Finding 'Mai An Tiem land' in Ganh Dua

Coming to Ganh Dua to enjoy brackish water watermelon grown near the sea, many people believe that this is the land in the real life legend of Mai An Tiem.

Tuy An district has long been famous for growing melons. In the past, melons grew naturally, without any care, but still flourished. Later, melons were planned to be grown in some areas such as Dong Moc (An Chan commune), Chua hamlet, Bau Sung, Bau Duong (An My commune). The fields in Tuy An district are fertile alluvial black soil, suitable for growing short-term fruit trees.

Tuy An district is famous for its melons, watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydew melons. There is also a beach called Ganh Dua in Giai Son village, An My commune. Therefore, some people believe that this is the land in the legend of the watermelon Mai An Tiem heard when he was a child, said Mr. Tran Thanh Phong, a local who works in tourism in Ganh Dua.

Tourists experience picking brackish water watermelons in Tuy An, Phu Yen. Photo: Bui Ngoc Ha

"Backpacker" Vu Hoang Quynh Tram (HCMC) decided to stay for nearly a month to experience the lives of the people, explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Ganh Dua after arriving here on May 14. Tram was impressed with Ganh Dua with a gently sloping golden sandbank, calm sea, clear, blue water, sunshine and wind carrying the salty scent of the sea. The beach is about 3 km long, with rows of coconut trees and casuarinas running along the sand. The cliffs, under the influence of seawater, have formed strange shapes over time.

At night, the salty sea breeze blows inland, the bright moon above and the coconut trees rustling in the wind create a poetic, lyrical look, "like a peaceful place on earth", Ms. Tram shared.

On the full moon and the first day of each month, the tide recedes, the water is shallow, and you can see green moss on the sea surface. Further away, at the bottom of the sea are diverse and colorful coral reefs for visitors to dive and see. There are fun activities on the sea such as rowing a basket boat to dive and see coral, beach sports, and fishing along the coast. Ms. Tram also experienced catching snails clinging to the rocks. At night, visitors can "run the crab" (use a flashlight to catch crabs, a type of crustacean that looks like a crab) or follow fishermen to the sea to fish and catch squid.

Ganh Dua beach is currently going in two opposite directions. On one side is the modernity and artificiality of homestays and resorts, on the other side is the wildness and peace of the beach and fishing village.

Tourists have fun and swim at Ganh Dua beach. Photo: Palm Beach Hotel.

Mr. Phong said that summer is the most beautiful time of Ganh Dua, the water is clear, the waves are calm, suitable for tourists to come to swim and have fun. Around the beach there are hotels, resorts, and dining places with fresh, delicious, and attractive seafood such as shrimp, oysters, snails, and sea fish. Tourists can rent seats and grills to organize outdoor parties with friends and relatives.

Ganh Dua is also located near Giai Son market, which sells seafood and snacks at cheap prices. "It can be called the cheapest market in Vietnam", according to Ms. Tram's experience of traveling to many places. A cup of sweet soup or a plate of shrimp and pork pancake costs 3,000 VND, a bowl of noodles or a loaf of meat and pork rolls costs 10,000 VND.

Ms. Tram did not miss the opportunity to enjoy the local melons and was especially impressed. The melons have a sweet and cool taste, the cantaloupe is chewy and fatty, and cost about 8,000 VND per kilogram. In particular, the watermelons are smaller, rounder, and have a lighter green skin than the northern watermelons, but they are sweeter. "Sitting and eating watermelon by the beach is a simple experience but brings complete joy to a summer," said Ms. Tram.

It only takes about 5 minutes by motorbike from Ganh Dua to the fishing port. At 5am, boats carrying fresh seafood dock. Tourists can come to buy at reasonable prices, learn about the life of coastal people and watch the sunrise on Ganh Dua sea.

Fishing boats on Ganh Dua beach. Photo: Palm Beach Hotel.

Tourists can rent tents to camp and organize barbecues on the beach. Photo: Tran Thanh Phong.

Melon fields in Tuy An commune, Tuy Hoa district, Phu Yen. Photo: Do ​​Lan.

Similar to coastal fishermen in the South Central Coast, Lang Ganh Dua is where people worship Whale to pray for favorable weather and a good harvest. On April 8, Lang Ganh Dua was recognized as a provincial historical and cultural relic. The mausoleum is located on the coast, adjacent to Ba Temple and the rocky reef, creating a scenic complex with wild beauty, which can become a tourist attraction connecting with other relics, according to the information portal of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Phu Yen.

Ganh Dua Beach is also close to other tourist attractions such as Bai Xep, the filming location of "I see yellow flowers on green grass", Thanh Luong Pagoda, Ganh Da Dia, Mang Lang Church which is over 100 years old. From Ganh Dua Beach, visitors can rent a canoe to visit Hon Chua 4 km away, Hon Yen 2 km away or Cu Lao Mai Nha about 6 km away.

Quynh Mai

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