Name: Đỗ Nguyễn Thu Huyền - 22DH711832

MOODLE 3

Vietnam Central Town Boasts World-Renowned Lobsters

Craftsmanship, coconut rice paper production, and savoring lobster dishes define a 5-hour exploration of
Song Cau Town, offering a glimpse into Phu Yen Province's cultural heritage and culinary traditions.Phu
Yen, about 547 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, is renowned for its unspoiled landscapes and stunning
coastal roads.Song Cau Town, established in 2009, claims the province's lengthiest coastline.With scenic
wonders like Xuan Dai Bay, Cu Mong Lagoon, and beaches such as Vinh Hoa, Bai Tram, Bai Bau, and
Nhat Tu Son Island, Song Cau town beckons exploration.27-year-old Do Quynh Mai from Hai Phong in
northern Vietnam shared her experience through this story from a visit early last month.Mai's journey
began in Hoa Thanh Village, Xuan Canh Commune, where the centuries-old craft of creating mo o fishing
tools took center stage. Mo o trees resembling bamboo but smaller, usually grow on mountains in Xuan
Lanh and Da Loc Communes, Dong Xuan District, Phu Yen Province.These baskets are not only used to
catch seafood in Cu Mong Lagoon but also being sold to markets in coastal provinces from central to
southern Vietnam.Mai (L) explores the coconut rice paper-making domain of a family in Xuan Tho
Commune. Crafting more than 600 handmade rice paper daily, this small establishment caters to traders in
Phu Yen.Phu Yen coconut rice paper holds its own as a local culinary specialty. In 2022, the Ministry of
Culture, Sports, and Tourism officially acknowledged the Phu Yen rice paper craft village as a national
intangible heritage.Made from pureed rice, coconut milk, and squeezed coconut meat, Phu Yen rice paper
features a double-layered thickness. Once baked, the rice paper becomes crispy, with a golden-brown hue
on both sides, offering the fragrance and flavor of coconut milk along with the sweetness of rice.Visitors
can buy rice paper and engage in the paper-making process at various locations, including Xuan Tho
Commune, Song Cau Town, Hoa Da Village, An My Commune, Tuy An District, Dong Binh Village,
Dong Binh Commune, and HoaAn Commune in Phu Hoa District.Mai's last stop was Cu Mong Lagoon,
also called Vung Moi in Xuan Loc Commune. Traversing from the north to the south, visitors encounter
Cu Mong Pass, leading to the expanse of Cu Mong Lagoon.Surrounded by the Cu Mong mountains, this
lagoon marks the starting point of Phu Yen Province and is known for being the biggest place for farming
lobsters, as well as other high-value seafood species such as seahorses and ark clams.Here, Mai joined
local fishermen in riding a basket boat and setting nets. After rowing the boat around to spread the net, the
fishermen will use the rowing pole to hit the water surface to chase away fish that swim quickly, get
caught in the net, and then collect the net. Types of fish that can be easily caught here are pompano,
rabbitfish, bullet tuna, and grouper.The fish are prepared and savored directly on the raft, either by
grilling without spices or by cooking sour fish soup with la giang (river-leaf creeper), a plant of the
central region, lending a natural acidity to the dish.Cu Mong lagoon is more than a fishing spot. This is
also where mussels and oysters are grown. People grow oysters in the lagoon using natural methods. The
method involves creating bamboo platforms in the water, similar to raised flat surfaces. These structures
are equipped with ropes. Oysters are introduced to these platforms, and as they grow, they attach
themselves to the ropes. When it's time to collect them, they cut the ropes and pull the oysters up.Visitors
can try harvesting oysters in the middle of the lagoon. The freshly pulled oysters and mussels are steamed
and enjoyed by diners at the raft house. After cooking, the oyster meat turns white, slightly sweet, juicy,
and has the fresh taste of seafood.And then there's the renowned lobster of Song Cau Town, hailed as the
"lobster capital of Phu Yen Province."Recognized in 2023 by the World Records Union for its lobster
dishes, Song Cau Town takes pride in its modest-sized yet flavorful lobsters.The lobsters in Song Cau
Town are not too large, measuring around 20 to 30 centimeters in length and about 10 centimeters in
width."The fresh lobster meat is firm and chewy. You have to chew it carefully, but as you do, you'll
slowly experience the sweetness of the meat," Mai said.Lobster is transformed into various dishes,
including salads, rolls, soup, or just grilled (pictured).Paul, a British tourist, said: "Even in daily activities,
there are hidden long-standing cultural features, preserved by the people in a very natural and simple
way."He also praised the beautiful scenery, delicious yet affordable local cuisine, and the warm and
hospitable nature of the people.He was also impressed by the hotels in Song Cau Town, noting how they
draw inspiration from Vietnamese culture, traditions, and architecture. He highlighted their
environmentally friendly construction, creating a sense of "healing in the midst of nature."

SUMMARIZE:
The 5-hour exploration of Song Cau Town in Phu Yen Province encompasses craftsmanship, coconut rice
paper production, and savoring lobster dishes. The town, with its extensive coastline, offers scenic
wonders like Xuan Dai Bay, Cu Mong Lagoon, and various beaches. The journey includes a visit to Hoa
Thanh Village, where the traditional craft of making mo o fishing tools from mo o trees is showcased.
Coconut rice paper-making in Xuan Tho Commune, recognized as a national intangible heritage, is
another highlight. Crafted from rice, coconut milk, and coconut meat, the double-layered Phu Yen rice
paper boasts a crispy texture and a unique flavor. Cu Mong Lagoon, famous for lobster farming, provides
opportunities for visitors to experience basket boat rides, net setting with local fishermen, and harvesting
oysters. The lobster dishes of Song Cau Town, acknowledged by the World Records Union, feature
modest-sized yet flavorful lobsters transformed into various culinary delights. The town's charm extends
to its preserved cultural features, beautiful scenery, affordable local cuisine, and environmentally friendly
hotels that blend Vietnamese culture and traditions.