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Upon his first visit to Thieng Lieng island hamlet, Nguyen Thanh Tuan – a freelance photographer from Tra Vinh province currently living and working in Ho Chi Minh City – was amazed by the natural beauty and tranquility of the place. Despite being only a few hours' boat ride from the city center, Thieng Lieng retains its unique pristine charm, a place that, as Tuan shared, "is a bit remote and difficult to reach, but beautiful and peaceful like a painting of rivers and water."
To date, Thieng Lieng is the only community-based tourism model in Ho Chi Minh City that offers many interesting experiences.
Journey to the island hamlet
To reach Thieng Lieng, visitors must travel by boat through the characteristic mangrove canals. The journey begins at the pier, where visitors are welcomed with tropical fruits and hear stories about the riverine life of the Can Gio residents. Thanh Tuan commented: “Both sides of the boat are lined with mangrove forests, and watching the lives of the coastal people and the river scenery is so peaceful and refreshing. I was very surprised that a developed city like Ho Chi Minh City has such pristine, lush 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 time on the island, Tuan participated in a series of simple yet fascinating activities. Cycling around the island was a great way to explore the landscape and enjoy the fresh air. He had the opportunity to admire the vast white salt fields, a specialty of the island. Morning was the ideal time to stroll along the salt fields, when the first rays of sunlight shone down, sparkling on the saltwater pools preparing to turn into salt. "The sunrise and sunset over the salt fields are truly amazing," Tuan shared.
Enjoy cycling and breathe in the fresh air of the island.
Additionally, visitors can participate in unique activities such as paddleboarding, catching seafood with local fishermen, or hiking through the mangrove forest. For those who appreciate culture, they can also enjoy traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music in the warm atmosphere of a local fisherman's family.
Enjoy these delicious traditional cakes.
Immerse yourself in the melodies of traditional Vietnamese folk music.
Salt fields - a specialty of Thieng Lieng island
Immerse yourself in the rhythm of island life.
In Thieng Lieng, tourists can stay in family-run homestays. Although lacking modern facilities, these homestays still offer a comfortable experience thanks to the thoughtful care of the owners. Tuan was most impressed by the sincerity and hospitality of the islanders. He shared: “Currently, the island is still quite unspoiled, so infrastructure and transportation to the island are still limited. However, I found that the island has plenty of accommodation, with many households offering affordable homestays. What's important is the warmth and hospitality, so I felt like I was visiting relatives. Like everyone else, I don't want the island to be too developed or covered in concrete; I prefer a green, rustic island.”
Another remarkable thing is that the locals always keep the environment clean; there is almost no litter to be seen on the island, every road has a trash can, and all the shops and restaurants are clean and tidy.
Thieng Lieng Island may be small, but it offers many experiences.
The cuisine in Thieng Lieng mostly consists of simple yet unique dishes, prepared by the locals themselves. Tuan shared his particular fondness for the food here, from traditional cakes to the refreshing coconut ice cream – a famous beverage of Thieng Lieng. Each household on the island has its own cooking secret, providing an unforgettable culinary experience for visitors. These dishes are not only delicious but also rich in the flavors of Southern Vietnam, deeply connected to the nature and people of the region.
The cuisine features a diverse range of seafood dishes.
"As a tourist island, most of the food here is prepared by the locals using their own produce. Each household specializes in a delicious dish, so as a guest, you can eat from morning till night without worrying about going hungry. Every dish is delicious and meticulously prepared. Not only are the ingredients and dishes diverse, but the space in each household is also very beautiful, clean, and mostly designed with bamboo, close to nature. My favorite dishes are from the family kitchen of Mr. Muoi Bung, the coconut ice cream of Mr. Tu Tuan, and the traditional cakes of Mr. Hai Loan...", Tuan said.
A hidden gem nestled amidst the waterways.
Based on his experiences, Tuan believes that Thieng Lieng will be an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Although it lacks modern amenities, Thieng Lieng attracts tourists with its rustic charm and unspoiled landscape. "Unlike crowded tourist destinations, which may have more amenities and services, I like Thieng Lieng for its unspoiled nature, the beauty of the people, the preserved way of life, its proximity to the city center, and the affordable cost of a trip," Tuan said.
The tranquil scenery on the island
Thieng Lieng is not only an emerging destination but also a special mark in the hearts of every visitor. It is a testament to the potential of sustainable green tourism, where the local landscape and culture are preserved and developed harmoniously.
