Diverse ecosystem
In the "Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi" of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hac Hai Lagoon was described as a land of convergence: "A hundred rivers meet, all branches flow in… to the northeast, layers of sand dunes, to the northwest, thousands of mountains block the way."
Located at the downstream end of the Kien Giang River, covering a vast area of approximately 12 km², the Hac Hai lagoon has a depth of 1.5-3 meters. Viewed from above, the Hac Hai lagoon meanders gently alongside Dau Mau mountain, which is perpetually shrouded in mist. The mountain peak resembles a pen nib, and the lagoon's basin resembles an inkstone, creating a magnificent landscape that the ancients praised: "Mau Mountain is the pen, Hac Hai is the inkstone."
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| Hac Hai Lagoon has become an attractive ecotourism destination for many visitors - Photo: L.Chi |
As a brackish water area with a characteristic natural salinity, Hac Hai Lagoon was once the most abundant seafood resource in the region. It nurtured countless species of famous, succulent brackish water seafood, such as shrimp, crab, goby, barramundi, barramundi, and especially the specialty mud crab. The abundant seafood resources from the lagoon provided a stable livelihood for hundreds of households, supplying a large amount of food to people within and outside the province.
Mr. Nguyen Cong Xuan, from Xuan Bac 2 village, Le Ninh commune, said: “In recent years, people around the lagoon have flexibly switched to a model of intercropping rice cultivation, shrimp farming, fish farming, and protecting the pristine forests – where thousands of species of migratory birds come to roost and breed. This adaptation has created a new and attractive ecological chain for exploratory and experiential tourism.”
Towards green tourism
With the aim of making tourism a key economic sector, ecotourism is receiving increasing attention and investment. Recognizing this trend, many households and travel companies have gradually introduced experiential tourism products to explore Hac Hai.
The journey to Hac Hai begins with an experience of riding a motorboat, gliding gently across the vast expanse of water, feeling the breezes carrying the characteristic salty scent of the lagoon and the faint aroma of ripening rice fields. Visitors not only get to admire the expansive and open scenery of the riverine region but also experience many activities related to the daily life of the local people.
The most fascinating thing here is the companionship of the "down-to-earth guides." They are people born and raised in the lagoon area. Although they haven't received formal training, their rich life experiences and deep love for their homeland allow them to guide tourists with remarkable fluency.
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| Tourists visiting and experiencing Hac Hai Lagoon - Photo: Hac Hai Xuan Hoa Eco-tourism Area |
Under the guidance of "down-to-earth guides," visitors can experience casting nets and fishing in the vast lagoon. But that's not all; the boat will take visitors deep into the pristine mangrove forests. Here, a world of wild birds unfolds before their eyes, with the chirping of young birds, nests hidden behind the foliage, and the touching sight of mother birds quietly incubating their eggs.
Each year, the Hac Hai Xuan Hoa Eco-tourism Area welcomes over 100 groups of visitors to explore and experience the area. According to Ms. Do Thi Hoa (representative of the eco-tourism area), Hac Hai Lagoon is suitable for those who enjoy adventure and experiencing a peaceful, rustic life. Here, visitors can enjoy boat trips to admire the tranquil waterways and breathe in the fresh air. The appeal of Hac Hai comes not only from its unique natural scenery but also from the fact that visitors can enjoy seasonal cuisine made from the fresh produce of the lagoon.
According to Nguyen Dinh Hoa, Secretary of the Le Ninh Commune Party Committee, the resolution of the commune's Party Congress clearly defined the direction of focusing on exploiting and developing the ecotourism potential of Hac Hai Lagoon. In the coming time, the locality will focus on unlocking resources, encouraging sustainable economic models associated with environmental protection, thereby gradually forming and developing community tourism destinations in the Hac Hai Lagoon area.
Ms. Dang Thi Hoa, a tourist from Dong Hoi ward, shared: “During the recent April 30th holiday, my family and I chose Hac Hai Lagoon as our destination. The scenery here is truly pristine, allowing us to completely immerse ourselves in nature. What we liked most was that the children got to experience the bird sanctuary firsthand, while the whole family enjoyed rustic dishes made from fresh seafood caught from Hac Hai Lagoon.”
To achieve sustainable development, Mr. Nguyen Cong Xuan has invested in building a model of aquaculture integrated with agriculture and ecotourism. In the Hac Hai lagoon area, he maintains 6 hectares of rice fields (including 3 hectares of ST25 rice), raises 1,000 wild ducks, and cultivates over 1 ton of shrimp and various fish species to serve tourists. This entire self-contained ecosystem serves both as a scenic attraction for visitors and a source of fresh, clean food for tourists during their experience.
Developing ecotourism at Hac Hai Lagoon is a direction perfectly aligned with the current green development trend. This approach not only deeply exploits the local potential and advantages, creates more jobs for rural workers, and brings sustainable economic benefits to local residents, but most importantly, it contributes to environmental protection, preservation, and promotion of unique local cultural features.
Lan Chi
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/du-lich/202605/danh-thuc-tiem-nang-du-lich-sinh-thai-pha-hac-hai-4bc3fc5/








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