Nghi Thuy – A coastal gem in Nghe An with generations of fishing tradition
Located in Vinh City, Nghe An Province, Nghi Thuy Ward thrives on its strong connection to the ocean. With a lively coastal economy, rich cultural identity, and long-standing fishing heritage, the ward has become one of the most dynamic marine communities in the region.
Nghi Thuy’s origins trace back to ancient times when the sea gradually receded, creating habitable land. Early settlers from various places formed a tight-knit, resilient community. Many families here are descendants of those tied to the legends of Yen Luong and Mai Bang villages.
source: Dinh Tiep
Despite diverse roots, locals share a strong sense of unity, patriotism, and a readiness to support one another. Honesty, diligence, and thriftiness are hallmarks of the people, values shaped through years of hard work on land and at sea.
Bustling fish markets at dawn
Nghi Thuy is best known for its vibrant fishing culture. As early as dawn, the local fish port and market come alive with energy. Boats dock with fresh catches, merchants call out, and crowds gather to trade seafood in a scene that has remained unchanged for generations.
Nguyen Van Manh, a fisherman operating a small-capacity boat, shared:
“Fishing is part of who we are. Preparing our gear and heading out to sea every day brings me happiness. The income from near-shore fishing isn’t high, but it’s enough to support my family.”
Meanwhile, Nguyen Van Thu from Thanh Cong neighborhood is part of a growing number of fishermen investing in larger vessels.
“We’ve started building boats with 600–800 horsepower. My offshore trips now yield around 15–17 tons of fish, and after expenses, each trip earns us about 200 million VND. Crew members make an average of 7–10 million VND per trip,” he noted.
Steadfast through storms and setbacks
Fishermen in Nghi Thuy remain deeply committed to their livelihood, despite numerous hardships.
“Fishing has been passed down through generations here. We’ve endured tough times, like the marine pollution incident in Vung Ang or the COVID-19 pandemic that halted offshore trips. But our spirit remains strong: once we set sail, we aim to return victorious with a good catch,” said fisherman Vo The Lanh, proudly recounting his recent haul of 20 tons of sardines.
According to Nguyen Tien Loi, Chairman of Nghi Thuy’s Farmers’ Association, the ward currently has over 600 fishermen, collectively landing tens of thousands of tons of seafood each year.
Bigger boats, deeper waters, better yields
Nghi Thuy is rapidly evolving from small-scale coastal fishing to large-scale offshore expeditions. Fishermen are investing in more powerful boats, equipped to handle deeper waters and longer journeys.
Two local fishermen, Nguyen Van Hai and Nguyen Dinh Phuong from Yen Dinh, recently built four 1,100-horsepower vessels, investing tens of billions of VND.
“These new boats allow us to go farther and catch more. Each trip brings in 30–50 million VND and provides stable jobs for 5–7 crew members,” Hai said.
The shift from traditional gear like gillnets and long lines to modern, high-capacity vessels has significantly boosted both output and earnings.
By 4 a.m. each day, Nghi Thuy Port is bustling with fishing boats returning to shore. Hundreds of vendors gather to purchase fresh seafood in bulk, supplying markets across Vinh City and neighboring districts like Hung Nguyen, Nghi Loc, and Nam Dan.
Veteran seafood vendor Nguyen Thi Chau, based in Vinh Station Market, shared:
“I’ve sourced from Nghi Thuy for over 20 years. Their shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, sardines, and mackerel are consistently fresh and affordable. It’s the perfect place to do business.”
A thriving economy anchored in the sea
Fishing and seafood processing account for about 65% of Nghi Thuy’s economy, alongside tourism and services. In 2023, the total seafood output topped 18,500 tons; in 2024, it exceeded 10,000 tons, with stable catches continuing into 2025, a testament to the industry’s resilience.
The ward operates 119 fishing boats, over 50 of which are offshore-capable, and more than 70 basket boats used for near-shore fishing. The sector provides steady employment for thousands of locals.
Nghi Thuy Market houses 280 vendor stalls, with an additional 45–50 seasonal booths in summer selling dried and fresh seafood to tourists. The ward also maintains a traditional seafood processing village with 52 households, producing six 3-star OCOP-certified products.
According to Hoang Van Hai, Party Secretary of Nghi Thuy, the ward is part of a strategic development plan by the former Cua Lo Town authorities to become a new tourism destination.
“This vision aligns with the district’s broader coastal tourism development strategy. The goal is to gradually shape Nghi Thuy into a modern coastal urban area that offers diverse tourism experiences, linking local culture, the sea, and sustainable economic growth,” he stated.
VFM
