Dong Thap Travel Guide

Dong Thap, located in the Mekong Delta, is known for its vast lotus fields, bird sanctuaries, charming rural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers authentic Mekong Delta experiences, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. Famous for the endless pink lotus ponds, Tràm Chim National Park, and Sa Dec Flower Village, Dong Thap is a must-visit for those exploring Southern Vietnam.

1. Best Time to Visit Dong Thap

Dong Thap has a tropical monsoon climate, making it warm and humid throughout the year.

• Dry Season (December – April) – Best for sightseeing, birdwatching, and exploring nature reserves.
• Flood Season (August – November) – The Mekong Delta is at its most beautiful, with abundant water birds, lotus fields, and floating markets.

For the best lotus season, visit between June and September, when the lotus fields are in full bloom!

2. How to Get to Dong Thap

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): ~150 km (~3–4 hours by road)

By Bus

• Buses from Mien Tay Bus Station (HCMC) to Cao Lanh or Sa Dec (Dong Thap’s major cities)
• Popular bus companies: Futa Bus (Phuong Trang), Mai Linh, Thanh Buoi
• Ticket Price: 100,000 – 150,000 VND ($4–$6)
• Duration: ~3.5 – 4 hours

By Private Car or Motorbike

• Car Rental: 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND ($80–$120) one way.
• Motorbike Rental (From HCMC): ~150,000 – 200,000 VND/day for adventurous travelers.

3. Getting Around Dong Thap

• Boat Tours – Best for exploring Tràm Chim National Park and Lotus Fields.
• Motorbike Rental – Ideal for countryside adventures (~100,000 – 150,000 VND/day).
• Bicycle Rental – Perfect for exploring flower villages (~50,000 VND/day).
• Taxi/Grab – Available in Cao Lanh & Sa Dec, but limited in rural areas.

4. Top Attractions in Dong Thap

Nature & Wildlife

• Tràm Chim National Park – A UNESCO-listed wetland reserve, home to over 200 bird species, including the rare Sarus Crane.
• Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Area – A peaceful bird sanctuary, offering boat rides through lush mangroves and lotus fields.
• Xeo Quyt Forest – A war-era jungle hideout, now an ecotourism site with scenic boat rides through narrow canals.

Lotus Fields & Flower Gardens

• Dong Sen Thap Muoi (Thap Muoi Lotus Fields) – Endless pink lotus fields, perfect for boat rides, photography, and trying lotus-based dishes.
• Sa Dec Flower Village – One of Vietnam’s biggest flower-growing areas, full of colorful blooms year-round.

Cultural & Historical Sites

• Kien An Cung Pagoda (Sa Dec) – A beautiful 19th-century Chinese temple, showcasing intricate architecture.
• Nguyen Sinh Sac Tomb – A historical site dedicated to Ho Chi Minh’s father, located in Cao Lanh.
• Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House – A famous French-Vietnamese house featured in Marguerite Duras' novel The Lover.

Countryside & Local Life

• Lai Vung Tangerine Gardens – Famous for juicy, sweet tangerines, perfect for fruit-picking experiences.
• Chợ Cao Lãnh (Cao Lanh Market) – A bustling local market, great for tasting Mekong specialties.

5. Best Foods to Try in Dong Thap

Dong Thap is famous for freshwater fish, lotus-based dishes, and tropical fruits.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Cơm hạt sen (Lotus Seed Rice) – Fragrant rice mixed with lotus seeds and herbs.
• Lẩu cá linh bông điên điển (Linh Fish Hotpot with Yellow Sesbania Flowers) – A specialty of the flood season, full of fresh fish and edible flowers.
• Chả cá lóc (Grilled Snakehead Fish Cake) – A crispy fish cake made with local spices.
• Vịt nướng Sa Đéc (Sa Dec Grilled Duck) – A famous dish with rich, smoky flavors.
• Hủ tiếu Sa Đéc (Sa Dec Noodle Soup) – A local version of hu tieu, with tender pork, seafood, and fresh herbs.
• Xoài Cao Lãnh (Cao Lanh Mangoes) – One of Vietnam’s best mango varieties, super sweet and juicy.

Best Places to Eat

• Quán Hủ Tiếu Bà Sẩm (Sa Dec) – Famous for Sa Dec noodle soup.
• Nhà Hàng Đồng Sen (Thap Muoi Lotus Fields) – Try lotus-based dishes with stunning views.
• Chợ Đêm Cao Lãnh (Cao Lanh Night Market) – Great for street food and local snacks.

6. Where to Stay in Dong Thap

Luxury Resorts ($50 – $100/night)

• Mekong Lodge Resort – A charming riverside resort with traditional Mekong bungalows.

Mid-Range Hotels ($20 – $50/night)

• Huynh Duc Hotel (Cao Lanh) – Comfortable and modern.
• Bông Sen Hotel (Sa Dec) – Great location near Sa Dec Flower Village.

Budget Stays & Homestays ($5 – $20/night)

• Xẻo Quýt Homestay – Stay in traditional wooden houses surrounded by nature.
• Lotus Homestay Thap Muoi – Perfect for authentic lotus field experiences.

7. Suggested 2-Day Dong Thap Itinerary

Day 1: Lotus Fields & Cultural Exploration

• Morning: Explore Thap Muoi Lotus Fields (Boat Tour & Lotus Lunch)
• Afternoon: Visit Xeo Quyt Forest (War-Era Jungle & Boat Ride)
• Evening: Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant & Explore Cao Lanh Night Market

Day 2: Wildlife & Flower Gardens

• Early Morning: Birdwatching at Tràm Chim National Park
• Late Morning: Visit Sa Dec Flower Village & Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House
• Afternoon: Try Local Food & Explore Gao Giong Bird Sanctuary
• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

8. Travel Tips for Dong Thap

• Wear light clothes & bring a hat – It gets hot, especially near the lotus fields.
• Bring cash – Many local markets and homestays don’t accept credit cards.
• Try lotus-based dishes – Dong Thap is famous for lotus-infused food.
• Book boat tours early – Especially for Tràm Chim National Park and Xeo Quyt Forest.
• Visit during flood season (Aug–Nov) – To experience the Mekong Delta at its most beautiful.

Dong Thap is one of the most underrated gems in the Mekong Delta, offering breathtaking lotus fields, unique wildlife, historical sites, and delicious food. If you're looking for an authentic, peaceful getaway, Dong Thap is the perfect destination!