Fishing in Vietnam
Including Ba Be Lake, Con Dao Islands, and Da Nang Coastal Waters. On the map.
The vibe
Dropping a line here usually means boarding a modest wooden skiff at dawn with a local skipper who knows the coastal drops by heart, trading high-tech sportfishing for a salt-of-the-earth experience. The dry season brings the calmest seas for heading out past the headlands without battling rough swells. It feels thoroughly local and unscripted, arranged simply by chatting with folks down at the harbor the evening before.
Ba Be Lake, Bac Kan
Thái Nguyên Province
Arian Zwegers / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Set within a national park, this massive freshwater lake offers a serene environment for targeting local catfish and carp species. It is a unique destination for anglers looking to experience Vietnam's mountainous northern landscape while fishing in tranquil, deep waters.
Access. Local boatmen provide small wooden vessels for hire. Gear is generally not provided, so visitors should bring their own light tackle.
Notes. Fishing is permitted in designated areas of the lake. Ensure you check with park authorities regarding current seasonal restrictions.
Con Dao Islands
Đặc khu Côn Đảo
TuanUt / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Con Dao archipelago is renowned for some of the best sport fishing in Vietnam, particularly for giant trevally and large reef fish. The deep, nutrient-rich waters around these islands provide a rugged environment for serious anglers.
Access. Dedicated sport fishing charters operate from Con Son town, providing specialized equipment for jigging and popping.
Notes. Fishing is strictly regulated within the Con Dao National Park; ensure your charter operator has the necessary permits for the specific zones being fished.
Da Nang Coastal Waters
Đà Nẵng
Christopher Crouzet / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The waters off the Son Tra Peninsula and the coast of Da Nang offer accessible reef and bottom fishing. It is a popular spot for catching local snapper and mackerel near the rocky shoreline and artificial reefs.
Access. Local boat operators and small-scale charter services are available at the Da Nang fishing docks, offering half-day trips for recreational visitors.
Notes. No formal fishing license is required for recreational visitors. Avoid fishing in designated port approach channels.
Mekong Delta (Can Tho)
Cần Thơ
Dragfyre / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The intricate river systems of the Mekong Delta offer a unique freshwater angling experience. Travelers can fish for native species like giant gourami and various catfish in the quieter tributaries away from the main shipping lanes.
Access. Local guides in Can Tho can arrange traditional boat fishing experiences, providing local tackle and knowledge of the best river bends.
Notes. Freshwater fishing in the delta is largely unregulated for recreational visitors, but always practice catch-and-release to maintain local stocks.
Nha Trang Bay, Khanh Hoa
Khánh Hòa Province
Vinhtantran / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Nha Trang offers accessible reef fishing around the various islands in the bay. It is a popular spot for catching small to medium reef fish, making it ideal for a casual half-day trip.
Access. Many tour operators offer 'fishing and snorkeling' combo trips. Dedicated fishing charters can be arranged at the Cau Da port.
Notes. Avoid the core protected zones of the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area.
Phu Quoc Island
An Giang Province
Vivu Vietnam / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
This major island destination offers excellent inshore and nearshore boat fishing in the Gulf of Thailand. Anglers target species like cobia, grouper, and snapper amidst the surrounding rocky outcrops and coral shelf edges.
Access. Numerous local fishing charters depart from Duong Dong and An Thoi ports, catering specifically to recreational anglers with gear provided.
Notes. No specific recreational fishing license is required for visitors on commercial charter boats. Best season is the dry season from November to April.