Hue's Tam Giang Lagoon Captivates with Sunset and Local Experiences

In the central Vietnamese province of Thua Thien Hue, a family from Hanoi experienced a memorable afternoon at Tam Giang Lagoon, engaging in local activities like catching crabs and snails under the sunset. In late June, Ms. Kieu Phuong and her family from Hanoi visited Hue and dedicated time to exploring Tam Giang Lagoon. Instead of just sightseeing, they embarked on an unforgettable journey, taking a boat ride across the vast lagoon and immersing themselves in experiences akin to those of the local residents. The Phuong family joined a sunset tour that lasted from 3 PM to 6:30 PM. The all-inclusive tour package was priced at VND 350,000 per adult, with children paying half the rate. "We had an unforgettable afternoon. The sunset over the lagoon had a unique hue, a blend of purple and pink, with the water shimmering and the clouds in the sky seemingly melting into each other," Ms. Phuong shared. Tam Giang-Cau Hai Lagoon is the largest brackish lagoon system in Southeast Asia, covering an area of 21,600 hectares, which accounts for 48.2% of the total lagoon area along Vietnam's coast, according to the National Administration of Tourism. The family felt like they became part of the fishing village, blending into the peaceful life of Hue through activities such as exploring the flooded forest, catching clams with their feet, gathering snails, swimming in the lagoon, pulling nets, paddling SUP, enjoying fresh seafood, and watching the sunset. "The water in the lagoon is only knee-deep and the waves are calm, making it safe for both adults and children," Ms. Phuong mentioned, adding a note of caution that it is advisable to rinse off immediately upon returning to shore to avoid potential itching for those with sensitive skin. One of the tour's most rewarding experiences was savoring local cuisine. The culinary journey began with Banh Bot Loc (a type of steamed rice cake) and various fruits. Following this, Mr. Cong, the boatman, grilled clams with scallion oil, which was then followed by grilled lagoon shrimp. Two charcoal stoves were kept continuously lit to serve the guests. Ms. Phuong's children were most enthusiastic about the crab and snail catching experience. "After catching enough, they would quickly return to the boat for a quick bite before going out to hunt again," Ms. Phuong recounted. The grilled lagoon shrimp were tender and sweet, despite being simply prepared. At the end of the tour, each person was served a bowl of Catfish porridge. "Catfish are best enjoyed for their belly and innards," Ms. Phuong shared, relaying wisdom from the locals. Tam Giang Lagoon tours typically run from April to July, avoiding the rainy season. Tam Giang Lagoon is approximately 15 km from Hue city center, with convenient road access. Tourists often opt for day trips or half-day excursions. Information Source: VnExpress