Dong Thap: A Gateway to Tranquility and Adventure
Dong Thap, with its serene canals, vast rice fields, and fragrant lotus ponds, promises to be a destination full of delightful experiences. With Deluxe Group Tours, explore this fertile land with its fascinating attractions, diverse activities, and unforgettable, delicious dishes.
1. A Brief Introduce Dong Thap
Dong Thap, a province in the Mekong Delta, emerges as a tranquil oasis in the region’s vibrant tapestry.
Located approximately 165 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Thap is definitely an ideal respite from the urban clamor, inviting you to immerse yourself in its serene natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Dong Thap is famous for its vast rice fields, endless green Cajuput forests, and the immense, fresh, and sweet alluvial waters that come with the flood season. Each natural color can create a unique and distinct charm for every destination in Dong Thap.
Dong Thap becomes even more enchanting, especially with the iconic image of lotus fields. The picture of vast lotus fields with a backdrop of green leaves dotted with pink and purple lotus petals, sometimes shyly closed and sometimes in full bloom, creates an overall breathtakingly beautiful scene.
In Dong Thap, you feel immersed in the border region’s sunlight, the wind, and the boundless natural scenery.
Not only can you enjoy the natural scenery with vast cajuput forests, expansive lotus fields, and wild stork gardens, but when you come to Dong Thap Muoi, you seem to step into a new world where you can discover distinctive cultural features with traditional craft villages and rustic cuisine.
Additionally, visiting Dong Thap offers you many interesting and unique experiences. You can ride a bicycle through the whispering forests, paddle a kayak through the picturesque canals, bathe in the forest with the fresh air, and explore the nature and culture of this area.
Dong Thap is an ideal destination where you can immerse yourself in the abundant nature and the simple lives of the local people. Escaping from stressful moments, you will find a serene haven amidst the lush green rice fields, vibrant flower gardens, and picturesque canals.
2. Must-See Landmarks of Dong Thap
2.1. Thap Muoi Lotus Field
Although it does not possess the dazzling beauty of roses or the charming beauty of peonies, the lotus embodies the distinctive charm of the land and people of Vietnam. When you visit the Thap Muoi Lotus Ecotourism Area, you can almost fully experience all the remarkable features of this unique flower.
What captivates you and leaves you utterly enchanted is the picture of the countryside, where the vibrant pink and white of the lotus flowers intermingle with the green of the leaves and the golden sunlight.
Witnessing the vibrant color changes of the lotus flowers here makes you fall even more in love with this flower. Starting at dawn, the lotus buds shyly open, revealing a gentle pink hue like a dreamy muse. As the sun rises higher, the lotus petals gradually unfold, displaying a radiant pink against the sky. By mid-afternoon, the lotus flowers are in full bloom, showcasing a brilliant pink alongside their shimmering yellow and black stamens under the dazzling sunlight. As dusk falls, the petals slowly close, donning a deep, somber pink, as if reluctantly bidding farewell to the daylight.
Besides admiring the beauty of this flower, you can also sit on a slowly drifting boat in the vast lotus lake. Wherever the boat takes you, you can enjoy the flowers and pick lotus buds, and the lush green lotus leaves will cheerfully greet you. Not only that, you can experience the lives of the farmers in Thap Muoi with rustic activities such as fishing, catching fish, picking lotus buds, and gathering lotus seeds. Perhaps these experiences will stay with you in your memories forever.
Visiting Thap Muoi Lotus Field will surely be a memorable experience on your journey. However, to experience the most wonderful aspects of lotus flowers, you should visit Dong Thap Muoi during the peak blooming season, typically during the floating season from June to November each year.
2.2. Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Area
As one of the provinces in the Mekong Delta, Dong Thap is renowned for its wild ecotourism areas. It’s also home to millions of birds and storks thriving and developing here. Specifically at the Gao Giong Eco-tourism Area, you can behold the picturesque natural scenery of “fish swimming below the river, birds flying in the sky,” which is truly poetic and enchanting.
The main allure of this ecotourism area is perhaps its pristine landscape, fresh natural air, and the peaceful sounds of diverse wildlife. Whether at sunrise or sunset, whether starting or ending a day, every moment here is a serene time to relax, letting your soul gently float along the cool water and the calls of the wild birds.
The specialty sampan of the Mekong Delta is definitely an enticing experience. You’ll be carried along the canals, with lush green mangrove forests on both sides. Under the shade of trees, gliding on the tranquil water surface, you’ll hear the melodious calls of various birds. Spending time relaxing amidst this vast ecosystem is truly the most effective way to unwind.
Here, you can see and learn about many different bird species, with the majority being the majestic white storks. Especially at the bird garden, you’ll get to observe these birds up close in large numbers. It’s truly fascinating to watch them gracefully stride as they forage, sometimes waving their wings as if performing a welcoming dance or suddenly soaring high into the sky and echoing their calls throughout the forest.
Especially admiring the panoramic view of the Gao Giong Ecotourism Area from above will leave you in awe. The vast natural scenery unfolds before your eyes, not just mangrove forests or the spaces within the ecotourism area. There are also extensive rice fields stretching far and wide, dotted with hundreds of white storks, lesser whistling ducks, and mallards circling and foraging.
The Gao Giong Ecotourism Area is a promising destination where you can fully immerse yourself in the peaceful countryside atmosphere.
2.3. Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House is always among the first ancient structures and a major attraction in Sa Dec, offering you fascinating insights into culture and history.
One of the standout features that adds to the allure of this ancient structure is its fascinating blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles.
Every small detail in the architecture of this house carries a strong imprint of ancient, luxurious architecture. From the frame of the walls, pillars adorned with traditional lines, and the solemn altar of Quan Cong to the center-inclination floor design, everything seems to blend harmoniously together, creating a unified and harmonious whole.
Not only does it stand out with its unique East-West architectural design, but this place is also famous for the cross-border love story between the French writer Marguerite Duras and the wealthy Vietnamese-Chinese gentleman Huynh Thuy Le.
Listening to the poignant love story makes you even more eager to explore the ancient house named after one of the characters in this tale.
2.4. Sa Dec Flower Village
In addition, to highlight attractions like Thap Muoi Lotus Field, Dong Thap also boasts a flower village adorned with vibrant colors from the silt and bathed in gentle sunlight. Sa Dec Flower Village sits alongside the Tien River, with its extensive beds of radiant flowers proudly displayed under the sun, symbolizing a traditional craft with over 100 years of history.
Sa Dec Flower Village appears like a unique painting amidst the watery landscape of the Mekong Delta. Unlike flower villages typically found on the land, this place is renowned for its image of tall, soaring fields of flowers emerging from the cool, green water surface. It creates a scene that is both poetic and serene, yet also captivatingly charming.
Each flower bed is planted on high trellises, firmly secured by sturdy bamboo poles. From a distance, it almost feels like discovering a fairy-tale garden, creating a unique highlight in the natural landscape.
The small boats winding through each flower row or the feet wading through water without hesitation to care for the fragrant ornamental flowers create a wonderful image, making you enchanted.
Admiring the magnificent scenery of Sa Dec Flower Village, where the flowers are blooming vibrantly, and the people associated with nature, will undoubtedly immerse you in the dazzling, enchanting beauty of this place and leave you with unforgettable emotions.
2.5. Tram Chim National Park
Not only known for its vast rice fields and extensive lotus ponds, Sa Dec Flower Village, etc., Dong Thap also boasts eco-tourism spots that leave you in awe. One of the standout tourist destinations in Dong Thap is Tram Chim National Park.
With its beautiful, serene natural scenery and fresh, airy atmosphere, visiting Tram Chim National Park is sure to provide you with wonderful experiences.
At Tram Chim National Park, you’ll have the chance to sit on a boat gliding along the cool green canals, watching various birds flying around in search of food and calling out loudly, filling the air with their sounds. Flocks of hundreds of birds spreading their wings create a peaceful and captivating sight. It becomes even more special when you are lucky enough to witness rare birds or countless scenes of nature transitioning from lotus fields to water chestnut, cajuput forests, or weedy rice fields.
Moreover, your experience here becomes even more diverse with a variety of exciting activities. Paddling a sampan to experience life in the floating regions, you can personally engage in the local livelihoods, such as casting nets, setting traps, or trying your hand at fishing in Tram Chim Tam Nong. You can also participate in harvesting weedy rice and, particularly, enjoy the unique activity of hunting field mice, a local delicacy.
Tram Chim National Park promises to offer you truly fascinating experiences as you escape the bustling, suffocating atmosphere of the city to immerse yourself in the enchanting wilderness.
3. A Taste of Unique Dong Thap Specialties
3.1. Dong Thap Lotus Root Salad
When mentioning the specialties of Dong Thap, you cannot overlook dishes made from lotus—the renowned plant of this region. Among these, the delicious and enticing lotus stem salad (gỏi ngó sen) stands out.
The Dong Thap lotus stem salad has a deliciously unique flavor thanks to its fresh, natural ingredients, which remain fresh without drying out like in other places.
Although it is a specialty dish, the preparation and ingredients for this dish are incredibly simple and rustic, just like the kind and humble people of this region.
The lotus stem, the youngest part of the lotus plant, is cleaned and cut into thin strips after being harvested. It is then mixed with seasonings such as lime, sugar, fish sauce, chili, and a bit of aromatic herbs. Once the lotus stem has absorbed the flavors, shredded chicken is added and mixed in.
Taking a bite, you’ll experience a burst of flavors in your mouth—the sour, sweet, and spicy notes combined with the tender and sweet chicken and the crisp, refreshing texture of the lotus stem.
The flavor of this dish is further enhanced when enjoyed with a few glasses of unique wine from this place, infused with lotus petals and stamens aged for 6–8 months before serving. The rich spiciness of the wine blends with the delicious aroma of lotus stem salad, leaving you nostalgic.
3.2. Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaves (Dong Thap Lotus Seed Rice)
If lotus stem salad is a simple, rustic dish, lotus seed rice, or rice wrapped in lotus leaves, is a more elaborate and meticulous dish to prepare.
To make this dish, local people need to select large, uniform lotus seeds, peel and remove the bitter germ, and boil them until they are soft but not mushy. After that, mix the lotus seeds with rice. The rice used for cooking this delicious specialty dish should also be the famous red rice, which is small-grained, fragrant, and has a long, slender shape.
In addition, this dish also includes ingredients such as boiled carrots, shrimp, Chinese sausage, etc. All these are wrapped in fresh green lotus leaves and steamed until cooked, allowing the flavor of the lotus leaves to infuse into each grain of rice.
Even though it requires meticulous preparation and cooking processes, when you admire the results, you’ll find everything worthwhile. The image of red rice blending with the different colors of other ingredients makes the dish special, tempting you to eat it immediately. While savoring it, you can taste the sweetness of the rice and the earthy flavor of lotus seeds. Especially savor this dish with a lightly spicy soy sauce; it will conquer your taste buds in the first bite.
Lotus seed rice seems to encapsulate all the essence of Dong Thap. Each tender lotus seed and each wrapped lotus leaf carry the distinctive flavors of the region. The red rice blushes pink like precious gems from the vast rice fields, creating a perfect symphony for the palate.
3.3. Hu Tieu Sa Dec
Though not as famous as Hu Tieu Nam Vang or Hu Tieu My Tho, Hu Tieu Sa Dec definitely leaves a deep impression that lingers long after you’ve tasted it. The noodles are chewy, the broth is sweet and clear, and the aromatic blend of meat, shrimp, chives, shallots, lime, chili, and more ensures a dish that surely creates a taste memory you won’t forget.
Although this dish is made in many places, Hu Tieu Sa Dec still has a unique flavor due to the distinctive ingredients used in making the noodles and broth. Sa Dec rice flour, milky white and carrying a soft, fragrant scent of fresh rice, makes the noodles.
The broth for Hu Tieu Sa Dec is meticulously prepared from pork marrow bones, seasoned with traditional spices that create a distinct, fragrant, and rich sweet taste. Especially noteworthy is its sweet and clear broth, which is flavorful and aromatic without being overly greasy, making Hu Tieu Sa Dec irresistibly inviting for you to try at least once.
Each serving of Hu Tieu Sa Dec typically comes with a plate of sausage, a fried dough stick, fresh vegetables, soy sauce, and sliced goat horn pepper soaked in vinegar. When eating, you mix all these ingredients and slowly savor the wonderful flavors of this dish. Additionally, don’t miss out on the unique and delicious dry version of Hu Tieu Sa Dec, accompanied by a hot and flavorful bowl of soup.
3.4. Rice Field Mouse Roasted in a Vase (Chuot Dong Quay Lu)
Rice Field Mouse Roasted in a Vase is a delicacy that is limited to some tastes, but once you try it, you might get addicted. The best time to enjoy this dish is around February, during the Lunar New Year season. This is when the mice are fat and plump from feasting on the rice buffet.
The preparation of this dish is indeed truly rustic. After cleaning, the mice are marinated with a special mixture of salt, pepper, sugar, MSG, fish sauce, minced lemongrass, minced chili, and five-spice powder. They are then skewered and roasted over low heat on straw or charcoal in a vase. While roasted, the intense aroma of lemongrass and chili blends with the rich flavors of the spices, deeply infusing into every bit of meat, creating a symphony of flavors that is quite stimulating.
Once the mice turn golden and emit a tantalizing aroma, you won’t be able to resist the allure of this dish. Each piece of hot, golden-brown mouse meat, shredded and dipped in spicy salt with lime or sweet and sour tamarind fish sauce, paired with fresh vegetables, rice paper, fresh vermicelli, and aromatic herbs, makes for a delightful combination.
The sweet and fatty flavor of rice field mice meat blends with the spicy heat of chili, the refreshing tartness of lime, the savory sweetness of the fish sauce, and the aromatic freshness of raw vegetables, creating a culinary experience that is irresistibly appealing.
4. Best Tips for Exploring Dong Thap
Dong Thap is an ideal destination for you and your family to spend a weekend getaway or a long holiday. However, you should also consider some highly useful travel tips for Dong Thap to make your trip more enjoyable and fulfilling.
4.1. Choosing the Best Time for Your Trip
Dong Thap is located in a tropical climate region, with warm sunshine year-round and a mild, pleasant climate without cold seasons or storms. Therefore, you can visit Dong Thap in any season.
The weather in Dong Thap is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy and dry seasons.
The rainy season lasts from May to November, during which you can witness the splendid blooming of lotuses and enjoy an abundance of fruits. Especially if you choose to explore Dong Thap at this time, you should learn more about the typical fruits of the Mekong Delta with the Top 10 Typical Fruits in the Mekong Delta. This will help you be ready to choose your favorite orchards to pick for yourself some juicy Lai Vung tangerines or sweet Chau Thanh longans, among others.
The dry season starts in December and lasts until April of the following year, coinciding with the period leading up to Tet (the Lunar New Year). This is also the time for blooming spring flower gardens to adorn Dong Thap beautifully, celebrating the upcoming new year.
However, if you want to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and specialty foods of Dong Thap, you should visit during the floating season, which lasts from August to November according to the lunar calendar.
4.2. Finding Your Perfect Place to Stay
Sa Dec and Cao Lanh are the two areas with the most abundant and diverse hotel and guesthouse systems in Dong Thap province. However, for a meaningful vacation, you don’t need to spend too much on hotels. Instead, consider staying in authentic countryside homestays. While they may not be as comfortable and modern as hotels and guesthouses, they offer the most genuine experiences.
Tu Ca Linh Homestay
A rustic, countryside-style accommodation promises to deliver a simple, authentic experience of the Mekong Delta. Tu Ca Linh Homestay, located near Tram Chim National Park, is one of the top destinations with captivating natural scenery, offering a fresh, peaceful, and relaxing atmosphere.
The homestay features a floating house model on the river, surrounded by lotus ponds, rice fields, and fish farming areas. By choosing to stay here, you will have the opportunity to experience the rustic lifestyle and the unique river culture of the Mekong Delta.
Maison en Bambou Phong – Le Vent Homestay
A charming homestay with a distinctly French name nestled in the heart of Sa Dec, Dong Thap. Maison en Bambou Phong-LLe Vent boasts a prime location right in the middle of Sa Dec Flower Village, offering you a spacious, gentle natural environment that is extremely tranquil and perfect for a relaxing retreat.
Here, you will have wonderful experiences like a true Sa Dec local: admiring the beauty of ornamental flowers, savoring local specialties, participating in local activities, and experiencing the daily lives of the residents. This will undoubtedly be a memorable part of your travel journey.
Dong Thap, with its rustic and simple beauty along with friendly and hospitable people, is sure to offer you amazing experiences. Come and explore this land of pink lotuses to enjoy the fresh air, immerse yourself in unspoiled nature, savor delicious local specialties, and experience unique cultural aspects. From the tips and experiences shared above, I hope you can fully prepare for a complete and fulfilling trip.