Discovering the beauty of Pha Tam Giang with the cast of 'Quan Nha Haha'

The cast of Quan Nha Haha enjoys an immersive experience at Tam Giang Lagoon in Hue. Photo: Producer

Episode 3 of Quan Nha Haha introduces viewers to a new journey in Hue as the cast steps away from running the eatery to explore the scenic beauty of Pha Tam Giang.

Amidst the vast open waters, the group experiences clam-catching, takes in the sunset, and unwinds after a series of hectic days, further deepening the bond between the cast and the host family.

The cast of Quan Nha Haha experiences clam-catching against the Pha Tam Giang sunset in Hue

After their third service day in Nham Bieu village, the Quan Nha Haha crew steps out of the kitchen to visit Pha Tam Giang, the largest brackish lagoon system in Southeast Asia, where the Huong, Bo, and O Lau rivers merge before emptying into the sea. It stands as one of Hue's iconic landmarks, renowned for its expansive waters, tranquil atmosphere, and breathtaking beauty that shifts throughout the day.

The group is greeted by a golden sunset cast across the water. Leaving behind kitchen orders and culinary rush, the members unwind in the crisp, open air and try their hand at catching clams, an activity rooted in the everyday livelihoods of the lagoon's local community.

Photo: Provided by the producer

Photo: Provided by the producer

Amid the water and muddy lagoon banks, filled with continuous laughter and banter, the members excitedly hunted for their catch, creating delightful moments together.

However, an unexpected incident occurred when Quoc Thien accidentally stepped on a wooden splinter while catching clams. The minor mishap made the excursion even more memorable, delivering a bittersweet, laugh-out-loud moment true to the show's signature humor.

Co Be’s story moves Ngoc Thanh Tam to tears thinking of her mother

While the cast enjoyed their getaway at Pha Tam Giang, Co Be stayed home preparing dinner featuring two deeply authentic local dishes: com hen (baby clam rice) and che hat sen (lotus seed sweet soup). The thoughtful devotion of a Hue woman shone through every step of preparation, from selecting fresh ingredients to balancing seasonings to preserve their time-honored heritage flavor.

Photo: Provided by the producer

The bowl of com hen was combined with Hue fermented shrimp paste, sweet and sour fish sauce, and an assortment of fresh accompanying greens. Alongside it, a piping hot bowl of boiled clam broth rounded out the rustic dish, capturing the unmistakable culinary essence of the Ancient Capital. After an afternoon exploring the lagoon, the meal lovingly prepared by Co Be became a cozy gathering point where the whole household sat together and shared their everyday stories.

Photo: Provided by the producer

This was also the occasion when Co Be opened up more about her life for the first time. As the eldest sister in her family, she had shouldered numerous chores and responsibilities from a young age. After marrying, she took on the role of the eldest daughter-in-law, caring for her parents-in-law and joining Chu Phuoc in preserving the ancestral lineage home.

Co Be's sincere, unvarnished recollections deeply moved Ngoc Thanh Tam, bringing memories of her own mother to heart. Through those stories, the image of Hue women emerged in all its devoted grace, resourceful, self-sacrificing, and constantly pouring their time and devotion into nurturing their loved ones.

A deepening bond of kinship forged through experiences in Nham Bieu village

Photo: Provided by the producer

The bond between the cast and the host family was further highlighted by a heartfelt invitation from Co Be and Chu Phuoc. After days spent cooking together, serving diners, and sharing family meals, the hosts expressed their wish for the members to stay an extra day after filming wrapped, allowing more time to cook and treat everyone to Hue's authentic delicacies.

That simple, tender invitation showed that the divide between the out-of-town guests and the host family had completely melted away. The cast had virtually become extended family, sharing laughter, daily chores, and intimate life stories under one roof.

Photo: Provided by the producer

Following an afternoon rain shower in Nham Bieu village, the members headed back into the kitchen together to make che bot loc heo quay (roasted pork tapioca dumplings in sweet syrup), an iconic specialty deeply rooted in Hue cuisine. Singing, laughter, and playfully shaped dumplings filled the kitchen with lively chatter, evoking the cozy warmth of a Tet holiday family gathering.

Photo: Provided by the producer

The trip to Pha Tam Giang alongside personal stories shared in Nham Bieu village helped the Quan Nha Haha cast gain deeper appreciation for local life, while forging genuine connections between individuals who were once strangers.

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