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. (Source: SGT)