive.
Check into the hotel around 2 PM, settle in, and take a break. Around 4 PM, head to the beach for more swimming, and in the evening, return to the hotel for relaxation, bathing, and relishing seafood or exploring delicious dishes in Sam Son. At night, you can take a stroll along the beach or rent a bike, or even take an electric car ride to enjoy the scenery.
Day 3: Sam Son – Hanoi
Rise early and visit the seafood market by the beach before heading to Truong Le Mountain to explore landmarks like Hon Trong Mai, Doc Cuoc Temple, Co Tien Temple, and more. Afterward, if there’s time, you can continue enjoying the beach. Check out in the afternoon and return to Hanoi.
See more: Discovering Pu Luong: A Traveler’s Guide
See more: Sam Son Travel Guide: A Seaside Paradise in Vietnam
See more: Thanh Hoa Backpacking Guide: Affordable Adventure in Vietnam
Discussion about this post