Discover the lesser-known side of Phu Yen, from traditional fishing communities and centuries-old crafts to wild beaches, incredible seafood and unforgettable photography opportunities.
Sometimes the best travel discoveries are the places you think you already know.
After almost 20 years of travelling around Vietnam, I thought I had a pretty good idea of where to find the country’s most interesting landscapes, cultures and photographic opportunities. Phu Yen, on Vietnam’s south-central coast, was somewhere I had visited before, and while I’d enjoyed its beaches and fishing villages, I hadn’t expected it to offer much in the way of adventure.
I was very wrong.
Photos by Alex Sheal & Michael Stanbury
During a week scouting for new experiences in Phu Yen, we discovered a side of the province that felt worlds away from the familiar tourist trail. We found vibrant fishing communities, traditional crafts, remarkable local festivals and some of the most memorable photographic opportunities we’ve encountered in Vietnam.
And, of course, there were some spectacular beaches to enjoy along the way.
Discovering the unexpected in Phu Yen
Phu Yen doesn't have the international profile of destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An or the Mekong Delta. That is precisely what makes it so interesting.
Away from the main tourist routes, everyday life continues much as it has for generations. Fishing, boat building, weaving, ceramics and traditional food production are still part of local communities — and for photographers, these living traditions offer an extraordinary opportunity to tell authentic stories through images.
During our scouting trip, we experienced just a few of the highlights.
A whale-worshipping festival
We were lucky enough to encounter a traditional whale-worshipping festival, complete with performances of Hát Bội, Vietnam’s distinctive form of classical theatre.
The combination of ceremony, colourful costumes, expressive performers and local traditions made this a fascinating experience — and a fantastic photographic subject.
Photos by Alex Sheal & Michael Stanbury
Inside a working fishing port
At one of Phu Yen’s working ports, we found fishermen returning from the sea while their families prepared for the next trip.
One particularly striking sight was a group of fishermen’s wives sewing vivid red fishing nets. The colours, textures and movement made for compelling photographs, while the experience offered a glimpse into the community and the work that supports the local fishing industry.
Photos by Alex Sheal & Michael Stanbury
Traditional basket boats, made at home
We also visited a couple who make traditional Vietnamese basket boats from bamboo at their home.
Watching these boats take shape by hand is a reminder that some of Vietnam’s most fascinating cultural experiences aren't found in museums. They are found in people's homes, workshops and workplaces, where traditional skills are still being passed from one generation to the next.
Photos by Alex Sheal & Michael Stanbury
Traditional crafts and local communities
Our journey took us to communities producing a remarkable range of traditional goods, including:
- Handcrafted ceramics
- Colourful sedge mats
- Golden rice cakes
- Traditional bamboo basket boats
- Fishing nets
- Handmade fishing vessels
Each place offered something different — and each provided an opportunity to meet the people behind these crafts and understand how their work fits into everyday life.
Photos by Alex Sheal & Michael Stanbury
Baking sea salt at 3am
Perhaps the most unexpected experience of the trip was discovering a workshop with a 150-year tradition of baking sea salt.
And the work doesn't happen during normal working hours.
We visited in the middle of the night, at around 3am, to see the process in action.
For a photographer, these are the kinds of experiences that are hard to beat: dramatic light, smoke, movement and people working through the night to maintain a tradition that has been part of the community for generations.
It's a very different side of Vietnam from the country most visitors encounter on a conventional itinerary.
Photos by Alex Sheal & Michael Stanbury
Between the adventures:
Phu Yen’s beaches
Of course, Phu Yen isn't all workshops, fishing ports and early-morning photography.
The province also has some wonderfully wild and beautiful beaches, giving you plenty of opportunities to slow down between adventures.
After spending time exploring local communities, there's something particularly satisfying about heading to the coast, swimming in the sea and simply taking in the scenery.
And then there's the food.
Some seriously good seafood
We're not usually ones to make bold claims about food, but the seafood in Phu Yen really stood out.
The shrimp and squid were especially memorable — fresh, simple and delicious.
Vietnam is, of course, famous for its food, but even after years of travelling around the country, this was some of the best seafood we've encountered.
Photos by Michael Stanbury
Why Phu Yen is worth exploring
The biggest lesson from our trip wasn't simply that Phu Yen is unexpectedly awesome.
It was a reminder of just how much there is still to discover in Vietnam.
The country extends far beyond its famous destinations and well-known travel routes. Some of the most rewarding experiences are found in places that don't appear in the standard guidebooks or dominate social media feeds.
These are the places where you can meet people doing things they've been doing for generations. Where you can discover stories rather than simply see sights. And where you can come away with photographs that feel genuinely connected to the place and the people you encountered.
Photos by Alex Sheal
Experience Phu Yen with Vietnam in Focus
This is exactly what we look for at Vietnam in Focus.
Our photography tours are designed around authentic experiences, local communities and the stories that make Vietnam such a fascinating country to photograph.
Our Phu Yen photo tours are currently available as tailor-made trips, and we can also create photography adventures in destinations throughout Vietnam.
Whether you're an experienced photographer looking for unique subjects or simply someone who wants to experience a less-travelled side of Vietnam, we'll help you discover places and experiences that go far beyond the usual tourist trail.
Ready to explore Vietnam differently?
Find out more about our tailor-made photography tours
