Embrace the untamed by ditching the hustle and bustle, immerse in the life of a bona fide farmer, handpicking fish, crabs, and snails then relishing them on the spot to savor the simple, rustic beauty of the people of Mo O, Soc Trang.

Venture back to the rustic charm of catching fish in the fields on a journey to Soc Trang.

Set 260km apart from Ho Chi Minh City, Mo O is a 'peculiar' destination for those fond of the pristine allure with its spacious, comfortable ambiance.

Starting from Ho Chi Minh City at 7 pm on Friday, roll along National Highway 60 to Ben Tre City then pause for rest, indulging in street-side delicacies to warm your stomach.

Subsequently, cross Ham Luong Bridge, Co Chien Bridge then head straight to Dai Ngai for a rejuvenating break. A small note, after passing Tra Vinh City, there are some guesthouses along the road 15km from Dai Ngai Ferry, spend the night here as there are no guesthouses along the remaining stretch of road, and the ferry ceases operation after 8 pm.

Relish the untamed by ditching the hustle and bustle, immerse in the life of a bona fide farmer, handpicking fish, crabs, and snails then relishing them on the spot to savor the simple, rustic beauty of the people of Mo O, Soc Trang.

Rise around 7 am to continue the journey through 2 ferries, heading towards National Highway 91C, also known as 'South Hau River,' and straight to Mo O.

In Mo O, there is only one stilt house area situated on a bridge from the mainland to the beach, and there are no overnight accommodations. For a meaningful trip, opt for outdoor camping, which is both cost-effective and creates an ambiance for everyone. Dining here is also quite affordable with dishes like rice, hotpot, squid, shrimp, or other popular dishes.

Mo O area belongs to Tran De district, Soc Trang province, 30km southeast of Soc Trang City. Its name comes from the sand dunes on the waves, amidst the green background of the forest resembling a baby bird's beak facing towards the open sea.

When it comes to Soc Trang tourism, Mo O is perhaps relatively new and not suitable for leisure travelers, instead, it attracts adventurous backpackers, keen on exploring and experiencing the riverine lifestyle.

Visitors here witness firsthand the local life as well as fascinating natural phenomena like tidal fluctuations throughout the day or colorful wind kites dancing on the rocks, creating a mesmerizing sight. Mo O is not bustling but rather maintains a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Once here, one cannot miss rolling up sleeves, wearing old clothes, and wading into the sea to catch rare and precious fish, snails, and seafood just like the locals do.

During high tide, schools of fish rush into the bay, simply wading a bit with hands and feet yields results.

One can cleverly borrow local tools and join them at the bay to hunt for crabs and gather snails. If cleanliness is a concern, one can purchase from the locals after their catch, prices here are fair without any overpricing, then barbecue it for a delightful meal.

For a more diverse selection of dishes, head to Tran De fish market, where various boats offer abundant choices.

Moreover, when visiting Mo O, one can explore the pristine saltwater forests with picturesque, gentle, and serene natural landscapes that are irresistible. Within the forest is the habitat of various animals such as reptiles, birds, or precious seafood: snakes, turtles, fish...

Particularly, a fascinating experience when visiting Mo O is the opportunity to tour on a three-leaf boat, picking ripe banyan fruits to cook sour soup with fermented rice and fresh fish is something everyone wishes for when coming here. The sourness of the fruit and the sweetness of the fish will leave visitors unable to forget this unique flavor.

Furthermore, another aspect when you come to Mo O, the locals here are still very poor, the children often have to skip school to hunt for crabs, catch clams to sell for their family's livelihood at very low prices. If tourists want to fish, please go further out, while the inner area is reserved for unaccompanied young children.

Don't forget to buy some fish or goods to support the local people here. The seafood from the locals is cheaper than half the price of going to Tran De port.

Spend a whole Saturday experiencing the riverine farmer's life with countless unforgettable memories. On the following Sunday, the group can visit more famous tourist attractions in Soc Trang such as One Pillar Pagoda, floating market, Stone Pagoda, Four-faced Pagoda... and conclude the meaningful 2-day, 2-night journey.

By Nam Pham- Xuan Loc/Tuoi Tre

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour