Explore the tranquil waters and stunning landscapes of Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia, located in the historic city of Hue, Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the unique culture and daily life of the local fishing communities.
List of Contents
1. Overview of Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon is the largest coastal lagoon ecosystem in Southeast Asia, covering about 22,000 hectares of water surface area. The lagoon brings a wild, quiet, and peaceful character that surprises anyone who visits.
The Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon stretches 68 km across 4 districts and Huong Tra town. It is home to diverse ecosystems, including seagrass in Con Te area, freshwater aquatic vegetation at O Lau river mouth, and mangroves in Ru Cha area.
Tam Giang Lagoon is one of the largest mangrove areas in Southeast Asia, accounting for 48.2% of the lagoon water surface area along Vietnam's coast. The lagoon regulates the climate between two sandy areas, controls floods, and limits the risk of inundation for the delta.
Researchers consider the Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon as a rare representative of a tropical coastal ecosystem with a complex and diverse environment. It contains delta plains, shallow open water, grassy buffer waters, estuaries, and tributaries surrounded by sand dunes.
The biodiversity in Tam Giang Lagoon is very high, making it a worthy water and biological museum. Recent surveys show a total of 1,296 species, including 41 rare and precious species, 295 phytoplankton species, 50 higher plant species, 73 algae and aquatic plant species (including 7 seagrass species), 119 zooplankton species, 215 animal species, 361 fish species, and 137 bird species.
Ru Cha mangrove forest, located in Huong Phong commune, Huong Tra town, is an important biosphere zone of the Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon system. The area is mainly composed of hundreds of years old Cha trees.
The development of aquaculture and tourism in the lagoon area has created livelihoods and incomes for many people along the lagoon. It opens a promising business direction for poverty reduction in rural areas and contributes to the positive transformation of the province's rural economic structure.
2. Is Tam Giang Lagoon worth visiting?
Tam Giang Lagoon, one of the largest lagoons in Vietnam, spans 24 kilometers in length and covers a vast 52 square kilometers. This natural wonder captivates all who venture here. Its pristine beauty is a testament to nature's artistry and the sheer beauty of Vietnam's coastal lagoons.
To explore this magnificent lagoon, start your journey from Vinh Ve Village. Follow the meandering Nhu Y River towards Chuon Wetland. Along this path, you will encounter the charming Vinh Ve Village, where the architectural grace of old pavilions and temples will leave you enchanted.
For those seeking a unique experience in Hue, motorcycle tours that include a visit to Tam Giang Lagoon will bring a treasure trove of memories. Standing before this natural wonder is akin to standing before a breathtaking masterpiece. It ranks among the top places to visit in Hue.
3. Best Time To Visit Tam Giang Lagoon Hue
The best time to visit Tam Giang Lagoon is during the early morning or late afternoon. This is when you can enjoy the most beautiful landscapes, immerse yourself in nature, and escape the bustling city.
The ideal times to witness the stunning sunrise and sunset on the lagoon are from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., respectively.
4. How to Get to Tam Giang Lagoon
There are several ways to reach Tam Giang Lagoon from Hue:
4.1. Motorcycle:
There are two routes to choose from:
- Route 1: Follow Highway 1A for about 11km to reach the lagoon.
- Route 2: Take a scenic route through the city, passing by villages and ancient towns before arriving at the lagoon. Follow the route Le Duan – Huynh Thuc Khang – Bao Vinh Ancient Village – Sia Town – Con Toc Ferry, then take a boat to reach the lagoon.
Motorcycle rentals are available in the center of Hue, with prices ranging from 120,000 VND to 150,000 VND per day. Be sure to prepare necessary documents, check the vehicle, and follow traffic laws for a safe journey.
4.2. Car Rental:
If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can rent a car for the day. Self-driving car rentals in Hue range from 400,000 VND to 600,000 VND for popular models.
4.3. Taxi:
Taxis are another convenient way to reach the lagoon and explore Hue. Many reputable taxi companies operate in the city, offering good service at reasonable prices (around 80,000 VND for a one-way trip).
Some reliable options include Mai Linh Taxi, Phu Xuan Hue Taxi, Vina Sun Hue Taxi, Thanh Cong Hue Taxi, Hue Private Taxi, Vang Taxi, Huong Giang Taxi, and Hoang Anh Taxi. You can book a taxi by phone or through their app, depending on the company.
Read more: How to Get Around in Hue
5. What To Do At Tam Giang Lagoon?
Tam Giang Lagoon offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. You can catch fish and crabs with the locals, take a sampan boat ride on the lagoon, or rent a SUP to row on the water for just 100,000 VND per person.
This brackish lagoon is not only a place of stunning beauty but also an opportunity to learn about the culture and life of the local people while contributing to the protection of this precious environment.
5.1. Admire Sunrise And Sunset Moments
Visiting Tam Giang Lagoon, you can join the locals on a fishing boat and learn about the lagoon's mysteries. The most beautiful moments in this lagoon are during sunset and sunrise when the sky turns a breathtaking purple.
This is when fishing boats return home, their silhouettes running along the skyline, dividing the water from the heavens as the calm surface of the lagoon shimmers in the breeze. These are the most spectacular moments that you must capture with your eyes and your camera.
The lagoon's aquatic resources and fauna, both underwater and on land, are caught and sold daily at local fish markets, to wholesalers, or used as raw materials for traditional fish sauce-making villages. In recent years, the cultivation of aquaculture products, mainly shrimp and “gracilaria,” has developed in this area of the lagoon.
5.2. Check-in Chuon Lagoon
Chuon Lagoon, an essential part of the Tam Giang lagoon system, offers a unique beauty at different times of the day – sometimes peaceful and romantic, sometimes brilliant and eye-catching. It is a beloved check-in spot for many visitors.
From April to July, visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the fishing season. Moreover, on the 15th-17th day of the 7th lunar month every year, the unique Chuon Village Ancestral Festival takes place here.
5.3. Visit Thai Duong Ha Fishing Village
When visiting Tam Giang Lagoon, don't miss the opportunity to stop by Thai Duong Ha fishing village – the last remaining fishing village on the lagoon. Here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the bustling floating market with small boats selling various goods.
In the afternoon, the fishing village welcomes boats returning from a day of fishing for aquatic products such as rabbitfish, hake, conger, penaeus monodon, squid, and crab.
In addition to the Thai Duong Ha fishing village, visitors can explore the Thai Duong Ha communal house, known for its unique and ancient architecture.
Furthermore, if you visit during the Cau Ngu Festival (January 11), you can participate in the spiritual, cultural, historical, and traditional rituals of the locals, experience fishing village life, and learn more about the lives of people in the river region.
5.4. Enjoy Local Food At Tam Giang Lagoon Restaurants
Tam Giang Lagoon, with its brackish waters, offers a wide variety of fresh seafood for visitors to savor. From groupers, red tilapia, brown fish, dragonfly, rabbitfish, hake, and sea bass to glass fish, shrimp, crabs, clams, and oysters, the lagoon's bounty is truly impressive.
When visiting Tam Giang, don't forget to try some famous local specialties:
- Varunidae (Rạm) dishes: Roasted with salt and chili, roasted with tamarind, or roasted with lolot leaves. Rạm, a creature that lives in estuaries or brackish water areas, resembles crabs but has firmer and sweeter meat.
- Rabbitfish porridge: Once served to the king by local people.
- Siganus canaliculatus crispy pancake: A delicious dish not to be missed.
E-park Tam Giang Lagoon, located in the heart of the largest lagoon system in Southeast Asia, is a promising new attraction in Hue. This site, currently under construction, will feature an observation system of houses, recreation areas, cool baths, fishing activities, and various tourism facilities. All of these activities aim to contribute to the protection of aquatic resources in the lagoon area.
Moreover, numerous local restaurants around Tam Giang Lagoon serve fresh seafood at affordable prices. To reach these restaurants, visitors must take a sampan boat ride across the lagoon. Nothing compares to the unique experience of enjoying delicious seafood in the middle of the largest lagoon while admiring a stunning sunset.
5.5. Explore Ru Cha Mangrove Forest
With its wild and poetic beauty, the Ru Cha mangrove forest is a favorite destination for many tourists, especially young people.
This 22-hectare area is the only remaining primeval forest on Tam Giang Lagoon and boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem. The forest plays a vital role in preventing salinity and protecting both aquatic and terrestrial resources.
In the local language, “rú” means forest, while “chá” is the name of a tree species (Excoecaria agallocha) that grows naturally and covers 90% of the area.
Visitors to Ru Cha can enjoy relaxing moments in a cool, peaceful space surrounded by the green hues of planted mangrove trees, such as rhizophora apiculata and bruguiera. Additionally, visitors can savor dishes made from fresh shrimp and fish and enjoy SUP rowing.
5.6. The Floating Market in Ngu My Thanh Village
Ngu My Thanh Village, an age-old fishing village at Tam Giang Lagoon, is known for its timeless charm rooted in fishing and its iconic floating market. The village offers a serene escape from city life.
In 2019, local artists and volunteers adorned the village with lively murals, rejuvenating the area and captivating tourists with vibrant depictions of daily life by the lagoon.
6. Activities and Experiences in Tam Giang Lagoon
6.1. Boat Trips
Fishing with Locals
- Experience: Join local fishermen on their daily routines. Learn traditional fishing techniques and participate in catching fish, shrimp, and other seafood.
- Highlights: Engage in the community’s way of life, understand their connection to the lagoon, and contribute to sustainable tourism.
- Best Time: Early morning when the fishermen start their day, providing a genuine insight into their lifestyle.
Exploring the Lagoon
- Routes: Begin at Thuan An Harbor and traverse the lagoon’s extensive network of waterways. The journey often includes stops at floating markets and fishing villages.
- Scenery: Marvel at the natural beauty, from the vast expanse of water reflecting the sky to the lush mangrove forests and bamboo poles used for fishing.
- Tour Options: Various tours are available, ranging from short excursions to comprehensive day trips, often including meals and guided commentary on the lagoon’s ecology and history.
6.2. SUP Rowing
Guided Tours and Pricing
- Tours: Guided stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) tours are available, typically lasting around 1-2 hours. These tours provide equipment and instruction, making them suitable for beginners.
- Cost: Approximately 100,000 VND per person (around $4), offering an affordable way to explore the lagoon’s serene waters.
Best Routes and Scenic Spots
- Routes: Paddle through the quieter parts of the lagoon, away from motorized boats. Ideal routes include the areas near the Ngu My Thanh mural village and the edges of the Ru Cha mangrove forest.
- Scenic Spots: Sunrise and sunset offer the most stunning views. Paddleboarding during these times allows for breathtaking photos and a peaceful experience as the lagoon transitions through its natural colors.
6.3. Seafood Specialties
Local Dishes to Try
- Bún Riêu: A tangy and savory crab and tomato noodle soup, often enhanced with local herbs and spices.
- Cháo Cá Dìa: A spicy fish porridge, hearty and comforting, typically made with fish caught fresh from the lagoon.
- Bánh Khoái: A type of savory pancake filled with local seafood, providing a crispy and flavorful treat.
Recommended Restaurants and Dining Options
- Market Place Restaurant: Located in Cu Du Village, known for its fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes.
- Moomba Restaurant: Situated in Loc Vinh Commune, offering a variety of local and international cuisine in a relaxed setting.
- The Water Court Restaurant: Also in Loc Vinh Commune, this restaurant is praised for its elegant ambiance and diverse menu featuring local seafood specialties.
These activities and experiences highlight the richness of Tam Giang Lagoon, offering visitors a blend of adventure, culture, and culinary delights. Each activity immerses you in the local lifestyle and natural beauty, making for a memorable visit.
7. Conclusion
Tam Giang Lagoon is not only a unique natural wonder but also an ideal destination for those who love to explore and experience local culture. From the serene beauty of the sunset, the rich biodiversity, to the vibrant life of the fishermen, all contribute to creating a beautiful and colorful picture of Tam Giang.
If you are planning a trip to Hue, be sure to check out the Hue Travel Guide for detailed and useful information. Also, don't miss the list of Things to do in Hue to ensure you have a complete and memorable experience in this ancient capital.
Take the time to visit Tam Giang Lagoon during your exploration of Hue to feel the grandeur of nature and the friendliness of the locals.