As the new year dawned, throngs of visitors flocked to the vibrant landscapes of Dong Thap Province, eager to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Sa Dec Flower Village and the enchanting citrus orchards of Lai Vung during the 2024 New Year holiday season.
The heart of the festivities was Sa Dec Square, adorned with captivating floral arrangements and miniature landscapes, serving as the central hub for the Sa Dec Flower Festival from December 31, 2023, to January 5, 2024. Dong Thap Province anticipated that this grand event would not only attract tourists but also showcase the region’s expertise in flower cultivation and its array of local specialties.
Throughout the festival grounds, visitors marveled at a kaleidoscope of colorful blooms, including chrysanthemums, marigolds, asters, cosmos, and coconut flowers. Sa Dec Flower Village, sprawling across 950 hectares and home to 4,000 households engaged in flower cultivation, epitomized the essence of floral diversity. Originating from the cultivation of various rose varieties, the village has evolved into the largest hub of ornamental flowers in the Mekong Delta, boasting over 2,000 different species of flowers.
Among the festival highlights were multicolored chrysanthemums in full bloom. In addition to the traditional yellow hue, chrysanthemums adorned the landscape in shades of orange, red, pink, and purple, serving as a captivating attraction for tourists visiting Sa Dec Flower Village.
Capturing the essence of this floral spectacle, visitors like Khanh Linh from Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap, eagerly snapped photos amidst the vibrant blossoms. Before departing, Linh’s family selected several baskets of flowers to adorn their home. With prices ranging from 125,000 to 150,000 Vietnamese dong per basket, these unique floral varieties garnered widespread admiration for their beauty and allure.
As tourists poured into the flower village and citrus orchards, traffic congestion was reported along the Cai Dao – Sa Nhien route, the main artery leading to Sa Dec Flower Village. Vu Dong Duc, a tour guide in Sa Dec, noted a doubling in the number of visitors compared to previous years, attributing the surge in interest to the popularity of tours combining flower village visits with leisurely strolls through Sa Dec.
Approximately 20 kilometers from Sa Dec, the crimson citrus orchards of Lai Vung also attracted a significant influx of tourists. Despite a notable decrease in the area devoted to citrus cultivation in Lai Vung, from 800 hectares during its peak to around 200 hectares today, visitors reveled in the opportunity to pick fresh citrus fruits and indulge in authentic countryside cuisine amidst the idyllic orchard setting.
For visitors like Ngoc Thi Thanh Trang from Ho Chi Minh City, the allure of Lai Vung’s citrus orchards lay in the authentic rural experiences they offered, from fruit-picking adventures to tranquil boat rides and picturesque photo opportunities. Trang expressed pride in her hometown’s growing reputation as a tourist destination, highlighting the meticulous care taken by local residents to preserve the natural beauty of their surroundings.
As tourists poured into the flower village and citrus orchards, traffic congestion was reported along the Cai Dao – Sa Nhien route, the main artery leading to Sa Dec Flower Village. Vu Dong Duc, a tour guide in Sa Dec, noted a doubling in the number of visitors compared to previous years, attributing the surge in interest to the popularity of tours combining flower village visits with leisurely strolls through Sa Dec.
Approximately 20 kilometers from Sa Dec, the crimson citrus orchards of Lai Vung also attracted a significant influx of tourists. Despite a notable decrease in the area devoted to citrus cultivation in Lai Vung, from 800 hectares during its peak to around 200 hectares today, visitors reveled in the opportunity to pick fresh citrus fruits and indulge in authentic countryside cuisine amidst the idyllic orchard setting.
For visitors like Ngoc Thi Thanh Trang from Ho Chi Minh City, the allure of Lai Vung’s citrus orchards lay in the authentic rural experiences they offered, from fruit-picking adventures to tranquil boat rides and picturesque photo opportunities. Trang expressed pride in her hometown’s growing reputation as a tourist destination, highlighting the meticulous care taken by local residents to preserve the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Meanwhile, Chau Ha Bao Ngoc, a companion of Trang, commended the picturesque landscapes of the citrus orchards, describing them as quintessentially “Mekong Delta.” She noted the warm hospitality extended by local residents, who welcomed visitors as if they were cherished family members.
Situated between the Tien and Hau rivers, Lai Vung District has long been blessed with abundant freshwater resources and fertile alluvial soil, making it an ideal region for fruit cultivation. The renowned crimson citrus fruits of Lai Vung ripen just in time for the Lunar New Year celebrations, their vibrant hues adding a touch of splendor to festive fruit trays.
Despite challenging weather conditions this year, local citrus farmers like Bay Khiem from Vinh Thoi Commune, Lai Vung District, remained dedicated to nurturing their orchards to ensure the production of large, beautifully colored fruits.
Meanwhile, Chau Ha Bao Ngoc, a companion of Trang, commended the picturesque landscapes of the citrus orchards, describing them as quintessentially “Mekong Delta.” She noted the warm hospitality extended by local residents, who welcomed visitors as if they were cherished family members.
Situated between the Tien and Hau rivers, Lai Vung District has long been blessed with abundant freshwater resources and fertile alluvial soil, making it an ideal region for fruit cultivation. The renowned crimson citrus fruits of Lai Vung ripen just in time for the Lunar New Year celebrations, their vibrant hues adding a touch of splendor to festive fruit trays.
Despite challenging weather conditions this year, local citrus farmers like Bay Khiem from Vinh Thoi Commune, Lai Vung District, remained dedicated to nurturing their orchards to ensure the production of large, beautifully colored fruits.