Tam Giang Lagoon used to be notorious for being dangerous. In fact, the 19^th century geographical record Dai Nam nhat thong chi (History of the Unification of Great Vietnam) became popular for describing the 22,000-hectare lagoon as “a vast dangerous area with deep waters and unexpectedly big waves...many accidents happen there.” The lagoon's treacherous waters have become so known that it is included in some of the country's folk songs.

 

 

But today, Tam Giang Lagoon is the exact opposite of what it used to be. When people used to fear the danger it brings, it has become a picturesque work of nature frequently visited by tourists from all over the world to witness its newfound beauty.

 

 

Tam Giang Lagoon is most famous today for its “fairyland” sunrise, wherein visitors flock to the place as early as 4 a.m. so as not to miss the majestic sun as it casts magical light all over the lagoon. Spectacular sunrises may be known in many other parts of the world, but the sunrise at Tam Giang Lagoon stands out from all the rest in its commanding yet unassuming power that is said to make you truly see and appreciate the beauty of earth in all its natural purity.

 

 

Moreover, the sunrise at the lagoon seems to mark the beginning of life as the market suddenly becomes alive with women buying and selling fish and men going fishing as soon as the sun casts its final light and brightens, livens up the whole place.

 

 

Floating villages make up a significant part of the lagoon wherein the Thuy Dien or Van Do people live, Tam Giang Lagoon natives who have made fishing their livelihood since centuries past. The local fishermen set about their trade in simple, tradtional ways by riding in small boats and using no sao, a fishing gear that looks like a long, big tube made from bamboo, to catch fish for both their livelihood and personal consumption.

 

 

But aside from fish, Tam Giang Lagoon is also rich in other marine resources such as prawn, crabs, and other seafood. Ca bong the and jellyfish are considered Tam Giang specialties, the former a kind of goby fish and best cooked steamed with nuoc mam, the village fish sauce. The latter on the other hand, could be as big as a Vietnamese conical hat and served in several ways. Jellyfish could be made into a salad; cooked with bun (rice vermicelli); or simply dipped in a concoction of salt, pepper powder and lemon juice after peeling off the creature's outer skin, washing it in saline water, and slicing it.

 

 

Tourists can have the chance to experience these exotic foods while aboard the boats with the fishermen going about their trade. Plus the legendary sunrise which Tam Giang Lagoon is now famous for, one will definitely have an unforgettable adventure in this magical place which was once known to be dangerous, but now beautiful.