Vietnamese Coastal Fishing Village Transitions to New Livelihood Model Through Tourism

In Tam Tien fishing village (Ha Loc hamlet, Tam Xuan commune, Da Nang city), a transformation is underway as residents shift their mindset and approach to the marine economy. Overcoming initial hesitations, the villagers are increasingly confident in developing tourism and are creating new livelihoods right on their ancestral shores. Previously, the catch of fish and squid from Tam Tien's fishermen could only fetch tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese dong when sold to traders. Today, the same amount of seafood, when prepared into noodle dishes and served to tourists, generates many times that value. The Tam Tien fish market, bustling with vibrant yet simple transactions in the early morning, showcases the strong evolution of this fishing village. Tourists, both domestic and international, enjoy the lively rhythm of life and the seafood dishes served right by the sea. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Nghia from Ha Loc hamlet shared, "Since Tam Tien became a tourist destination, our incomes have improved significantly compared to before." The villagers note that the roads and houses in the village have also changed considerably. However, the most crucial shift is the residents' proactive engagement in tourism and their heightened awareness of marine environmental protection. Among them, the young entrepreneur Vo Hong Ron has become a pioneer, selling his fishing boat to tap into the village's tourism potential. Ron's entrepreneurial journey offers a glimpse into the livelihood transition in a fishing village that has long relied on the sea. Returning to his hometown in 2017, Ron recognized the potential for tourism and decided to quit fishing, sell his boat for 100 million VND, and start his venture. He dedicated himself to cleaning the beach and mobilizing the community, striving to attract tourists. The first three years were fraught with challenges, resulting in losses of up to one billion VND and mounting debts. Yet, for Ron and the people of Tam Tien, this "gamble" was more worthwhile than continuing to face the uncertainties of the sea. In the evening, the coast of Tam Tien fishing village comes alive with nighttime economic activities. Homestays facing the sea buzz with the laughter of children by the swimming pool, while villagers set up tables and string lights to create a festive atmosphere. Sitting in a hammock by the sea, Mr. Vo Quang Toan from Ha Loc hamlet expressed his joy at the increasing number of tourists. "Compared to fishing, income from tourism is vastly different, sometimes several times higher, and the work is more flexible. We used to spend the whole year battling the waves; we never imagined this beach would develop into what it is today," he enthused. The transformation of Tam Tien also highlights the role of the community, supported by local authorities and international organizations, in shaping a community-based and ecological tourism model. As the landscape becomes a source of livelihood, residents are more conscious of environmental protection, actively cleaning beaches and limiting the overexploitation of marine resources. Ron believes that Tam Tien's tourism development is gaining clearer direction as environmental protection becomes intrinsically linked to the residents' economic interests. The fish market, once littered with trash, is now regularly cleaned, creating a pristine space for visitors. "Our long-term goal is to attract international visitors. Therefore, while preserving the local uniqueness, we must tell the story of the efforts of the villagers here, working daily with the world to clean and conserve our coastline. Only then will tourists be drawn here to visit and learn about that story," Ron stated. Tam Tien fishing village is entering a new phase of development, becoming a livelihood anchor for the community.