Tam Giang Lagoon is the largest brackish water lagoon in all of Southeast Asia and is located in Thua Thien Hue. It offers a wonderful variety of scenery, beautiful fishing villages, and sunsets that are simply mesmerizing.
Introduction To Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon is the largest brackish-water lagoon in Southeast Asia, is part of the Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon system, and is almost 70 kilometers long with about 22,000 hectares of water surface.
In addition to its scenic beauty, Tam Giang Lagoon is an ecosystem unlike any other cultural resource. Visitors can see how traditional fishing methods handed down through generations are practiced, see floating houses on the lagoon, and enjoy food that came directly from the lagoon. If you come to take pictures, go for a boat trip at dawn, or simply sit and breathe, Tam Giang Lagoon offers a unique experience of natural beauty coupled with the real life of local people.
History Of Tam Giang Lagoon
As noted in historic references, Truong Nha Ho and Tam Giang Lagoon struck fear in the hearts of travelers. Previously, travelers to Hue City had to either travel through forest roads or illegally cross the water of Tam Giang Lagoon. Truong Nha Ho was a large, thick forest known for the notorious authors of banditry that thrived there. Tam Giang Lagoon, which means “shallow sea,” was known for dangerous waters. During the Reign of Emperor Minh Mang, it was both renamed Tam Giang. The narrow river mouths created whirlpools, and during strong winds and through wave actions, boats could easily tip over. It was dangerous to travel.
In 1722, Nguyen Khoa Dang was sent to pacify the trouble caused by banditry in Truong Nha Ho. Upon arriving in Hue, Nguyen Khoa Dang was sent to pacify the deadly waves in Tam Giang Lagoon. Nguyen Khoa Dang instructed cannon fire on the aforementioned “tsunami waves.” The waves mysteriously subsided after three cannon shots. This incident became legendary, marking a turning point. The villagers could live free from fear, and boats could safely traverse the lagoon without the violent waters.
Top 4 Iconic Attractions In Tam Giang Lagoon
From tranquil fishing villages to colorful mangrove forests, each corner of the lagoon brings a new experience for anyone traveling in the area. Here are 4 unforgettable destinations that should not be missed.
Chuon Lagoon
Chuon Lagoon is a photographer’s dream where you can capture stunning images any time of the day, from peaceful and romantic sunrises to colorful and vibrant sunsets. From April to July, the lagoon is teeming with wildlife during the seafood harvesting season. Visitors can witness the busy life of local fishermen and try freshly made specialties from the region while they are there.
Annually on the days of 15th, 16th, and 17th of the 7th lunar month, the To lang Chuon Festival is held here with cultural performances, folk games, and food and drink from the region’s cuisine. This is an event that you will not want to miss if you come and experience the culture is your aim.
Thai Duong Ha Fishing Village
A trip to Tam Giang Lagoon would not be complete without a stop at Thai Duong Ha Fishing Village. You will get to experience the daily lives within the fishing community through witnessing fishermen cast nets, to seeing the busy marketplace.
There are cultural landmarks within the village, like the Thai Duong Ha Communal House, which displays solemn ancient architecture, and also Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in the area. This destination provides great interest for travelers interested in culture and history.
Ru Cha Mangrove Forest
Ru Cha is a mangrove forest located at Thuan Hoa Village, about 15 km from Hue City. Ru Cha is the last untouched mangrove forest in the Tam Giang Lagoon system. The area of the mangrove forest spans around 5 hectares, with the most visible and numerous elements of mangrove trees.
Visitors can wander through the area by paddling a small bamboo boat on the winding waterway while listening to the rare species of birds, or walk along a narrow concrete path while being surrounded by the amazing webs of trees. Ru Cha’s natural beauty with an angelic and mystical atmosphere, which is particularly appealing to nature-lovers and photographers.
Tam Giang Floating Market
Compared to the bustling floating markets of southern Vietnam, Tam Giang’s is more peaceful but filled with life. The floating market gathers small wooden boats with lights on the lagoon, and trading will start at around 4 AM. They are selling fresh seafood and daily essentials.
The Tam Giang floating market is quieter than the floating markets of the south, but it gives the visitor a good insight into the simple and authentic life of the lagoon’s fishing community. It is an early morning experience that encompasses the charm and tranquility of this unique location.
5 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Tam Giang Lagoon is not only an attractive place, but also a dynamic cultural space wherein local traditions merge with natural rhythm. From watching the sunrise, through daily floating markets, every experience here connects you to the spirit of lagoon life in Hue.
Watch The Sunrise And Sunset On Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang is at its glory as the sun rises and sets. With a golden sun like a giant glowing egg, the whole surface of the water transforms as the sun floats above or sinks below. It is just pure and unadulterated beauty, like nowhere else in Vietnam. Watching these moments is one of the most unique experiences that you should try at least once when visiting Hue city.
Paddle Boarding Or Rowboat Cruising
You have to try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or rowing a wooden boat in the lagoon. You can paddle by the floating market, through the beautiful mangrove areas, and see the delicious green colors of the mangrove apple. The still waterways also offer you unique photos, especially in the narrow channels specific only to Tam Giang Lagoon.
The services are reasonably priced, starting from only 100,000 VND per person. Paddleboarding and rowing around in a rowing boat are affordable activities for a group of friends who want to enjoy the majestic scenery the lagoon offers.
Visit Local Floating Markets
The floating markets of Tam Giang Lagoon are not just where you can come to trade for fresh seafood. They are also essential to the culture of the lagoon, bustling with the sounds of selling and bargaining, and boast about many colorful or different types of boats. Markets like Chuon Lagoon Market and My Thanh Market are the best ones to experience local life.
A unique specialty of Hue to try while visiting floating markets is Banh Khoai Ca Kinh (crispy pancake with goby fish). Early in the morning is the best time to visit the floating markets for the freshest seafood and a busy atmosphere with warm hospitality from local fishermen.
Capture The Perfect Check-In Picture
The serene and poetic beauty of Tam Giang Lagoon is what makes it such a perfect place for Instagram photography. Whether you are checking in along the edges of the lagoon, sitting in a little boat, or visiting somewhere like Hen Islet or Cau Hai Lagoon, you will have no issue finding postcard views. Each photo will be a memento from your time spent in this peaceful corner of your Hue trip!
Taste Local Specialties
The fertile nature and seafood variety of Tam Giang Lagoon have contributed to a significant culinary history of the region, with fresh, quality ingredients being the foundation of every dish. Seafood is called the “living gold” of Tam Giang. Visitors to the lagoon will be offered different types of catches, red snapper, grouper, rabbitfish, brown spotted grouper, crabs, clams, frogs, and more at very cheap prices.
Entrance Fee
Best of all, the lagoon does not have an entry fee, so be able to appreciate the stunning scenery without buying a ticket. Was there an entry fee, you may have to pay for whether you want use of the connectors.
Examples of connectors include renting a motorbike in Hue at approximately 120,000-150,000 per day, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) on the lagoon costing around 100,000VND per person or you can opt for boat trip with local operators who will have varying pricing.
Best Time To Visit Tam Giang Lagoon
The most magical times to enjoy Tam Giang Lagoon are at sunrise or sunset. As the sun appears above the horizon or slowly sinks behind the horizon, the water reflects beautiful gold, orange, and purple colors, which creates a scene like a painting. The exploitation time is the dry season from March – August, sunny days, clear blue sky, a little rain, the nature is extremely beautiful for exploring and taking photos.
How To Get To Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon is only about 45 minutes from Hue City center, so you can easily reach this destination by motorbike, car, or as part of an organized tour. If you’re a local traveler or staying in Hue, renting a motorbike is one of the easiest and most liberating options to enjoy the adventure. The price is about 120,000-150,000 VND/day.
From Hue City
Route 1: Departing near or around Hue Imperial City, ride through Bao Vinh Ancient Village and continue to follow the markers or use Google Maps towards Con Toc ferry. After crossing the ferry, you will be at the lagoon after approximately 35 minutes.
Route 2: Head towards Thuan An Beach, continue along National Highway 49B, cross Tam Giang Bridge, and keep going until you reach the lagoon. This route takes approximately 45 minutes and offers a much prettier ride.
From Other Cities
You can travel to Hue from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, either by plane, train, or bus. The most direct way is to fly to Hue’s Phu Bai International Airport and then continue by car or motorbike. There are trains or buses available too, but flights will save you a lot of time. The price of each one-way flight is approximately 800,000-1,000,000 VND.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon is a beautiful natural destination, but to truly enjoy your experience, it is important to be prepared. To help you do this, here are some useful tips from Seni World for you:
- The dry season from March to August is a great time to visit, as you avoid the rain and have mild temperatures. The best months are mid-April to mid-June.
- You will also have some great experiences at sunrise and sunset.
- Always wear a life jacket while in a boat.
- Use a local boat service that has a good reputation, and each boat has a local, skilled skipper since they understand the tides and currents during boat tours.
- Avoid using the boat on days with rain and strong winds.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement.
- Bring a camera or phone to capture special moments, and some spare cash for local specialties and souvenirs.
Final Thoughts: Is Tam Giang Lagoon Worth Visiting?
Tam Giang Lagoon is an undiscovered paradise where marvelous scenery and real local life come together, with amazing views of the sunrise, peaceful waters, and the welcoming hospitality of Central Vietnam. With its distinct treasures, fresh seafood, and gentle atmosphere, Tam Giang Lagoon is an experience you won’t forget. Let Seni World help you get there and enjoy the true beauty of Vietnam.
