Green tourism potential of Vinh Quang mangrove forest

The charm of estuary life

At around 5 am, as a light mist lingered over the trees along the Van Uc river estuary, Tran Minh Tuan and his friends from central Hai Phong took their first steps onto the smooth sandy mudflats of Vinh Quang beach in Hung Thang Commune. Before them stretched what seemed like a giant mirror reflecting the clear dawn sky. With the water only ankle-deep, the boundary between sea and sky disappeared, creating the dreamlike “infinity sea” landscape the group had long hoped to experience.

Located about 40 km south of central Hai Phong, the Vinh Quang pine forest ecotourism area enjoys a distinctive setting surrounded by diverse mangrove ecosystems, including mangrove apple trees, nipa palms, casuarina forests, and the Van Uc river flowing into the sea.

Tuan said this was the third visit for him and his friends. Each trip brought a different yet equally peaceful experience. The area has preserved its gentle, unspoiled beauty, far removed from the bustle of urban life, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers.

After photographing the sunrise, the group joined local fishermen in a range of hands-on activities, including kayaking through the mangrove forest, catching crabs, digging for wedge clams, and harvesting clams.

According to the Commune Culture and Social Affairs Division, the coastal mangrove belt plays a vital role in reducing wave impact, protecting sea dikes, and conserving nearshore aquatic resources. Combined with experiential ecotourism, it not only raises public awareness of environmental and mangrove conservation but also creates sustainable livelihoods for local residents.

Potential for ecotourism

Speaking about tourism potential, Vu Van Loc, a representative of Hoa Loc Ecotourism Area in Hung Thang Commune, said developing mudflat ecotourism requires a deep understanding of natural tidal cycles.

For the best and safest experience, visitors should come on days when the tide fully recedes, ideally between 4 am and 7 am, during the lunar periods from the 30th to the 6th and from the 14th to the 17th of each month. The ecotourism site also offers flexible dining and service options, featuring fresh local seafood at prices suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Vu Quang Hung, Director of Quynh Hung Travel JSC, believes the combination of mangrove mudflat experiences and agricultural tourism in the former Tien Lang district aligns perfectly with the growing demand for green and community-based tourism among visitors from both Hai Phong and elsewhere.

According to preliminary figures from local travel companies, inquiries and bookings for tours to the Vinh Quang coastal mangrove area increased by about 25% this summer compared with the same period last year.

Before leaving, visitors often choose to buy specialties from the mangrove region as gifts for family and friends. Products that capture the authentic flavors of this coastal estuary, such as honey and fermented shrimp paste, not only provide a valuable source of income for local residents but also leave visitors with lasting memories of a peaceful corner of Hai Phong and its promising future for sustainable ecotourism.

THU HANG

THU HANG