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Tam Giang Lagoon is where the Huong, Bo and O Lau Rivers meet
before they flow into the sea through Thuan An estuary in the central province
of Thua Thien-Hue.
Many traditional craft villages are situated along these three rivers and the
natural beauty and nearby mangrove forests have made the lagoon a popular
tourist destination.
Sailing down the Huong River from Thuan An estuary, tourists can visit Dia Linh
hamlet in Huong Vinh commune, where the craft of traditional wood carving is
still preserved.
Thuy Tu tile making village, built on the silt of the Bo River and characterized
by its red-roofed houses, is the next recommended stop.
An Thuan village is also worth a visit to learn about making green rice flakes
flavored with hot and tasty ginger, sesame seeds and peanuts.
The narrow fishing boats and fishnets here and there in the transparent water
add extra beauty to the lagoon.
Visitors can also tour Thai Duong Ha fishing village where the locals still
preserve their traditional lifestyle, rituals and festivities such as the Cau
Ngu festival for fishermen to pray for the best catch.
Ru Cha, just opposite Thai Duong Ha village, in Thuan Hoa hamlet, Huong Phong
commune, is a very rare primitive mangrove forest in the lagoon. It was mostly
leveled during the last war but the five-hectare area has been restored and is
now protected. It is popular to go trekking through the short Cha trees with big
roots in this wetland reserve.
Small crabs find shelter among the roots of the Cha trees but be careful about
getting too close to the trees because the resin will make your skin itch. If
you do get some resin on your skin, the leaves of nearby Mop trees are good for
soothing the itch caused by Cha resin.
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