Few urban areas still retain the essence of a traditional village quite like Nam O, located in Hoa Hiep Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District. A village, in its truest sense, is where the bonds of community and neighborly affection are cherished daily. Here, people experience a deep sense of connection and belonging, living in a space defined by shared values and collective spirit.

A corner of Nam O village (viewed from the sea) today. Photo: N.B

1. Nam O is a village, but on a different level. First, it exudes the ancient charm of a long-standing coastal settlement. Second, within a radius of just over 1.5 km, it is home to nearly ten historical and cultural relics. This village is also deeply connected to once-thriving traditional crafts such as firecracker making, wooden clogs crafting, and fish sauce production. And then there’s its distinctive culinary heritage—simple yet unique dishes like seaweed soup and herring salad, which have long enriched Nam O’s unmistakable gastronomic identity, past and present.

In 2024, the ancient village of Nam O received some exciting news. Da Nang People's Committee introduced the "Tourism Development Orientation Plan for Da Nang City until 2030, with a Vision to 2045". This plan identifies community-based tourism, closely tied to Nam O’s traditional culture, as a key tourism product for the city. Going forward, Nam O’s famous fish sauce will not only expand its reach and strengthen its market position, but the Nam O fish sauce craft village itself will become a tourist attraction. Most notably, in June 2024, the National Office of Intellectual Property officially granted Geographical Indication Certification for "Nam O" fish sauce—breathing new life into this centuries-old coastal village.

The elevation of the Nam O fish sauce brand is well deserved when it recognizes the generations of dedication that the villagers have poured into preserving their craft. "When fishermen bring their fresh catch ashore, they store it in woven bamboo baskets, allowing the fish to naturally drain away any residual slime. Unlike in other regions, Nam O fishers do not salt their catch while still at sea. Once the fish arrives at the dock, it is thoroughly cleaned and left to dry before the salting process begins. Following age-old wisdom passed down through generations, Nam O villagers maintain a precise ratio: 10 parts fish to 4 parts salt. The salt used must be coarse, high-quality sea salt that has been stored indoors for at least six months to eliminate impurities..."

Beyond that, local authorities and relevant organizations are actively working on integrating tourism with the traditional craft village, transforming it into a compelling destination. Investments are being made to enhance infrastructure, ensuring that households in the village have adequate space to welcome large tour groups. Efforts include organizing guided experience tours, improving landscapes, developing unique check-in spots, expanding parking areas, and even planning the construction of a dedicated Nam O fish sauce exhibition house.

Additionally, historical sites linked to the village are gradually being restored and preserved under government initiatives. As a result, the Nam O ancient village is becoming more vibrant than ever, earning increasing recognition and admiration.

2. As Nam O dons a “new coat,” the villagers rejoice, yet that transformation also brings moments of contemplation. Now in her seventies, Le Thi Ngan, one of the few remaining village elders, has lived through every shift in the community—each change as palpable as a breath. "Where are the days when fish and shrimp filled the shores, covering the land? Where is the bustling sea of people, gathering at dawn beside their round fishing boats?

Why are there only a few coconut trees left at the rocky cape?" Under the shade of an almond tree at Nam O’s river mouth, her words paint a sky full of reflections. And perhaps it is inevitable—yesterday and today, Nam O has changed beyond recognition. After all, this ancient village has weathered countless tides of history.

From Lang Ong Ngu, Ngo Dinh Khanh, a native of Nam O, gazes out toward the sea, his heart heavy with emotions. "The round fishing boats now gather in a corner of the Nam O rocky shore," he murmurs. These familiar sights stir a deep sense of longing in a son of the sea like him—a quiet contemplation of change and time. For Dang Dung, author of Nam O and Its Stories (published by Da Nang Publishing House, 2022), the shifting tides of history and modernization bring about reflections on multiple levels.

Like a living archive of Nam O’s history, Dang Dung often wonders why he seems to be the only one left with a passion for researching the village’s past. What will happen when people like him are no longer around? A strange thought crosses his mind as he gazes at his surroundings: "My homeland seems to be drifting away somewhere, even though I am right here with it." To him, it feels like being at home yet longing for one’s parents—an aching nostalgia that is impossible to ignore for someone who loves the village with all his heart.

Everyone understands that urbanization is essential for economic and social progress. But how can we find the balance between preservation and development? To Dang Dung, Nam O’s cultural heritage still holds countless untold stories—stories that deserve to be fully explored and preserved.

Reporting by NHIET BANG – Translating by HONG VAN