Visiting Sơn Hải to remember forever

This ancient village once faced strong sea winds blowing all year round. It is precisely these special natural conditions that earned Sơn Hải the nickname “the wind-running village” - a rustic name reflecting the local people’s close bond and adaptation to harsh nature. The name “Sơn Hải” also carries a special meaning, expressing the harmony between mountain and sea, reflecting the village’s unique location with its back leaning against Mũi Dinh Mountain and its face looking out to the sea.

What makes Sơn Hải special is not only its pristine natural scenery but also the slow pace of life the fishing villagers have maintained for generations. In the morning, Sơn Hải wakes up with the sound of waves and basket boats returning after a night at sea. The fresh seafood catch is brought ashore in a bustling yet unhurried atmosphere. This is also an opportunity for visitors from afar to enjoy ocean produce at extremely affordable prices. In the afternoon, everything seems to slow down. Robust, sun-bronzed children laugh and play on the sand, while adults sit mending nets and repairing boats under the warm, soft, golden sunset.

Outstanding experiences

Mũi Dinh sand dunes: One of the most attractive experiences when coming to Sơn Hải is exploring Mũi Dinh, which is referred to as the “miniature desert” of Vietnam. You will travel by off-road vehicles across vast sand slopes, experiencing the sensation of being lost in a desert. The journey will be even more complete if you wake up early to welcome the sunrise and then go sand-sliding down golden sand dunes dozens of meters high. Amid the immense expanse of sand, sea, and sky, you will clearly feel the wild, unique beauty of this land.

An interesting point is that at Mũi Dinh, wind and sand together paint an ever-changing picture. According to the seasonal winds of the year, the sand slopes shift and change shape, creating new curves and sand grain patterns, so each time you visit, you will see a different, soft, and fresh sand formation. Even more special, if you visit Mũi Dinh in the first months of the year, you can admire emerald-green lakes resembling oases in the heart of the desert, creating a scene that is both novel and poetic - a special corner of nature gifted to this place.

Mũi Dinh lighthouse: As one of the oldest and most beautiful lighthouses in Vietnam, this over-a-century-old lighthouse also makes an impressive check-in point when visiting the Sơn Hải fishing village. Located at an altitude of 170 meters above sea level, the pathway to Mũi Dinh Lighthouse will pose a challenge for you with a 15-minute walk up several steep slopes.

Wind power farm: One can’t mention Sơn Hải without mentioning the wind farms stretching along the coastal road and the sand dune area. Giant wind turbine blades silhouetted against the bright, sun-drenched blue sky leave an unforgettable impression on every traveler visiting here. Beneath the feet of these giant “windmills” lie vast fields of blooming cactus flowers, creating a poetic landscape not easily found anywhere else in the S-shaped land. The ideal time for impressive check-in photos is early morning (sunrise) or late afternoon (sunset) to avoid the harsh heat of the miniature desert and capture the most beautiful light.

Seaweed carpets: If visiting Sơn Hải between February and early April each year, tourists should not miss the chance to check in at Từ Thiện moss beach - a miraculous gift that nature has bestowed upon the coastal region of Ninh Thuận. When the tide recedes, lush green seaweed carpets gradually emerge over the coral reef background, stretching hundreds of meters along the coast and creating a mesmerizing scene. The most ideal time to explore the moss beach is at sunrise or sunset, when soft light covers the sea surface, highlighting the characteristic green hue of the seaweed and moss.

Sơn Hải sheep field: Herds of sheep leisurely grazing on vast fields surrounded by rolling mountain ranges have long been an iconic image of Ninh Thuận. In the Sơn Hải area and its vicinity, you can visit sheep farms, experience the pastoral lifestyle of local residents, and capture beautiful moments amidst untouched nature.

KIM YEN

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