Pristine and captivating

In 2009, Lăng Cô Bay was officially recognized as a member of the World's Most Beautiful Bays Club, a 25 year-old organization recognizing 42 bays from Europe, Asia, Africa, and of the Americas, thus affirming its reputation for outstanding environmental significance. Boasting nearly 10 km of white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a diverse ecosystem, this spot is considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful bays that still preserves its pristine charm.

The leaders of Huế, after becoming a centrally governed city, have identified Lăng Cô as a key growth pole for the marine industry and international tourism. Situated within the Chân Mây - Lăng Cô Economic Zone, supported by a deep-water seaport, a synchronized transport network, and its position as a gateway to Central Vietnam, this land presents an attractive destination for domestic and international travelers. Amidst the pace of economic development, Lăng Cô retains its original untouched beauty and inherently peaceful rhythm of life.

What holds travelers’ attention each time they visit is not only the natural canvas woven from the azure of the sea, the white of the sand, and the deep green of the Bạch Mã mountain forests, but also the sense of serenity that fills every moment. Dawn over the sea with fishing fleets returning after a night on the water,  the late afternoon surface of Lập An Lagoon mirroring the sky and the Bạch Mã range, both bring a tranquil feeling rarely found elsewhere.

Lập An Lagoon - Quiet nature, local culture

If the ocean at Lăng Cô offers expansive beauty, Lập An Lagoon serves as a poetic, quiet pause. This brackish lagoon has long been tied to the livelihoods of local residents through oyster farming, fish aquaculture, and seasonal fishing. Traditional wisdom based on water currents, tides, and weather patterns has been passed down through generations, forming a valuable treasure of folk knowledge within the lagoon community.

Today, Lập An Lagoon is also a hub for exciting experiences such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, cycling along the lagoon shore, exploring Bạch Mã National Park, or catching the sunrise and sunset. These opportunities allow visitors not only to admire the breathtaking scenery but also to feel the harmonious rhythm between humans and nature.

Hải Vân - Where nature meets history

To the south of Lăng Cô lies Hải Vân Pass, one of the most stunning coastal roads in Vietnam. From the summit, a panoramic view of Lăng Cô Bay unfolds, showcasing blue seas, white beaches, and Lập An Lagoon tucked neatly at the foot of the mountain. Renowned not only for its magnificent landscape, Hải Vân is also a vital historical landmark (e.g. Hải Vân Quan Complex), contributing to the distinct cultural value of this gateway region between Huế and Đà Nẵng.

Maritime culture - The soul of Lăng Cô

The sea brings not only livelihoods but also shapes the cultural identity of Lăng Cô's residents. For generations, the locals have lived in harmony with the sea, adhering to the laws of nature and preserving many traditional customs.

Prominent in their spiritual life is the worship of the Whale God (cá Ông) - a symbol of faith in the ocean's protection over fishermen. Ahead of each fishing season, the  solemn Cầu ngư (Fishermen’s Prayer) festival involves prayers for favorable weather, bountiful catches, and safe voyages. Accompanying the traditional rituals are activities such as bả trạo singing, boat racing, and community gatherings, all contributing to preserving the coastal cultural identity.

These values give Lăng Cô its unique appeal. Travelers come not only to admire the landscape, but also to connect with a living cultural space where people still maintain a harmonious bond with the sea and nature.

A destination for green tourism

Lăng Cô currently faces immense development opportunities through its link with the Chân Mây - Lăng Cô Economic Zone, one of the key coastal economic zones in Central Vietnam. Chân Mây Port is increasingly asserting its role as a gateway welcoming international cruise ships. In 2025, the port welcomed 46 ship calls with over 131,000 passengers and crew members; in 2026, it is expected to receive 88 calls with around 257,000 passengers and crew members. These positive signs open up numerous opportunities to develop marine tourism and high-end resort services.

However, Huế’s direction focuses not merely on growth, but on sustainable development. The city is committed to building tourism around a green model, grounding its strategy in ecosystem conservation, landscape preservation, and the promotion of indigenous culture. This path ensures that Lăng Cô retains its original beauty while enhancing its value as a destination in the context of modern tourism.

There are coastal lands that people remember for their vibrant energy, but Lăng Cô Bay wins hearts through its quiet, subtle beauty. Visiting here, travelers not only gaze upon one of the world’s most beautiful bays, but also experience the harmony between nature, history, and culture. It is precisely this synergy that creates the enduring appeal of Lăng Cô - a coastal realm that knows how to tell Huế’s peaceful story and leave an unforgettable memory in the heart of every visitor.

NGOC HAN

Vietnam Destination Review - Special Issue No. 2 (July 2026)