Thieng Lieng Community Tourism Point – A Hidden Green Gem Amidst Vast Waterways

When mentioning Ho Chi Minh City, people often think of a bustling, crowded metropolis. But did you know that just about 70 km from the city center, there exists a place with tranquility, simple beauty, rich in river culture? That is Thieng Lieng Hamlet, Thanh An Commune, Can Gio District. This is not only the home of rustic people but also a unique community tourism destination waiting for you to explore.

1. Journey to Thieng Lieng – An Interesting Experience

To get to Thieng Lieng, you will go through a unique journey combining both land and water routes. From downtown Ho Chi Minh City, you travel by car to Binh Khanh Ferry, then continue to Thanh An island commune. The final leg involves a boat ride to Thieng Lieng Hamlet, a small oasis amidst vast waterways. The travel process is not just a means to get there but also an opportunity for tourists to admire the countryside scenery, green nipa palm rows on both sides of the river, and the peaceful rhythm of local life.

2. Thieng Lieng – Pristine and Simple Beauty

Upon setting feet in Thieng Lieng, you will immediately feel the serenity and relaxation. Thieng Lieng does not have tall buildings or bright lights, only simple thatched-roof houses, winding small roads, and pristine white salt fields stretching out. This is a place where nature and people blend, creating a close and rustic countryside life picture.

3. Experiencing Salt Making – A Unique Traditional Craft

The highlight when visiting Thieng Lieng is the opportunity to experience salt making – a traditional craft that has been closely tied to the people here for generations. Thieng Lieng is known as the "salt capital" of Ho Chi Minh City, with vast salt fields. You will witness the meticulous manual salt-making process, from leading seawater into the fields, sun drying, to crystallizing into white salt grains.
Not stopping at observing, you can also participate in each step, feeling the hardships but also the joy when joining the locals. The result will be clean salt grains made by you, taken home as a memorable souvenir.

4. Exploring Local Cuisine

After a morning of sightseeing and experiencing, take some time to enjoy the specialty dishes in Thieng Lieng. The cuisine here is a blend of rustic flavors and fresh ingredients from nature. Don't miss the chance to taste grilled mudskipper, coconut snails stir-fried, or crispy seafood pancake. Additionally, some wild vegetables and natural fruits here are also worth trying.

5. Meeting and Interacting with Local People

Thieng Lieng's people are famous for their friendliness and hospitality. When you come here, you are not just a tourist but a welcomed guest. They will tell you interesting stories about river life, the salt-making process, or long-standing traditional customs. This is an opportunity to learn more about the local culture and feel the sincerity and simplicity of the people here.

6. Other Interesting Activities

In addition to salt-making experiences, some highlights you should note in your journey to explore Thieng Lieng island hamlet for a complete trip:
• Giong Chua Mountain: The only rock mountain in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring pristine natural space and lush green forests. At the foot of the mountain, there is the famous "Nu Wa's footprint."
• Five Elements Lady Temple: A unique spiritual space with many paintings and sculptures depicting deities: Water Dragon, Fire Phoenix, Wood Essence, Quynh Flower, and Golden Cloud. The Ba Ngu Hanh festival on the 19th of the lunar February attracts many tourists and locals to pray for health and peace.
• Tai Tu Music Space: Features traditional amateur music of Southeast Vietnam, with national instruments such as lyre, lute, and guitar, combined with rustic voices, recalling the life and culture of this land.
• Nostalgic Space in Thieng Lieng Island: Helps tourists return to old memories through a collection of rural items, connecting generations and providing interesting experiences.

7. Green Journey – Protecting Nature

Thieng Lieng is not just a tourist destination but also a place of significant natural conservation value. This area is part of the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. When participating in activities in Thieng Lieng, tourists are encouraged to undertake environmental protection actions, such as not littering, minimizing single-use plastics, and planting trees.

8. Conclusion

Thieng Lieng may not be a luxurious, splendid destination, but its simplicity and tranquility captivate many tourists. This is a place where you can set aside the daily hustle, return to nature, and feel the slow, peaceful rhythm of life.

Other Activities:
• Boating on the river, weaving through nipa palm forests.
• Camping overnight, watching the starry sky and feeling the cool, peaceful air.
• Taking check-in photos at beautiful angles in salt fieldsor small boat docks.