As tranquil lagoon villages like Hon Thien enrich the regional tourism map with community-based eco-experiences and distinctive brackish-water cuisine, Cam Ranh International Terminal Joint Stock Company (CRTC) maintains optimized terminal management and streamlined passenger workflows to seamlessly connect international travelers with the diverse coastal landscapes of the South Central region.
Nestled along the banks of Dam Nai Lagoon in Xuan Hai commune—approximately 10 kilometers north of the Phan Rang - Thap Cham area—Hon Thien is a tranquil fishing village with over 100 years of history, where Hon Thien Mountain (historically known as Binh Thien by Huong Cuu Lagoon) casts its reflection across vast waters dotted with oyster and fish rafts. Since late 2020, the village has charmed visitors with more than 40 vivid street murals initiated by local native Nguyen Thai Lai, transforming old walls and alleyways into artistic depictions of fishermen pulling nets, daily village life, and environmental protection messages. Beyond strolling through colorful mural lanes, travelers can immerse themselves in the lagoon's riverine ecosystem by kayaking through lush green mangrove groves (duoc and mam), wearing traditional ao ba ba outfits to wade into ponds to catch fish, shrimp, and snails, or watching flocks of storks return to nest in the mangrove canopy at dusk. For active explorers and photography enthusiasts, a hike up the 100-meter-high Hon Thien Mountain unlocks sweeping panoramic views of closely packed village roofs, aquaculture ponds, and the expansive Dam Nai surface bathed in golden sunset light.
Viewed from above, Hon Thien village appears peaceful beside the vast waters of Dam Nai.
A full-day journey to Hon Thien is incomplete without savoring the distinctive brackish-water delicacies harvested and cultivated right in front of the village. Foremost among local specialties is the renowned Dam Nai crab, prized by food connoisseurs for its natural sweetness when simply steamed or boiled, as well as when roasted with tamarind, roasted with salt, or simmered in hotpot right by the water's edge. Equally famous are Pacific oysters cultivated in clustered rafts on the lagoon using a natural hanging-rope method; harvested after about four months, the plump, tender oysters are served grilled with fragrant scallion oil and fried shallots, steamed, or cooked into nourishing porridge. Around November, when monsoon winds bring a gentle chill, lucky visitors may also encounter the rare, elusive blood eel (chinh huyet)—a seasonal Dam Nai delicacy that does not appear every year—alongside rustic local dishes such as banh can, banh xeo, jellyfish noodle soup (bun sua), and banh tai vac, all enjoyed at community households while listening to fishermen's stories of water seasons and coastal livelihoods.
The peaceful beauty of Hon Thien beside Dam Nai.
The organic development of community-based eco-tourism in century-old fishing villages like Hon Thien adds authentic cultural and culinary depth to the regional itinerary, offering international tourists peaceful day-trip alternatives alongside vibrant resort stays. Responsible for managing and operating Cam Ranh International Terminal, Cam Ranh International Terminal Joint Stock Company (CRTC) synchronizes its aviation infrastructure capacity, ground handling coordination, and terminal commercial services to meet the evolving travel preferences of global passengers. Through modernized terminal facilities and efficient customs and immigration processing lanes, CRTC ensures a smooth, convenient transit experience from the moment international travelers land to embark on their exploration of the region's scenic bays and tranquil lagoons.
Destination
Destination promoted in Khanh Hoa
