Tam Giang Lagoon

The Tam Giang-Cau Hai system runs about seventy kilometres along the Thua Thien Hue coast behind a sand barrier and covers over twenty thousand hectares, which makes it the largest lagoon in South East Asia. It is worked intensively: bamboo poles carry fixed nets in long lines across the shallows, dividing the water into a visible grid, with fish and shrimp farming in the enclosures, and thousands of households depend on it. Boat trips run at sunset from the villages, which is when the light on the poles is best. The system is under pressure from over-exploitation and from changes to the inlets.

What you actually see

• The largest lagoon in South East Asia - about seventy kilometres long.
• Fixed nets on bamboo poles - dividing the water into a grid.
• Fish and shrimp enclosures - the working economy of the lagoon.
• Sunset boat trips - from the lagoon villages.

When to go

February to August; sunset for the light. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Boat trips are short and sold at fixed rates. There is little shade and the sun is strong. The lagoon is a workplace and the nets are private. Water quality and stocks are declining, which is visible in places.

Nearby

Hue is inland; Lang Co and the Hai Van pass are south.