When yellow apricot branches show off their colors on the roads of the Mekong Delta, Tan Loc islet (Tan Loc ward, Can Tho city) has become an ideal destination for those who want to return to a true Tet space. Stepping onto the islet, the chaotic atmosphere of the city seems to recede, replaced by a feeling of peace, gentleness, and tranquility.
In Tan Loc islet, there are many ancient houses, but the place visited by many tourists is the house of Mr. Tran Ba The (Sau The). The house was built in 1935, but is still quite intact today.
Ms. Do Kim Trinh, Mr. Sau The's youngest daughter-in-law, said that the architecture to the furniture in the house and many ancient trees are still preserved.
When Tet comes, we clean the house cleanly and neatly as well as maintain the tradition of preparing dishes to worship ancestors. We also open our doors to welcome guests from near and far to visit, admire and enjoy Spring" - Ms. Trinh said.
Currently, in front of the ancient house, there are vases of marigolds and chrysanthemum morifolium also arranged with ornamental plants, arranged neatly and brilliantly under the spring sunshine. When coming here, sitting on the porch, sipping hot tea, visitors will hear stories about the ups and downs of the land, like going back in time to the living space of ancient Southern upper-class families.
In the ancient house area, there is also a rural eatery serving banh xeo and drinks for tourists. Unlike banh xeo in other places, banh xeo in the islet region has a very unique flavor thanks to the generosity of local products.
Accordingly, the cake crust, thanks to being mixed with a little fatty coconut milk and fresh turmeric, has a golden, crispy color. The filling, usually is minced Siamese duck meat (or pork), fresh river shrimp, combined with green beans and especially the presence of coconut bulbs, so it is very rich. The accompanying vegetables are also diverse such as cach leaves, dinh lang, green mustard greens... all blend together to create a characteristic astringent, sweet, spicy, and pungent taste.
Tet in Cu Lao Tan Loc does not have the bustling sound of car horns, only the cheerful laughter of the people, the sound of motorboats and boats running steadily on the river. In addition to visiting ancient houses and eating banh xeo, visitors can also visit coconut gardens, lush green plum gardens or experience boating on small canals.
Notes on travel, from the center of Can Tho City, tourists run along National Highway 91 in the direction of O Mon - Thot Not, then cross the ferry to go to the islet. If traveling during this Tet holiday, tourists should contact in advance to be served most thoughtfully.
