In the midst of a vibrant Da Nang with the Dragon Bridge, Ba Na, and international fireworks, there is still an ancient festival that not every tourist knows about – the Fisherman's Festival of the fishing village of Man Thai, at the foot of Son Tra Peninsula. This is a national intangible cultural heritage, preserved by coastal fishermen in Central Vietnam for hundreds of years as a tribute to the sea.

The festival usually takes place at the beginning of the fishing season, when the whole village eagerly prepares flower boats, ceremonial costumes, and seafood-rich offerings. From early morning, the procession carrying the “Mr. Nam Hai” (whale – the guardian deity of fishermen) walks along Man Thai beach, accompanied by the sound of drums and the echoing chants. First-time visitors may feel as if they have stepped into a folk film – with traditional long dresses, colorful flags, and lively baskets setting out to sea.

What is special about the Fisherman's Festival in Man Thai is that it is not “staged.” You will see the elderly men in the village offering incense, young women in traditional dresses holding trays, and children running alongside the procession, while fishermen genuinely share stories about their sea voyages. It is a living cultural experience, very different from the usual tourist-oriented festivals.

Visiting tip: you should arrive by 6 AM to catch the procession, take photos of the baskets on the beach at sunrise. After the main ceremony, don’t rush to leave – a 5-minute walk will take you to the Man Thai seafood market, where you can find fresh crabs, snails, mackerel, and sardines just arrived. A few small fish porridge stalls at the village entrance are the perfect place to end your morning with a hot bowl while enjoying the sea view.

For those who want to understand Da Nang beyond just tourist snapshots, the Fisherman's Festival of Man Thai is an unmissable piece – a place where you can feel the true essence of the coastal city.