Hai Hoa beach, also known as Ngoc Son beach, stretches from Dong Hai through Giang Son communes in Tinh Gia District of the northern province of Thanh Hoa. Just over 200 kilometers from Hanoi, the area has been gaining in popularity over the past three years, as more tourists discover the rugged coastal beauty of Hai Hoa.
With over four kilometers of golden sand and calm waters, the beach has been well preserved by locals and remains pristine and free of pollution. Swimming is ideal with gentle waves and no drop-off areas.
Hai Hoa residents are known for being friendly and hospitable. Visitors can watch how they catch fish or try rowing their bamboo boats.
Crabs can also be purchased from the fishermen for half the price of hotel restaurants.
Tourists should also be sure to try eating me me, a type of sea creature that looks similar to a shrimp and is known for its delicious meat.
Life is extremely laid back in Hai Hoa with little else to do but lay back, relax and take in the natural beauty of the area. However, for those looking for a little more adventure, visitors can explore the Me Archipelago, a cluster of 18 islets located around 20 km offshore.
The lush islands offer spectacular views and because the sea is calm, the water appears a deep, brilliant blue from atop the rolling hills. Some say that the 18 islands resemble a herd of horses grazing in a vast verdant meadow.
To visit the island group, tourists must first obtain a permit from the Hai Binh Commune People’s Committee and rent a boat as there are no tours offered to the remote Me Islands.
In addition, visitors can make a trip to several nearby ancient historical areas including the Tinh Hai Fortress, Ninh Citadel and Rua Ngoc Well.
Hai Hoa has three hotels – Cao Nguyen, Xanh Ha and Dai Duong – with prices ranging from VND300,000-700,000 (US$16.84-39.31)
To get to Hai Hoa from Hanoi, you can take a Hanoi-Tinh Gia bus from the Giap Bat Bus Station with a fare of VND70,000 ($3.93) and then transfer to a motorbike taxi from Tinh Gia for another two kilometers.