Details
Intinerary
07:00 – Your day begins as the Vietnam Backroads shuttle and guide pick you up directly from your hotel. You’ll transfer to a high-class canoe at Bach Dang Wharf, kicking off a meditative cruise along the Saigon River.
As you glide past notable city sights — Nha Rong Wharf, Tan Cang Port, Phu My Bridge, and the Nha Be petroleum depot — you’ll watch the urban landscape gradually give way to peaceful waterway villages and vast green mangrove forests.
Duration to Thieng Lieng: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
First Stop: Thieng Lieng Hamlet & Salt Fields
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with cool, fresh water from local wells — a product of the island’s own sustainable tourism community. After a short break, your guide will introduce you to the island’s unique culture and economy.
Home to 216 households, Thieng Lieng is known for its centuries-old salt-making tradition. Around 70% of the residents work in salt production, while others earn a living from fishing.
Wander through pristine white salt fields, where the sky seems to stretch endlessly above. These quiet, sunlit landscapes offer nature and landscape enthusiasts ideal photo opportunities. With no restricted zones, you’re free to explore and capture the essence of rural life.
Second Stop: The Marble Temple – “Five Elementals Temple”
Continue your journey to Thieng Lieng Island 2, home to the sacred Marble Temple. Also known as the Five Elementals Temple, this peaceful spiritual site holds great cultural significance for the islanders.
Listen as your guide shares local legends and stories tied to this serene place of worship, deepening your understanding of the island’s beliefs and heritage.
Noon: Island Lunch & Local Specialties
Around 12:00, enjoy a relaxing lunch featuring Thieng Lieng specialties, prepared with local ingredients and served in a quiet island setting. After lunch, take time to rest and enjoy the calm atmosphere.
Afternoon Adventure: Giong Chua Mountain & Oyster Rafts
13:30 – Board your canoe once again and cruise to Giong Chua Mountain, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s lesser-known natural landmarks. This unique rock formation rises from a vast mangrove forest, offering sweeping views and a sense of untouched wilderness.
Next, head to a floating oyster farm, where you’ll learn how local farmers raise oysters on wooden rafts. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a refreshing dip in the clear river waters — a chance to connect with the natural beauty surrounding you.
Return Journey
After exploring and relaxing, your group returns to the canoe for a final ride through the forest to Sac Forest Pier. From there, a shuttle takes you back to your hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tour Ends: Approximately late afternoon.
Your guide and the Vietnam Backroads team will bid you farewell, hoping to see you on your next adventure.