As the April 30th and May 1st holidays approach, heralding the beginning of a vibrant summer season following the closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many travelers find themselves pondering where to spend their leisure time for a joyful, tranquil, and memorable holiday. Let’s delve into some must-visit tourist destinations in Western Vietnam.
Nestled at the southwestern tip of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta region is renowned for its lush fruit orchards, vast rice paddies, and picturesque waterways, where diverse cultures converge. Western Vietnam has been a favored destination for travelers seeking exploration in recent years. This holiday season presents an excellent opportunity for tourists to discover the many fascinating aspects of this region.
1. **Tan Lap Floating Village, Long An:**
Spanning 135 hectares, this eco-tourism destination is enveloped by a pristine melaleuca forest. Located approximately 105 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Lap Floating Village is an ideal day-trip destination.
Visitors can explore the forest along a 5-kilometer wooden path, meandering through towering melaleuca trees. Highlights include the iconic X-shaped bridge, observation tower, bird island, and traditional folk games. The best time to visit the X-shaped bridge is between 7 AM to 9 AM to witness the blooming of the crimson water lilies and observe the birds foraging for food.
2. **Ben Tre:**
Known as the “Coconut Capital,” Ben Tre is synonymous with its abundance of coconut groves, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural festivals. In addition to endless coconut gardens and intricate canal systems, Ben Tre offers a plethora of traditional festivities unique to the Mekong Delta region.
Visitors to Ben Tre must experience the art of making coconut candy in the candy village located in Mo Cay Town. Other renowned attractions include Con Phung Islet, Huynh Phu Ancient House, Tuyen Linh Pagoda, Nguyen Dinh Chieu’s Tomb, and the Coconut Religion Relic Site, promising serene and heartwarming experiences.
3. **Tien Giang:**
Situated along the banks of the Tien River, Dong Tam Snake Farm is home to over 400 snake species, making it the largest snake breeding facility in Vietnam since 1979. With more than 50 venomous snake species bred for venom extraction, medical purposes, and exportation, Dong Tam Snake Farm offers an educational and thrilling experience for visitors.
Guests can observe live snakes and receive guidance from experts on how to prevent snake attacks. The snakes roam freely within protected enclosures, divided into areas according to each species’ characteristics, such as python breeding areas, venomous snake areas, and aquatic snake areas. Additionally, the farm doubles as a mini zoo, featuring rare animals like Bengal tigers, bears, crocodiles, baboons, ostriches, and swans.
4. **Nam Du Island, Kien Giang:**
For those seeking a seaside retreat in Western Vietnam, Nam Du Island is the ultimate destination. This idyllic island boasts stunning turquoise waters embracing lush coconut groves and verdant forests. In addition to its allure for swimming and snorkeling, Nam Du Island offers numerous picturesque spots perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Guests can explore Dong Thap, where they will immerse themselves in lush greenery, pristine mangrove forests, and a diverse ecosystem at the Tram Chim National Park, Xeo Quyt Relic, or Gao Giong Eco-Tourism Area. Dong Thap also offers authentic experiences like rowing traditional sampan boats and fishing with local residents.
5. **Sa Dec, Dong Thap:**
Stepping into Sa Dec, a town with nearly 300 years of history, visitors will encounter a melting pot of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer cultures. Preserving much of its ancient architecture, Sa Dec is renowned for its flower village, which is over a century old. One of the remarkable sights that leave a lasting impression on many tourists is the image of “floating” flower beds during the flood season when local farmers row boats among the flower beds to tend to their crops.
6. **Can Tho:**
Like Dong Thap, Can Tho is a familiar destination for Western Vietnam enthusiasts. If you visit the Western capital during the New Year, you’ll witness a vibrant city adorned with colorful hues and bustling scenes of boats swaying along the Hau River’s floating markets.
In addition to famous landmarks such as Ninh Kieu Wharf, Binh Thuy Ancient House, Bang Lang Stork Garden, Cai Rang Floating Market, Vu Binh Fruit Garden, and My Khanh, Can Tho offers countless places for exploration. Don’t miss out on unique culinary delights such as purple leaf cake, fermented tofu duck, Mekong-style hot pot, grilled snakehead fish, and grilled nem sausage. As one of the few provinces in Western Vietnam with an airport, traveling here is incredibly convenient. You can easily find and book flights to Can Tho on Traveloka within minutes.
7. **Bac Lieu:**
For those interested in Khmer culture, Bac Lieu is the place to be—a land known for its prosperity and richness in Western Vietnam. In addition to the mansion of Bac Lieu’s wealthy man, built in the 20th century, the area boasts a series of impressive check-in spots such as salt fields, hundred-year-old longan orchards, Bac Lieu bird garden, Xiem Can Pagoda, and Cu Lao Pagoda, offering endless opportunities for exploration.
8. **Ca Mau:**
Ca Mau exudes a pristine, authentic charm in both its natural landscapes and local culture. At the beginning of the year, the region dons a lush green cloak of grass stretching along its mangrove forests, Năm Căn bamboo forests, U Minh National Park, Hon Khoai Island, and bird garden areas.
Not only known as the “bird