A Historic Fishing Village in Phan Thiet: The Story of Con Cha
Nestled within the heart of Duc Thang fishing village, a traditional fishing community in Binh Thuan Province, Con Cha fish market is more than just a hub for seafood trade. It stands as a witness to the historical and cultural flow of the South Central Coast of Vietnam. Since ancient times, this place has been a docking site for migrants from Central Vietnam, who, in their journey of reclamation since the 17th century, brought with them the unique fishing method of “Cha” – thus laying the foundation for a distinct fishing community.
The name “Con Cha” originated from this very method of fishing. Initially, “Con” referred to a sandbank along the river, while “Cha” described the technique of stacking dense trees into the river to lure and trap fish. As this technique thrived in the region, the name “Con Cha” not only denoted the sandbank but also extended to various landmarks such as “Con Cha Hamlet,” “Con Cha Wharf,” “Con Cha Estuary,” and most notably, “Con Cha Fish Market.”
The Largest Seafood Distribution Center in the South Central Coast
Con Cha fish market serves as the largest seafood transshipment center in Binh Thuan Province and its neighboring areas. Tons of fish, squid, shrimp, and other seafood are distributed from here to provinces across the country. Even before the sun rises over the sea, hundreds of fishing boats return after spending days and nights in the vast ocean. At the wharf, baskets filled with fresh seafood are quickly unloaded, sorted, weighed, and loaded onto vehicles to be transported to markets and even distant provinces.
The market is primarily active from 3 am to around 7 am. During this time, the bustling atmosphere along the port creates a lively symphony of sounds: the haggling of prices, the splashing of fish in baskets, and the revving of motorcycle engines as they carry the fresh catch deeper into the town. Together, they compose a vibrant melody that captures the essence of coastal life.
In 1992, with the planning and construction of Phan Thiet fishing port, Con Cha fish market officially became a part of the port complex. Two years later, in 1994, the Phan Thiet Fishing Port project commenced, spanning an area of over 30,000 square meters. The construction of the port also involved the relocation of Con Cha Hamlet residents to areas such as Tien Duc (Tien Thanh), Go Me (Thanh Hai), and Van Thanh. Although the “hamlet” no longer exists in its original form, the name Con Cha continues to be cherished by the people of Phan Thiet as a symbol of their connection to the sea and their fishing heritage.
In 1999, the port was completed and put into operation, becoming one of the largest fishing ports in Binh Thuan Province. Con Cha not only serves as a safe harbor for hundreds of fishing vessels but also as the main departure point for passenger ships to Phu Quy Island – a frontier island in the East Sea.
A Must-Visit Destination for Travelers
In recent years, Con Cha fish market has become a unique attraction in Phan Thiet tourism. Many domestic and international visitors choose to wake up early to immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the coastal morning market. Under the soft glow of yellow light bulbs, trays of fresh squid and baskets of tuna and mackerel, still glistening with seawater, are displayed, creating a true “color market.” Here, the silver hues of the fish blend with the salty scent of the sea, the distinctive smell of seafood, and the diesel fumes from the fishing boats, forming a unique aroma that belongs to the ocean.
Beyond being a place of trade, the market is also a space where local culture thrives – where buyers and sellers call out to each other in the distinctive accent of the South Central Coast, reflecting the strong sense of community and neighborliness. Visitors come here not only to buy seafood but also to listen to the stories of the fishermen, to understand their way of life, and to appreciate a lifestyle deeply rooted in the sea.
Con Cha holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Phan Thiet, as it was once visited by teacher Nguyen Tat Thanh (later known as President Ho Chi Minh) during his time teaching at the Duc Thanh School in late 1910. On his days off, Teacher Thanh often took his students on excursions, including to Con Cha beach, where he learned about the lives of fishermen, discussed fishing techniques, and instilled practical lessons in his students’ minds. These stories, though simple, are retold by the locals with great pride, as they are living testimonies of history.
Despite the changes and transformations in geography, demographics, and infrastructure, the name Con Cha remains dear to the people of Phan Thiet. It represents not just a fish market or a seaport but a cultural symbol of a community intimately connected to the sea. While Con Cha today may be different from what it was a hundred years ago, its soul remains intact – embodying the resilient, cohesive, and salty spirit of the fishermen.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of modern life, the existence of Con Cha fish market stands as a testament to the preservation of traditional culture in the development of the marine economy. It is a place where not only seafood is traded but also where community bonds are forged, the essence of the sea is cherished, and memories of a straightforward and generous Phan Thiet are kept alive.
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