Brian Jeffrey
Established over 370 years ago, Ha Lien village is a 2-hectare enclave nestled within Nha Phu Lagoon, presenting an isolated oasis amidst the water.
Situated in Ninh Ha Ward, Ninh Hoa Town, Ha Lien is approximately 30 kilometers north of Nha Trang City in Khanh Hoa Province. It was founded in 1653 during the Nguyen Dynasty, becoming one of seven villages that would evolve into modern Ninh Ha.
From an aerial view, Ha Lien looks like a village afloat, entirely encircled by water. The 1,200 residents primarily engage in fishing and aquaculture as their main source of livelihood.
Reaching Ha Lien can be challenging; there is only a 1-kilometer-long concrete road leading to the village, with other access needing a boat ride.
At the village’s entrance, the Lang Ong Nam Hai shrine stands as a revered site for fishermen. “Every year, we celebrate a festival on the 25th of the eighth lunar month to pray for safe seas and plentiful catch,” shared 68-year-old Le Xuan Khieu.
Adjacent to this shrine, Hue Lien Pagoda, constructed in 2006, acts as a spiritual hub for communal gatherings during festivals and the Tet holiday.
Ha Lien mainly consists of closely packed single-story homes with narrow pathways just wide enough for motorbikes to navigate through.
One of the oldest residences is nearly a century old and belongs to Ho Au’s family, where three generations continue to inhabit.
The heart of the village features a lively market where locals come together for daily trade, and a community hall is available for cultural and communal activities.
Nguyen Bon, 92, has spent his entire life in Ha Lien, stating, “Families here have been intertwined for generations. Even during tough times, most people stayed.”
Reflecting on the past, Bon recounted how villagers used to trek 6 kilometers to the town center to exchange seafood for other goods. “Now, with improved roads, life is significantly easier,” he added.
Fishing is crucial to Ha Lien’s identity. Many residents utilize small boats to access shrimp and crab farms or fish in Nha Phu Bay.
Every morning, Nguyen Dang, 59, checks his boat in preparation for his fishing endeavors. “I was born here and have dedicated my life to fishing and navigating these waters,” he remarked.
Although fishing isn’t highly profitable, for Dang and others, it’s a livelihood they are passionate about preserving.
Linh Thi My Linh, 28, meticulously categorizes a unique local delicacy, “sea pig tails,” harvested from the village’s brackish waters. Priced at around $2.80 per kilogram, they are in high demand from traders. Linh’s family collects approximately 20 kilograms daily from local fishermen for distribution.
Surrounded by mangrove forests, Ha Lien benefits from natural protection against storms and seawater intrusion.
Nguyen Minh Nhat, the chairman of Ninh Ha Ward, highlighted the government’s intention to develop tourism based on the rich ecosystem of Nha Phu Lagoon while respecting Ha Lien’s cultural legacy.
