Explore Ngư Mỹ Thạnh Fishing Village on Tam Giang Lagoon
Ngư Mỹ Thạnh, a historic fishing village nestled right on Tam Giang Lagoon in Hue, boasts a rich culture and a distinct way of life, truly characteristic of this captivating watery region. For many years, Tam Giang Lagoon was known for its powerful waves and strong winds, often spoken of as a dangerous stretch of water. However, it has now gracefully transformed into an appealing destination, especially for travelers eager to discover and explore.
Ngư Mỹ Thạnh Fishing Village – Peaceful Life and Unique Riverine Culture on Tam Giang Lagoon, Hue
Ngư Mỹ Thạnh, an ancient fishing village nestled on Hue's Tam Giang Lagoon, boasts a rich and distinctive riverine culture and way of life. Once known as a perilous area of strong waves and winds, Tam Giang Lagoon has now transformed into a captivating destination for adventurous travelers.
The old folk song, 'I long to be with you, my love, but fear Hồ's wilderness, fear Tam Giang Lagoon,' hints at the vast, remote, and challenging nature of Tam Giang Lagoon – a wild, expansive wetland in Hue known for its strong waves and winds.
Yet, few realize that for generations, amidst the vast expanse of water and sky that defines Southeast Asia's largest lagoon system, resilient fishing villages have thrived, creating vibrant tapestries of culture and life for those who live by the water. Among them is Ngư Mỹ Thạnh fishing village (Quảng Lợi commune, Quảng Điền district), a renowned community located not far from the imperial city of Hue, approximately 20km to the northeast.

As dawn breaks, a dreamy violet hue paints the Tam Giang Lagoon, where the fishing boats of Ngư Mỹ Thạnh village lie peacefully, as if still slumbering on the water.
Ngư Mỹ Thạnh is a well-known fishing village on Tam Giang Lagoon in Thừa Thiên Huế province. Originally named Mỹ Thạnh, the village was established around the early 19th century. Initially, it was home to families living on the shore. Later, some fishermen from Phú Vang and Phú Lộc, traveling dozens of kilometers by boat to fish for a living, discovered the lagoon's abundance of shrimp and fish. Finding it a favorable place to work, they settled there, gradually forming a community with the shore dwellers, which became known as Vạn Mỹ Thạnh (Mỹ Thạnh boat village).
The people of Vạn Mỹ Thạnh primarily lived a riverine life, fishing for shrimp and fish on Tam Giang Lagoon. All their daily activities, including eating and sleeping, took place on their boats. They would fish during the day and only return to shore at night to anchor their boats and rest. In 1990, to stabilize the lives of the boat-dwelling community and move them away from the precarious and dangerous existence on the water, the Quảng Lợi commune authorities encouraged them to settle on land and build homes. The village was officially named “Ngư Mỹ Thạnh”.
While life today may be more prosperous, the riverine lifestyle of Ngư Mỹ Thạnh residents largely remains. Every evening, villagers board their boats and head out to the lagoon to catch shrimp and fish. This livelihood continues through the night until around 4 AM, when they return to shore to sell their catch. Consequently, the most vibrant and bustling time in Ngư Mỹ Thạnh fishing village is early morning. Buying and selling activities unfold on the lagoon, at the docks, and along the village roads from before dawn until around 7 AM, when the crowds gradually thin out and disperse.
It is precisely the unique way of life on the vast, majestic waters of Tam Giang Lagoon and the picturesque scenery that draws many visitors seeking an authentic experience...

Here and there on the lagoon, early risers are already diligently trading and selling the fresh catches of shrimp and fish brought in after a night of fishing.

A few Ngư Mỹ Thạnh villagers rise early and head to the dock, waiting for the boats to return from their night's fishing.

As daylight breaks, boats laden with fish and shrimp dock, ready to be brought ashore and sold to early market-goers.

A corner of Ngư Mỹ Thạnh fishing village, a community renowned for its riverine livelihood in Hue's Tam Giang Lagoon region.

The freshly caught shrimp and fish are sold right along the village roads. Consequently, from early morning, before faces are clearly visible, until around 7 AM, the small roads winding along Tam Giang Lagoon in Ngư Mỹ Thạnh village transform into a bustling market, offering all sorts of produce harvested from the lagoon.

Tam Giang Lagoon's produce is famous for its brackish water fish and shrimp varieties. While not abundant in quantity, they are renowned for their exceptional freshness and flavor, including species like spotted scat, sand shrimp, crabs, and clams.

Sand shrimp, also known as 'tôm đất' (earth shrimp), is a small brackish water shrimp with fragrant and firm flesh. It's often used to prepare famous Hue specialties like fermented shrimp (tôm chua) and tapioca dumplings (bánh bột lọc).

A woman hurries to transport the shrimp and fish she purchased from the villagers, ensuring they reach the market in time for the morning session.

A basket of glistening fresh fish, just brought in from the night's catch.

Goby fish and crabs are two of the renowned specialties from the brackish waters of Tam Giang Lagoon.

A small basket containing various types of fish.

Images of Ngư Mỹ Thạnh fishermen quickly hauling in their last net, eager to return home and rest after a strenuous night of fishing.

The floating market area, where Ngư Mỹ Thạnh fishermen gather every morning to sell their shrimp and fish, has now also become a community tourism spot, attracting many visitors eager to explore the life and culture of the Tam Giang Lagoon residents.

The narrow alleys of Ngư Mỹ Thạnh fishing village are adorned with murals depicting scenes of riverine life on Tam Giang Lagoon.

Occasionally, along these narrow alleys, one encounters small shrines and vibrant red 'phan' branches, symbols of the age-old tradition of worshipping water deities, a practice deeply rooted among the riverine inhabitants of Ngư Mỹ Thạnh fishing village.
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Update day : 14/09/2023
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