What is Tam Ky like?
Tam Ky is the capital of Quang Nam Province, located about an hour south of Hoi An along the coastal road. Despite being a provincial capital, it feels more like a quiet local town than a tourist destination.
The city blends government buildings and daily local life with a few nearby beaches, small villages, and historical sites. It’s not a place filled with sights or nightlife — but that’s also its charm. Things feel slow-paced, very local, and rarely crowded.
Tam Ky is best known for its colorful Tam Thanh Mural Village, the war-era Ky Anh Tunnels, and the massive Heroic Vietnamese Mother Monument — one of the largest of its kind in Vietnam. It’s a town that gives you a different perspective on central Vietnam, especially if you’ve only seen Hoi An and Da Nang.
Things to do in Tam Ky
While Tam Ky isn’t a major tourist hub, there’s still a surprising variety of things to see if you venture outside the town center. From beaches and lakes to mural villages and wartime history, here are some of the best things to do in Tam Ky.
1. Tam Thanh Mural Village
Tam Thanh was just a quiet seaside fishing village until 2016, when Vietnamese and Korean artists turned over 100 homes into colorful canvases. The murals tell stories of daily life, fishing culture, and local people — turning the village into an open-air art gallery.
It’s an easy place to walk around for 30–60 minutes. Bring a camera. Best visited in the morning for cooler weather and softer light. You can also combine your visit with nearby Tam Thanh Beach.
2. Tam Thanh Beach
Just steps from the mural village, Tam Thanh Beach is a long, uncrowded stretch of sand with calm waters and a very local feel. There are no big hotels, no nightlife — just fishing boats, sea breezes, and open space.
Go during the dry season (roughly March to August) for better swimming conditions. There are no sunbeds or services, so bring what you need. It’s a great beach if you prefer quiet over convenience.
3. Phu Ninh Lake
Phu Ninh is a large artificial lake west of Tam Ky, surrounded by rolling hills and forest. Originally built for irrigation and water supply, it’s now also a nature escape with kayaking, ziplining, and hot springs nearby.
Ideal for a relaxing half-day trip. You can rent a boat, explore small islands, or just enjoy the scenery. Bring your own food for a picnic or eat at one of the lakeside cafes. Easily reached by car or motorbike from Tam Ky.
4. Ky Anh Tunnels
Hidden beneath the rural village of Thach Tan lies a 32-kilometer network of wartime tunnels dug by local revolutionaries called Ky Anh Tunnels. Used for communication, storage, and shelter during the American War, the site offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s resistance history.
You’ll be guided through a small section of tunnels and museum exhibits. It’s a short visit, but informative. Combine it with other nearby historical stops for a fuller picture of the region’s past.
5. Nguyen Thi Thu Heroic Mother Statue
This towering monument honors Nguyễn Thị Thứ, a mother who lost 11 children and grandchildren in Vietnam’s wars. She represents all heroic mothers who made extraordinary sacrifices. It’s one of the largest such statues in Vietnam and a powerful symbol of national gratitude.
The monument sits on a peaceful hilltop just outside Tam Ky, surrounded by gardens and a lake. It’s a calm place for reflection and a walk. No entrance fee. Bring water if visiting in the heat — there’s some walking involved.
6. Cham Towers of Chien Dan
Chien Dan features three Cham towers dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, built by the Champa Kingdom. Though smaller than the towers in My Son, they still showcase intricate Cham architecture and carvings in red brick.
The towers are right off National Route 1, so easy to stop by. There’s no entrance fee, but not much in terms of signage or facilities. Worth a short visit if you’re interested in Cham history or passing nearby.
7. Tam Tien Fish Market
Located along the coast south of Tam Ky, Tam Tien Fish Market is one of the biggest seafood landing spots in the region. Hundreds of small boats come ashore at dawn with the night’s catch — it’s raw, real, and energetic.
You need to arrive very early — between 4:00 and 6:00 AM — to see the full action. Bring non-slip shoes and expect wet sand and lots of activity. The market is quieter or inactive during storms and rainy season. Combine with a visit to nearby Tam Tien Beach.
8. Tam Ky River
A calm river winding through lotus ponds, rice paddies, and quiet villages on the outskirts of Tam Ky. In lotus season (around June–August), parts of the river become bright with blossoms — especially near Thach Tan village.
Best explored by motorbike for a scenic countryside ride. In lotus season, some families offer boat rides for a small fee. It’s a quiet, photogenic area — ideal for slow travel and nature lovers.
9. Mat Weaving Village
In Thach Tan and other nearby villages, locals continue the age-old craft of weaving mats from sedge grass. This is a traditional, sustainable craft that’s been passed down for generations and remains part of daily life in the countryside.
Drop by one of these villages while exploring rural Tam Ky by car or motorbike. Some families may let you observe or even try weaving. It’s a simple but authentic cultural stop — no need for a long visit.
10. Van Thanh – Khong Mieu Temple
A Confucian temple complex rebuilt in the 1970s but rooted in older traditions. It features jackfruit wood carvings, yin-yang roof tiles, and mosaic details — typical of Quang Nam architectural style.
Best appreciated if you’re already interested in Vietnamese history or architecture. Not heavily visited, but close to other sights in town like the museum. Quiet and atmospheric, but small in scale.
11. Ha Thanh Beach
A lesser-known beach on the coastline west of Tam Ky. It’s undeveloped, with local fishing activity and minimal infrastructure — perfect for those seeking calm rather than crowds.
Expect an unpolished but peaceful setting. It’s a good stop if you want a quiet walk or just to see daily coastal life. Bring your own supplies; there’s little around in terms of services.
How to get to Tam Ky
Tam Ky is fairly accessible by road, rail, and air. While it’s not a major transport hub, getting there is straightforward with a bit of planning.
From Hoi An
Tam Ky is about 60 km (1 hour) south of Hoi An.
- Car rental with driver is the most convenient option, especially if you want to combine stops along the way.
- Motorbike is possible too, particularly for those looking to explore the countryside at their own pace. The route is scenic and mostly easy to navigate.
Nearest Train Station
Tam Ky has a station on the Reunification (North–South) railway line.
- Easy to reach from Da Nang, Hue, or even Nha Trang and further south.
- From Hoi An, you can take a short taxi ride (around 45 minutes) to Tam Ky Station.
Nearest airport
The closest airport is Chu Lai Airport, about 30–40 minutes from Tam Ky.
- Flights are limited to major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- It’s mainly useful for domestic travelers or as part of a longer itinerary through Central Vietnam.
Staying in Tam Ky
Is it worth staying here?
For most travelers, Tam Ky works better as a day trip from Hoi An or a short stopover on the way south. The town itself lacks charm or atmosphere for a longer stay, and there’s not much to do in the center after dark.
That said, staying overnight can make sense in a few cases:
- If you’re heading south toward places like Quy Nhon or Kon Tum, it can be a logical stop.
- If you’re visiting Tam Tien Fish Market, staying nearby makes it easier to get there before sunrise.
- If you want a local beach escape, Tam Thanh has a few quiet options — don’t expect high-end resorts, but it’s peaceful and authentic.
Accommodations
Tam Ky has plenty of accommodation, but most are aimed at Vietnamese travelers.
- In town, expect basic to mid-range hotels — clean, functional, and affordable.
- At the beach, Tam Thanh has a small handful of guesthouses and local-style beach resorts, often run by families. It’s a good choice if you want to wake up near the sea.
Travel tips for Tam Ky
Best time to visit
The dry season from March to August is ideal, especially if you’re coming for Tam Thanh Beach or Tam Tien Fish Market.
Avoid the rainy months (especially October–December), as the beaches can be messy and the seafood market often quiet or closed.
Getting around
Within town, taxis are easy to find.
To explore beaches, lakes, or countryside villages, it’s best to rent a motorbike or hire a car with driver for a half or full day. This gives you more flexibility and is safer than relying on random taxi stops.
Food and Restaurants
Tam Ky is all about local Vietnamese food — expect small eateries, noodle shops, and rice places.
For the best meals, head to the seafood restaurants along the beach (especially near Tam Thanh and Ha Thanh), where you can try the day’s catch cooked fresh.
What’s Next?
- Heading north? Stop in Hoi An or Da Nang for more tourist services, better accommodation, and international food.
- Heading south? Consider Quy Nhon for beaches and sea views, or Kon Tum for mountains and a more adventurous off-the-path experience.
- Skip Quang Ngai unless you have a specific reason — it’s a transit town without major highlights.
