Planning a holiday to Sa Dec? Discover top reasons to go, best time to visit, tours and free itineraries, history and hidden gems with the official guide! Find out what to do, where to go, where to stay and what to eat in Sa Dec from the local travel experts who know it best. If you’re not able to visit just yet, plan ahead to make the most of your wish-lists.
By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Visitor Guide To Can Tho | Chau Doc | Soc Trang | Ben Tre | Cai Be | Vinh Long | My Tho | Tra Vinh | Sa Dec | Bac Lieu | Ca Mau | Hau Giang
Welcome to Sa Dec
The former capital of Dong Thap province, Sa Dec is probably on the radar for most foreign visitors thanks to the vast flower nurseries located on the far side of the river. In addition, Sa Dec was immortalized by Jean-Jacques Annaud’s film L’Amant (The lover), based on the best-selling novel by French writer Marguerite Duras, which tells her love story with Huynh Thuy Le, the 27-year-old son of a wealthy Chinese family, when she was only 15. During the Vietnam War between 1966 and 1967, this Sadec town was a base for American patrol boats and fast boats. Sa Dec is about 175 km from HCMC, 51 km from Can Tho and 105 km from Chau Doc for PhnomPenh Cambodia by speedboat.
Top Reasons to Go
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House
If you ever fall in love with the novel “The Lover” of the French writer Marguerite Duras, which has been translated into 43 languages and made into film in 1992, this house is a place for you to know more about her passionate love. Made famous by The Lover, Huynh Le Thuy was Duras’ lover—at the time he was 27 and she 15—and while this was his home, their love–nest was in Cho Lon in Ho Chi Minh City. The house dates back to 1895, renovated in 1917, and is a meld of French, Chinese and Vietnamese styles.
Sa Dec Flower Village
For 100 years, it has been one of the largest floral centres in Southern vietnam. Several flowers and herbs such as roses, orchids, arecas, etc., grown alternately, make it a magical village full of colours and aromas. Sa Dec is famous for its rose garden which houses more than 50 kinds of roses that are transported daily to Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces.
Non-touristy
This city is not familiar to intl tourists yet.
Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area
The forest covers an area of 50 hectares, containing 20 hectares of cajuput over 30 years old. Xeo Quyt Relic Area, which conceals former Viet Cong bunkers deep in the cajeput forest 30km southeast of Cao Lanh. The district’s dense cover provided the perfect bolthole for Viet Cong guerrillas during the American War, and from 1960 to 1975 the struggle against America and the ARVN was masterminded from here.
Can Tho Free Walking Tours & Free Biking Tour at 3pm Daily
Huynh Thuy Le ancient house & Xeo Quyt forest tour from Can Tho 1 day
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient hoouse & Xeo Quyt Forest tour from HCMC to Can Tho 1 day
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient house & Sa Dec City Tour & Xeo Quyt forest
Can Tho floating market tour from Sa Dec
The Private Car and Driver (no tour guide) Transfer from HCMC to Can Tho and stop over the Xeo Quyt forest to visit by yourself (Route 3)
The Private Car and Driver (no tour guide) Transfer from HCMC to Can Tho and stop over the Sa Dec flower village to visit by yourself (Route 2)
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
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Getting here and around
Nowadays Sa Dec is getting easier for everyone to get there and get around. It also means that traveling to the town won’t take much sweat, especially when you get here by public bus, car via the highway. We will break this down in detail, so check the information below to choose your best vehicle option.
Air travel: Currently, there aren’t any direct flights to Sa Dec. The nearest one is Tan Son Nhat intl airport and Tra Noc intl (Can Tho) airport.
Bus travel: From Ho Chi Minh city to Sa Dec. The best bus company for getting from Saigon to Sa Dec is the Futa Bus Lines company. You can catch a bus from the Western bus station (address: 395 Kinh Duong Vuong, An Lac Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City) with the time to travel to Sa Dec is 3 hours (142km), to buy tickets or contact system of specialized vehicles running Saigon – Sadec route such as: Phuong Trang (futa bus lines), add in Saigon: 272 De Tham, District 1. Tel for booking ticket: 19006067. Once you’ve arrived at the Sa Dec Bus Station, take a taxi to your Sa Dec accommodation. Or, if taking the Futa bus line, take the complimentary transportation van which goes to certain areas in 10 km distance. For your return trip, you can pre-book your tickets or have your accommodation help reserve the tickets for you.
Bus travel: From Can Tho to Sa Dec. Take the public bus as Futa bus line. Super easy to have a ticket. These buses are great and new and AC and depart from Can Tho to Saigon. On the way, you can tell the driver to drop you off in Sa Dec if you do not go straight to HCMC.
Boat travel: Not a public boat yet.
Speed Boat travel: From HCMC to Sadec. Not yet
Speed Boat travel: From Can Tho to Sa Dec. Not yet
Cruises: Bassac cruise starts from Can Tho to Vinh Long Sadec Vinh Long Cai Be Tien Giang
Train travel: Not yet.
Bicycle and motorcycle travel: While it’s possible to rent a motorbike to explore the Sa Dec, most visitors choose to utilize the free bicycles offered by most resorts and homestays. The roads are bumpy and occasionally muddy but the distances are relatively short. You’ll notice that many of the locals opt to travel by bike as well so you’ll be in good company. From HCMC you can find “Thanh Lam motorbike rental shop: Address at No.17C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, contact: 0902 840 361” or “Style Motorbikes motorbike rental shop: Address at No.42/24 Tran Dinh Xu Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, contact: 0915.139.796” and “Dragon Bikes motorbike rental shop: Address at No.182/5A De Tham Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, District 1, contact: 0909 283 280.
Ferry travel:
Best time to Visit Sa Dec
Sa Dec welcomes you in any season all year round, each of which will certainly offer you specifically different types of pleasure and satisfaction. However, the best time to visit Sa Dec is in the dry season, from November to April, because the landscape and ecosystem are quite distinctive. If you visit Sa Dec in January or February (Tet holiday – Lunar New Year in Vietnam), don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Sa Dec’s flower village
Floating season (September – December): It is the best time to visit Sa Dec and the Mekong Delta region in general.
Rainy season (May – October): It is not a bad choice when traveling to Sa Dec during rainy seasons since the rains are short and will not affect your trip. May is also a great time for birding in Gao Giong bird sanctuary, many other places. If you want to see thousands of flying cranes in the sky at dawn as in a fantastic picture, you should visit Tram Chim National Park from late April to May.
Dry season (January – April): If you plan to travel to Sa Dec in the dry season, the sun can rise to 37-38oC, dry weather, canals begin to dry up, dry fields.
Sa Dec Tourist Attractions
Sa Dec Flower Village
Located near the Tien River, this village is becoming famous for its exotic and colourful varieties of flowers planted on 600 hectares. For 100 years, it has been one of the largest floral centres in Southern vietnam. Several flowers and herbs such as roses, orchids, arecas, etc., grown alternately, make it a magical village full of colours and aromas. Sa Dec is famous for its rose garden which houses more than 50 kinds of roses that are transported daily to Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces. You can also see century-old bonsai trees made by talented artists with beautiful and strange shapes. The particularity of Sa Dec flowers is that they are not planted on the ground but in bamboo baskets to avoid submergence. The best time to visit the flower village of Sa Dec is about 10 to 15 days before the Tet before they are shipped to markets in other parts of southern Vietnamese provinces… Read more info & pictures
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House
From the Sa Dec market, walk back to the river again and walk further north along the river’s edge and, on your left you’ll see Huynh Thuy Le Ancient Home (admission 30,000 dong). If you ever fall in love with the novel “The Lover” of the French writer Marguerite Duras, which has been translated into 43 languages and made into film in 1992, this house is a place for you to know more about her passionate love. Made famous by The Lover, Huynh Le Thuy was Duras’ lover—at the time he was 27 and she 15—and while this was his home, their love–nest was in Cho Lon in Ho Chi Minh City. The house dates back to 1895, renovated in 1917, and is a meld of French, Chinese and Vietnamese styles. The Huynh Thuy Le old house, now administered by Dong Thap Tourism, features some elaborate carved panels and lashings of gold lacquer work, as well as some photos of the couple in question. The 119 year old house is recognized as one of the most impressive destinations in Vietnam by the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations… Read more info & pictures
Can Tho Free Walking Tours & Free Biking Tour at 3pm Daily
Huynh Thuy Le ancient house & Xeo Quyt forest tour from Can Tho 1 day
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient hoouse & Xeo Quyt Forest tour from HCMC to Can Tho 1 day
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient house & Sa Dec City Tour & Xeo Quyt forest
Can Tho floating market tour from Sa Dec
The Private Car and Driver (no tour guide) Transfer from HCMC to Can Tho and stop over the Xeo Quyt forest to visit by yourself (Route 3)
The Private Car and Driver (no tour guide) Transfer from HCMC to Can Tho and stop over the Sa Dec flower village to visit by yourself (Route 2)
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
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Tu Ton Rose Garden
A few kilometres north of town by the river, Sa Dec’s famed flower nurseries consist of more than a hundred farms cultivating a host of ferns, fruit trees, shrubs and flowers. The expansive grounds of Tu Ton Rose Garden get the lion’s share of tourists visiting the area. In addition to the varieties of rose cultivated here, over 580 species of plant are grown, ranging from orchids, carnations and chrysanthemums, through to medicinal herbs and pines grown for export around Asia… Read more info & pictures
Dong Thap Museum
While in town, it’s worth having a look around the Dong Thap Museum. Though there are no English signs, this place has a well-organized display of fossils, skulls, farming tools, fish traps, basketware and textiles, as well as the inevitable paintings of heroic Vietnamese forces repelling French and American troops… Read more info & pictures
Xeo Quyt Forest – Xeo Quyt Relic Area
The forest covers an area of 50 hectares, containing 20 hectares of cajuput over 30 years old. You’ll most likely need to go through the local tourist office if you want to take a trip out to Xeo Quyt Relic Area, which conceals former Viet Cong bunkers deep in the cajeput forest 30 km southeast of Cao Lanh. The district’s dense cover provided the perfect bolthole for Viet Cong guerrillas during the American War, and from 1960 to 1975 the struggle against America and the ARVN was masterminded from here. The boggy nature of the terrain made a tunnel system similar to that of Cu Chi unfeasible, so they made do with six submerged metal chambers sealed with tar and resin. If you travel through the cajuput forest in a sampan during your trip to Southern vietnam, you will have the opportunity to contemplate the beauty of the relic… Read more info & pictures
Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Park (Cao Lanh)
It has long been famous as a “green oasis” with the charming natural landscape, the land is like a miniature Dong Thap Muoi of the southwestern region by the wild and rustic features bestowed by nature. Gao Giong Dong Thap tourism, after purchasing the entrance ticket, you will be invited to drink lotus heart tea, eat roasted lotus seeds, watch an overview and detailed video introduction about the resort. Before visiting the garden, you will get to the observatory 18 meters high and borrow binoculars. From here, you can observe almost the entire bird garden with deep green Melaleuca forests… Read more info & pictures
Lai Vung Tangerine Garden
Lai Vung is a district in Dong Thap province. It’s located in the southern key economic region of Dong Thap province, with a very important position. Between the Tien and Hau rivers, adjacent to Sa Dec industrial park, across the Tra Noc industrial park in Can. Poetry and adjacent to major urban centres of the region such as Can Tho city, Long Xuyen city (in An Giang) are very convenient for attracting investment and development. Lai Vung was famous in the past for Nam Bo Nem Chua, in addition to there are tangerines… Read more info & pictures
Tram Chim National Park (Birding tour)
Of the 220 species of bird nesting at Tram Chim National Park (previously Tam Nong Bird Sanctuary), it’s the sarus cranes, with their distinctive red heads, which most visitors come to see. In flight above the marshland of the sanctuary, the slender grey birds reveal spectacular black-tipped wings. Cranes feed from the land, so when the spate season (July to November) waterlogs the delta, they migrate to Cambodia. Visiting the park can be quite expensive, so this is a trip for committed bird enthusiasts only – if you’re keen, ask at the office of Dong Thap Tourist in Cao Lanh for details. Most people do the rounds of the park by boat, though there’s not much to be seen outside the months of December to May… Read more info & pictures
Kim Hue Pagoda
Kim Hue Pagoda was built in 1806 by the tranquil channel of Cai Son, Sa Dec, Dong Thap Province. The highlight of the pagoda is its unique Chinese-styled architecture with red-brick walls, ancient tile roof, and solemn wooden pillars. Kim Hue Pagoda was once the Buddhism school for local monks in the Western Vietnam, which makes it one of the most famous pagodas in this region for hundreds of years. If you’re searching for a rare peaceful moment among bustling city life in Ho Chi Minh City, then taking a trip to Kim Hue to enjoy the sounds of placid wind chimes and peaceful wooden bells is a great idea… Read more info & pictures
Thap Muoi Lotus Field in Dong Thap
The outskirts of Sa Dec Town are home to immense lotus swamps that you can hardly find anywhere else in Southern Vietnam. One of the best things to do in Dong Thap is to unlock the lotus fields in Dong Thap Muoi where the hidden gem and its traditional beauty is. Tourists can weave in and out the farm for sightseeing, photos and studying more about lotus as the national flower of Vietnam.… Read more info & pictures
Sa Dec Tours and Free itineraries
Can Tho Free Walking Tours & Free Biking Tour at 3pm Daily
Huynh Thuy Le ancient house & Xeo Quyt forest tour from Can Tho 1 day
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient hoouse & Xeo Quyt Forest tour from HCMC to Can Tho 1 day
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient house & Sa Dec City Tour & Xeo Quyt forest
Can Tho floating market tour from Sa Dec
The Private Car and Driver (no tour guide) Transfer from HCMC to Can Tho and stop over the Xeo Quyt forest to visit by yourself (Route 3)
The Private Car and Driver (no tour guide) Transfer from HCMC to Can Tho and stop over the Sa Dec flower village to visit by yourself (Route 2)
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com
As a local travel expert in Sa Dec, here is some options for your Sa Dec discovery:
Itinerary 1: Sa Dec Xeo Quyt Forest Tour from Sa Dec (full day)
Itinerary 2: Sa Dec Xeo Quyt Forest Tour from Can Tho (full day)
Itinerary 3: Sa Dec Tour from Can Tho (half day)
Itinerary 4: Sa Dec Tour from Can Tho (2 days 1 night)
Itinerary 5: Sa Dec Tour from Can Tho and Drop off in HCMC (full day)
Itinerary 6: Sa Dec Vinh Long Tour from Can Tho (full day)
Itinerary 7: Sa Dec Tour from Can Tho and Drop off in Chau Doc (full day)
If you do not have much time left, it is easy to check out spots in one full day by boat or with bike or with motorbike and car. But there are much more than tourist sites like these in Sa Dec. Make sure you have more time to feel and explore more about the hidden gems and the culture, food, night life, wildlife and forest as well. Top tip: Stay in a homestay nearby, so you have more chances to visit it and surroundings. If you are looking for the package Sa Dec daily tour with local, you can contact www.vemekong.com or Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559; email: hello@vemekong.com
Sa Dec Homestays and Hotels
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House
Address: 225A Nguyen Hue Street, Ward 2, Sa Dec City
Tel: (+84) 27 73 77 39 37
Price: VND 550,000/2 guests
The authority in Sa Dec is currently exploiting the tourism potential of Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House – an exquisite design with many historical values. They have offered homestay accommodation for tourists to Sa Dec. That’s why you should try a homestay experience in the house.
Maison En Bambou Phong-le Vent
Address: Khanh Hoa Hamlet, Tan Khanh Dong Commune, Sa Dec City
Phone: (+84) 93 929 83 88
Price: USD25/bungalow for 2 guests
Maison En Bambou Phong-le Vent is well-known as the Sa Dec’s most impressive homestay with the unique bamboo design. The homestay is nestled right in the middle of the Sa Dec flower village, so it’s fairly remote from the outside. You can find out the specialties of the Mekong Delta in this homestay, and there are also many interesting activities to experience, such as fishing, kayaking, and cycling around the flower village. The bamboo design looks amazing, and there is a private restroom in your own room. Keep in mind that there is no air-conditioning in any room of the homestay. The ambiance there is peaceful and awesome for people who love things of the countryside.
Flower & Frog Homestay
Address: 43 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Tan Quy Dong Ward, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province
Tel: (+84) 91 864 53 90
Price: VND 600,000/4 guests; VND 300,000/2 guests; VND 150,000/dorm
Flower & Frog Homestay is absolutely ideal to experience the life of local people. Staying there is a chance to soak up the pleasant atmosphere full of flowers. Right when you step to the front of the homestay, it seems that countless colored flowers are welcoming you. Near the homestay is the Tien river, making the scenery around more romantic.
Rose Homestay
Address: 156 TL 848 Khanh Nhon Hamlet, Tan Khanh Dong Commune, Sa Dec City.
Tel: (+84) 27 73 76 55 55
Price: VND 270,000/2 guests; VND 350,000/3 guests; VND 400,000/4 guests; VND 100,000/guest/dorm
Tucked away in the large flower gardens, Rose Homestay looks like a princess protected by pretty flowers. What do you think about staying in a place full of flowers? If you love, Rose is exactly the place you choose.
Cat Moc Hostel: 82 Ton Duc Thang Street, Sa Dec City. Price from VND400,000/night
Thanh Gai Hostel: 45 Sa Nhien Street, Quy Dong Ward, Sa Dec City. Price from VND150,000/night
Thanh Cong Hotel: 279 Provincial Route 848, Sa Dec City. Price from VND250,000/night
Huong Sen Hotel: 18 Vo Truong Toan Street, Cao Lanh City. Price from VND600,000/night
Mong Yen Hotel: 786 Pham Huu Cau Street, Cao Lanh City. Price from VND200,000/night
Huynh Duc Hotel: 1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, Cao Lanh City. Price from VND200,000/night
Kim Le Hotel: 260 Ton Duc Thang Street, Cao Lanh City. Price from VND250,000/night
Sa Dec Markets, Shopping and Souvenirs
Sa Dec Market
It is one of the many key destinations for those who want to get a glimpse of the daily life of the local population in this Southern Vietnamese city. The market is located near the river, so the boat is one of the best choices to visit this local market and enjoy the magnificent view from the river… Read more info & pictures
Sa Dec Night Market
Sa Dec market of Sa Dec city, Dong Thap province was formed from group meetings, along the banks of the Cai River, surrounded by many canals connecting this region with other regions. Sa Dec market specializes in wholesale and retail, and is also the largest wholesale market in the region. Sa Dec market includes many areas such as farmers market, food market, …, divided on the streets: Au Co, Lac Long Quan, An Duong Vuong, Nguyen Sinh Sac, Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Hue of the city Sa Dec… Read more info & pictures
Things to buy in Sa Dec
After finishing the interesting Sa Dec tour, you can buy Sa Dec specialties to bring back as gifts. The specialties that many people choose to buy are Lai Vung spring rolls and Sa Giang shrimp crackers at Giao Quy store. Or you can stop by Lai Vung mandarin shop to buy very delicious pink tangerines.
Sa Dec Food and Drink
Can Tho Free Walking Tours & Free Biking Tour at 3pm Daily
Huynh Thuy Le ancient house & Xeo Quyt forest tour from Can Tho 1 day
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient hoouse & Xeo Quyt Forest tour from HCMC to Can Tho 1 day
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient house & Sa Dec City Tour & Xeo Quyt forest
Can Tho floating market tour from Sa Dec
The Private Car and Driver (no tour guide) Transfer from HCMC to Can Tho and stop over the Xeo Quyt forest to visit by yourself (Route 3)
The Private Car and Driver (no tour guide) Transfer from HCMC to Can Tho and stop over the Sa Dec flower village to visit by yourself (Route 2)
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com
My Ngoc Noodle Soup
Location: 154 Hung Vuong Street, Ward 2, Sa Dec Provincial Town, Dong Thap Province.
Opening hours: 7:00 – 22:00.
Prices: from 60,000 VND.
Coming to Hu Tieu My Ngoc, you can order a portion of Clear rice noodle soup (Hủ tiếu nước) or a portion of Mixed clear rice noodles (Hủ tiếu khô). The Mixed clear rice noodles consist of clear rice noodles, toppings mixed with a special sauce, the broth is served separately in a bowl. The Clear rice noodle soup consists of clear rice noodles, toppings and broth. Both of the Hủ tiếu nước and Hủ tiếu khô are served with vegetables. Diners can add lime juice, chili pepper, soy sauce, fish sauce at their wishes. They usually eat the noodles, toppings and vegetables with chopsticks and eat the broth with spoons. The highlights of Hu Tieu My Ngoc include the delicious broth and secret recipe for the special sauce. Dong Thap is famous for tender, sticky, chewy, and smelling clear rice noodles. Any trip to Dong Thap has not been completed if clear rice noodle dishes are missed… Read more info & pictures
Khói Quán
A small restaurant that is loved for its lively atmosphere, the menu at the Khói Quán features a blend of Vietnamese and European influence. Meals at the restaurant are generous in portions, so travelers can easily place multiple orders to share amongst a group. For convenience, the restaurant does offer takeaway and delivery.
Tam Thanh restaurant
For good food with affordable prices, travelers should have a meal at the Nhà Hàng Tám Thành. Ingredients used by the chefs at the restaurant rely on the local fishermen to provide fresh fish to diners. For vegetarians, there are also a few items on the menu that use locally sourced vegetables instead.
Sa Dec Street Foods. If you want to enjoy the bustling riverside street atmosphere when the city lights up, the rows of shops along the embankment of Sa Dec River will be the ideal culinary choice for you. Because there are many restaurants, especially the delicious and cheap ones, especially Dong Thap crab hotpot specialty. If you want to enjoy delicious seafood, Loc Hue restaurant near Sat Sat Bridge (namely Tran Phu, Sa Dec) or a seafood restaurant on the street, restaurant 333, … is a suitable suggestion. For fans of hot pot, you should choose Tan Loc chicken hotpot shop (Zone A, Sa Dec industrial park) or Tu Lam hotpot shop (at the end of Thong Nhat street). Hai Hien beef hotpot and Ngoc Lan hotpot (near the bank of Sa Dec embankment) are also quite delicious.
Sadec crab hotpot (Lau Cua Dong Co Ut Sa Dec)
Visiting Sa Dec, you can’t leave its mouth-watering Mekong Delta cuisines behind. The first delicacy you have to try must be crab hotpot with the freshest crab collected only from local rivers and canals, various healthy vegetables, herbs and secret Vietnamese ingredients. Some other specialties you should try are grilled fish, snails… Read more info & pictures
Sa Dec noodle soup
Noodle dishes Sa Dec is definitely not to be missed when traveling Sa Dec. Almost every Mekong Delta province has a noodle dish, but the familiar dish of the Sa Dec people has a very strange taste. This is partly due to the fact that the noodles are chewy and slightly larger.
Here is a list of the famous noodle restaurants in Sa Dec that you can choose to enjoy in your Sa Dec tour:
Ba Sam noodle soup is located at 188 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 1, Sa Dec city.
Phu Thanh noodle soup, 75 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 1, Sa Dec City.
Co Lien noodle soup, 111 Tran Phu, Ward 1, Sa Dec city.
Baby Year vegetarian noodle soup: 27 Au Co, Ward 2, Sa Dec City.
Ms. Dau noodle soup: the shop is located in Hamlet 1, Tran Hung Dao, Ward 1, Sa Dec.
Mr. Tu noodle soup: 246 Tran Phu, An Hoa, Sa Dec.
Rice noodles and wet cakes at 228 Tran Phu, An Hoa, and Sa Dec… Read more info & pictures
Dinh Yen Mat Making Village
Dinh Yen mat village is in Dong Thap province’s Lap Vo District in the Mekong Delta and people are sure to be fascinated by the colourful mats there. Red, green, yellow, and purple are the main colours used and they can be seen almost everywhere in the village, which lies along the Hau River. Some 3,000 people from several generations are involved in mat making. There are many elderly craftsmen still working in the village. The mat makers grow the sedge they require along the river. According to the local elderly of the village, mat making emerged as a profession in Dinh Yen in the 1920s. Without enough raw materials back then, villagers had to source them from nearby provinces. The craft peaked in the 1980s when the village’s products were exported to Thailand, Cambodia and East European countries. Nowadays villagers use machines to save time though the details on the mats are still completely made by hand. The village’s craft was recognised as an intangible national heritage in 2013… Read more info & pictures
Kien An Cung Pagoda
Kien An Cung Pagoda, also known as Ong Quach Pagoda, is located in Ward 2, Sa Dec, Dong Thap Province. Kien An Cung Pagoda was built in 1924 and completed in 1927. This pagoda was built by a group of Chinese in Fujian (China) to worship ancestors, unite the community, meetings, discuss trading and exchanging information, etc. Kien An Cung Pagoda has a Chinese architecture design, with the overall picture of the word: “工” consisting of three compartments, the largest of which is the middle of the pagoda. Roof tiles are made meticulously, including 3 layers: the upper surface is tile, the middle is brick and the final layer is tile. Kien An Cung Pagoda roof is built like a wave, each wave is a miniature palace, consisting of 6 palaces. Kien An Cung Pagoda was built in a unique architectural style, with sophisticated and skillful carvings of artisans. The two sides of the wall have many images and symbols with many meanings of religion and education. The wall is decorated with many pictures of trees, birds, animals, and human statues made of miniature colored ceramic pieces. On the door, there are 6 gold lions and a picture of the king, and mandarin life scenes. On the two sides of the main entrance, there are two poem sentences decorated with a pattern around and carving apricot blossom and cranes background. In front of the main hall, there are two big stone unicorns with a big pearl on the mouth which are exquisitely carved. On the left and right sides, there are two gods of Good – Evil. Inside, there is a small courtyard for worshiping… Read more info & pictures
Can Tho Free Walking Tours & Free Biking Tour at 3pm Daily
Huynh Thuy Le ancient house & Xeo Quyt forest tour from Can Tho 1 day
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient hoouse & Xeo Quyt Forest tour from HCMC to Can Tho 1 day
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient house & Sa Dec City Tour & Xeo Quyt forest
Can Tho floating market tour from Sa Dec
The Private Car and Driver (no tour guide) Transfer from HCMC to Can Tho and stop over the Xeo Quyt forest to visit by yourself (Route 3)
The Private Car and Driver (no tour guide) Transfer from HCMC to Can Tho and stop over the Sa Dec flower village to visit by yourself (Route 2)
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com
Phuong Nam Cultural Tourism Area
Phuong Nam Cultural Tourism Area is located in Long Hung A Commune, Lap Vo District, Dong Thap Province with an area of about 5ha, with many works. In particular, the highlight is Nam Phuong Linh Tu temple, built according to the ancient wooden architecture – new wood with traditional Hue style house. The temple has 7 compartments, 2 wings, 3 hearts with lower roof and patio surrounding an area of 509m2 with 60 pillars (diameter of 0.45m or more). The system of doors, covers, bas reliefs, horizontal lines, couplets all use wooden furniture, which is carved very artfully and elaborately. Inside the temple, there are 21 bronze statues of the public who open the door and the spirit of 125 characters who have publicly discovered, preserved and glorified the southern region … Phuong Nam Cultural Tourism Area is the venue for many entertainment activities, experiences, and culinary activities… Read more info & pictures
Phuoc Kien Pagoda (Lotus Leaf Pagoda)
14 kilometers from the city center of Sa Dec, Phuoc Kien Pagoda is renowned for ponds full of huge lotus leaves. It’s known that the lotus leaves are big enough for 1-2 adults to stand on. You’ll be astonished by that kind of lotus leaves once you visit Phuoc Kien Pagoda…
The burial place of Nguyen Sinh Sac
On the southwestern outskirts of town, a landscaped park contains a monument, shaped like an open clam, which marks the burial place of Ho Chi Minh’s father, Nguyen Sinh Sac. The park’s area has recently been expanded to include several examples of stilted houses typical of the south, as well as a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s house in Hanoi. With a lake and benches in shady areas, it’s a pleasant place to pass an hour or so… Read more info & pictures
Sa Dec town park
Besides the flower village and the old house of Huynh Thuy Le, the central park of Sa Dec city is also a tourist destination in Dong Thap with many unique features. When you come here, in addition to enjoying the fresh and cool space, you can also sit on the bench decorated in harmony with many kinds of plants and monuments. Many visitors are very excited to relax in this poetic scene… Read more info & pictures
Happy Land Hung Thy Tourist Area
Happy Land Hung Thy Tourist Area is located right in the campus of Sa Dec flower village. This place is considered a combination of ornamental and floral works but also fun garden entertainment games. When you come here, visitors will be visited to take pictures of beautiful flower gardens and participate in fun games with adventure such as monkey bridge cycling, river swing, monkey bridge, canoeing, bridge shake… Read more info & pictures
Sa Dec History and Culture
Sa Dec History
Dong Thap Museum
Ticket:Free
Spend-time: One hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food:Yes
Shop: No
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/dong-thap-museum/
Address: 226 – Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ward 4, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap.
Added values: Dong Thap Museum is a place to introduce the values of the traditional cultural history of Dong Thap people in the life and activities as well as the heroic history of the Dong Thap Party Committee, army, and people in the struggle for national liberation… Read more info & pictures
Sa Dec Nightlife
Sa Dec Festivals, Sports and Outdoor Activities
Sa Dec Health and Safety
Dos and Don’ts for Your Trip to Sa Dec
Practical tips: Ways to save, Internet, Water, Learn a little Vietnamese and pro Tips
Ways to save:
Stay somewhere with free breakfast. Many budget hotels offer free breakfast to guests.
Eat street food. Food stalls are cheap and plentiful and are a great place to try regional specialities.
Travel by bicycle/motorbike. These two-wheeled bikes are among the cheapest ways to get around Can Tho and Mekong Delta region.
Stick to free attractions. If you’re really tight for cash, attractions such as markets cost nothing.
Sa Dec group tours. If you want to see and learn as much as possible with your limited time.
Internet:
Free Wi-Fi can be found everywhere from hotels to coffee shops. If you are from the EU you should be able to use your own data plan too. Or contact the hotel for the sim card.
Water:
Tap water is supposed to be safe but I advise against drinking it. It’s just not worth the risk. My advice is to use bottled water and save yourself from unexpected stomach problems.
Learn a little Vietnamese:
Sure, you can get by with just speaking English, but trying to speak the local language opens you up to much more polite & meaningful interactions with people. Even if you are not perfect or you make a mistake, your effort is appreciated. At a bare minimum: Hello = xin chao (sin chow), yes = dạ vâng, no = không (khom), thank you = cám ơn (kahm uhn), I’m sorry = tôi xin lỗi (toy sin loy), no problem/you’re welcome = không có gì (khong koh zi), goodbye = tạm biệt (tarm byeet), I’m vegetarian = tôi ăn chay (toy an chayh), How much? = bao nhiêu? (baow nyew), spicy/hot (cay), Oh My God (ôi..choy…oi…).
Pro Tips:
You can stay in a homestay which is in the Sa Dec flower village, this will help you have the best experience in Sa Dec, Dong Thap province. There are so many flower gardeners who are watering and gardening the Sadec flower farms in the early morning with the amazing Sa Dec sunrise.
If you plan to extend your travel to Sa Dec homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.
Visit Sa Dec or do any customized tours, please choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets and. Safety is a priority! Choose Sa Dec responsible tours which help you give back while traveling. It’s a cliché, but it’s true.
Sa Dec food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make Sa Dec cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Hu Tieu Sa Dec (Sa Dec noodle soup), Sadec Crab Hotpot, Nem Lai Vung (Vietnamese fermented pork roll in Lai Vung), Sa Giang shrimp chips, Lai Vung tangerine fruit…
Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.
Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Sa Dec in the rainy season, as Sa Dec always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.
Sa Dec tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Sa Dec Flower Village, Huynh Thuy Le ancient house, Tu Ton Rose Garden, Dong Thap Museum, Xeo Quyt forest – Xeo Quyt relic area, Gao Giong Ecotourism park (Cao Lanh), Lai Vung tangerine garden, Tram Chim National Park (Birding tour), Kim Hue Pagoda, Thap Muoi Lotus Field in Dong Thap, Dinh Yen Mat Making Village, Kien An Cung Pagoda, Phuong Nam Cultural Tourism Area, Phuoc Kien pagoda (lotus leaf pagoda), The Burial Place of Nguyen Sinh Sac, Sa Dec Town Park, Happy Land Hung Thy Tourist Area, date fruit garden, Sa Dec Market, Lai Vung Tangerine Garden
Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Sa Dec, Dong Thap province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!
“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.
Thank you
