Visitors explore the seaweed fields in Phước Dinh Commune, Khánh Hòa Province, as the tide recedes to reveal vivid green carpets across the coral reef. —Photos thethaovanhoa.vn

KHÁNH HÒA — Stretching across a coral reef platform more than 500 metres wide and running nearly five kilometres along the shoreline, the seaweed fields of Phước Dinh Commune offer a striking spectacle each year when the tide retreats.

From early March, vast swathes of vivid green algae unfurl across the exposed reef in Từ Thiện and Vĩnh Trường hamlets, transforming the coast into what looks like a giant, living carpet. Under the morning sun, shallow pools of seawater glisten like mirrors, reflecting the distinctive emerald hues of the seaweed. The scene feels at once poetic and dynamic – a rare meeting of land, sea and sky.

A fleeting landscape shaped by the tide

Freshly harvested seaweed is brought ashore, dried under the sun and sold to traders supplying animal feed and fertiliser processing facilities.

Unlike conventional beaches, this coastal stretch reveals its beauty only at low tide. As the sea withdraws, the coral reef surface emerges, cloaked in layers of soft, flowing seaweed. The best time to witness the phenomenon is at sunrise or sunset, when gentle light bathes the entire landscape in delicate shades of green and gold.

At dawn, the air is crisp and the sea breeze carries a hint of salt. At dusk, silhouettes of visitors wander across the reef as the sinking sun scatters light over rippling pools. In these moments, the seaweed fields seem almost surreal – a tranquil expanse where time slows and nature takes centre stage.

It is precisely this raw, unembellished beauty that has turned Phước Dinh into a new experiential destination, especially popular with young travellers and photography enthusiasts seeking unusual backdrops.

A family’s first encounter

Tourists take commemorative photos amid the emerald seaweed fields in Phước Dinh Commune, Khánh Hòa Province.

Among the visitors is Tô Quốc Tiến from HCM City, who recently brought his family to explore the seaweed fields for the first time.

Standing barefoot on the reef, surrounded by endless green, he described the experience as unexpectedly moving.

“This is the first time I’ve seen such lush seaweed carpets stretching across a reef,” he said. “The scenery is so peaceful – gentle sunshine, a cool sea breeze. Being immersed in this vast green space makes me feel completely relaxed and connected to nature.”

Families with children can be seen carefully stepping between shallow pools, discovering small shells or watching tiny fish dart between patches of seaweed. For many urban visitors, the experience offers a refreshing contrast to crowded beaches and busy city life.

More than a scenic spot

The poetic beauty of the seaweed fields in Phước Dinh Commune glows under the soft coastal light.

Beyond its visual appeal, the reef ecosystem in Phước Dinh is remarkably rich. Sea grapes, fish and numerous small molluscs inhabit the shallow coastal waters, forming a delicate marine community that thrives in the seasonal rhythm of the tides.

Local fishermen say the seaweed grows most vigorously and looks its best from March to May. During this season, residents also head out to the reef to harvest. Freshly collected seaweed is brought ashore, dried under the sun and sold to traders who supply animal feed and fertiliser processing facilities.

For many households, this seasonal harvest provides a valuable source of additional income after Tết (Lunar New Year).

Nguyễn Thị Xuân, a resident of Từ Thiện Hamlet, said that this year the seaweed has appeared in greater abundance than in previous seasons. On average, she collects between 200 and 300 kilogrammes of fresh seaweed per day, earning more than VNĐ120,000–180,000 (around US$5–7) daily. Stronger workers can gather even more, increasing their earnings.

The sight of villagers wading through shallow water at dawn, gathering seaweed by hand, adds another layer of authenticity to the landscape – a reminder that this is not merely a scenic attraction but a living, working coast.

Balancing livelihoods and conservation

As visitor numbers grow, local authorities have stepped up communication efforts to guide residents in sustainable harvesting practices, linking livelihoods with marine environmental protection and the preservation of the coral reef ecosystem.

The goal is to ensure that tourism development does not compromise the fragile balance that makes the seaweed fields so special. Responsible exploration – avoiding trampling sensitive areas and respecting local activities – is key to maintaining the site’s natural charm.

Amid the calm atmosphere, where emerald seaweed merges with the blue of the ocean and the simple rhythms of fishing life, Phước Dinh’s seaweed fields are steadily carving out a niche in the southern part of Khánh Hòa Province’s tourism map.

In 2026, Khánh Hòa’s tourism sector aims to welcome 18.8 million visitors, including 6.3 million international arrivals and 12.5 million domestic travellers, generating an estimated VNĐ77 trillion (approximately US$3 billion) in revenue. Destinations like the seaweed fields of Phước Dinh – rooted in nature and community life – are expected to help diversify the province’s experiential tourism offerings.

For travellers seeking something beyond sunbathing and resorts, this fleeting emerald world – revealed only when the tide recedes – promises a quiet yet unforgettable encounter with the raw beauty of Việt Nam’s coastline. — VNS