Đồng Tháp: The land of Lotus

Đồng Tháp (Dong Thap) is a beautiful province located in the heart of the Mekong Delta region in southern Vietnam. It is known for its vast rice paddies, fruit orchards, and peaceful countryside scenery. Dong Thap is an interesting and new place to explore for tourists today with vast lotus fields, peaceful countryside scenery and attractive ecotourism areas. Dong Thap tourist destination is beautiful every season, fresh air, cool, surrounded by wild and rustic beauty bestowed by nature. Before you go, take a look at the complete Đồng Tháp Travel Guide to make your plan better.

Location

Đồng Tháp is situated in the Mekong Delta, to the south of Vietnam, and borders other provinces, consisting of Long An, Vĩnh Long and An Giang. Additionally, the province also shares a border with Cambodia, so you probably realize plenty of tour operators offer Đồng Tháp Mekong Delta tours with exit to Cambodia. 

The land is divided into two areas; the north and the south of the river Tiền, and each of the places has its own charm. It’s about 160 km from Ho Chi Minh City to Cao Lãnh City – the center of Đồng Tháp Province.

Transportation

There are two main routes to Đồng Tháp from Ho Chi Minh City by bike:

Route 1: Phan Văn Hớn Street – National Route 1A – Tân Thới Nhất Ward – Tân Tạo – Võ Trần Chí Street – National Route N2 – Nhị Mỹ – Đồng Tháp.

Route 2: Trường Chinh Street – Phan Huy Ích Street – National Route 22 – ĐT824 Street – National Route N2 – Nhị Mỹ – Đồng Tháp.

If you wish to experience a motorbike trip to Đồng Tháp from Ho Chi Minh City, the above routes can help. However, it’s advised that taking a bus/coach will be a better choice if you prefer convenience. Several prestigious bus/coach lines are Phương Trang, Huệ Nghĩa, Hoàng Minh, Tài Lợi, Hoàng Nga, Trọng Tín Limousine, Tam Nông, Quang Phát, Quốc Hoàng, and Minh Tâm.

Weather

Located in the zone of the tropical monsoon climate, Dong Thap  has two seasons: dry season and rainy season. It’s known that you can make a trip to this place all year long. However, from March to May is supposed to be the best time to witness the most colorful and vibrant perspective of Đồng Tháp.

Tết Holiday is also an ideal time to visit Đồng Tháp as you can contemplate the most magnificent scenery of various flowers in bloom at Tân Quy Đông Flower Village.

Top destinations to explore

1. Sa Dec Dong Thap Flower Village

This village is known for its vibrant flower fields, which produce a variety of flowers, including roses, orchids, and lilies. Visitors can take a walk through the fields, admire the flowers, and purchase fresh flowers to take home. 

2. Huynh Thuy Le’s Ancient House

The special feature of this old house is the mixture of Vietnamese – French – Chinese architecture and the romantic love story between the French writer Marguerite Duras and the prince Huynh. In 2009, the old house of Huynh Thuy Le was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Historical and Cultural Relic. Visitors can tour the house, learn about its history, and admire its architecture.

3. Xeo Quyt Relic

This forest is a relic of the Vietnam War and is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a boat ride through the forest, visit the historical sites, and learn about the role of the forest in the war.

4. Thap Muoi Lotus Field

This lotus field is one of the largest in Vietnam and is a popular spot for tourists. Visitors can take a boat ride through the field, admire the beautiful lotus flowers, and learn about the lotus cultivation process.

5. Gao Giong Ecotourism Area (Gao Giong Bird Garden)

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. Coming to Gao Giong 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.

6. Lai Vung Garden Fruit

Lai Vung is a district in Dong Thap province. Lai Vung was famous in the past for Nam Bo Nem Chua, in addition to there are tangerines. A fruits orchard where visitors can pick their own fruits and learn about the fruit growing process.

7. Tram Chim National Park

Melaleuca forests are full of eyes, green meadows between immense rivers. Along with the flock of birds leaning on the lake surface or the haughty beauty of Red Crane are unforgettable impressions in the hearts of visitors when visiting Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap).

Food

Sa Dec rice noodle soup: This dish is made with thin rice noodles served in a flavorful broth with pork, shrimp, and vegetables. It is often topped with a fried egg and a sprig of cilantro.

Nem Lai Vung: These fermented pork rolls are a specialty of Lai Vung district in Dong Thap. They are made with minced pork, pork skin, garlic, and spices, and are wrapped in banana leaves before being fermented for several days. Nem Lai Vung are typically grilled or fried and served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers.

Lai Vung Red Mandarins: This type of mandarin is known for its bright red color and sweet, juicy flavor. Lai Vung Red Mandarins are grown in the Lai Vung district of Dong Thap province and are typically in season from November to February.

Cao Lanh Pancakes: These pancakes are made with a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. They are typically filled with shredded pork, shrimp, and vegetables, and are then folded and pan-fried. Cao Lanh Pancakes are often served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers.

Linh fish hot pot with Cork Flowers: This hot pot is made with Linh fish, a type of small carp that is found in the Mekong Delta. The fish is cooked in a broth with Cork Flowers, a type of edible flower that is also found in the region. Linh fish hot pot with Cork Flowers is a popular dish in Dong Thap and is often served during the flood season.

Accommodation

– Wildbird Tram Chim Hotel: This hotel is located in the Tram Chim National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

– Việt Mekong Farmstay (VietNam Farmstay): This farmstay is located in the town of Cao Lanh and offers a variety of activities, including boat tours, fishing, and cycling tours. The farmstay is surrounded by rice paddies and fruit orchards, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Mekong Delta. 

– Sadec Farmstay – Khu Du Lịch Hoa Kiểng Sa Đéc: This farmstay is located in the town of Sa Dec, which is known for its beautiful flower gardens.

– Maison en Bambou Phong – Le Vent ( Nhà tre): This unique hotel is made entirely of bamboo and is located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. 

Dong Thap is a beautiful and vibrant province with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or food, you are sure to find something to enjoy in Dong Thap. Let Vietnam Amazing prepare your trip to Ca Mau at the very first step by assisting you obtain the Vietnam Visa.

We offer the hassle-free and reliable Visa service, as you can see on the website: https://www.vietnam-evisa.org/

Source: tnktravel.com