Sam Son Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the central region of Vietnam. In recent years, Sam Son has undergone significant changes in its landscape, tourism infrastructure, and especially the quality of tourism services, with scams targeting tourists being largely eliminated. To get more information and tips for a pleasant and comfortable trip to Sam Son, you can refer to this article by RuudNguyen.com
Introduction to Sam Son
Sam Son Beach, Thanh Hoa (Collected Photo)
Sam Son is a coastal city located in Thanh Hoa Province. Situated on the eastern side of Thanh Hoa Province, Sam Son is about 17 km from Thanh Hoa City. Sam Son is a Class III urban area and a famous coastal tourism destination in Vietnam. It was upgraded to a city on April 19, 2017.
To the east, it borders the Gulf of Tonkin, to the west it borders Thanh Hoa City, to the south it is adjacent to Quang Xuong District, and to the north it is adjacent to Hoang Hoa District along the Ma River. Sam Son has a coastline of about 9 km, from the Hoai estuary (Ma River) to Vung Tien (Vung Ngoc) with beautiful beaches such as urban beaches (A, B, C, D), Quang Cu Beach, Vinh Son Beach, etc.
When is the Best Time to Visit Sam Son?
Summer is the best time to visit Sam Son (Collected Photo)
The best time to visit Sam Son is from April to September each year. During this time, Sam Son is filled with tourists on its beaches and main streets. This period is considered a unique experience in Sam Son, as there are rarely any other beaches in the country that attract as many tourists.
An important note, especially during the months of July and August, is that these are the stormy months in the northern region. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the weather forecast before traveling to avoid rainy and stormy days.
How to Get to Sam So
Summer is the best time to visit Sam Son (Collected Photo)
Sam Son is located about 170 km from Hanoi, making it easily accessible via a mostly high-speed road. You can travel to Sam Son by your own car, motorbike, or by taking a bus, all of which ensure safety.
From Hanoi to Sam Son
By Bus
You can go to My Dinh or Giap Bat Bus Stations to catch a bus to Thanh Hoa City. Buses operate frequently from 6 am to 6 pm. The journey from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa City by bus usually takes a little over 3 hours.
After arriving in Thanh Hoa City, you can take a bus or a taxi or motorbike taxi (xe om) to Sam Son Town. Note that the last bus runs until 8 pm, so please keep that in mind. Additionally, for a more comfortable and quicker option, you can book a limousine shuttle service to take you directly to your accommodation.
By Train
You can purchase train tickets from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa City at Hanoi Railway Station or Long Bien Station. The train journey from Hanoi takes a little over 3 hours. From Saigon, there’s only the Thong Nhat train that goes through Thanh Hoa, taking over 1 day for the journey.
After arriving at Thanh Hoa Station, if you want to get to Sam Son quickly and independently, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi (xe om).
Private vehicles
The train from Saigon to Thanh Hoa takes longer, about over 1 day (Collected Photo)
If you travel by motorbike, please note that the distance from Hanoi to Sam Son is about 170 km, so you should prepare both your physical and mental health for the long journey. You should also have some knowledge about maintaining your motorbike to deal with unexpected incidents.
If you travel by car, the road to Sam Son is quite easy to follow. From Hanoi, you can move in the direction of National Highway 1A to Thanh Hoa City and then take Hoang Dieu Street to Sam Son Town.
Local Transportation in Sam Son
Local transportation options in Sam Son are diverse, so you can choose a suitable means of transportation depending on your needs.
- Taxi: There are taxis available, making it convenient to move around the city.
- Motorbike Taxi (Xe Om): This is a popular and flexible means of transportation in Sam Son. You can easily find motorbike taxi drivers on main roads or near tourist attractions.
- Bicycle and Electric Car Rental: These are suitable options for exploring the city at a slower pace and enjoying the fresh air. You can rent bicycles or electric cars in the city center or near the beach.
- Car Rental: If you want to explore Sam Son and its surroundings at your own pace, renting a car is a good choice. You can find car rental services in the city or inquire at your accommodation.
- Bus: The local bus system is not as developed as in big cities, but there are still some routes available that can take you to certain places of interest in Sam Son.
Accommodation in Sam Son
Accommodation in Sam Son offers various options for different budgets. You can find luxury hotels, resorts, mid-range hotels, as well as budget guesthouses and hostels. Most of the accommodations are located near the beach, providing convenient access to the main tourist attractions. It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Things to Do in Sam Son
Sam Son Beach
You can find many seaside hotels (Collected Photo)
Sam Son Beach is the highlight of Sam Son City. With fine white sand, clear blue water, and a gentle slope, the beach is ideal for swimming and relaxing. You can enjoy various water activities such as jet skiing, banana boating, and kayaking. Additionally, the beach has a range of seafood stalls and eateries where you can indulge in fresh local dishes.
Vinh Son Beach
Vinh Sơn Beach is quiet and less crowded than the main beaches of Sam Son (Collected Photo)
Vinh Son Beach is known for its clear blue water and fine sandy shore. It’s a quieter alternative to Sam Son Beach, making it a great spot for those looking for a more peaceful atmosphere. You can take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline or simply unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Truong Le mountain
Truong Le Mountain offers stunning panoramic views of Sam Son (Collected Photo)
Truong Le Mountain is located near the coast and offers a panoramic view of Sam Son City and its beaches. To reach the peak of the mountain, you can follow a short hiking trail or take a cable car. The view from the top is particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Hon Trong Mai
Hon Trong Mai tied to the legend of the loyal couple (Collected Photo)
Hon Trong Mai is a unique rock formation that resembles a pair of chickens. This natural landmark is located offshore and can be admired from a distance. It’s a popular subject for photographers and has become an iconic symbol of Sam Son.
Doc Cuoc Temple
Doc Cuoc Temple (Collected Photo)
Doc Cuoc Temple is a historical and cultural site located at the foot of Truong Le Mountain. The temple is dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, a revered military strategist and commander in Vietnamese history. The temple complex features intricate architecture and beautiful gardens, offering visitors a serene and cultural experience.
Co Tien temple
Inside the Goddess Shrine (Collected Photo)
Co Tien Temple is situated on a small hill overlooking the sea. It’s dedicated to the mythical “Co Tien” (Fairy) and offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a spiritual atmosphere. The temple grounds are well-maintained and provide a picturesque setting for exploration.
Sam Son Church
Sam Son Parish Church (Photo: Nam Tran)
Sam Son Church is a prominent religious site in the city. Its architecture features a combination of European and Vietnamese styles, making it an interesting landmark to visit. The church is an important religious center for local Catholics and is often visited for its historical and cultural significance.
What to Eat in Sam Son
Sam Son is known for its fresh seafood and local delicacies. Here are some dishes you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Sam Son Seafood
Fresh seafood is a highlight of Sam Son cuisine (Collected Photo)
Sam Son is famous for its abundance of fresh seafood, thanks to its coastal location. You can enjoy a variety of dishes made from shrimp, crab, squid, clams, and fish. Grilled, steamed, fried, or cooked in various styles, seafood is a must-try in Sam Son.
Sam Son Fish Salad
Sam Son Fish Salad (Collected Photo)
This unique dish features minced raw fish mixed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It’s a refreshing and healthy option that showcases the local flavors.
Dried Squid
When in Sam Son, remember to go to the beach, enjoy beer, and savor grilled squid (Collected Photo)
Thanh Hoa Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Chua)
Nem chua is a very famous dish in Thanh Hoa (Collected Photo)
Nem chua is a type of fermented pork roll that’s both sweet and sour. It’s made by marinating minced pork with spices, herbs, and rice powder. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves and left to ferment. The result is a tangy and flavorful snack that’s beloved by locals.
Thanh Hoa Rolled Rice Pancakes (Bánh Cuốn)
Rice rolls in Thanh Hoa often have fillings of shrimp and pork, with thick rice crepe layers (Collected Photo)
Banh cuon is a delicate dish made from thin rice crepes filled with ingredients like ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. The crepes are steamed to perfection and often served with fried shallots, herbs, and a dipping sauce. It’s a light and tasty option for breakfast or a snack.
Tips for Traveling to Sam Son
Always remember to clarify the price before using any service (Collected Photo)
- Most restaurants have listed prices, but before ordering, you should inquire about the prices of each dish. Sam Son has long been famous for overcharging, and while this issue has decreased recently, there are still occasional cases. If you encounter difficulties with this situation, you can call the Sam Son City hotline for issue resolution.
- The sea waves in Sam Son are particularly strong, and the area often experiences offshore currents, a very dangerous phenomenon that can carry you far away if not careful.
- Prices at beaches A, B, and C are usually higher than at beach D because fewer visitors stay at beach D. Therefore, you can take an electric car to this area or visit the Quang Cu Ecological Area to enjoy seafood.
- On Sam Son Beach, there are often beautiful sand castles created by photographers. If you stand nearby to take photos, they might demand a high fee.
- When visiting on weekends, remember to book your accommodation 7-10 days in advance. For holidays, book about 1 month ahead to ensure you have a place to stay when you arrive in Sam Son.
- Furthermore, on the way back, you can stop by Thanh Hoa City and visit Dien Bien Market on Phan Chu Trinh Street to purchase various seafood at good prices. If you want to buy the specialty nem chua (fermented pork roll), head to the beginning of Truong Thi Street and look for Tim Diep and Thuy shops, two well-known nem chua brands in Thanh Hoa.
Sam Son Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Sam Son
Depart from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa by train departing from Hanoi Station at 9:00 AM and arriving at Thanh Hoa Station at 12:30 PM. Alternatively, you can take public transportation to Thanh Hoa City. If traveling with a large group, you can consider renting a taxi from Thanh Hoa City directly to Sam Son.
If traveling alone, you can choose to take a bus; there’s a direct bus route from the station to Sam Son. If you’re driving your own vehicle, you can head straight from Hanoi to Sam Son via the highway, which would take about 3 hours.
Check-in at the hotel around 3:00 PM, store your belongings, and take some rest. Around 4:00 PM, you can head out for a beach swim.
Return to the hotel by 6:00 PM for rest, bathing, and then look for a place to enjoy seafood. In the evening, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, have coffee, coconut water, or even rent an electric car for sightseeing
Day 2: Sam Son – Hanoi
Wake up early in the morning and you can visit the seafood market by the beach before heading to Truong Le Mountain. Explore landmarks like Hon Trong Mai, Den Doc Cuoc, and Den Co Tien. Afterward, you can continue to the beach for swimming if you’re not bothered by the hot sun.
Check out from the hotel around noon, have lunch, and then head back to Hanoi. If you prefer traveling by train, you can consider the following two suitable options departing from Thanh Hoa Station: the SE8 train departs at 11:56 AM and arrives in Hanoi at 3:30 PM, and the SE6 train departs at 3:35 PM and arrives in Hanoi at 7:12 PM.
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