Tam Giang Lagoon in Hue is one of the largest lagoons in Southeast Asia. This destination offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and presents picturesque scenery and unique cultural values.
As you choose Vietnamtour.in as your guide today, learn crucial information about this landscape and proven tactics to have the best trip to this famous attraction in Vietnam.
Why Is Tam Giang Lagoon A Must-Visited Site In Hue?
When asked about Hue, most tourists might mention the ancient architecture, vibrant city life, pristine beaches, and other cultural values. However, Hue’s beauty goes beyond those listed features, and Tam Giang Lagoon is sure to add a unique touch to your journey.
Here, you will be far from the bustling cityscapes and be surrounded by the tranquility of nature and the warmth of locals. This brackish lagoon system is also rich in biodiversity, offering you exciting activities and remarkable cuisines. More and more tourists are choosing this landscape to stay refreshed and re-energized. It is your turn!
Location
Tam Giang Lagoon is 24 kilometers long and covers 52 square kilometers. It spans across four districts of Thua Thien-Hue province, including Phong Dien, Quang Dien, Huong Tra, and Phu Vang.
It sits at the merge of three major rivers (Bo, O Lau, and Huong) and belongs to the Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon system, the biggest freshwater lagoon network in the city.
Best Time To Visit
Locals recommend visiting Tam Giang Lagoon during the dry season (February to July). These months have clear skies, sunlight, and less rain (fewer floods and storms as well).
Regarding time in the day, early morning (5:30 AM and 7:00 AM) and late afternoon (5:30 PM to 7:00 PM) are perfect for appreciating Tam Giang’s charm. The mesmerizing dusk and dawn over the lagoon create a stunning spectacle that will “wow” anyone.
How To Get There
Tam Giang Lagoon is around 45 minutes from Hue City center. So, if you depart from the city, you can rent a motorbike, hire a private car, or take a taxi. Good news: The routes are rather simple, making them perfect for self-navigation.
Here are two possible routes that you can consider:
- Route 1: Start near Hue Citadel on Le Duan Street. Then, head straight and turn left onto Huynh Thuc Khang Street. Continue straight until you reach Bao Vinh Ancient Village. Here, you will find signs leading to Sia Town. Next, you need to navigate towards Con Toc Ferry Wharf, which will help you approach Tam Giang Lagoon by boat.
- Route 2: Depart from Hue city center and follow the road towards Thuan An Beach. Then, ask locals or use Google Maps to Highway 49B. Follow the highway until you see signs for Tam Giang Lagoon.
>> Read more: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Hue for Indian Tourists
What To Expect In Tam Giang Lagoon
Take A Boat Ride To Enjoy The Tranquility Of The Lagoon
If you want to enjoy the lagoon’s beauty from different angles, you should take a boat or join a SUP rowing activity. As you glide through every corner of the lagoon, you can admire the sour cork trees that line the lagoon’s farming areas. Plus, enjoy the serene waterways and take in the sounds of local activities. The unforgettable SUP adventure costs only around 100,000 VND per person (approximately $4).
See The Sunset – Tam Giang’s Lagoon Signature
As mentioned, Tam Giang Lagoon is most captivating at sunset. It transforms into a romantic landscape with vibrant hues of warm, purple sunlight that descends upon the water’s surface. You can also see fishing boats returning home, forming lines resembling the casuarinas – a popular tree in rural Vietnam.
Admire The Ever-changing Beauty Of Chuon Wetland
Chuon, or Dam Chuon, is a part of this large lagoon. It is where you can enjoy the tranquility and vibrant energy at the same day. The serene peace of dawn and the gentle caress of a romantic evening will make you feel calm and healed. In contrast, the bustling fishing boats of midday will add a lively vibe to your journey. Moreover, if you arrive at this place from the 15th to the 17th of July (lunar calendar), you can join the dynamic Chuon Village Ancestral Festival.
Explore The Bustling Thai Duong Ha Fishing Village
If you are still looking for lively scenes throughout your journey, visit Thai Duong Ha fishing village. Here, you can witness the floating market (which you can also find in Southern Vietnam), where they mainly sell fresh catches of hake, rabbitfish, squid, and more. Additionally, you can wander around and explore the village’s attractions of rich history, such as the ancient Thai Duong Ha Communal House and the Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Embrace The Tranquil Charm Of Ru Cha Mangrove Forest
For those seeking to explore the more pristine beauty of Tam Giang Lagoon, we recommend spending their time in the Ru Cha mangrove forest. This is the only remaining primeval forest here, facilitating a peaceful atmosphere and diverse ecosystem. Besides stunning natural scenery, you can explore the surrounding shrimp and fish farming ponds, which deliver the freshest seafood in the area.
Learn The Lifestyle Of Ngu My Thanh Fishing Village
This is another popular fishing village situated in the Tam Giang Lagoon. Like the previous village, you can dive into the peaceful atmosphere and the seafood market, which is the most vibrant from 4:00 to 7:00 a.m.
What’s more? You can join the local activities by helping them harvest seasonal crops (e.g., corn, beans, and sweet potatoes). Plus, do not forget to visit “Lang Bich Hoa Ngu My Thanh,” a vibrant display of murals capturing the village’s way of life.
Witness The Talents From Craft Villages
Your trip to Tam Giang Lagoon will not be complete if you miss the vibrant craft villages surrounding it. Here, skilled artisans create various goods for daily use or selling, from bamboo knitting products to wooden-carved statues to brick and tile. These handicrafts are perfect for bringing a charming piece of Tam Giang home.
Celebrate The “Cau Ngu” Festival With Locals
If you visit Hue in January (in the Lunar Years of the Rat, Cat, Horse, and Rooster), you can attend the Cau Ngu Festival. With more than 500 years of history, this is one of the most crucial festivals of the locals. They celebrate it to pray for good weather and good luck for the village’s fishermen. While it takes place from dusk until dawn, this festival still attracts many local people and tourists to witness its vibrant traditions.
Enjoy Top Local Food
Well, this might be the most satisfying part of your trip. As you might realize, freshwater fish is the main spot here. With fresh ingredients and simple preparations, you can expect to be impressed by the taste (and the warm hospitality). Here is what you should try:
- Roasted varunidae (Ram) with diverse species
- Rabbitfish porridge with a delicate flavor
- Crispy pancakes (banh xeo) with rabbitfish, squid, or shrimp filling
Notes/Tips When Visiting Tam Giang Lagoon
- Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes
- Pack a hat, sunscreen, and water
- Avoid littering and respect the local environment
- Follow the instructions strictly if you join fishing practices, SUP rowing, etc
- Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and culture
Tam Giang Lagoon will be a promising trip for any nature lover and culture enthusiast. While this guide has given you a detailed introduction to this landscape, there is more to explore to see its true beauty and hear enchanting stories.
So, book Vietnam tour packages with Vietnamtour.in so that you do not miss out on a chance to have a memorable trip. We are eager to be your guide!
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