8 Best Fishing Spots in Vietnam: Wild Waters & Paid Lakes

Vietnam gives visiting anglers far more variety than its city fishing ponds suggest. Across the country, you can cast lures over huge mountain reservoirs, hunt predatory fish in mangrove channels, work topwater baits along wild river systems, or head offshore with a local crew for a day on the sea. The challenge is knowing which places are genuinely worth building into a holiday, especially when many natural waters have no ticket office, English website or fixed opening hours. This updated guide focuses on fishing spots in Vietnam that make sense for international travelers: natural or semi-natural waters with strong angling value, realistic access and current guiding or transport options. Whether you simply want to try fishing in Vietnam or are traveling with tackle to target a specific species, these are the places to start.

Vietnam offers freshwater reservoir fishing, river fishing, mangrove sport fishing and offshore experiences for visiting anglers.

Fishing Spots in Vietnam

1. Tri An Lake – Peacock Bass Fishing near Ho Chi Minh City

• Location: Tri An Lake, Dong Nai, about 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City by road.
• Target fish: Peacock Bass, Snakehead and other freshwater predators.
• Fishing style: Spinning or baitcasting with topwater lures, soft plastics, crankbaits and frog lures; boat fishing is recommended.
• Best for: Lure anglers targeting Peacock Bass; early morning and late afternoon are useful topwater periods.

Tri An is best approached as a mobile lure fishery rather than a bank-fishing lake. Peacock Bass hold around submerged structure, broken shorelines and changing depths, so boat access helps anglers cover water efficiently. Topwater can be especially exciting during low-light periods, while soft plastics and crankbaits provide alternatives when fish move deeper. It suits both experienced lure anglers and beginners fishing with a local guide.

2. Thac Ba Lake – Peacock Bass Fishing in Northern Vietnam

• Location: Thac Ba Lake, Lao Cai Province; approximately 3.5-4.5 hours from central Hanoi.
• Target fish: Peacock Bass and Snakehead are the main sport-fishing targets, with other freshwater species also present.
• Fishing style: Boat-based lure fishing with spinning tackle, poppers, walking baits, spoons and other artificial lures.
• Best for: Predator anglers who prefer a large natural-looking reservoir; an overnight trip allows more fishing time than a Hanoi day trip.

Thac Ba rewards anglers who enjoy searching a large reservoir rather than fishing one fixed swim. Its islands, bays and irregular shoreline create plenty of structure for Peacock Bass and Snakehead, with most guided fishing done from a boat. Casting artificial lures is the main approach, and covering several areas during the day improves your chances of locating active fish. Multi-day trips give serious anglers more productive fishing windows.

Thac Ba Lake’s islands, bays and broken shorelines create excellent structure for freshwater lure fishing.

3. Da River & Hoa Binh Reservoir – Yellowcheek Fishing

• Location: Da River and Hoa Binh Reservoir system, now within Phu Tho Province; accessible from Hanoi by road and boat transfer.
• Target fish: Yellowcheek Carp is the specialist target, with Snakehead and other freshwater predators also found in the system.
• Fishing style: Topwater, jerkbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits, light tackle and fly fishing.
• Best for: Intermediate and advanced anglers looking for technical predator fishing and catch-and-release sport fishing.

The Da River and Hoa Binh Reservoir are better suited to technical predator fishing than casual mixed-species angling. Yellowcheek Carp move through open water and respond to fast lures, topwater presentations, swimbaits and flies, making accurate casting and fish-finding important. Specialist guides use boats and electronics to locate feeding activity. This is one of Vietnam’s strongest choices for experienced anglers seeking an unusual freshwater sport fish.

4. Dong Mo Lake – Freshwater Fishing near Hanoi

• Location: Dong Mo Lake, around 40 km west of central Hanoi.
• Target fish: Common Carp, Grass Carp, Black Carp, Snakehead, tilapia and other freshwater species.
• Fishing style: Bottom fishing for carp or lure fishing for predators; boat access allows anglers to explore more of the reservoir.
• Best for: Beginners, mixed-skill groups and anglers wanting a full fishing day without traveling far from Hanoi.

Dong Mo offers flexible freshwater fishing close to Hanoi, with both bottom fishing and lure fishing possible across a large reservoir. Carp anglers can work baited rigs from productive areas, while lure anglers can search for Snakehead and other predators around shoreline cover and islands. The fishing is less specialized than Thac Ba or the Da River, making Dong Mo a good choice for beginners or mixed-skill groups wanting a full fishing day.

5. Southern Mangrove & Estuary Waters – Barramundi Fishing

• Location: Mangrove forests, tidal channels and estuaries south of Ho Chi Minh City; some guided waters are about 90 minutes from the city.
• Target fish: Wild Barramundi, Mangrove Jack and other brackish-water predators depending on the fishing area.
• Fishing style: Casting hardbaits, soft plastics and topwater lures around mangrove roots, channels and submerged structure.
• Best for: Anglers who want wild predator fishing instead of a stocked pond; guided trips also work well for beginners.

Southern mangrove and estuary fishing is built around accurate lure casting into shallow, structure-rich water. Wild Barramundi are the main attraction, with Mangrove Jack and other brackish predators also possible depending on the area. Hardbaits, soft plastics and topwater lures are worked close to roots, channels and oyster structures. The fishing can be technical, but guided trips are also suitable for beginners because tackle and casting instruction are provided.

6. Son Tra & Da Nang Waters – Sea Fishing in Central Vietnam

• Location: Coastal and offshore waters around Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang.
• Target fish: Mixed reef and coastal species, including grouper and other bottom-feeding or predatory marine fish.
• Fishing style: Boat-based bottom fishing and trolling; experienced local anglers also fish rocky shorelines around Son Tra.
• Best for: Travelers wanting an organized full-day sea-fishing trip; beginners should choose a guided boat rather than independent rock fishing.

Fishing around Son Tra is mainly a boat-based sea-fishing experience for visitors, with trolling and bottom fishing used to cover coastal and offshore water. The catch varies with current, depth and weather, with reef and coastal species such as grouper among the common targets on local trips. Guided boats are the practical choice for most travelers, while independent rock fishing requires much more experience with waves, footing and local access.

7. Phu Quoc – Sea Fishing and Night Squid Fishing

• Location: Phu Quoc, An Giang Province, with fishing trips departing from several areas around the island.
• Fishing options: Daytime sea fishing, private boat fishing and night squid fishing.
• Fishing style: Simple bait fishing around island and reef waters or squid jigging under lights after sunset.
• Best for: Beginners and travelers wanting an easy fishing experience; November-April generally offers calmer sea conditions.

Phu Quoc is best for travelers who want straightforward sea fishing rather than a technical freshwater expedition. Daytime trips usually use simple bait-fishing methods around island and reef areas, while night tours focus on squid jigging under lights. Equipment is normally supplied, so beginners can participate easily. Serious anglers should choose a dedicated fishing charter instead of a sightseeing tour where fishing is only one short activity among several stops. Beyond the fishing trip itself, traditional fishing villages such as Ham Ninh and Rach Vem show how closely island life remains connected to the sea.

Fishing boats at Ham Ninh Fishing Village in Phu Quoc

8. Quy Nhon & Nhon Ly – Traditional Night Squid Fishing

• Location: Nhon Ly and coastal waters around Quy Nhon, Gia Lai Province.
• Target: Squid rather than large sport fish.
• Fishing style: Night fishing with squid jigs, simple rods or hand lines under fishing lights.
• Best for: Beginners and travelers interested in traditional fishing; current trips generally depart around sunset and return later in the evening.

Quy Nhon and Nhon Ly are strongest for traditional night squid fishing rather than trophy sport fishing. Trips normally leave around sunset, then use lights, simple rods or hand lines and squid jigs once darkness falls. The technique is easy to learn, making this one of the most accessible fishing experiences for beginners. Catch rates still depend on weather, current and squid movement, so the experience should be valued over guaranteed numbers.

Fishing boats along the Quy Nhon coast

Popular Paid Fishing Lakes in Vietnam

For travelers who want a simple half-day of fishing without arranging a boat or traveling to a remote reservoir, Vietnam also has many privately managed fishing lakes. These day-ticket fisheries are stocked by the owner and usually charge by session. Prices and stocking schedules change frequently, so ask your hotel, guide or driver to call the lake before visiting.

Paid Fishing Lakes in Northern Vietnam

1. Dong Ngan Fishing Lake, Hanoi

• Address: Phuong Trach dike road, Dong Ngan area, Dong Anh, Hanoi.
• Fishing fee: About 300,000 VND / 10 hours on regular fishing days.
• Opening hours: Approximately 05:00-23:00; Friday is currently used for stocking and water conditioning.
• Fish: Tilapia, Common Carp and Black Carp, with regular stocking.
• Contact: 0886 602 468 / 0822 666 688.

Dong Ngan is a modern Hanoi day-ticket fishery with frequent stocking and a strong local competition scene. It suits travelers who want to experience Vietnamese pole fishing without leaving the capital for a full reservoir expedition. The lake is managed closely, so session rules, permitted tackle and stocking days matter. Ask a Vietnamese-speaking guide or driver to call before visiting.

2. Luong Son Fishing Lake, Hanoi

• Address: Chuong Duong Commune, Hanoi.
• Fishing fee: Regular days: 200,000 VND / 5 hours or 250,000 VND / 10 hours; stocking days cost slightly more.
• Opening hours: Approximately 06:00-22:00 daily.
• Fish: Primarily Grass Carp and Common Carp.
• Contact: 0357 083 320.

Luong Son focuses mainly on Grass Carp and Common Carp and uses structured five- and ten-hour fishing sessions. The experience is closer to technical Vietnamese pole fishing than casual tourist angling, with clear rules on rod length, hooks, bait and casting position. It is a good choice for visitors who already enjoy carp fishing and want to see local methods in practice.

3. Dai An Fishing Lake, Hai Phong

• Address: Tu Minh Ward, Hai Phong, within the Dai An industrial-area complex.
• Fishing fee: 300,000 VND / 5 hours, 500,000 VND / 10 hours or 650,000 VND / 15 hours.
• Opening hours: Approximately 05:00-23:00 daily.
• Target fish: Mainly Black Carp, including large double-digit-kilogram fish.
• Contact: 0967 161 288 / 0982 632 260 / 0842 389 786.

Dai An is the strongest paid-lake option here for anglers interested in large Black Carp. The fishery has dozens of designated swims, controlled casting distances and specialist rules designed around heavy carp fishing. It is not a beginner-oriented tourist pond, but experienced anglers will appreciate the chance to target genuinely large fish in a managed environment with clearly published session fees.

Paid Fishing Lakes in Central Vietnam

4. Khue Trung Ecotourism Fishing Area, Da Nang

• Address: Thang Long Street, Cam Le, Da Nang, near Cam Le Bridge.
• Fishing fee: Local 2026 guides report approximately 100,000-220,000 VND; confirm the current rate directly.
• Opening hours: Current local listing: approximately 08:00-21:00 daily.
• Facilities: Several managed ponds, food services and basic support for recreational anglers.
• Contact: 0964 505 042.

Khue Trung is one of the easiest recreational fisheries to reach from central Da Nang. Its managed ponds, basic fishing facilities and staff support make it suitable for beginners, couples and families who only want a few relaxed hours with a rod. This is recreational fishing rather than trophy hunting, so confirm the current fee, tackle availability and fish stock before leaving your hotel.

5. Ba Sen Vang Fishing Area, Da Nang

• Address: 640-642 Trung Nu Vuong Street, Da Nang.
• Fishing fee: Current local guides quote approximately 50,000-300,000 VND, depending on the service used.
• Opening hours: Approximately 08:00-21:00.
• Facilities: Recreational fishing combined with food and drinks.
• Best for: Casual anglers and travelers looking for an easy fishing session inside Da Nang.

Ba Sen Vang combines recreational fishing with food and a convenient inner-city location, making it useful for travelers who do not want a long transfer outside Da Nang. It is better suited to a casual half-day session than serious sport fishing. Current local guides still list the venue in 2026, but prices can vary, so confirm the fishing fee before arriving.

6. Lam Vien Recreational Fishing, Nha Trang

• Address: 64WJ+GXV, Tay Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
• Fishing fee: No reliable standardized 2026 fishing tariff is currently published; confirm directly.
• Opening hours: Current listing: approximately 08:30-17:30 daily.
• Fish: Common freshwater species including carp, Grass Carp and tilapia have traditionally been stocked.
• Contact: 0937 371 689.

Lam Vien is a relaxed Nha Trang fishery where visitors can combine pond fishing with food and a countryside-style atmosphere away from the beachfront. It suits beginners and mixed groups more than specialist anglers. The lake has long stocked several common freshwater species, while current business listings still show regular opening hours. Confirm tackle rental and catch charges directly before fishing.

Paid Fishing Lakes in Southern Vietnam

7. Thuy Tien Recreational Fishing Lake, Ho Chi Minh City

• Address: 5/1A National Highway 1A, Binh Tan, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Fishing fee: Session prices change with fish stocking and fishing format; confirm directly before visiting.
• Opening hours: Approximately 08:00-21:00 daily.
• Fish: Mixed commercial freshwater species including carp, Pangasius, Grass Carp and pacu-type fish.
• Contact: 0908 951 117.

Thuy Tien remains one of the better-known commercial fishing lakes in western Ho Chi Minh City. It offers easier access and more predictable action than a wild-water trip, making it useful for beginners or travelers with only a few free hours. The lake stocks several common freshwater species and also serves food and drinks, so it works well as a simple local outing.

8. Ut Le Fishing Lake, Binh Quoi, Ho Chi Minh City

• Address: 546/21 Binh Quoi, Binh Quoi Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Fishing fee: Around 200,000 VND / 4 hours for common fishing sessions; rates vary by pond.
• Opening hours: Current listing: approximately 06:00-22:00 daily.
• Fish: Snakehead, carp, catfish, Pangasius, tilapia and Grass Carp across several ponds.
• Contact: 0869 100 139.

Ut Le stands out because its Binh Quoi location is much closer to central Ho Chi Minh City than many suburban commercial fisheries. The venue operates several ponds for different styles, including Snakehead, mixed-species and carp fishing. It is a practical choice for visitors who want local fishing culture, manageable travel time and the option to eat or relax on site after a session.

9. Bao Dan Fishing Lake, Dong Nai

• Address: Hiep Dong area, Dinh Quan, Dong Nai.
• Fishing fee: About 160,000 VND / 4 hours, 250,000 VND / 8 hours, 300,000 VND / 10 hours, 350,000 VND / 12 hours or 400,000 VND / 14 hours.
• Opening hours: Approximately 07:00-22:00 daily.
• Fish: Common Carp and large tilapia are the main current targets.
• Contact: 0822 663 629.

Bao Dan offers a more rural paid-fishing experience in Dong Nai, with long session options and a quieter setting than city ponds. Current listings emphasize carp and large tilapia, and the fishery attracts regular local anglers. It makes most sense for travelers already passing through Dong Nai or those specifically interested in comparing Vietnamese managed-lake techniques with nearby natural reservoir fishing.

What Fish Can You Catch in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s freshwater and coastal systems support very different fishing styles. Rather than trying to target every species in one trip, choose one or two priorities and then select the destination.

Target Fish	Suggested Area	Typical Approach
Peacock Bass	Tri An Lake, Thac Ba Lake	Topwater, crankbaits, soft plastics, spinning or baitcasting
Snakehead	Tri An, Thac Ba, Dong Mo and other freshwater systems	Frog lures, topwater and lure casting around cover
Yellowcheek Carp	Da River & Hoa Binh Reservoir	Fast-moving lures, topwater, swimbaits and fly fishing
Carp	Dong Mo, reservoirs and managed lakes	Bottom fishing with appropriate bait and rigs
Barramundi	Southern mangrove and estuary systems	Hard lures, soft plastics, topwater or live bait
Mangrove Jack / Grouper	Southern brackish waters and oyster-farm structure	Accurate lure casting close to cover
Mixed marine fish	Da Nang, Phu Quoc and other coastal destinations	Bottom fishing, trolling or local bait fishing
Squid	Phu Quoc, Quy Nhon	Night fishing with squid jigs and lights

Grass carp	Carp	Snake-head
River catfish	Tilapia	Anabas

Freshwater Fishing vs. Sea Fishing in Vietnam

What Fishing Gear Should You Bring to Vietnam?

You do not necessarily need to fly to Vietnam with a rod tube. Many organized fishing trips designed for overseas visitors already provide rods, reels, tackle and appropriate lures or bait. Current guided products at Tri An, Thac Ba, Dong Mo, the Da River, Da Nang and the southern mangroves all advertise equipment as part of the service.

Serious anglers may still prefer their own reel, terminal tackle and proven lures. Before packing, confirm the target and technique. A topwater setup for Peacock Bass or Snakehead is very different from a carp bottom-fishing outfit, a Yellowcheek fly setup or offshore tackle.

Regardless of whether you bring fishing equipment, useful personal items include polarized sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, quick-drying clothing, a cap or wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent, a waterproof phone pouch and any medication you normally use for motion sickness.

Plan Your Vietnam Fishing Trip with Paradise Travel

Paradise Travel is a licensed international tour operator and destination management company headquartered in Hanoi. Established in 2005, the company operates under International Tour Operator License No. 01-2161/2023/TCDL-GP LHQT and has received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2018, 2019 and 2024. Our local travel consultants design tailor-made journeys for international travelers and coordinate accommodation, private transportation, local guides and activities through one point of contact.

If fishing is a priority, tell our team what you want to catch, your preferred fishing style, whether you are bringing your own tackle and how many days you want to dedicate to the water. We can build the surrounding itinerary around a North Vietnam tour with Hanoi and northern reservoirs, a Central Vietnam tour with a Da Nang fishing day, or a South Vietnam tour combining Ho Chi Minh City, Tri An, the Mekong Delta or Phu Quoc.

Not sure whether Tri An, Thac Ba, the Da River or a coastal fishing experience best matches your trip? Get in touch with our team and share your travel dates, target species and preferred level of fishing. We can help design a realistic Vietnam itinerary around both the fishing experience and the rest of your holiday.

Address: 81 Alley 12 Dao Tan Street, Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hotline: 0989391076

Email: sales@vietnamparadisetravel.com