Quat Lan Beach, Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam

Quat Lan Beach, Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam: A Unique Sea Experience by mr.hotsia

On May 13, 2015, I, mr.hotsia, traveled from Nam Dinh city, Nam Dinh Province, located about 90 kilometers from Hanoi. Heading further south, I reached Quat Lan Beach, a simple beach that is not as famous as other seaside resorts but has a unique charm that impressed me enough to share with friends.

Getting to Quat Lan Beach from Nam Dinh city is not difficult. I hired a taxi for about 30 minutes to reach this beach. The sea here looks slightly murky, not as clear as popular beaches in southern Vietnam, but the atmosphere is peaceful. There are no foreign tourists swimming like in other places, only Vietnamese groups enjoying seafood at the beachfront restaurants.

Quat Lan Beach has about 3-5 small hotels and resorts that I saw, especially Bac Ha Resort where I stayed for about 600 baht per night. They offer sauna, bathing, and Vietnamese-style massage services, which was a very impressive experience for me. The rooms were clean and the massage was so relaxing that it made me forget the fatigue from traveling.Read more about hotels in Nam Dinh Provincefrom my article

Beachfront Atmosphere and Lifestyle

What caught my eye were the seafood restaurants lined along the beach, with Vietnamese women warmly inviting customers. Some restaurants offered fresh seafood menus including squid, shrimp, crab, and fish. I overheard laughter and conversations among customers, a scene that truly reflects the local way of life. Although there are no bustling foreign tourists like other beaches, locals and domestic tourists enjoy sitting quietly by the sea eating fresh seafood.

At night, Quat Lan Beach has dimly lit seafood restaurants along the shore with charming Vietnamese women inviting customers to taste fresh seafood. I didn’t go out much at night because after a relaxing massage at the resort, I worked and rested in my room. But from the atmosphere I saw, this place is suitable for those who enjoy peace and a truly local seaside vibe.

Vietnamese-style Grilled Pork: A Flavor Recommended by mr.hotsia

One of the highlights of my visit to Nam Dinh Province was trying Vietnamese grilled pork, locally called “Nam bo Nuong,” which is distinctly different from Thai and Chinese grilled pork. I tried it at a small but delicious restaurant called “Sau Nuong Quan.” Vietnamese grilled pork uses butter to grill thin slices of meat and includes vegetables. The flavor is mild, fragrant with butter and herbs, perfect for those who prefer less intense flavors and want to experience authentic local cuisine.Read more about Vietnamese grilled porkfrom my personal experience

Nam Dinh Province: A Peaceful City Beyond the Sea

Nam Dinh Province is still not frequented much by foreign tourists. I stayed in Nam Dinh city at Lakeside Hotel for 900 baht per night, which is not cheap but a good option in a city with limited accommodations.Read about Nam Dinh Provinceto get to know this city better

The city has a central lake where locals exercise and jog in the morning. The people here love health and live simply. I also visited Nam Dinh’s morning market and found it mostly attended by elderly people who quietly drink hot tea and chat, unlike the bustling morning markets in big cities.Read about Nam Dinh morning marketfor those interested in local lifestyles

Summary of the Travel Experience

Quat Lan Beach is not a glamorous beach with crystal-clear water like others, but it is a sea full of life and genuine community lifestyle. I, mr.hotsia, was impressed by the simplicity and warmth of the locals, as well as the fresh seafood and delicious Vietnamese grilled pork. Relaxing and getting a massage at Bac Ha Resort made me feel that traveling in Vietnam doesn’t have to be only about luxury places. Choosing a place suitable for relaxation and experiencing local life can make my trip truly “satisfying.”

For anyone interested in visiting Nam Dinh Province, I recommend stopping by Quat Lan Beach at least once. It may not suit those who like busy or stunning beaches, but if you want to experience local life and fresh seafood in a peaceful atmosphere, I guarantee this place will impress you as much as it did me.