Visitors discover Cồn Đen Eco-tourism Area. — Photo mythaibinh.vn

Lâm Giang

We were lucky enough to visit the Cồn Đen Eco-Tourism Area in the northern province of Thái Bình at the weekend.

In addition to Đồng Châu and Cồn Vành, Cồn Đen is also an extremely attractive and interesting destination for tourists both inside and outside the province. It is only 150km from the capital of Hà Nội, so it is an ideal coastal destination for tourists on summer days.

Coming to this eco-tourism area, in addition to swimming in the sea, visitors also admire the green stretches of pine trees or enjoy a boat ride to explore the mangrove forest, which is typical of the biosphere in the northern coastal area.

Cồn Đen is located in Thái Đô Commune, Thái Thụy District, 60km from the centre of Thái Bình City.

The roads in Thái Đô leading to Cồn Đen are built of solid concrete, which is convenient for tourism development.

Cồn Đen has a relatively flat terrain with a 3km sandy strip which was formed by alluvial and sedimentary tectonics of the Trà Lý River. On hot days, walking along this sandy strip, you can watch the white waves rushing to the shore and the green pine trees swaying with the sea breeze.

Cồn Đen was recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve in 2004. Up to now, the natural scenery on the islet is still wild. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful sea dunes in the north.

Sitting on the boat for about 45-60 minutes, we observed all the majestic beauty of the scenery and had the opportunity to visit the mangrove forest, as well as be immersed in nature.

Cồn Đen’s coastal ecosystem is very unique with plants such as nipa palms and mangroves. It has about 200 species of birds, including nearly 60 species of migratory birds, more than 50 species of water birds and many rare bird species recorded in the World Red Book such as the black-faced spoonbill, gulls and spoon-billed sandpiper.

Tourists catch oysters with a fisherman. — Photo mythaibinh.vn

We are extremely surprised by the wild beauty here, it is rare to combine many experience models in one complex.

With long sandy beaches, moderate slopes, and year-round gentle waves, Cồn Đen is also a very suitable place to swim every summer. You can also organise picnics, games and entertainment on the sea such as fishing and beach volleyball after hours of playing with the waves.

Also do not miss the chance to explore inside the mangrove forest through the Dream Bridge - the longest bamboo bridge in the country.

Visitors can explore the mangrove forest along the Dream Bridge, the longest bamboo bridge in the country. — Photo bds.net

Savouring foods here is also an unforgettable experience for us. The restaurants are arranged in a cool space, serving fresh seafood such as oysters, prawn, crabs, fish and sea snails at reasonable prices.

In addition, Cồn Đen's specialities include jellyfish salad, fish salad, Diêm Điền fish sauce and home-brew rice wine with typical, rustic flavours.

When the sunset comes, nature and people seem to blend, bringing something new and attractive. The people here often say that Cồn Đen is like a 'sleeping beauty who has just been awakened. It is so wild, poetic and lyrical.

Tourists enjoy grilled seafood in the evening. — Photo courtesy of Cồn Đen Eco-tourism Area

Cồn Đen ecological area is suitable for one or two-day trips. The hotels and motels here meet all needs of visitors.

The presence of eco-tourism areas like Cồn Đen contributes to bringing a new face to Thái Bình tourism, helping to make full use of inherent natural resources, and widely promoting the beauty of the homeland to visitors.

Ignoring the hustle and bustle of the streets, being immersed in the sea, and being in harmony with nature will certainly be great experiences for every visitor when coming to Cồn Đen. VNS