Experience Tam Giang Hue – the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia

Not only known as the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia, Tam Giang Hue is also regarded as one of the most beautiful and captivating tourist destinations in the fascinating land. It carries the untouched beauty and rare tranquility that leaves anyone who visits in awe and admiration. If you’re unfamiliar with this place, today’s article will provide you with all the necessary information and tips to start a convenient and memorable journey.

Introduction to some features of Tam Giang Hue before exploration

Where is Tam Giang Hue located and how far is it from the city center?

The first thing that travelers want to know when planning to explore this destination is the address of Tam Giang Hue. It is a lagoon located within the Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon system, in Ngu My Thanh village, Quang Loi. This location is approximately 15 km away from the city center of Hue, which takes about 35 minutes to travel by car, and about 120 km away from the tourist city of Da Nang. Despite being close to Hue, this place boasts a completely different, poetic, and close-to-nature beauty. It has become one of the attractive tourist destinations in Thua Thien – Hue.

Where does the name Tam Giang come from?

For those who are fond of traveling to Hue and enjoy exploring, the name Tam Giang is not unfamiliar. Famous and beautiful as it is, do you know why it is called Tam Giang? According to the “Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi” historical document, Tam Giang was originally called “bien can” (dried-up sea) and it wasn’t until 1821 that it was officially renamed as Tam Giang.

The name originates from the fact that the river divides into three branches when flowing into the lagoon.

Many documents explain that the name was given because the river divides into three branches when flowing into the lagoon: From the O Lau River (also known as Luong Dien River), it flows down towards the southwest into the lagoon, forming three river mouths: Ta River, Trung River, and Huu River. Each river flows for 2-3 miles, hence the name Tam Giang. Currently, the lagoon is rich in diverse dynamic and plant resources, serving as an important waterway and connecting link for economic exchange and trade in the region.

Guide on how to get from the center of Hue to Tam Giang Hue

There are two route options to reach Tam Giang Hue.

Although not located in the city center, reaching Tam Giang Hue is not difficult. From Hue, you can choose one of the following two routes:

  • First route: At Le Duẩn Street near the Hue Imperial City, go straight and then turn left onto Huỳnh Thúc Kháng Street. Continue straight until you reach Bao Vinh Ancient Village, where you will encounter a signboard. Follow the directions on the signboard to reach the town of Sịa. From the town, find the way to the Cồn Tộc ferry terminal, then hire a boat to explore the lagoon or cross to the other side to reach Tam Giang Hue.

  • Second route: Depart from the city center and head towards Thuận An Beach. A few kilometers away from this beach, there is a bridge. On the bridge, there are signs indicating a road to Thuận An Beach and another road to QL 49A. Choose to turn left onto QL 49A, follow the signposts, and the instructions on the boards to reach Tam Giang Bridge and Tam Giang Hue.

You can also take the QL 1A route. This route is suitable for those who do not want to visit the center of Hue, as it is shorter and more spacious (about 11 km). Along the way, you can admire the ancient beauty of Hue’s villages and the lush green rice fields.

Exploring Tam Giang Hue

DanangPrivateCar’s.com suggests that you can explore independently or join a tour:

  • Independent exploration: If you are traveling alone or with a small group, you can choose to rent a motorbike in Hue, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day. If you choose to ride a motorbike, remember to carefully check the bike before setting off and ensure you have a phone with a 4G connection and Google Maps installed in case you get lost. Alternatively, if you are traveling with a larger group or family, booking a private car rental with driver in Hue is the optimal choice.
  • Tour exploration: For those who feel less confident in self-navigation, there are various one-day tours from Hue that include Tam Giang Hue as a destination. Joining a tour eliminates the worry about transportation as the travel company will handle all arrangements. You can book a motorbike tour with a driver who also serves as your guide to explore Tam Giang Hue and other places. You can make reservations directly on the website DanangMotorbikeAdventure.com or via email at danangmotorbikeadventure@gmail.com.

What is beautiful and worth exploring in Tam Giang Hue?

What makes Tam Giang Hue an attractive tourist destination? It is a famous ecotourism site in Thua Thien Hue, with a length of about 24 km and a total area of about 52 km2. It stretches across 12 communes in 3 different districts: Phong Dien, Quang Dien, and Huong Tra.

You will surely be enchanted by the beauty of Tam Giang.

This place has a pristine and peaceful charm, surrounded by vast water on all sides. The lagoon has a depth ranging from 2 to 4 meters, with some areas reaching up to 7 meters deep. This largest brackish water lagoon in Southeast Asia not only provides a significant source of income for the locals through aquaculture and fishing activities but also captivates many travel enthusiasts.

The locals and visitors alike consider Tam Giang as a graceful and charming lady of Hue. It boasts a rich ecosystem and unique genetic resources. Perhaps, it is because of these characteristics that this place retains its untouched and peaceful beauty. Here, you can admire the breathtaking natural scenery, visit traditional fishing villages imbued with Hue’s culture, explore interesting destinations, and indulge in a wide variety of fresh seafood delicacies.

When is the best time to visit Tam Giang Lagoon?

Choosing the right time is crucial if you’re planning to explore Tam Giang Lagoon in Hue. According to the shared experiences of many people, except for periods with heavy rain (usually towards the end of the year), this destination is beautiful in every season, so you can visit at any time you want. However, the ideal time is still summer, on sunny days with clear blue skies. Not only is it convenient for transportation, but you can also fully appreciate the beauty of the lagoon and its surrounding areas.

To fully enjoy the beauty of the lagoon, you should choose sunny days.

One more small tip to keep in mind is the time of day. The best times are around 5:30 in the morning and 5:30 in the evening. These are the moments when the sunrise and sunset occur, creating a more beautiful and poetic atmosphere. The entire lagoon area immersed in the radiant golden-red light is a sight that will captivate anyone. If you can’t leave early, you can consider booking accommodation or a homestay near this area for convenient travel and to catch the scenery in time!

Exciting experiences when visiting Tam Giang Lagoon

When you visit Tam Giang Lagoon in Hue, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning and unique landscapes of this place. If you’re wondering what activities to do here, below are some suggestions for you.

Check-in at Rú Chá Mangrove Forest near Tam Giang Lagoon

The Rú Chá Mangrove Forest in Hue can be said to be the hottest tourist spot in Tam Giang Lagoon that you must spend some time exploring. It is essentially a pristine natural forest that nature has generously given to Tam Giang. This place has a rich ecosystem of vegetation and diverse wildlife. The notable feature is the dense mangrove trees growing densely like sturdy walls surrounding the area. You only need to take a boat deep into the forest to explore it completely.

The Rú Chá Mangrove Forest is a place you shouldn’t miss.

Here, you will feel detached from the outside world, wild and pure, helping you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In addition, the tree-lined paths in Rú Chá Forest are extremely popular among young people and chosen as a “virtual living” check-in spot. If you have the opportunity, don’t forget to capture a few photos before you leave!

Explore Chuồn Lagoon in the Tam Giang Lagoon system

Chuồn Lagoon is also a lagoon within the Tam Giang Lagoon system and is worth a visit. This place is a vast land of rivers and water, with a genuine and straightforward human presence. What impresses tourists when coming here is the beauty that changes throughout the day. Every moment, Chuồn Lagoon adorns itself with a unique and gentle yet charming appearance.

But perhaps the most enchanting and sparkling moments are in the early morning or at sunset. These are the times many people choose to “hunt” for photos. I suggest renting a small boat to take a tour around the lagoon. The fresh air and cool breeze will make you feel much more relaxed and at ease.

Visiting the Thai Duong Ha Fishing Village next to Tam Giang Lagoon in Hue

When visiting Tam Giang Lagoon in Hue, it would be a huge omission not to visit the Thai Duong Ha Fishing Village. It is located next to the lagoon, facing the East Sea, and resembles a small island on the lagoon. This ancient fishing village has existed for hundreds of years and continues to thrive and develop until now. It combines the harmonious beauty of traditional Vietnamese village halls with the cultural aspects of temples and shrines in the former imperial land. It is an ideal place to explore the culture.

Thai Duong Ha Fishing Village – where people mainly live by fishing.

Similar to most fishing villages, the people of Thai Duong Ha Village make a living primarily through net fishing, catching and farming aquatic products. Men go out to sea on boats, while women harvest clams in the lagoon. When visiting the village, you will have the opportunity to sit on the fishing boats of the fishermen, participate in fishing activities, and experience the life of a real fisherman. Additionally, every three years on the 12th day of the lunar calendar, the fishermen organize a grand fishing festival.

Unique experience of the floating market in Tam Giang Lagoon, Hue

If you think floating markets are only found in the Mekong Delta, you are mistaken. It is also one of the distinctive features of Tam Giang Lagoon. The floating markets in this brackish lagoon typically start gathering from 4 am and disperse at sunrise (around 6 am). The floating market in Tam Giang Lagoon is not crowded with boats, nor does it offer a wide variety of goods like other floating markets. It mainly focuses on trading seafood caught by fishermen.

Floating market on Tam Giang lagoon.

That’s why it is understandable that the traders in the market are all locals. They are the fishermen living in Thai Duong Ha Village, Ngư Mỹ Thạnh, and others. Therefore, these floating markets are always bustling with the voices of people mingling with the sound of boats running and the flow of the river. It is undoubtedly an activity that you will find very enjoyable to experience.

Admiring the Sunset at Tam Giang Lagoon

Whether exploring the fishing village, the Rá Chú mangrove forest, or the Chuồn lagoon, there is one thing that visitors should not miss, and that is the sunset at Tam Giang Lagoon. Experiencing the sunset at the lagoon will bring you emotions that are hard to find elsewhere. Unlike the ancient and tranquil sunsets at Thiền Viền Trúc Lâm or the Khai Dinh Tomb, here you will witness magnificent colors bestowed by nature upon this land.

The sunset over Tam Giang Lagoon is breathtakingly beautiful.

Between 4 pm and 5:30 pm, the golden and rosy light spreads across the entire lagoon, creating a romantic painting that captivates people’s hearts. At this time, the weather gradually transitions into a dreamy purple, and the boats dock after a day of hard work and fishing. The swaying clusters of trees and flocks of birds returning to their nests… All of it creates a gentle, poetic, and sentimental scenery. Of course, capturing these enchanting and vibrant moments in photographs is a must.

Epark Tam Giang Lagoon Ecotourism Area

As an attractive tourist destination in Hue that attracts many visitors, especially young people, the development of the Epark Tam Giang Lagoon ecotourism area is a response to their need for entertainment and relaxation when coming to this region of Central Vietnam.

Visitors should not forget to check-in at this ecotourism area.

Located within the Tam Giang Lagoon area, you will be able to admire the picturesque scenery with vast water waves and a clear blue sky. The lush green wind-blocking forests blend with the salty scent of the sea and the refreshing taste of the air, relieving all stress and fatigue. Moreover, this ecotourism area is also considered a superb and unique check-in spot.

What to Eat When Traveling to Tam Giang Hue? Famous Local Specialties

After a period of exploring Tam Giang Hue, it’s time for you to take a break and indulge in the delicious local dishes and specialties that can only be found around the lagoon. Here, you can enjoy traditional dishes from the region such as banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake) with shrimp, snakehead fish, and more. Especially if you are a seafood lover, this place can be called a paradise. Shrimp, crabs, clams, fish, and more, all are fresh and flavorful as they come from the brackish water rather than the sea. Some famous and delicious fish varieties you should try include “ca dia” (mullet fish), “ca hay” (ponyfish), “ca doi” (giant gourami), “ca hanh hao” (herring), “ca chinh” (barramundi), “ca vuoc” (goby), and more.

Apart from seafood, you should not miss this dish.

Although not particularly unique, it carries the taste of the countryside, evoking a sense of familiarity and leaving a sentimental feeling in the hearts of visitors to the lagoon. In addition to dining at local markets and small eateries, you can also choose one of the following restaurants:

  • Cồn Tộc Restaurant (Tam Giang Lagoon)

This is a restaurant that many visitors come to enjoy. It has a beautiful and poetic atmosphere with a refreshing view of the lagoon. Not only that, the food at Cồn Tộc is highly praised for its delicious taste, clean preparation, and very affordable prices. The staff is enthusiastic and friendly, making everyone feel welcome.

  • Tam Giang Hoi Quan Restaurant (Thuan An Town, Huong Tra)

If you’re not sure what to eat and where to go when traveling to Tam Giang Hue, you can visit Tam Giang Hoi Quan Restaurant. Due to its location near the lagoon, the restaurant offers a spacious and airy environment. They serve a diverse menu with rich flavors that appeal to everyone’s taste buds. Moreover, they also offer complimentary green tomato and cucumber appetizers with delicious fish sauce.

Are there accommodations available for overnight stays in the Tam Giang lagoon area?

Due to the relatively short distance between Tam Giang lagoon and the city center of Hue, most visitors from various places choose to book accommodations in Hue and then travel to explore the lagoon during the day. Staying in the city center is more convenient because you can combine exploring various attractions around the city, experience the night market, and participate in nighttime activities in the ancient capital. It is especially convenient for dining options.

However, there is a charming resort in the middle of the lagoon for those who want to stay overnight.

Nevertheless, if you wish to witness the early sunrise on Tam Giang lagoon in Hue, you can book accommodations for one night near the area. There are various types of accommodations available around the lagoon, such as hotels, guesthouses, homestays, etc., for you to choose from. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Vedana Lagoon Resort and Spa: Located near Tam Giang lagoon.
  2. Ana Mandara Hue: Located in Thon An Hai, Thuan An town.
  3. New Space Arts Stay: Located in Phu Thuong, Phu Vang.
  4. Shmily Homestay: Located in Lai The, Phu Thuong, Phu Vang.

What should I prepare when experiencing Tam Giang lagoon in Hue?

Attire for visiting Tam Giang lagoon:

When it comes to Tam Giang lagoon, it’s not just about this specific lagoon. There are many other beautiful check-in spots nearby. Therefore, invest in preparing beautiful outfits for your “insta-worthy” photos. Before your trip, check the weather forecast to pack suitable clothes. Summers in Hue are usually hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching 40°C, so opt for loose and cool attire to stay comfortable. And if you’re visiting in winter, don’t forget to bring a jacket as it can get quite cold.

Prepare necessary items:

When exploring riverine areas, there’s a chance of accidentally getting your clothes wet, so pack a lightweight spare outfit just in case. Additionally, equip yourself with a 4G network and have Google Maps ready to access information and navigate when needed. Bring a hat, sunscreen, phone, camera, selfie stick, and other essentials to capture beautiful memories.

Imagine what it would be like to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and arrive at a place with the simple and rustic scenery of the countryside and waterways. You would feel peaceful and comfortable. If you want to experience this, visit Tam Giang lagoon in Hue. It’s guaranteed not to disappoint you.

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Teknik Telekomunikasi
October 5, 2023
Are there customizable tour packages or itineraries available through Danang Private Car for exploring Da Nang and its surroundings?

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