Green Connection Journey: Ba Lua Islands

In this special episode, MC Ngoc Thuy and actress Khanh Van will take viewers to a truly unique destination: the Ba Lua Archipelago, known as the "Ha Long Bay of the South". Located in Kien Luong District, Kien Giang Province, this archipelago comprises approximately 40 islands of varying sizes, boasting pristine, romantic beauty, fresh air, and especially calm seas without strong waves, making it ideal for year-round exploration .

Context: Ba Lua Islands – “Southern Ha Long Bay”

Dubbed the "Southern Halong Bay," the Ba Lua archipelago, located in Son Hai commune, Kien Luong district, Kien Giang province, comprises over 40 islands of varying sizes, creating a breathtaking natural landscape with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches interspersed with oddly shaped pebbles, and fresh air year-round. The sea here is shallow and calm; during low tide, in some places, visitors can walk from one island to another with the water only waist-deep. This is a unique and safe experience, especially when accompanied by locals. From Hon Heo and Hon Ngang to the cluster of three islands (Dam Duong, Dam Duoc, and Dam Gieng), each island has its own distinct character: some are suitable for camping, others ideal for watching the sunset, and some are shaded by rare medicinal plants.

The experience of searching for crabs and snails is extremely fun.

Thanks to its sheltered, nutrient-rich waters, Ba Lua boasts abundant seafood, including grouper, snapper, sea bass, oysters, and snails. Many islands are surrounded by shallow coral reefs and tidal flats where starfish and conch shells can be seen at low tide. Visitors can paddle SUPs or kayaks along the small bays or visit fishing rafts to listen to locals tell stories about the monsoon winds and how to sustainably "raise the sea." With minimal noisy services and engine sounds, Ba Lua is appealing precisely because of its rustic charm: listening to the waves at night, waking up early to watch the sunrise, and finding shade under the cool trees at noon. A "peaceful paradise" for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle, immerse themselves in the slow pace of coastal life, and an ideal year-round destination if you are mindful, keep clean, and limit single-use plastics to preserve its natural beauty.

Preserving the traditional craft: Net weaving in Hon Heo.

Our first stop was Hon Heo Island – one of the earliest inhabited islands. The craft of net weaving is still preserved by the locals as an integral part of the sea's soul. Here, the lives of the fishermen remain fully traditional, especially the craft of net weaving. When the nets become old and torn after each fishing trip, the fishermen don't throw them away but bring them back for skilled artisans like the women to meticulously repair them. This process is not just a means of livelihood but also an art. Each torn section of the net is cut away, the old threads are cleaned, and then re-woven with careful needle and thread. The image of women sitting and weaving nets under the shade of trees, their fingers moving swiftly, is a testament to the diligence, meticulousness, and love of their craft of the people of this coastal region.

Experience life as a fisherman at Ba Hon Dam.

A delightful experience at Ba Lua

Continuing their journey, Ngoc Thuy and Khanh Van arrived at another group of islands in the Ba Lua archipelago, further offshore from Hon Heo, namely Hon Dam Duyen. Here, colorful houses stand out against the sea, and the locals have utilized them to develop community-based tourism . One of the experiences many tourists enjoy is trying their hand at being a fisherman. Visitors don't need to go out to sea; they can "harvest" a variety of seafood such as crabs, snails, and oysters right on the island. This is a very interesting activity, not only providing delicious meals but also helping visitors understand more about the lives and work of the local fishermen.

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“The Green Connection Journey” not only takes viewers to magnificent nature, but also opens small doors to reveal the warm hearts of people. Here, traditional values ​​meet innovation, and each story, each historical site becomes a commitment to culture and the future. This is an inspiring journey about environmental protection and sustainable tourism development, where every small action can contribute to building a greener future.

Text and photos: PV

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/hanh-trinh-ket-noi-xanh-quan-dao-ba-lua-a462015.html