by Mạnh Linh - Thanh Vũ

Not a tourist destination famous for beautiful landscapes, Thạnh An Island in Cần Giờ District, 70km from the centre of HCM City, is nevertheless attracting more and more local and foreign visitors thanks to its peacefulness and wildness. There are neither high rises nor cars, and just few motorbikes roll down the lanes in the seashore village.

Row, don’t walk: The island is accessible by boat only. — VNA/VNS Photo Mạnh Linh

With an area of 131sq.km and a population of about 5,000 residents, Thạnh An Island was viewed as the most significant gateway of Sài Gòn – Gia Định in the past. It is located between two large rivers: Thị Vải and Lòng Tàu.

Souvenirs: Visitors used to buy dried fishes on the island as a gift for their relatives and friends. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

The island is accessible by boat only. Visitors can catch a boat to Thạnh An from Cần Thạnh Town from the ferry terminal located next to a Co-op supermarket.

Have it all: Indulging in nature and tasting fresh seafood-- what more could you want? — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

At a seashore village like Thạnh An, visitors should not miss the seafood. Enjoying sea breeze along the coast, and tasting fresh seafood: what more could you expect? Moreover, the seafood here is sold at a very reasonable price.

Simple pleasures: Along with enjoying the sea breeze along the coast and tasting fresh seafood, visitors can also explore how the kind-hearted people here live. — VNA/VNS Photo Mạnh Linh

Along with that, visitors can also go around and explore how the simple but kind-hearted people here live with the main jobs including fishing and salt-making. Though the jobs are hard, local people here still welcome visitors with cheerful and friendly smiles and strong hugs.

Ocean’s bounty: Visitors should not miss fresh and cheap seafood on Thạnh An Island. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

Visitors could visit the island for one day, but staying overnight is a good choice, too.

Hard work: Net weaving for fishing trips. — VNA/VNS Photo Mạnh Linh

A trip to Thạnh An is more of a cultural experience trip than a scenic one. It is an ideal destination for people who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and indulge themselves in nature. — VNS