Nestled in Luong Ngoc village, Cam Luong commune, Cam Thuy district, Thanh Hoa province, Cam Luong fairy spring is 2km long, flowing from a cave at the foot of the mountain into a gentle valley on the southern bank of the Ma river. The stream is often called Ngoc or Mo Ngoc by locals.
The water level here is only about 40cm deep, and the water is crystal clear. In spots not obscured by the school of fish, you can see the algae and pebbles at the bottom. The stream is home to thousands of fish of various sizes, ranging from 2-8 kg on average. Notably, the largest fish in the stream can weigh up to 30kg.
At Cam Luong fairy spring, visitors can marvel at the sight of thousands of fish of all sizes swimming together. The fish have a deep green body with bright red edges, emitting a sparkling light like gems as they swim, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Despite the enormous number of fish, the locals never fish here as the stream is associated with a mysterious story passed down through generations. According to the locals, the fish have become a unique cultural feature and a symbol of respect and protection for nature’s harmony. Therefore, no one ever eats the fish from the sacred stream.
Scientists identify the fish in Cam Luong stream as the rare ‘ca gioc’ or ‘ca doc’, a member of the carp family and listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. Interestingly, these fish only live in Ngoc stream and nowhere else. During floods, instead of being swept away, the fish skillfully hide in the caves to avoid the strong currents. Even if they are carried away by the water, they always find their way back home.
In the belief of the Muong people in Thanh Hoa, the fairy spring is a sacred place that protects and safeguards the villagers. The abundance of fish represents peace and prosperity in their lives.
Cam Luong fairy spring is one of the most prominent and attractive destinations in Thanh Hoa in recent times, a precious gift that nature has bestowed upon this land. Visitors to the fairy spring not only get to admire the majestic natural scenery of towering mountains, lush forests, and clear streams but also witness the unique school of fish swimming freely.
In addition, the spring is associated with mysterious legends, adding to its allure and enticing visitors to explore. A journey to the fairy spring is not just a relaxing trip but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique cultural and natural space of the Thanh Hoa region.
Remarkably, the fish here are not afraid of humans and often swim close to the shore, allowing visitors to pet and feed them. Therefore, buying some vegetables or corn puffs from the local Muong people to feed the fish is a memorable experience.
With its mystical beauty, Cam Luong fairy spring is a must-visit destination when traveling to Thanh Hoa.
The Cam Luong fairy spring tourist area is open all year round, so you can visit at any time convenient for you. However, according to local travel experiences, the ideal time to explore this place is during the summer, from April to September. This is when the weather is pleasant, the stream is at its bluest and coolest, and the water level is high, offering a chance to see the rare giant fish. The sight of the fish swimming freely in the clear water, combined with the sparkling sunlight on the surface, will leave a lasting impression.
A visit to Cam Luong fairy spring is not just about enjoying the picturesque scenery but also indulging in the delicious specialties of Thanh Hoa.
Bamboo Tube Rice
Bamboo tube rice is a traditional dish of the Muong people in Cam Luong, served in young bamboo tubes. The rice is sticky and fragrant, especially when enjoyed warm with sesame salt or grilled meat and chicken.
Bamboo tube rice is best enjoyed warm to appreciate its sticky texture and fragrant aroma.
Bitter Leaf Soup
Bitter leaf soup is a simple and familiar dish in the daily meals of the mountainous people of Thanh Hoa. This soup is made from leaves of the same name, which are long and thin and usually grow in clusters. After harvesting, the leaves are cooked with chicken or pork offal and lean meat. The soup has a mild bitter taste that may be unusual at first but will soon stimulate your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Bitter leaf soup is a characteristic dish of the Thanh Hoa region.
Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Chua)
Thanh Hoa’s fermented pork roll is one of the famous specialties of this region. This traditional dish is made from simple yet carefully selected ingredients such as pork skin, fresh lean meat, garlic, chili, pepper, and ‘dinh lang’ leaves. The process of making nem chua requires meticulousness, from choosing the right ingredients to the fermentation process, to ensure the perfect flavor.
When enjoyed, the fermented pork roll offers a mild sourness from the fermented meat, a slight spiciness from the chili, a strong aroma from the garlic, and a crunchy texture from the pork skin. All these elements come together to create a unique and tantalizing dish.
When visiting Cam Luong fairy spring, nem chua is not only a delicious snack but also a meaningful gift to bring back to your family and friends. This small, fragrant roll embodies the distinctive flavor of Thanh Hoa and showcases the culinary skills and essence of the region’s cuisine. Indulging in nem chua amidst the majestic natural setting of the fairy spring will undoubtedly be a memorable culinary experience during your exploration of Thanh Hoa.
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