Take a back to Dung Isle

      Nature frequently offers mysteries that people desire to discover and to conquer. Curious about the forest and alluvial sea of the Mekong Delta, we took a trip to Cu Lao Dung, or Dung Isle, a must-see destination for those who want to return to nature and experience the smell of forest, land and the sea.
Dung Isle meanders along Hau River for about 40 kilometers in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang and opens out at the end into two big river mouths: Dinh An and Tran De, main waterways to the Southwest. Dung Isle is popular for its immense green sugarcane fields, not only bringing economic benefits for farmers but also bestowing a peaceful green color on the island.
On the way to the protected forest we were very fortunate to meet a local 28-year-old lady, Huynh Thi Tuyet, who was willing to be our guide. Walking on the protective dyke under the dazzling sunshine we became wet with sweat which dropped over the sharp and saline sand. However, we soon were able to smell the fragrance of the ban trees.
When the tide was down we went to ban forest, planted to protect the beach from storms and rising tides, to discover the flora and fauna species of the forest. Rolling up our trousers we waded through the marshy field making splashing noises, absorbed in discovering the nature here on the bendy road winding through dykes. We grew tired, even though we were now shielded from the sun by the shade of the trees. However, we were thrilled with the deep-green color of mysterious scenery here which was visually very satisfying.
At the end of the windy road through ban forest is a pleasant beach with smooth sand and muddy alluvial water, rippling with waves. In the salty wind blowing onto the beach from offshore, boats drift into the sea to make a catch. “Around March of lunar year, the beach will be very busy with the animated activities of fishermen”, said Tuyet.
Dung Isle not only attracts locals but also arouses the curiosity of foreign tourists with its magnificent and untouched scenery. On the canoe trip, tourists have a chance to feel the charm of the island and especially to experience the poetic feeling of Trang canal, added Tuyet.
This canal is Ba Thac, one of many fed by Cuu Long River. At twilight, the buzzing sounds of bees make the island seem quiet and desolate and when the night falls, tourists will be delighted by the blue twinkling lights of glow-worms, as festive as a night decorated with colored lanterns.
At Dung Isle, we learned about many local specialties which we enjoyed, such as lau me ca bong sao (goby hot-pot, a fish with colored patterns on body), thoi loi nuong trui (thrilled fish, a kind of fish living on river), and ca tra ban nau ban (tra-catfish with fruits of ban trees) to taste the favor of the isle.