Going 'cooling off' at Tam Giang lagoon

A group of tourists embarked on a journey to the Tam Giang lagoon near Hue, Vietnam, seeking a refreshing escape and a taste of local life. The tour, priced at 680,000 Vietnamese dong, promised an immersive experience in the region's unique aquatic environment.

Upon arrival, the group, comprising 11 individuals primarily in their late 50s, were eager to capture memories through photographs at the "Ngu My Thanh" landmark. Their enthusiasm for documenting the experience, involving multiple outfit changes and playful poses, led to delays, much to the amusement of the tour guide and fellow travelers.

The primary activities included observing the "do no" fishing method, a traditional technique involving a fish trap, and participating in "dap dia," a hands-on experience of digging for clams in the shallow waters. Local fisherman Bac Ty guided the tour, providing insights into the lagoon's ecosystem and the traditional livelihoods it supports.

Participants, shedding any inhibitions associated with their age, enthusiastically waded into the water, laughing and splashing as they searched for clams. The experience evoked a sense of childhood nostalgia for many. Meanwhile, younger groups on nearby boats also engaged in clam digging, with some successfully filling their nets.

The author, initially hesitant to use a phone for photography, chose to fully absorb the sensory experience – the gentle breeze, the expansive lagoon, and the picturesque sunset. The highlight for many was the fresh, locally sourced seafood, including grilled fish, shrimp, and clams, prepared by Bac Ty, adding a culinary delight to the natural beauty of Tam Giang lagoon.