![]() |
At the mention of An Giang, surely the Tra Su cajuput forest, with its diverse ecosystem including a rich variety of flora and fauna, comes immediately to mind. The forest is located in Van Giao Commune, Tinh Bien District in the southern province, 10 kilometers from the Cambodian border. |
![]() |
On the way to the Tra Su cajuput forest, Saigonese Nguyen Thanh Tinh, 22, saw a snow-cone cart, and treated some kids who looked they could not afford it. Appreciating his gesture, a family in a house nearby invited him in for some green tea. |
![]() |
Dubbed Heaven Gate and Heavenly Gate of Time by backpackers, this highly Instagrammable gate of the Koh Kas Pagoda is in Chau Lang Commune, Tri Ton District. |
![]() |
A giant emerald mirror reflecting its pastoral surroundings, Ta Pa Lake is a "fairytale-like destination" in the Mekong Delta, Tinh said. "Prepare to be mesmerized by the deep and pristine lake and the rocky mountains next to it." |
![]() |
On the way to Ba Chuc Town in the direction of the memorial site (nha mo) is a giant tree full of vines in the middle of the road. Legend has it that this natural roundabout is 300 years old. The nearly dead trunk of the tree seems to be held on by the lively sacred fig tree outside, creating a unique backdrop for photos. Locals have many supernatural stories about this tree. |
![]() |
Tinh visited Ba Chuc Tomb and at once felt fright and deep pain. This historical relic has 1,159 ossuaries of innocent civilians who were killed in the Ba Chuc massacre by the Khmer Rouge. The building is in the shape of a white lotus pointing toward the sky, with each petal representing an age and gender group of civilians. |
![]() |
In the sweltering An Giang sun, doub palm trees, 10-20 meters high, are ubiquitous and closely intertwined with life in An Giang. |
![]() |
Tinh saw a local operating a tilling machine. The man warmly invited him for a drink. |
![]() |
During Tinh’s journey through Tinh Bien and Tri Ton districts, images of women carrying piles of firewood were a constant occurrence. |
![]() |
Tinh plays with local children before departing to Can Tho City for his next adventure. The kids were affectionate and reluctant to take leave of the Saigon young man. |
Photos Nguyen Thanh Tinh, and Shutterstock/Jindowin