Tiền Giang is a province with strengths in eco-tourism in the Mekong Delta. In particular, Thới Sơn islet with typical ecosystems of the Western river region is a tourist destination in Tiền Giang that should not be ignored.
Thới Sơn islet, also known as Lân islet (Unicorn islet), belongs to Thới Hòa hamlet, Thới Sơn commune, Mỹ Tho city, Tiền Giang province, is likened to the precious jewels of the Tiền River. Covering the entire islet is an immense green, with a system of interlaced canals, fertile soil, luxuriant fruit trees in four seasons, becoming an ideal Western tourist destination.
Things to do in Thới Sơn Islet.
Thới Sơn islet is the largest of the four islets on this river, with an area of about 1,200 hectares. Although located on the same river, Thới Sơn and Long islets belong to Mỹ Tho city, Tiền Giang province. Meanwhile, Quy and Phụng islets are in Châu Thành District, Bến Tre province.
At first, the local people mainly lived by fishing and aquaculture, along with growing fruit trees such as longan, sapote, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, durian, bananas, jackfruit, mango… Later, they have been further developing beekeeping, some households also make rice paper, coconut candy, jam, handicrafts… to serve visitors. It is really interesting when laying in a hammock in lush green gardens and enjoying the cool breeze and juicy fruits here.
On the islet, there are also many ancient houses with typical Southern architecture, three compartments and two wings, roofs with Yin – Yang tiles, and rows of precious wooden columns. The house of Mr. Tâm’s is a famous attraction on this island. His house is a typical model of southwestern houses. The house is furnished with ancient styles of the pearl-carved altar, delicate tables, and couches, a pair of gilded couplets. In front of the house, there is a garden planted with elaborately manicured ornamental plants, surrounded by a green garden.
Traveling to Thới Sơn islet, visitors will have the opportunity to explore winding small creeks and watch the rows of nipa palm trees growing close together by sampan.
In particular, at Thới Sơn islet, visitors also have the opportunity to become “real farmers”, wearing typical clothes of the Western region, slap a ditch to catch fish. You can also participate in a folk game: swinging, catching ducks in the pond, cockfighting, fish fighting, boat racing…
After having fun, visitors can enjoy the garden-style dishes at Thới Sơn islet such as grilled catfish, steamed snakehead fish, fried giant fish….
How to get there from Ho Chi Minh city?
To go to Thới Sơn islet, from Ho Chi Minh City to Mỹ Tho, it takes about 70km. There are various ways for you to choose, such as motorbikes, private cars/buses, and even local buses. For more details, check out the information below to select your favorite way.
Location: Thới Sơn, Mỹ Tho, Tiền Giang.
– Motorbikes
You move in the direction of highway 1A towards the West, to Trung Lương junction, then turn into the territory of Mỹ Tho – Tiền Giang.
– Local buses
You buy a bus ticket to Mỹ Tho at the Western bus station or from travel agencies around the backpacker area in District 1.
– Private car/bus
If you traveling with your family members or with a big group, this is the best way to visit Thới Sơn. The private car/bus can pick you up from anywhere in Ho Chi Minh city then drop you off at your selected location. Also, you can use the car/bus to travel during your trip here.
After arriving Mỹ Tho, you have to buy a ticket at Mỹ Tho Tourist Wharf – No 6 Ba Mươi Tháng Tư Road, Ward 1, Mỹ Tho city.
Sitting on the boat helps you see the life of the people raising fish and watching the beauty of Rạch Miễu bridge, enjoying the charming landscape with zigzag canals, flanked by cool water coconut trees. One piece of advice given is that you should buy a tour of Thới Sơn islet to have a local guide you and experience all of the above services.
