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Thiềng Liềng Island, located in the isolated Thạnh An island commune of Cần Giờ District, offers a peaceful and rustic countryside charm, providing visitors with unique experiences.
An overview of Thiềng Liềng Island
Thiềng Liềng Island is situated approximately 70km from Ho Chi Minh City's center, within the Thạnh An island commune of Cần Giờ District (the only suburban district of Ho Chi Minh City bordering the sea). The island is home to around 243 households, primarily engaged in salt farming and fishing. The island features a single 4km oval-shaped road winding through salt fields, rivers, canals, and mangrove forests.
In addition to traditional livelihoods, residents of Thiềng Liềng Island have developed community-based tourism. This includes homestays, cultural and artistic activities, local cuisine, and visits to scenic spots on the island. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences tied to the local lifestyle, livelihood activities, and cultural preservation. The island remains largely untouched by modernization, retaining its natural simplicity and charm. It is an ideal destination for those seeking peace, quiet, and fresh air.
Traveling to Thiềng Liềng
Ho Chi Minh City Center – Thiềng Liềng
From Ho Chi Minh City center, visitors can hire a speedboat departing from Bạch Đằng Pier (District 1). The cost is approximately 18-20 million VND per trip for 16-18 passengers, with a travel time of about 2 hours. Alternatively, from Ngôi Sao Việt Waterbus Pier (District 7), travelers can rent a speedboat and reach the destination in around 2 hours.
However, this mode of transportation is relatively expensive. To travel by speedboat, visitors need to form large groups or join tours.
Ho Chi Minh City Center – Dần Xây Ferry Pier – Thiềng Liềng
Traveling via the Rừng Sác route, visitors can reach Dần Xây Ferry Pier (at the foot of Dần Xây Bridge). From here, they can hire a local speedboat or motorboat to reach Thiềng Liềng in about 30 minutes. The cost for a speedboat from Dần Xây Pier to the island ranges from 6.5-7 million VND per trip, accommodating 16-18 passengers.
Ho Chi Minh City Center – Cần Thạnh – Thạnh An – Thiềng Liềng
If traveling by bus, visitors can take bus number 20 to Bình Khánh Ferry. After purchasing a ferry ticket, they can board bus number 90 to reach Cần Thạnh. For those using private vehicles, they can drive and park at Tắc Suất Ferry Pier (Cần Thạnh Town).
From Cần Thạnh, travelers must take a boat to Thạnh An Commune. From Thạnh An, they can continue by boat to the island. There are approximately 5 daily boat trips from Cần Thạnh to Thạnh An at 6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM, with a travel time of about one hour.
Boats from Thạnh An to Thiềng Liềng operate twice daily, departing Thạnh An at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Return trips depart Thiềng Liềng at 5:00 AM and 2:00 PM, with each journey taking approximately 45 minutes.
Experiences at Thiềng Liềng
At Thiềng Liềng, visitors can explore 24 destinations. They can immerse themselves in the simple island life, savor delicious local dishes, and participate in unique recreational activities.
Bicycle rental
Visitors to the island can rent bicycles for exploration at a rate of 60,000 VND per day. Cycling around to discover nature is a delightful experience for travelers.
Visit local households offering various services
At Út Kiều and Mười Giạ households, guests can enjoy refreshing island specialties like salted lemon juice, aloe vera drink, and butterfly pea flower tea. Hộ Hai Loan offers a chance to savor colorful traditional cakes. At Sáu Trúng’s place, visitors can relish chilled herbal tea mixed with creamy coconut milk, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Tư Tuấn’s household is famous for its rich and chewy coconut ice cream, a treat that captivates every palate.
Explore Giồng Chùa Mountain
Giồng Chùa Mountain is the only rocky mountain in Ho Chi Minh City and also the lowest in Vietnam, standing at 10 meters above sea level. Originating from volcanic activity, it rises amidst the lush greenery of mangrove forests. Visitors can conquer its peak or explore the Thiềng Liềng hiking trail, which winds through cool mangrove trees and offers insights into the mangrove ecosystem.
Listen to traditional Đờn ca tài tử music
When visiting Thiềng Liềng Island, travelers can enjoy the sweet melodies of vọng cổ songs performed by local artists, accompanied by traditional Southern Vietnamese instruments like the kiềm, sến, and guitar.
Visit the salt fields
Exploring the salt fields is a must-do activity when visiting Thiềng Liềng. The island features a recreated traditional salt-making area. To experience this, visitors walk a few hundred meters across narrow paths through the salt fields. At the site, locals will explain the salt-making process and let you try some basic steps.
Savor local cuisine
At Thiềng Liềng, visitors can indulge in a variety of delicious dishes made from the island’s abundant seafood. Some highlights include seafood crab salad, oyster porridge, crispy sea bass with rice paper, braised fish in clay pot, and spicy sour hotpot. Be sure to visit Năm Đổi and Mười Bụng households to taste these culinary delights.
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnJune 21, 2024
