As summer arrives in south central Vietnam, the Hon Khoi salt fields in Khanh Hoa Province enter their most vibrant season. Under a blazing sun and cloudless skies, hundreds of salt farmers move in steady rhythm across the flats, transforming seawater into brilliant white crystals.
Spanning nearly 400 hectares in Dong Ninh Hoa Ward, Hon Khoi is one of the largest salt producing areas in the country. At dawn, long before the heat sets in, farmers begin their work as early as four in the morning. In the soft light of sunrise, the fields glow like mirrors, reflecting silhouettes of workers against the sky.
A Landscape Shaped by Labor
Salt making here is demanding and precise. Seawater is carefully channeled into shallow fields, where it slowly evaporates under intense sunlight. As the water recedes, salt crystals form, shimmering like scattered gems. Farmers rake the crystals into small mounds, leaving them to dry before collection.
Most of the workforce consists of local women, many of whom have inherited the craft through generations. Despite the physical hardship, they continue to uphold a way of life that has defined the coastal identity of Ninh Hoa for decades.
More Than a Livelihood
Beyond sustaining local livelihoods, Hon Khoi has become an unexpected attraction. Photographers and travelers are drawn to the visual poetry of the fields, where sunlight, water, and human effort blend into striking compositions. The daily rhythm of labor adds cultural depth to Khanh Hoa’s coastal landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into a tradition rooted in patience and resilience.
A Brand Born from the Sun and Sea
Over time, the dedication of Hon Khoi’s salt farmers has helped build the reputation of Ninh Hoa salt, now recognized nationwide for its quality. Harvests remain closely tied to weather conditions, with higher temperatures often leading to higher yields, making each season both hopeful and uncertain.
Seen from above, the salt fields resemble a vast mosaic, reflecting clouds drifting overhead. On the ground, they tell a quieter story of endurance, community, and the simple beauty found where sea, sun, and human hands meet.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 