Sầm Sơn Town combines a long beach for swimming and leisure stays with the scenery of the Trường-Lệ Mountains and several historic and cultural temples.
Beach: length, shape and swimming areas
Sầm Sơn Beach stretches for about nine kilometres, from Cửa Hới at the mouth of the Mã River to Vụng Tiên. Crescent-shaped, it extends from the foot of the Trường-Lệ Mountains to Quảng Cư. Four swimming areas—A, B, C and D—divide the coastline.
Fine white sand, a gentle slope and moderate waves characterize the beach. These features make it suitable for swimming, relaxation and leisure activities.
Scenery and rock formations
The Trường-Lệ Mountains are covered by a special-use forest and are considered an area of scenic beauty and biological diversity.
One unusual rock formation is Hòn Trống Mái, a site recognized as a tourist attraction in Trường Sơn Ward. It consists of three rocks: one large rock below and two smaller ones above. One of the upper rocks resembles a rooster, the other a hen.
Temples and traditions
The Tô Hiến Thành Temple, also called Đền Trung, is a national historic and cultural monument. It is part of a monument and scenic complex that includes Đền Độc Cước, Đền Cô Tiên and Hòn Trống Mái. Đền Độc Cước is also recognized as a national historic and cultural monument. It is located right next to Sầm Sơn Beach, combining a coastal setting with a distinctive cultural focus.
A winding path with old stone steps leads to Đền Độc Cước in the Trường-Lệ Mountains. Another temple complex, Đền Cô Tiên, stands on the summit of Đầu Voi Mountain at the western end of the Trường-Lệ Mountains, in Trường Sơn Ward. From the temple courtyard, you can look out over the East Sea, with Hòn Mê Island in the background. Đền Độc Cước is right next to the beach, while Đền Cô Tiên is on the summit of Đầu Voi Mountain.
Hoàng Minh Tự Temple is located in Quảng Vinh District. It was built during the Trần Dynasty and is recognized as a provincial-level historic and cultural monument. The temple’s history therefore dates back to a different historical period from the sites’ present-day designations. The traditional festivals also have different dates: the festival at Đền Độc Cước takes place every year on the 16th day of the second lunar month and attracts many visitors and local residents. At Hoàng Minh Tự, a traditional community-level festival is held every year on the 24th day of the first lunar month. If you want to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the corresponding date in the customary calendar in advance; the dates are based on lunar days.
Discover more destinations: Hoàng Mai Town, Thanh Hóa, Trường Lâm, Bỉm Sơn Town.
Back to the main travel overview: Thanh Hóa.
