Nestled along the Giao Thuy coastline, Bach Long Salt-Making Village unfolds like a rustic painting, rich with the essence of coastal life. For generations, this place has been renowned for its traditional salt-making craft—a laborious yet inseparable part of the lives of the local fishing community.
Every year, from March to August, when the salt-making season begins, the entire Bach Long salt field comes alive with the sound of carts rattling, shovels scraping, and the tireless silhouettes of salt farmers braving the blazing sun to produce each glistening white grain of salt. Unlike other places where seawater is directly evaporated, Bach Long uses the sand-drying method—a meticulous and intricate process. Fine layers of sand are spread out, regularly soaked with seawater, and left under the sun so the moisture evaporates, leaving salt crystals clinging to the grains of sand. The sand is then raked, washed, and dried again to yield pure salt. Each stage demands not only skill and patience but also a deep love for the craft.
Under the harsh sun, the salt makers quietly persevere, cherishing each grain of salt as if capturing the very flavor of the sea in their calloused hands. Though the income is modest and heavily dependent on the weather, for many locals, salt-making is more than a livelihood—it is a source of pride and a defining cultural feature of their homeland.
Today, Bach Long Commune still maintains over 60 hectares of salt fields, producing around 10,000 tons annually. Many households have joined the production of clean salt, refined salt, and iodized salt that meet the 3-star OCOP standard. In recent years, the village has embraced a new model that combines salt production with experiential tourism. Visitors can admire the dazzling white salt fields shimmering under the sun and even step into the role of a salt farmer—taking part in every stage from spreading sand and sprinkling seawater to raking and transporting the salt. It is a unique hands-on experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for the value of labor and the beauty of traditional crafts.
Bach Long Salt-Making Village is more than a repository of ancient salt-making techniques—it is a symbol of resilience and a vibrant testament to the cultural identity of Northern Vietnam’s coastal communities. In an era of rapid modernization, when many traditional trades are fading, Bach Long still preserves its traditional salt-making craft. It is an ideal destination for those seeking the simple beauty of Vietnamese countryside life while helping preserve and promote the value of a time-honored craft.