Buzz
Visit and unwind at Thieng Lieng Island, Can Gio to experience the fascinating moments this piece of land offers. Untouched, serene, and authentically rustic. Travelers here not only enjoy the sunset over the tranquil sea but also savor dishes crafted with their own hands.
Address of Thieng Lieng Island, Can Gio
The untouched beauty on Thieng Lieng Island – Can Gio Tourist Area (Photo collection)
Thieng Lieng hamlet is situated in Thanh An island commune, Can Gio district, approximately 70km from Ho Chi Minh City center. This small island is surrounded by water on all sides, with winding rivers and canals. To reach Thieng Lieng hamlet, travelers must spend 5-6 hours from the city center using various modes of transportation. The final 2 hours involve a boat ride to reach the destination. This is the sole means for locals to travel between the island and the mainland.
Means of Transportation
The only means of transportation to Thieng Lieng Island is by boat (Photo collection)
Starting from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can reach Thieng Lieng Island by bus or motorcycle.
- Bus in Ho Chi Minh City
From the 23/9 Park bus station, travelers can catch route 20 to Binh Khanh ferry. After crossing the ferry, wait for bus number 90 to Can Thanh. The bus will stop at the Can Thanh bus station, and then you can proceed to the ferry terminal.
- Motorbike
Drive your motorbike to Binh Khanh ferry (Nhà Bè district). After crossing the ferry, ride to the Can Thanh ferry terminal. It's advisable to park your motorbike at the Can Thanh ferry terminal as taking a motorbike on the train to Thiep Lieng might be inconvenient.
Thieng Lieng Island attracts numerous tourists (Photo collection)
Currently, there are 5 daily trips from Can Thanh to Thanh An, departing at 6 am, 9 am, 10:30 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. The travel time is typically around 1 hour. After spending about 30 minutes in Thach An, the boat returns to Can Thanh.
For boats traveling from Thanh An to Thieng Lieng, there are only 2 departures and 2 returns per day. This includes the Thanh An – Thieng Lieng route at 11 am and 4 pm, and the return Thieng Lieng – Thanh An at 5 am and 2 pm. The boat journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Therefore, if you plan to explore Thieng Lieng Island, it is advisable to stay overnight to comfortably enjoy the time without worrying about catching an early return boat.
Despite the long travel distance, why does Thieng Lieng Island in Can Gio still attract a large number of tourists for sightseeing?
What makes Thieng Lieng appealing to tourists
Explore and experience the rustic life on the island (Photo collection)
For many, visiting Thieng Lieng is about discovering and enjoying the peaceful and elegant life here. It's an opportunity to experience a different life in a remote and challenging place compared to bustling Saigon.
The majority of the landscape consists of rivers, canals intertwined with lush forests covering the island. Due to its small size, you can appreciate the island and the sea by cycling or walking. While there are some motorbikes, the experience is more enjoyable on a bicycle or by foot. This ensures the island's air remains fresh, without the high levels of dust found in urban areas.
Thieng Lieng Island is a haven for photography enthusiasts (Photo collection)
For selfie and photography enthusiasts, Thieng Lieng is the perfect place to unleash your creativity. With 216 households, 70% of whom make a living from salt production and the rest engaged in fishing, the scenery is pristine and naturally beautiful. There are no restrictions on shooting areas, making it ideal for those passionate about photography.
Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the beauty of salt-making here. Marvel at the vast and pure white salt fields. However, salt production only occurs during sunny months, so choose your visit accordingly. Thieng Lieng Island, Can Gio, is one of the rare areas preserving the traditional salt-making profession in Saigon.
Admire the beauty of salt-making on the island (Photo collection)
In the evening at Thieng Lieng, tourists can have unique and interesting experiences. The only entertainment for the locals is a small TV. If you visit the island on a Saturday, you'll witness the islanders gathering at a house in the neighborhood to sing traditional folk songs, enjoy some local liquor, and share stories after a week of hard work.
Dining and Accommodation on the Island
Savoring local dishes at a villager's home (Photo collection)
Due to geographical remoteness, life for the locals here is challenging. Therefore, there are no hotels or guesthouses on the island. If tourists wish to stay overnight, they can contact locals for accommodation or request to stay at schools, medical stations, or the local commune's offices. The locals are friendly and open-minded, without any discrimination or bias.
As mentioned earlier, due to limited food options, it's advisable to bring your own meals when visiting. There are only a few local eateries on the island, and prices are reasonable. If you're fortunate enough to make friends with the islanders, they might even treat you to a homemade meal.
