I recently took a trip to Hue, the capital of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty. During this journey, I gained numerous insights into the local people and culture. In this writing, I want to share my experience at Tam Giang Lagoon with you, my lovely readers.

Wiki Facts about Tam Giang: It’s a vast and beautiful area known for its unique ecosystem and cultural significance. Located in Thua Thien Hue province in central Vietnam, near the city of Hue. It is part of a larger lagoon system that spans over 70 kilometers along the coast and covers approximately 22,000 hectares, making it the largest lagoon system in Southeast Asia.

To explore it, I booked a small boat with two local fishermen as our guides. They have spent their entire lives here, and I wish I had more time to hear their stories about this fascinating place. Traveling is not just about witnessing physical beauty; it’s about experiencing the “spirit” of a place—the intangible values we can learn. I mean understanding the history, way of life, and culture that no Wikipedia article or Google search can fully convey to you.

The uncles told me that before 1985, they lived on the water in floating villages. Life was tough, but it offered a sense of freedom. However, a tragic typhoon wiped everything out, and one of the uncles even lost his three-year-old son in this area. For safety reasons, the government relocated all floating villages to nearby mainland areas, where they have lived ever since. Through his voice, I could feel the sadness of the old man’s loss. We all empathized deeply, losing our loved one is always terrible fact. I googled the event and found out the typhoon he referred to was likely “Typhoon Cecil,” a devastating storm that was one of the worst in a century.

After about 15 minutes of sailing from the harbor, we anchored in a vast, open water area. Surrounded by nothing but water and blue sky, I took a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and floated peacefully. Meanwhile, the uncles prepared fresh seafood for us. The water was shallow, only reaching my thighs, so we could walk around. Beneath the water, a type of grass grows abundantly, home to a tasty seafood called “trià” a type of clam. It was easy to catch, so I got off the SUP, felt under the mud with my feet, and caught some. We returned to the boat to barbecue our catch. We enjoyed the stories from our uncles, fresh seafood, and some beers while waiting for the sunset. Everything combined to create a joyful moment—I loved it.

Through the stories of the uncles, I realized another aspect of happiness: living comfortably in the present and focusing on the beauty around you.

I hope you enjoyed reading and find joy in your own life.