Fish like a local in Vietnam

Locals in Vietnam’s Ke Ga coastal village still fish from a circular basket boat.

These “basket boats” remain an important part of the traditions and culture of Southern Vietnam’s coastal communities.

And now visitors at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a secluded oceanfront retreat, can join the locals.

This coastal area is renowned for its busy little fishing port and fresh local seafood.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay opened in November 2020 and is the third property in Azerai Resorts’ portfolio. On a 5km white sand beach overlooking the East Sea, it has just 46 suites and villas rooms.

A spokesperson for the resort explains: “In one of Azerai’s most distinctive new resort activities, guests are invited to learn how to ‘fish like a local’.

“The experience begins with a detailed briefing on the regional fishing culture, and guests then learn from expert guides the technique of casting a large traditional Vietnamese fishing net directly from the shore into the bay and —with any luck — haul in a fresh catch of fish.”

Those up for an even more immersive fishing experience can fish from a circular basket boat in the bay.

QUICK GUIDE TO BASKET BOATS

Basket boats are a type of woven coracle, and also called “thuyen thung” in Vietnamese.

They are round and usually woven from bamboo, with a resin or tar coating to waterproof them.

They are small and easily manoeuvred but can still carry heavy loads.

They are deeply embedded in Southern Vietnam’s history and culture, and part of their story is how they were used during the French colonial era to avoid paying boat taxes.

CATCHES & COOKS

+ All that fishing dovetails nicely into Azerai Ke Ga Bay’s oceanfront cooking class, in which participants use the catch of the day, with coastal herbs and spices. The guests’ catch isn’t part of the class, but culturally ties the two activities together.

+ The resort also has a Vietnamese BBQ set menu featuring locally sourced seafood and classic southern-style marinades.

+ In 2024, Azerai Ke Ga Bay introduced private beachfront dining.

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+ Azerai Ke Ga Bay is a 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City on a new highway.

+ Call +84 (0) 252 3682 222, email reservations.kegabay@azerai.com or visit azerai.com/azerai-ke-ga-bay/