Imagine a weekend trip where you can explore stunning beaches, indulge in underwater adventures, and even ride a giant bird! That’s exactly what a group of students from Ho Chi Minh City discovered when they ventured to Nha Trang. They decided to forgo a structured tour and instead, craft their own adventure, ensuring their trip was both exciting and affordable.
With a budget of just VND250,000 per person, these resourceful students had plenty of options. From snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs at Hon Mun to exploring the underwater wonders of Tri Nguyen, and even testing their skills in watersports at Hon Tam, Nha Trang offered something for everyone. But one particular attraction truly stood out – the chance to ride ostriches on Hon Thi Island.
Riding a Giant Bird: An Unforgettable Experience
Nguyen Thu Trang, a student of Tourism at Hung Vuong University, took the lead in planning this unique experience. After thorough research, she chose Hon Thi Island for its ostrich riding adventure. These majestic creatures, towering nearly 3 meters tall and weighing a whopping 150 kilograms, are equipped with specially designed saddles made of imitation leather. The process is simple yet exhilarating: an instructor demonstrates the technique, then helps visitors climb onto the bird’s back. Holding onto the ostrich’s wings for stability and gripping its hips, riders experience a thrilling gallop around the island. Each ride lasts for 5-7 minutes, covering 5-6 laps, and costs just VND30,000 per person, including a photo with their feathered friend.
“The key is to avoid holding the ostrich’s neck, as it tends to bend its head while running, which can easily lead to a tumble,” Trang explained. “The tighter you grip the bird, the faster it will run, and the feeling is truly incredible!” she added.
Le Lam Dung, Deputy Director of Long Phu Tourism Company, the provider of this unique attraction, shared that their ostrich farm has been open for decades. However, it was only last year that they began using ostriches as a tourist attraction. The Hon Lao tourist zone also offers similar ostrich riding experiences.
From Farm Animals to Fashion Icons: The Rise of the Ostrich
The story of ostriches goes beyond just a fun tourist activity. These incredible birds have a rich history, dating back over a century. Over 100 years ago, people in Africa started consuming tamed ostrich meat. By the 1970s, large-scale ostrich farms had sprung up in countries across America and Europe, leading to a global presence for this majestic species.
The journey of ostriches in Vietnam began in the 1990s when the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development received a gift of 100 ostrich eggs from the Tate & Lyle group in Britain. This generous gift led to the establishment of an ostrich farm in Ba Vi, Ha Tay. Since then, ostriches have thrived in over 30 provinces across Vietnam.
Ostrich meat, known for its red color resembling beef, is low in fat and cholesterol and a great source of protein. This makes it a healthy and delicious choice for those looking for leaner alternatives. Furthermore, every part of the ostrich holds value.
Ostrich: A Treasure Trove of Value
Ostrich leather, renowned for its superior quality and firmness compared to crocodile leather, is a prized material. It contains a special type of fat that gives it durability and elegance, making it ideal for crafting coats, wallets, bags, and belts. The demand for ostrich leather is high, with one square meter costing nearly $400. When processed into finished goods, the price skyrockets. For example, a 1.2×1.4 meter ostrich skin wallet can fetch $550-580, while a pair of ostrich skin shoes can command a price of $2,000.
Ostrich feathers are equally valuable, holding a unique property – they do not conduct electricity. This makes them perfect for creating brushes for computers and other delicate precision equipment. Unprocessed ostrich feathers fetch $100 per kilogram, while chick down is even more valuable, selling for $2,000 per kilogram.
The demand for ostrich products is so high that a leading ostrich leather enterprise in Nha Trang struggles to keep up. Even ostrich egg shells and talons are used to create unique jewelry and handicrafts. It’s clear that almost every part of the ostrich has a valuable purpose, making these birds a true treasure trove.
The students’ weekend trip to Nha Trang showcased the beauty and diversity of Vietnam, along with the fascinating story of the ostrich, a bird that has captivated people for generations. From thrilling rides to luxurious leather goods, the ostrich has secured its place as a fascinating and valuable part of our world.
