Top 8 'Fishing-Village' Beaches to experience for a Glimpse of Coastal Culture in Southeast Asia - Goh Ling Yong
We all dream of Southeast Asia's beaches. The talcum-powder sand, the turquoise water, the silhouette of a long-tail boat against a fiery sunset. It’s a picture-perfect postcard that has launched a thousand travel plans. But what if I told you there’s a layer deeper, a story richer than just sunbathing and swimming? Beyond the infinity pools and beach clubs lies the true, beating heart of the coastline: the traditional fishing village.
These communities are the soul of the sea. They are living museums where time seems to flow with the tide, not the clock. Here, the rhythm of daily life is dictated by the moon and the currents. The air smells of salt, diesel, and drying fish—an aroma that, for many, is the most authentic perfume of travel. It’s in these villages that you can witness a culture intrinsically woven with the ocean, a connection that has sustained generations.
As a travel writer, I'm always searching for these authentic pockets of culture. It's about finding places that offer not just a view, but a perspective. This list isn't about the most pristine or deserted beaches; it's about the most soulful ones. These are the top 8 'fishing-village' beaches in Southeast Asia where you can trade the generic resort experience for a genuine glimpse into a timeless way of life.
1. Mui Ne, Vietnam: Where Sand Dunes Meet a Sea of Boats
At first glance, Mui Ne is a bustling resort town known for its dramatic red and white sand dunes and world-class kitesurfing. But to experience its true essence, you must wake up before the sun. Head straight to the main fishing harbour at the eastern end of the town, and you’ll be transported to another world. The scene is a chaotic, vibrant masterpiece of daily commerce. Hundreds of colourful fishing boats, bobbing like painted corks, fill the bay.
What truly sets Mui Ne apart are the iconic thúng—round, woven bamboo basket boats that look like something out of a fairy tale. Watch as fishermen deftly paddle these coracles from their larger vessels to the shore, their hulls overflowing with the night's catch. The beach transforms into a frantic open-air market where families sort fish, mend nets, and haggle over prices. The energy is palpable, a raw and beautiful spectacle of a community in motion.
Pro-Tip: Don't just watch from a distance. Wade into the shallows (wear waterproof sandals!) and observe the process up close. Buy some fresh scallops or shrimp directly from a fisherwoman and ask a local seaside restaurant to grill them for you for lunch. It’s the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste, and it directly supports the community you've come to admire.
2. Amed, Bali, Indonesia: A Quiet Coast of Salt and Sail
While southern Bali pulses with surf camps and yoga studios, the island's northeast coast offers a serene alternative. Amed is not one village but a string of seven small fishing hamlets scattered along a dramatic coastline of black volcanic sand. The pace of life here is blissfully slow, set to the gentle lapping of the Bali Sea and the silhouette of the majestic Mount Agung volcano.
The beaches are lined with traditional outrigger boats called jukung, each painted with a watchful eye on its prow to guide it safely. For centuries, the people of Amed have been not only fishermen but also salt farmers. Using traditional methods, they evaporate seawater in hollowed-out coconut logs, producing delicate salt crystals. Visiting a salt farmer is a fascinating look into a dying art, a tangible connection to the region's history. Like my colleague Goh Ling Yong often says, it's these small, local industries that tell the real story of a place.
Pro-Tip: Amed is a fantastic destination for accessible snorkelling and diving. The Japanese Shipwreck at Banyuning and the underwater temple at Jemeluk Bay are teeming with life and just a few fin-kicks from the shore. Renting a scooter is the best way to explore the different bays, each with its own unique charm.
3. Koh Lanta Old Town, Thailand: A Living Portrait of the Andaman's Past
On the east coast of the popular island of Koh Lanta lies a place that feels utterly removed from the tourist beaches of the west. Koh Lanta Old Town is a charming, historic strip of wooden stilt houses built over the sea. It was once a bustling sea port for Chinese and Arab merchants, and a home for the Chao Leh, or sea gypsies, the indigenous people of the Andaman Sea.
This isn't a place for swimming, but for soaking in history. Wander the main street and you’ll find hundred-year-old shophouses, now converted into boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, all while local families go about their daily lives. You can still see long-tail boats setting off from the rickety piers and fishermen mending their vibrant green nets. The town has a quiet, preserved-in-amber quality, offering a window into the multicultural heritage that shaped this part of Thailand.
Pro-Tip: Visit during the Lanta Lanta Festival (usually in March) to see the Old Town at its most vibrant, with traditional music, sea gypsy cultural performances, and incredible local food. For a unique experience, hire a long-tail boat to explore the nearby uninhabited islands of Koh Talabeng, with its dramatic limestone karsts and hidden sea caves.
4. Kep, Cambodia: Crabs, Pepper, and Faded Colonial Charm
Kep’s glory days were in the mid-20th century when it was a chic coastal retreat for the French and Cambodian elite. While the Khmer Rouge era left its mark, Kep is experiencing a quiet renaissance, and its identity is still firmly rooted in the sea. The town's beating heart is the famous Crab Market, a rustic collection of wooden shacks and restaurants right on the water's edge.
The experience is wonderfully interactive. You can walk along the piers and watch as women haul in woven traps filled with the day's crab catch. Pick your crabs, and they'll be cooked for you on the spot in a variety of delicious styles. The must-try dish is fresh crab stir-fried with green, locally-grown Kampot pepper—a flavour combination that is quintessentially Cambodian and utterly unforgettable. The beach itself is small and simple, but the real attraction is the culinary and cultural theatre of the market.
Pro-Tip: Beyond the crabs, take a tuk-tuk to a local pepper plantation to learn why Kampot pepper is considered one of the world's best. Also, take a 25-minute boat ride to the serene Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) for a day of swimming, lazing in a hammock, and enjoying a truly rustic beach bungalow experience.
5. Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia: The Last Stop on the Pearl of the Orient
Penang is famous for its UNESCO-listed George Town and bustling food scene. But if you follow the winding coastal road to its northwestern-most point, you’ll arrive in Teluk Bahang. This sleepy fishing village feels a world away from the island's tourist hubs. It’s known as the "End of the World" by locals, a peaceful cove where the forest-clad hills of the Penang National Park meet the sea.
The village is home to a small but active fishing community. A simple jetty juts into the bay, where colourful boats are moored and fishermen unload their daily catch of prawns, crabs, and groupers. The real charm of Teluk Bahang is its unpretentious nature. Life here is simple, revolving around the sea and the surrounding nature. It’s a perfect antidote to the hustle of the city, offering a glimpse into the traditional Malay kampung (village) life that is becoming increasingly rare on the island.
Pro-Tip: Teluk Bahang is the main gateway to Penang National Park. Hire a local boatman from the jetty to take you to secluded beaches like Monkey Beach or Turtle Beach (Kerachut Beach), where you can visit a turtle sanctuary. Afterwards, have a simple, delicious seafood lunch at one of the no-frills restaurants near the jetty.
6. Bai Xep, Vietnam: The Quintessential Hidden Gem
Just 10 kilometres south of the coastal city of Quy Nhon lies a tiny, picture-perfect fishing village that has managed to hold onto its charm despite being "discovered." Bai Xep (pronounced 'Bai Sep') is nestled in a small, crescent-shaped cove. The beach is pristine, but it’s a working beach. One half is for swimming and sunbathing, while the other is a bustling hub of village life.
In the mornings and late afternoons, the beach is a hive of activity. Fishermen in their coracle boats head out to sea, children play in the sand, and women gather to sort anchovies destined for fish sauce production. The village itself is a maze of narrow, car-free alleyways. Life here is lived outdoors, and visitors are greeted with genuine smiles and curiosity. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and observe a way of life that has remained unchanged for generations.
Pro-Tip: Stay in one of the few guesthouses perched on the cliff overlooking the bay for stunning views. Take a walk over the headland to the south to discover another beautiful and often deserted beach. The best activity here is simply to find a spot, sit, and watch the beautiful, unscripted theatre of village life unfold before you.
7. Port Barton, Palawan, Philippines: Palawan's Rustic, Laid-Back Soul
While El Nido and Coron get most of the attention in Palawan, the quieter town of Port Barton offers a more rustic and authentic coastal experience. This is not a place of luxury resorts, but of simple guesthouses, sandy streets, and a strong sense of community. The town is set in a large, calm bay dotted with islands, and the shoreline is lined with the fishing and tour boats (bangkas) that are the lifeblood of the community.
The village has a wonderfully slow rhythm. Electricity can be intermittent, and Wi-Fi is spotty, forcing you to disconnect from the digital world and connect with your surroundings. You'll see boat builders meticulously crafting new vessels on the beach, fishermen preparing their lines, and families enjoying the sea at sunset. It’s a place that hasn’t been overly polished for tourism, and that is precisely its charm.
Pro-Tip: The island hopping tours here are fantastic and far less crowded than in El Nido. Ask your boatman to take you to German Island for incredible snorkelling and to Starfish Island, where you can see dozens of colourful sea stars in the shallows. Don't miss a short hike to Pamuayan Falls for a refreshing dip in a jungle waterfall.
8. Marang, Terengganu, Malaysia: Gateway to the Eastern Islands
On Malaysia's culturally rich East Coast, the town of Marang is a classic example of a traditional Malay fishing port. Situated at a river mouth, the Marang River is the town's main artery, lined with colourful, high-prowed fishing boats that are characteristic of the region. The morning fish market at the main jetty is a bustling affair, offering an authentic slice of local life.
Marang is also known for its traditional boat-building heritage and its production of keropok lekor, a popular local snack made from fish paste. The real magic of Marang, however, is its atmosphere. It's a deeply traditional place where the call to prayer echoes over the water and life moves at a gentle, unhurried pace. The people are incredibly friendly, and the town serves as the primary jumping-off point for the stunningly beautiful Kapas Island.
Pro-Tip: Before heading to Kapas Island, spend a morning exploring the village. Walk along the river, chat with the fishermen, and try freshly made keropok lekor from a roadside stall. The experience gives you a wonderful cultural context before you hit the idyllic beaches of the nearby islands.
Choosing to visit a fishing village is about more than just finding a different kind of beach. It's an invitation to connect, to learn, and to see a destination through the eyes of the people who know it best. It’s about understanding that the ocean is not just a backdrop for a holiday photo, but a provider, a force of nature, and the center of a vibrant culture.
So, on your next trip to Southeast Asia, I encourage you to seek out one of these coastal communities. Slow down, be observant, and engage respectfully. You’ll leave with more than just a tan; you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the enduring spirit of the sea and its people.
Which of these fishing villages are you adding to your travel list? Or do you have another favourite to share? Let me know in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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