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Hon Yen’s Net Casting Season: The Coastal Charm of Phu Yen

Beyond its poetic image of “golden flowers and green grass,” Phu Yen captivates visitors with its abundant coastline and untouched islands. Among them, Hon Yen stands out as a National Scenic Site and a true gem of Central Vietnam. This season marks its most picturesque time of the year, when the rhythm of local fishermen casting nets creates a mesmerizing performance on the open sea.

A Hidden Gem of Phu Yen
Located about 20 kilometers from Tuy Hoa City, Hon Yen is part of a scenic cluster that includes Hon Dun, Ban Than, Ganh Yen, Vung Choi, and Hon Choi. The island rises like a giant conical peak, sculpted by time and tides, now lying just 100 meters from the mainland. Its name, meaning “Island of Swallows,” comes from the many swiftlets that once nested here. Though fewer remain today, the island’s pristine beauty endures.

Hon Yen enchants with emerald waters, golden sandy shores, and rows of pines and cacti dotting the horizon, creating a vivid coastal painting. During early or late summer months, low tide reveals a natural pathway across the sea connecting Hon Yen and Hon Dun. The exposed coral rocks shimmer under sunlight, turning the shallow water into a glowing mosaic.

The island is also home to a rich marine ecosystem with vibrant coral reefs and sea creatures such as starfish, snails, and schools of fish. As sunlight dances on the surface, the undersea world comes alive like a radiant garden beneath the waves.

The Dance of the Nets
Summer is the liveliest time of year in Hon Yen. From dawn till dusk, the sea is filled with boats heading out to catch anchovies, the region’s seasonal specialty. These tiny, translucent fish are prized for their delicate flavor and are a key ingredient in many local dishes.

Fishing typically takes place at night, while daytime is reserved for the captivating scenes of fishermen casting and hauling nets. Each team of ten to thirteen people moves in sync, spreading their circular nets across the water. Viewed from above, the nets resemble flowing silk ribbons forming heart shapes, leaves, or blooming flowers, depending on wind, current, and the observer’s imagination.

For visitors, the sight feels like an ocean ballet where nature and human labor blend in harmony. Beneath the golden sunlight, the fishermen’s movements turn the sea into a living stage of rhythm and beauty.

What to See Around Hon Yen
A two-day trip is perfect for exploring Hon Yen and nearby attractions:

• Lang Ong Nam Hai: A historic and spiritual temple where locals pray for peace and safe voyages, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted maritime culture.
• Bai Xep: Famous for its appearance in the film “I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass,” this beach offers panoramic views of Hon Yen and its surrounding coastline.
• Bai Hon Choi: The best spot to watch the sunrise while enjoying a cup of coffee in the cool morning air. Ideal for camping, picnicking, or a refreshing swim.

Summer in Phu Yen is more than just bright sunshine and gentle waves, it is a celebration of life by the sea. Hon Yen, with its serene beauty and the graceful rhythm of fishermen casting their nets, captures the spirit of Vietnam’s coastal heritage, where nature and tradition coexist in perfect harmony.