Businesses remove encroachments to restore public access to world-famous bay in central Vietnam

Lang Co Bay in Chan May-Lang Co Commune was recognized as a member of the World’s most beautiful bays club (Worldbays Club) in 2009.

Numerous businesses along the coast have encroached on the beach for an extended period, affecting the management and use of coastal space.

Several seafood restaurants have erected permanent concrete pillars on the sand and extended their business areas toward the water's edge.

At the end of a road leading to the beach, one restaurant blocks the route down to the sand. 

People wishing to reach the beach have to take a detour or walk through the restaurant's premises, causing considerable inconvenience.

Structures built close to the water have narrowed the sandy area and obstructed residents' access to the shoreline for walking and recreation.

At Binh An Beach in the Chan May Bay area, several businesses have also installed structures on the sand, reducing the space available to public beachgoers.

Residents have repeatedly complained about encroachment on the beach and household waste scattered across the sand, which detracts from the scenic beauty of the bay.

Restoring coastal space for the community

The Chan May-Lang Co Commune People's Committee held meetings with business owners and ordered six households to dismantle structures blocking beach access or extending too close to the shoreline.

The businesses acknowledged the requirements and pledged to remove the structures and restore the affected areas by October 30. 

Several establishments have begun dismantling the structures in recent days.

Ngo Thien Cam, the owner of a restaurant, said the establishment had been in its current condition for many years. 

After receiving guidance from local authorities, the restaurant began removing the section extending from the road toward the beach to restore access and improve the landscape.

However, some business owners have asked local authorities for financial assistance, citing the substantial amounts they had invested in the structures.

Phan Huu Binh, deputy head of the commune's economic division, said authorities were monitoring the dismantling work and would continue inspections afterward to prevent renewed encroachment.

"If the restaurants fail to comply by the October 30 deadline, the authorities will consider forced removal," Binh said.

According to Binh, local authorities will study ways to organize coastal service areas in line with planning requirements and regulations. 

The aim is to support businesses and tourism development while ensuring the community's right to access the sea.

Regular waste collection

In addition to businesses encroaching on the beach and blocking access, litter along the shoreline has also marred the area's appearance.

Dinh Ngoc Hung, chairman of the Chan May-Lang Co Commune People's Committee, said local authorities had instructed the public service center, economic division and culture and social affairs division to implement measures to deal with waste washed ashore.

The measures include organizing waste collection, launching Green Sunday campaigns along coastal roads, and strengthening self-management teams at beachside restaurants.

Local authorities are also encouraging villages and businesses to help collect waste regularly.