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| Well-designed check-in spot makes use of the lagoon’s natural scenery as a backdrop to attract tourists. Photo: Hoai Thong – Duc Hoang |
Sunrise on the lagoon
No matter the time of day, Tam Giang – Cau Hai offers a dazzling and diverse landscape as the largest lagoon system in Southeast Asia.
Introduced by a tour guide to a coffee shop on Chuon Lagoon, Mr. Tran Trung Truong, a tourist from Hanoi, decided to get up early to welcome the new day by the water. Without a phone and far from noise, he slowly sipped his coffee, immersed himself in the majestic beauty of the sunrise over the lagoon.
As the sun appeared, fishing boats gradually came into view, lit by the morning glow. While enjoying the scenery, Truong also immersed himself in the lively sounds of the fishermen starting their day - rowing, tapping to attract fish, and the rustling of nets. He shared: "It’s truly special to enjoy coffee, feel the breeze, and watch the dawn unfold over the lagoon. This will be an unforgettable memory from my visit to Hue and the watery world of Tam Giang – Cau Hai."
Not only at sunrise, but sunset and all times of day on the lagoon hold their own unique, signature charm. To tap into this rare riverside advantage, locals have opened various styles of cafés to attract visitors. Currently, there are two main types of cafés on Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon: traditional nha cho stilt-house cafés, and more modern, well-designed cafés with decks facing the water for Instagrammable check-ins.
Each style of café has its own regular clientele and distinct appeal. While nha cho cafés are characterized by simplicity from their name to their design, check-in cafés cater to youth trends with modern, competitive aesthetics.
Mr. Hoai Thong, a tour guide specializing in Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon tours, said: “With the advantage of offering a unique 360-degree view across the vast lagoon, the nha cho café is a meeting place where tourists can experience the daily rhythm of life of the local fishing community.”
On the other hand, for tourists who enjoy checking in and taking aesthetic photos, the cafés at Thanh Lam Lagoon (also known as Sam Lagoon) are the optimal choice. Mr. Nhat Hai, owner of the 2N café, said: “With a west-facing location, my café focuses on showcasing the lagoon’s beauty during the day, especially at sunset. That's why the wooden deck extends out over the water, and the check-in area is equipped with hanging lights to create highlights and leave a strong impression during sunset over the lagoon. From April to July is our peak season, especially at sunset.”
Unlocking the potential
To maximize effectiveness and promote sustainable tourism, cafés that showcase the beauty of the lagoon still need further support to attract more visitors and offer them the experience. For now, several cafés have already started promoting the lagoon’s unique natural scenery on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Many of their videos have received thousands of interactions. Additionally, the activity of enjoying coffee while admiring the lagoon has started to be included in community-based tourism itineraries, bringing about positive signals.
Mr. Hoai Thong shared: “For over a year now, I’ve included the experience of enjoying coffee while admiring the Tam Giang Lagoon in my fisherman-themed tours on the lagoon. Depending on their preferences, tourists can enjoy peaceful moments with a cup of coffee in a nha cho (stilt house café), watch the daily activities, and then transform into fishermen themselves - participating in fishing and even tasting fresh fish right on the lagoon. Many tourists have found this experience incredibly enjoyable and are willing to spend generously for such a unique activity at the Tam Giang - Cau Hai Lagoon.”
There have been many promises to return, along with new visitors actively seeking information and choosing this experiential offering. Notably, this summer, the number of guests booking tours to enjoy coffee while admiring the lagoon and experiencing life as a fisherman has increased by more than 20% compared to last year.
With its unique beauty and charm, enjoying coffee while admiring the Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon is a fresh and captivating experience for visitors from near and far. “I hope this unique tourism product will receive attention and support from relevant authorities, turning it into a signature, highly competitive attraction. So that whenever people look back, waking up with a cup of coffee by the Tam Giang lagoon will remain an unforgettable memory of their journey to the poetic waterways of Hue,” Mr. Thong shared.