Sầm Sơn, Vietnam
Region: Thanh Hóa province
Geographic Coordinates: 19.733300, 105.900000
Temperature Range: 22.0°C to 33.0°C (72°F to 91°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 172350
Language: Vietnamese
Sầm Sơn is a picturesque coastal city located in the Thanh Hóa province of Vietnam. It is a popular tourist destination, Known for its stunning beaches, Breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The city has a fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century when it was established as a trading port by the Nguyen dynasty. The most popular attraction in Sầm Sơn is its pristine beaches. Bai Sau beach is the most famous one, Stretching over 10 kilometers with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, Snorkeling and other water sports activities.
Other notable beaches include Bai Dong and Bai Tram which are equally beautiful and offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation. Apart from its stunning beaches, Sầm Sơn also boasts several historical landmarks that are worth visiting. One such landmark is Truong Le Mountain which features an ancient temple dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao who played an instrumental role in defeating Mongol invaders during the 13th century. Thien Cam Beach is another must-visit attraction in Sầm Sơn featuring unique rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion.
Visitors can explore these rocks either on foot or by boat while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. For those interested in local culture, There are several festivals held throughout the year providing an opportunity to experience traditional Vietnamese customs firsthand. Nghinh Ong Festival takes place annually on July 16th at Hon Trong Mai Temple where locals pay homage to their ancestors who were fishermen.
In terms of accommodation options, Visitors to Sầm Sơn can choose from a wide range of hotels ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts with all modern amenities including spa facilities, Swimming pools and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. Overall, Whether you’re looking for sun-kissed beaches or cultural experiences steeped in history – there’s something for everyone in this charming coastal city of Sầm Sơn.’
- Sầm Sơn Beach: This beautiful and popular beach boasts white sand and clear water, making it a must-visit destination.
- Trúc Lâm Temple: Located on a hilltop, this Buddhist temple offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Thiên Cầm Pagoda: Built in the 14th century, this pagoda is famous for its ancient architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Hoàng Công Chất Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Vietnamese hero Hoàng Công Chất, who fought against foreign invaders.
- Bảo Tịnh Pagoda: Dating back to the 13th century, this ancient pagoda is known for its intricate carvings and unique architecture.
- Hải Thượng Lãn Ông Temple: Dedicated to the god of medicine, Hải Thượng Lãn Ông, this Taoist temple is worth a visit.
- Sầm Sơn Market: A bustling market where visitors can find local handicrafts, souvenirs and delicious street food awaits at this location.
- Tắc Vân Hot Springs Resort & Spa: For those looking for an upscale resort experience with hot springs baths and spa treatments available for relaxation and rejuvenation should consider visiting here.
- Đại Lý Waterfall: Surrounded by lush greenery, this picturesque waterfall provides a refreshing escape from summer heat that one shouldn’t miss out on experiencing!
- Mường Một Village Cultural Tourism Area – For those interested in experiencing traditional customs cuisine and music of Thai people in Vietnam’s northwestern region should visit here as it offers an ethnic minority village experience like no other!
- Tourism
- Fishing
- Agriculture (rice and seafood)
- Manufacturing (textiles and garments)
- Construction
The city is known for:
- Beautiful beaches
- Resorts
- Amusement parks
Industries:
- Fishing
- Agriculture (rice paddies, jackfruit, lychee, grapefruit)
- Manufacturing (textiles and garments)
- Construction
Recent developments:
- New hotels
- New resorts
- New shopping centers
- Trần Hưng Đạo: A well-known general who led the Vietnamese army to triumph against the Mongol invaders in the 13th century, Trần Hưng Đạo was born in Thanh Hóa province, which encompasses Sầm Sơn.
- The Nguyễn Dynasty: Lasting from 1802 to 1945, The Nguyễn Dynasty was one of Vietnam’s final ruling dynasties during which many important historical events took place in Sầm Sơn.
- The French colonial period: France colonized Vietnam in the late 19th century and established its rule over various cities including Sầm Sơn.
- The Vietnam War: Several battles occurred near or around Sam Son during the Vietnam War (1955-1975).
- Hoàng Sa Incident: In March 1988, China attacked Vietnamese forces stationed on Johnson South Reef (called Gạc Ma by Vietnamese) off Spratly Islands killing more than sixty soldiers including some from Thanh Hoa province where Sam Son belongs to.
- Tourism development: Although known for its stunning beaches since ancient times, it wasn’t until after independence that tourism started developing rapidly making it one of top destinations for both local and foreign tourists today.
- poet Nguyen Dinh Thi who wrote many poems about his hometown
- musician Pham Duy who composed songs about Sam Son
- historian Tran Quoc Vuong who researched extensively on local culture & history
- painter Le Ba Dang who was born in Thanh Hoa province and had his first exhibition in Sam Son
- Sầm Sơn Beach is a beautiful must-visit attraction for tourists in the area.
- Trường Lương Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to General Trường Lương, dating back to the 17th century.
- Thanh Hóa Museum showcases the history and culture of Thanh Hóa Province, including traditional crafts, folk art, and archaeological finds.
- Ham Rong Bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and river as it spans over the Ma River.
- Động Tiên Cave features impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground stream located in Tân Phúc Village nearby.
- Bảo Tàng Mỹ Thuật Thành Phố Thanh Hóa (Thanh Hoa City Fine Arts Museum) displays contemporary Vietnamese art as well as traditional handicrafts from the region.
- Ho Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Vinh Loc District built by Emperor Minh Mang in 1397 to protect against invading forces from China.
- Đền Chùa Thiên Trù (Thiên Trù Pagoda) was built during the Ly Dynasty (11th century) with beautiful architecture and intricate carvings depicting Buddhist stories.
- Núi Cô Tiên Mountain near Sầm Sơn Beach offers hiking trails with stunning views of both land and sea.
- Khu Du Lịch Đá Nhảy (Jumping Rock Tourist Area) is a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping located just outside of town on National Highway 1A towards Hanoi.
- Sầm Sơn Football Club: This football club was established in 2018 and plays its home matches at Sam Son Stadium. They compete in the Vietnamese National Football Second League.
- Sam Son Basketball Club: Founded in 2007, this basketball club has won several national championships throughout the years.
- Sam Son Volleyball Club: This volleyball club was established in 2005 and has earned multiple national championships.
- Sam Son Swimming Team: Over the years, this swimming team has produced several national champions and is considered one of Vietnam’s best swimming teams.
- Sam Son Athletics Team: This athletics team has produced numerous talented athletes who have represented Vietnam at international competitions like SEA Games, Asian Games, and Olympics.
- Sầm Sơn Beach Festival is an annual event held in April or May that offers a variety of activities, including beach sports, cultural performances, and food stalls.
- The Cổ Loa Festival is located in the village of Cổ Loa near Sầm Sơn and honors King An Dương Vương, who constructed the ancient citadel of Cổ Loa.
- The Trùng Khánh Temple Festival takes place at Trùng Khánh Temple in Sầm Sơn and features traditional music, dance performances, and offerings to the gods.
- The Quan Họ Singing Festival commemorates the unique art form of Quan Họ singing with local singers performing.
- Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year) is celebrated with fireworks displays, dragon dances, family reunions, and feasts just like all Vietnamese cities including Sầm Sơn.
- The Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually September or October). It includes lantern parades for children as well as mooncakes – a traditional Vietnamese pastry filled with lotus seed paste or other sweet fillings.
- Held every March-April at Đền Thượng Temple in nearby Thanh Hóa province are cultural activities such as lion dancing performance and folk games like tug-of-war competitions attracting visitors from nearby provinces including Ninh Bình và Nam Định during Đền Thượng Temple Festival.
- Nem chua Ninh Hòa: This is a famous dish made of fermented pork and served with herbs, rice paper, and dipping sauce.
- Bánh cuốn Thanh Trì: This is a type of steamed rice cake filled with minced pork or shrimp, mushrooms, and onions.
- Cơm gà Hải Nam: This is a dish made of chicken rice that originated from Hainan Island in China but has become very popular in Vietnam.
- Quán ăn Bình Minh: A popular restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes such as phở (noodle soup), bún chả (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles), and bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich).
- Nhà hàng Biển Đông: A seafood restaurant located by the beach offering fresh seafood dishes such as grilled squid, fried fish, and shrimp stir-fry.
- Quán ăn Phúc Lộc Thọ: A local eatery serving authentic Vietnamese home-style cooking including dishes like braised pork belly with eggs or caramelized fish in clay pot.
- Tiệm cà phê Duyên Anh: A coffee shop that serves delicious coffee drinks along with traditional Vietnamese snacks like bánh mì pâté chaud (French-style puff pastry stuffed with meat filling).
- Sầm Sơn Beach: This is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying various water activities.
- Trường Lộc Park: This park features a lake, walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Bãi Đá Cát Từ Hải: This is a scenic beach with clear blue waters and white sand.
- Thanh Hóa FLC Zoo Safari Park: This zoo features a variety of animals including tigers, elephants, giraffes, and bears.
- Ho Dynasty Citadel: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers historical tours of the ancient citadel.
- Thung Nham Bird Garden: A nature reserve where visitors can explore caves and watch birds in their natural habitat.
- Sam Son Golf Club: A golf course that offers stunning views of the ocean while playing golf.
- Sam Son Water Park: A water park with numerous slides and pools for all ages to enjoy.
Notable individuals associated with Sam Son include:
These are just a few examples of successful sports teams from Sầm Sơn that have contributed to Vietnam’s sporting success over time.
