Nestled in Hoa Hiep Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District, just about 17km north-west of Da Nang’s centre, Nam O Beach boasts stunning scenery and it is truly nature’s wonderful gift. 

This beach is best viewed at low tide when a large area of rock and sandy shoreline is exposed.  It shelters a large population of rare fish and other marine species, and has a moderate slope with clear blue water and white sand stretching along the foot of a mountain.  From here, visitors can reach the Son Tra peninsula by road along the mountain or by boat to the west coast, or visit a village of the Co Tu ethnic group in Hoa Vang District’s Hoa Bac Commune.

Nam O Beach with its crystal blue water

According to locals, the name “Nam O” means the south of O District (a very old location).  The Nam O village used to support itself by producing firecrackers until the government imposed a ban on them in 1995.  Nowadays, the villagers make nuoc mam (fish sauce) and goi ca.  The latter is a kind of Vietnamese sushi: fresh, raw fish fillets marinated in a special sauce and coated in a spicy powder.  It is served with fresh vegetables in rice-paper rolls.  You will find it for sale on the beach in the summer, or look out for it in the village.

Developed in the early 1960s, Nam O Beach is frequented by local residents.  Some stilt houses have now been built for tourism purposes.

Nam O Beach has increased in popularity since the Xuan Thieu (Red) Beach Resort was built.  The beach has also been incorporated into a project to embellish landscapes and solve the problems of pollution.  An 800-metre road linking the Nam O Bridge with the beach resorts will be constructed in the near future.