A smart choice for a budget-friendly vacation.

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - While Sam Son remains a familiar name to tourists from all over, many other pristine beaches in the province are gradually becoming "new paradises" for those seeking peaceful, nature-friendly, and more affordable vacation experiences.

A corner of the beach in front of the Eo Gió restaurant, cafe, and camping area, Quang Thai commune (Quang Xuong district).

Leaving behind the noisy car horns of Hanoi, Nguyen Hong Nhung's family set off for Quang Thai beach (Quang Xuong district) on a sunny June day. Instead of the crowded, noisy scenes they had experienced at busy tourist beaches in previous summers, the family leisurely sat on the beach embankment, listening to the gentle sound of the waves, watching their children play freely on the beach without worrying about bumping into anyone.

What pleased Nhung's family most was the pristine natural beauty of Quang Thai beach, with its long stretch of soft, golden sand, and towering, lush green casuarina trees providing shade, creating a cool space for the whole family to relax. "In the afternoon, as the sun sets, the sunset here is breathtaking. There's no loud music, no crowds, only the whispering of waves and wind. Most importantly, the cost of the trip is only half that of crowded beaches during peak season. A family of four only spent about 4 million VND for a 2-day, 1-night getaway, including homestay accommodation and delicious fresh seafood meals," Nhung explained.

Not only did they save money, but Nhung's family also experienced the sustainable tourism values ​​that many families are looking for: tranquility, closeness to nature, and the opportunity to enjoy precious time together without being caught up in the hustle and bustle of crowded tourist destinations.

Driven by a shared desire for peace and tranquility, Mr. Tran Minh Duc from Hanoi discovered Tien Trang beach in Tien Trang commune (Quang Xuong district) by chance through a friend's recommendation. His initial doubts quickly vanished the moment he set foot on the fine white sand. "Compared to Sam Son or Hai Tien, this place still retains its pristine natural beauty. What I like most is the feeling of 'owning' the entire beach. In the morning, I can swim in the sea as the sun rises, and I can walk for kilometers without encountering many fishermen. It feels like living in a 5-star resort but at an affordable price," Mr. Duc shared.

Located about 40km east of Thanh Hoa City, Bai Dong Beach (Nghi Son town) appears like an unpolished gem. The smooth sand stretches along the clear blue sea, creating a rare and pristine natural landscape. Especially on weekdays, the only sound here is the gentle waves. "Whenever work pressure weighs heavily on me, I think of Bai Dong Beach. In the early morning, it truly feels like a peaceful, deserted island. I don't need to travel far; just a short escape from the city's hustle and bustle is enough to find a space for my soul to relax. Therefore, my family often comes here not only to swim but also to experience the slow pace of life that is absent in the city," shared Ms. Nguyen Mai Phuong from Thanh Hoa City.

Stories like those of Nhung's family, Duc's family, and Phuong's family are not isolated incidents but reflect a booming new tourism trend. After the pandemic, people are gradually changing their perception of the ideal vacation – from "the more people, the merrier" to "peace and tranquility." Therefore, in addition to Quang Thai and Tien Trang beaches, many tourists are also seeking out pristine, lesser-known beaches such as Hai Binh, Hai Thanh, Bai Dong, and Hai Hoa (Nghi Son)... These places still retain their unspoiled beauty with fine white sand, clear blue water, and a spacious, quiet atmosphere. Tourists can even go out to sea to pull nets with local fishermen. What's special is that vacationing at these beaches offers reasonable accommodation prices, ranging from 600,000 to over 1 million VND per room per night; and the seafood is fresh and delicious.

Mr. Tran Cong Duong, owner of the Eo Gió restaurant, cafe, and camping area in Quang Thai commune, said: "In recent years, post-pandemic tourism trends have changed significantly, with tourists increasingly preferring quieter, less crowded destinations rather than bustling famous tourist areas. They want to seek authentic experiences, explore local culture, and have private space to relax after the pressures of life, and Quang Thai beach meets that need. Because, coming to Quang Thai, tourists not only get to experience the life of local fishermen and a rare peaceful space, but the prices for accommodation and food services are also very reasonable, very suitable for families who want a budget-friendly but quality vacation."

Amidst the hustle and bustle, the pristine beaches of Thanh Hoa, such as Quang Thai, Tien Trang, and Bai Dong, serve as a reminder that happiness isn't found in luxurious or crowded destinations, but rather in simple moments spent with family. At half the cost of high-end resorts, these "hidden gems" not only offer tranquility but also allow visitors to discover the value of "slowing down to appreciate life." From the gentle sound of waves to the experience of pulling in the nets with local fishermen, from a delicious seafood meal with family to a breathtaking sunset without crowds – all create a perfect travel experience for those who appreciate it. No need to travel far, no need to spend a fortune; simply choosing the right destination at the right time allows you to find a paradise for relaxation right near home. And most importantly, it's an opportunity for families to bond, find peace of mind, and cherish beautiful memories forever in their hearts.

In the context of sustainable tourism becoming a global trend, the "slow tourism" model on Thanh Hoa's pristine beaches not only meets the needs of relaxation but also contributes to environmental protection, local economic development, and creates lasting cultural values ​​for future generations.

Text and photos: Ngan Ha

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/lua-chon-thong-minh-cho-ky-nghi-tiet-kiem-252122.htm