The first time he set foot on Thieng Lieng island, Nguyen Thanh Tuan - a freelance photographer from Tra Vinh, currently living and working in Ho Chi Minh City, was amazed by the natural beauty and tranquility of this place. Although located only a few hours by train from the city center, Thieng Lieng still retains its special pristine beauty, a place that, according to Tuan, "is a bit remote and difficult to reach, but beautiful and peaceful like a river painting".
Up to now, Thieng Lieng is the only community tourism model in Ho Chi Minh City that possesses many interesting experiences.
Journey to the island
To reach Thieng Lieng, visitors must travel by boat through the typical mangrove canals. The journey begins at the wharf, where visitors are welcomed with tropical fruits and hear stories about the river life of Can Gio residents. Thanh Tuan commented: “On both sides of the road are mangrove forests, watching the life of the sea people, the river scene is so peaceful and cool. I was very surprised that a developed city like Ho Chi Minh City has such pristine, green places.”
Being an island within an island, accessing this tourist destination is not easy for first-time visitors.
Fun activities in Thieng Lieng
During his days on the island, Tuan participated in a series of rustic but attractive activities. Cycling around the island is a great way to explore the landscape and enjoy the fresh air. He had the opportunity to admire the white salt fields stretching out, a specialty of this island. Morning is the ideal time to stroll along the salt fields, when the first rays of sunlight shine down, sparkling on the salty water cells preparing to become salt. “The sunrise and sunset on the salt fields are really amazing,” Tuan shared.
Cycling to enjoy the fresh air of the island
In addition, visitors can also participate in unique activities such as SUP rowing, catching seafood with fishermen, or trekking through mangrove forests. If you love culture, visitors can also listen to traditional music - a typical art form of the South, in the warm atmosphere of a fisherman's family.
Enjoy delicious traditional cakes
Or immerse yourself in the melodies of traditional music
Salt fields - specialty of Thieng Lieng island
Immerse yourself in island life
In Thieng Lieng, visitors can stay at family homestays. Although there are no modern facilities, the homestays here still create comfort, thanks to the thoughtful care of the hosts. Tuan is most impressed with the sincerity and hospitality of the islanders. He shared: “Currently, the island is still quite wild, so the facilities and means of transportation to the island are still difficult. However, I see that the island also has enough accommodation, many households run homestay businesses with affordable prices. The important thing is the sentiment and spirit of hospitality, so I feel like I am visiting relatives. Like everyone else, I also do not want the island to be developed, with too much concrete, I prefer a green, rustic island."
Another special thing is that the people always keep the environment clean. There is almost no trash on the island. Every street has trash cans and the shops are clean and tidy.
Thieng Lieng Island is small but has many experiences.
Thieng Lieng's cuisine is mostly rustic but unique, prepared by the locals. Tuan shares his special love for the dishes here, from traditional cakes to cool coconut ice cream - a famous drink of Thieng Lieng. Each household on the island has its own cooking secret, bringing an unforgettable culinary experience to visitors. These dishes are not only delicious but also imbued with the flavor of the Southern region, closely connected with the nature and people here.
Diverse cuisine with seafood dishes
"As it is a tourist island, most of the dishes here are prepared by the locals from homegrown products. Each household is responsible for a delicious dish. As a guest, you can eat from morning to night without fear of hunger. Every dish is delicious and well-prepared. Not only do they invest in ingredients and have a variety of dishes, but each household here is also very beautiful, clean, and designed mostly with bamboo, close to nature. My favorite dishes are the Muoi Bung family kitchen, Tu Tuan coconut ice cream, Hai Loan family's folk cakes...", Tuan said.
Hidden gem in the river region
With all the experiences, Tuan believes that Thieng Lieng will be an ideal destination for those who want to temporarily leave the hustle and bustle of urban life. Although it does not possess modern amenities, Thieng Lieng attracts tourists with its rusticity and wild landscape. "Unlike crowded tourist destinations, which may have more amenities and more services, I like Thieng Lieng for its wildness, natural beauty, the people's lives are still preserved, a place very close to the city center, the cost of a trip is also suitable for many people," Tuan said.
Idyllic scenery on the island
Thieng Lieng is not only an emerging destination but also a special mark in the hearts of every tourist. This is a testament to the potential of sustainable green tourism, where the landscape and local culture are preserved and developed in harmony.
