Things To Do
in Sầm Sơn
Sầm Sơn is a coastal town in Thanh Hóa Province, Vietnam, famed for its long sandy beach and family-friendly resort vibe. The seafront stretches for kilometers with pine-covered hills rising behind the shore, creating a relaxed weekend escape from bigger cities. Fresh seafood, sunset strolls, and easy access from Hanoi by road or rail make it a popular coastal getaway.
Visitors come for beach life, local markets, and nearby nature, all wrapped in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing stroll along the pristine sands of Sầm Sơn Beach as the sun rises over the horizon. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore creates a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for meditation or yoga. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café, indulging in fresh seafood or traditional Vietnamese dishes.
After lunch, engage in some water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing, experiencing the thrill of speeding across the turquoise waters. Alternatively, relax under a beach umbrella with a good book, soaking in the sun and listening to the sounds of the ocean. As the sun begins to set, take a leisurely walk along the beach, capturing stunning photographs of the vibrant sky.
As night falls, explore the local seafood market and pick out fresh catches for dinner. Enjoy a beachside meal at one of the many restaurants, where you can savor grilled squid or shrimp with a view of the moonlit water. End the evening with a stroll along the shore, feeling the cool breeze and listening to the distant sounds of laughter from nearby beach bars.
Embark on a journey to a nearby fishing village where you can witness the traditional lifestyle of local fishermen. Observe the rhythmic daily routines as they prepare their boats and nets, and engage with the friendly locals to learn about their customs. Enjoy a homemade breakfast with a local family, sampling dishes made with freshly caught seafood.
Spend the afternoon exploring the village further, visiting local handicraft shops that showcase handmade goods and traditional art. Participate in a craft workshop where you can try your hand at weaving or pottery, guided by skilled artisans. As you interact with the villagers, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for their way of life and the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.
Return to Sầm Sơn for dinner at a local restaurant known for its unique regional dishes. Sample specialties like 'bánh cuốn' or 'bánh xèo' while enjoying the ambiance of the bustling streets. Cap off your night by visiting a local café, sipping on Vietnamese coffee as you reflect on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍜Local street food meal | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚕Local taxi ride (short trip) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Long, sandy beaches with family-friendly atmosphere
- Fresh seafood is abundant and affordable
- Compact town feel with easy day trips to nature
- Good value for money and easy to reach from Hanoi
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Typhoon season can disrupt plans (Sep–Dec)
- Some areas may feel crowded on weekends or holidays
- English signage and service can be limited in markets
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
- "Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?" - Do you speak English?
- "Tịa đây có món chay không?" - Is there a vegetarian dish here?
Places to Visit in Sầm Sơn
Visit one of these nice places.
A long, wide sandy shoreline perfect for sunrise shots, silhouettes of fishing boats, and golden hour beach photography.
A green hillside backdrop with sweeping ocean views, ideal for landscape and panoramic city photos.
Coastal vantage point near the headland offering dramatic sea horizons and sunset frames.
Early-morning activity around the fishing harbor yields colorful nets, boats, and market life in soft light.
Food in Sầm Sơn
Sầm Sơn Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A tangy fermented pork snack from the Thanh Hoa region, often wrapped with herbs and served with chili and garlic.
Must-Try!
Comforting rice porridge with fresh fish, ginger, and herbs, perfect for a light meal after a beach day.
Fresh squid grilled over charcoal, bright with garlic, chilies, lemon, and herbs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Evening clusters of stalls along the promenade offering grilled fish, prawns, and shellfish with local sauces.
A bustling local market where you can buy fresh seafood, vegetables, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Casual spots around the fishing harbor serving quick bites, skewers, and simple noodle soups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly and remove hats; behave quietly and respectfully in sacred spaces; ask for permission before taking photos of worshippers.
A simple 'Xin chào' (hello) goes a long way. Address people politely, and avoid raising voices in public or on public transport.
Respect local customs, avoid loud behavior late at night on residential streets, and dispose of trash in designated bins.
Safety
Tipping in Sầm Sơn
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary but appreciated for exceptional service, especially in nicer restaurants or tourist-oriented services (about 5–10%). In markets or casual stalls, tips are not expected.
Cash in Vietnamese dong is most widely used. Some mid-range restaurants and hotels may accept debit/credit cards; smaller stalls and markets are typically cash-only. ATMs are available in town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid days with plenty of sun; ideal for beach activities and swimming. Expect crowds on weekends; apply sunscreen, stay hydrated, and seek shade during peak heat.
Chance of typhoons and rough seas; sea conditions can limit water activities. It’s a good time for seafood tastings and fewer crowds when weather is calm.
Milder temperatures with sea breeze; cooler evenings require light layers. Quiet streets and beaches make for relaxed sightseeing.
Warm days with occasional rain; pleasant for outdoor walks and market visits, less crowded than peak summer.
Sầm Sơn at Night
Hiking in Sầm Sơn
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle hillside path through a pine forest with ocean vistas, suitable for a relaxed hike after the beach.
Ridge trails offering dramatic sea views and photo opportunities close to the coastline.
Airports
How to reach Sầm Sơn by plane.
Hanoi-based airport with frequent domestic and international connections; serves as a common gateway to Sầm Sơn via road or rail.
Located in Vinh, an option for travelers coming from central Vietnam and heading toward Thanh Hóa Province.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group in Sầm Sơn and Thanh Hóa Province.
Small communities from various ethnic backgrounds living in the wider Thanh Hóa region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely watched and played, especially among locals and in school leagues.
Fishing, swimming, and light water sports along the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sầm Sơn.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can opt for vegetable dishes, tofu, and rice; inform cooks about no fish sauce or seafood in matrices and ask for pure vegetable oil if needed.