(VOVWORLD) - Spring has come to Tam Hiep islet in the middle of the Tien river in Binh Dai district, Ben Tre province. Although reaching Tam Hiep is challenging due to its remote location, Tet celebrations there are just as joyful and warm as anywhere else in Vietnam.
 A view of Tam Hiep islet ahead Tet. (Photo: Nhat Truong) |
The ferry carrying passengers back and forth across the Tien River to Tam Hiep islet is busier than usual these days with the Tet holiday approaching.
In recent years, life in Tam Hiep commune has been steadily improving. 600 hectares of longan, green-skinned grapefruit, and green coconut have helped local farmers earn a per capita income of 2,500 USD a year.
Nguyen Van Chan’s 5 hectares of wild ginseng leaves and seedlings earn him several thousands of USD a year, enough for his family to enjoy a sufficient Tet.
“I’ve been growing wild ginseng leaves for 9 years. My ginseng leaf garden is the largest in the Southwestern region. This Tet, all my children and grandchildren will come home. The local market is full of Tet goods,” said Chan.
 Nguyen Van Chan is known for his largest wild ginseng leaf (Photo: Nhat Truong) |
In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, Tam Hiep’s longan is selling for a good price. Whenever Tet comes, villagers produce local specialties that are in high demand in the market.
Le Quoc Dung, Director of the Tam Hiep Agricultural Cooperative, told VOV, “Every Tet holiday, our cooperative offers a number of new products like salted or sugared dry kumquat, honey, and green coconut. The cooperative members have stable lives and will enjoy a happy Tet this year.”
To ensure a sufficient Tet for the islanders, the local government has asked businesses and individuals to contribute to a fund to buy gifts for local policy beneficiaries and poor and near-poor households. Each gift set is worth between 12 and 20 USD.
“In addition to mobilizing donors to sponsor gifts, the local government will organize cultural activities at the communal center and schools to celebrate the coming Spring and Tet,” said Nguyen Huu Tho, Chairman of Tam Hiep commune’s People's Committee.
Tam Hiep islanders have been developing eco-tourism and homestay services to attract both domestic and foreign tourists.
To improve people’s lives and promote agricultural production and eco-tourism activities, the Tam Hiep administration has invested heavily in infrastructure, especially rural roads, dykes, and clean water.