1. Discover Nam O Fish Sauce Craft Village
1.1. Geographical Location
Nam O Fish Sauce Craft Village is located in Hai Van ward, Da Nang City, about 17 km northwest of the city center. To get here, visitors depart from Nguyen Tat Thanh street, follow National Highway 1A or Nguyen Luong Bang coastal road to the Nam O intersection.
Its advantageous location by Da Nang Bay, nestled between green mountains and the Cu De River, creates a rich natural environment. Thanks to nature's favor, Nam O always has an abundant supply of fresh anchovies, which are the main ingredient for the famous specialty fish sauce.
> > > See more: What is the best time of year to travel to Da Nang?
1.2. History of Nam O Fish Sauce Craft Village formation
The fish sauce making craft in Nam O Fish Sauce Craft Village has been associated with the coastal village since the 17th century, during the time of the Viet-Cham resident community. For over 400 years, the craft village has not only maintained its traditional secrets but also become a distinctive cultural symbol of the Central Vietnamese coast.
In 2019, Nam O Fish Sauce Craft Village was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is not only a source of pride for the local people but also a testament to the sustainable value of the traditional fish sauce making craft, which has been intertwined with the lives of coastal people for generations. This recognition contributes to honoring the quintessence of Vietnamese culture and cuisine and affirms Nam O as an important part of Da Nang's coastal identity.
Each family in the craft here has its own stories of passing down the trade, from selecting fish, salting, to the secret of controlling the natural fermentation process.
Nam O fish sauce craft village becomes National Intangible Cultural Heritage. (Source: Collected)
2. Nam O Fish Sauce Making Process
2.1. Characteristic Anchovy and Ca Na Salt Ingredients
Black anchovy is the most important ingredient of Nam O fish sauce, usually caught during two main seasons each year. Among them, the Southern fish season from February to March of the lunar calendar, the anchovy has thick flesh, rich in protein, and is always highly valued for its quality. The Northern fish season falls in July to August of the lunar calendar, and although not as prominent, it still ensures the product's deliciousness.
Ca Na salt from the Central region, characterized by its large grains and moderate saltiness, is chosen as the complementary ingredient. Before use, the salt is carefully processed by sun-drying on sand to remove impurities, creating ideal conditions for the fish sauce fermentation process without affecting its natural color or flavor.
Thanks to the harmonious blend of fresh black anchovies and clean salt, Nam O fish sauce stands out with its deep red color, characteristic salty taste, and a subtly sweet aftertaste that captivates diners.
2.2. Manual Nam O Fish Sauce Making Steps
The production process of Nam O fish sauce begins with selecting the freshest anchovies, which are then washed and completely drained. Artisans use a ratio of 3 parts fish to 1 part salt to mix evenly, preserving the traditional flavor of the fish sauce batch.
Anchovies are washed clean by the locals before processing. (Source: Collected)
The mixture of fish and salt is then placed into high-quality earthenware jars or ceramic pots, mostly produced by the Lai Thieu pottery village, Binh Duong. Layers of fish and salt are arranged alternately and are tightly compressed using bamboo strips or covered with cloth to create optimal fermentation conditions.
The fermentation period lasts from 12 to 24 months depending on the workshop and quality requirements. Artisans regularly check, stir, and observe the fermentation process to ensure the fish sauce does not develop a film or any unusual phenomena. When it meets the standard, the fish sauce essence will be filtered through cloth and a bamboo funnel to retain all nutrients, creating the purest fish sauce.
2.3. Identification Characteristics of Nam O Fish Sauce
Pure Nam O Fish Sauce has a deep, clear, mahogany-red color that shimmers when poured into a glass. The aroma is a blend of the sea and natural fermentation, with no fishy or strong odor.
When tasted, the fish sauce has a rich salty flavor, with a distinct sweet aftertaste that lingers after consumption. The protein content of the fish sauce ranges from 28 to 32 degrees, meeting the standard for traditional Central Vietnamese fish sauce, surpassing most common products.
Nam O fish sauce, pure and unadulterated, has a deep mahogany red color. (Source: Collected)
The most recognizable characteristic of Nam O fish sauce is its absolute purity, containing no preservatives, additives, or dilution. Its distinct sea flavor allows diners to easily discern the difference from mass-produced fish sauces.
3. Experiencing the Nam O Fish Sauce Village Combined with Tourism
3.1. Visiting Production Workshops
Fish sauce workshops in the Nam O fish sauce village warmly welcome visitors to observe every step of the fish sauce production process, such as fermentation, stirring, and draining the fish sauce. Reputable workshops like "Huong Lang Co" and "Bui Thanh Phu" offer detailed guided tours to help visitors understand the long-standing traditional craft.
Right at the workshop, visitors can personally select fresh fish, learn the correct way to mix salt, and hear stories about the trade from experienced artisans. Notably, the experience of tasting the fish sauce directly at the production site will leave a deep impression of the authentic, original salty flavor of the traditional product.
To make your visit complete, it is advisable to contact the workshops in advance to book an appointment, ensuring you are assigned a knowledgeable guide and can participate in practical activities.
3.2. Buying 
Huong Lang Co Workshop is one of the reputable addresses for the Nam O fish sauce brand. (Source: Lao Dong Newspaper)
Visitors should observe the characteristic mahogany red color to choose the genuine product. When tasting, a rich salty taste, natural sweet aftertaste, and mild aroma are easily recognizable signs. Genuine products always have a geographical indication protection label and do not show signs of unusual sediment or chemical odors.
Buying fish sauce directly from families who practice the craft not only ensures quality but also helps visitors understand more about the effort and dedication of the local people in preserving their traditions.
4. Guide to exploring the Nam O fish sauce craft village
4.1. Ideal time and notes when visiting Nam O village
The period from February to April of the lunar calendar is the most suitable time to visit the Nam O fish sauce craft village, right during the peak anchovy season. At that time, the fish sauce workshops are bustling, providing opportunities for visitors to explore from the process of selecting fresh fish to the fish sauce fermentation process. The secondary fishing season from July to August also offers an interesting experience, although it is not as lively as in the early part of the year.
Departing in the early morning will help you enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the dynamic life of the craft village. Choosing light, brightly colored clothing will make you stand out against the coastal village scenery. Remember to prepare a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as the Central Vietnamese sun during the day can be quite harsh. When visiting, pay attention to maintaining order, respecting the living spaces, and asking for permission before entering special production areas of the village.
Scenery of the fishing village at the beautiful Da Nang beach.
4.2. Specialties and culinary suggestions to try when visiting Nam O village
Pure Nam O fish sauce is often used as a dipping sauce for fresh seafood, boiled meat, or fish cakes with pork, creating an unforgettable special flavor. Nam O fish salad is a prominent dish, using fresh herring, wild vegetables, rice paper, and fish sauce concentrate to create the culinary identity of the coastal region.
Dishes such as fish vermicelli, pork rolls with rice paper, when served with Nam O fish sauce, offer a unique and distinctly different taste compared to regular fish sauce. Local seafood like shrimp, crab, and clams are grilled to perfection and dipped in the fish sauce concentrate, easily winning over discerning diners.
Enjoying the cuisine right at the Nam O fish sauce craft village is not only a way to explore the culture but also allows you to deeply feel the local people's passion for their craft.
4.3. Some unique photo-taking and check-in tips at the craft village
The Nam O village gate and the fishing harbor at dawn will provide beautiful frames with the brilliant early morning light. Images of neatly arranged rows of fish sauce jars, artisans stirring the sauce, or draining the fish sauce are artistic photo opportunities.
At the Nam O reef area, the rocky shore and the blue bay offer many ideal backdrops for souvenir photos. Shooting through a fish sauce jar under the sun or capturing the color of fish sauce in a glass will create vivid lighting effects, resulting in an impressive photo album.
Wearing an Ao Dai or bright-colored clothing will help you stand out in the traditional setting. Choose early morning or late afternoon hours for the best natural light, enhancing the quality of your check-in photos.
After visiting the Nam O fish sauce craft village, if time permits, visitors can continue their journey to Sun World Ba Na Hills to experience the beauty of the mountains and forests, enjoy entertainment at the modern amusement park, and explore iconic landmarks such as the cable car, the Golden Bridge, or the ancient French village. The blend of the traditional charm of the craft village and the modern space at Ba Na Hills will offer a rich, complete, and memorable trip.
French Village at Sun World Ba Na Hills with unique and outstanding architecture.
Nam O fish sauce village is not only the pride of the people of Da Nang but also a vivid testament to the value of a 400-year-old cultural heritage. The salty, rich, characteristic flavor of the fish sauce here carries the story of the sea, of the people, and of traditions preserved through generations. Come to Nam O fish sauce village to fully experience the quintessence of Central Vietnamese cuisine and culture!
