Sa Dec, the flower and ornamental plant capital of the Mekong Delta, has long been an attractive destination for tourists due to the vibrant beauty of its myriad blossoms. More than just a flower supplier for the whole country during holidays, Sa Dec flower village tourism offers unique cultural and culinary experiences, imbued with the spirit of the riverine countryside. Let’s explore this “fairyland” and feel the peaceful, hospitable rhythm of life of the locals.
Sa Dec Flower Village – A 100-Year-Old Flower Garden
Sa Dec flower village, also known as Tan Quy Dong flower village, is located in Sa Dec city, Dong Thap province. With a history of formation and development spanning over 100 years, it is considered one of the largest and oldest flower villages in the South. Unlike Van Thanh flower village (Da Lat), which grows flowers on trellises, Sa Dec flower village is famous for its unique method of growing flowers on elevated ridges, creating brilliant “flower carpets” amidst the waterways.
Throughout Sa Dec flower village, visitors will be overwhelmed by the vast expanse of colorful flowers. From familiar flowers like chrysanthemum, marigold, sunflower, to rare ornamental plants and unique bonsai, all are meticulously cared for by the skillful hands of local farmers. Each season, the flower village dons a new coat, with its own distinctive flowers, attracting visitors to admire and take photos year-round.
Coming to Sa Dec flower village tourism, visitors not only admire the beauty of flowers, but also have the opportunity to learn about the traditional process of growing and caring for ornamental plants. The people of Sa Dec are very friendly and hospitable, willing to share their experiences and secrets to create beautiful, quality flower pots. Strolling through the flower beds, inhaling the gentle fragrance, and listening to stories about the century-old flower village will surely be unforgettable experiences in your journey to explore the Mekong Delta.
Lai Vung Pink Mandarin Garden – The Famous “Kingdom” of Sweet Mandarins
Not far from Sa Dec flower village, Lai Vung is known as the “kingdom of pink mandarins” of Dong Thap. Lai Vung pink mandarin gardens have become a famous brand, not only in the Mekong Delta but also throughout the country. Every Lunar New Year, the mandarin gardens laden with ripe, golden fruit become even more attractive to tourists.
Lai Vung pink mandarins have a mild sweetness, thin skin, and juicy segments, grown using traditional methods without excessive use of chemicals, ensuring safety for consumers’ health. Visitors here can explore the mandarin gardens, pick ripe mandarins themselves, and enjoy them right in the garden. In addition, many gardeners also process mandarin products such as mandarin jam, mandarin wine, mandarin candy… for tourists to buy as gifts.
Sa Dec flower village tourism combined with a visit to Lai Vung pink mandarin garden is a great choice to explore the natural beauty and enjoy local specialties. Visitors will immerse themselves in the green space of fruit orchards, feel the sweet taste of pink mandarins, and experience the rustic garden life of Lai Vung people.
Sa Dec Cuisine – Bold Flavors of the Mekong Delta
Sa Dec is not only famous for flowers and pink mandarins, but also a culinary paradise with many unique delicacies. Among them, Sa Dec noodle soup (Hu Tieu Sa Dec) is considered the “soul” of local cuisine. Soft and chewy noodles, rich and flavorful broth, served with char siu pork, shrimp, quail eggs… create an irresistible dish.
Besides Hu Tieu, Sa Dec also has many other dishes that visitors should not miss, such as Lai Vung fermented pork roll (Nem Lai Vung), Sa Giang shrimp crackers (Banh Phong Tom Sa Giang), Banh Xeo (crispy pancake), hotpot with fermented fish sauce (Lau Mam)… Each dish carries the characteristic flavor of the Mekong Delta, prepared from fresh, flavorful local ingredients.
To enjoy Sa Dec cuisine, visitors can visit local eateries, Sa Dec market, or eco-tourism areas. Enjoying delicious food while admiring the picturesque river scenery will surely be a memorable culinary experience during your Sa Dec flower village tour.
Cultural and Historical Experiences in Sa Dec
Sa Dec is not only an attractive eco-tourism destination, but also a land rich in cultural and historical traditions. Visitors can visit Phuoc Loc Xa Loi Pagoda, one of the largest and most sacred temples in Vinh Long, located near Sa Dec. The pagoda has unique architecture, combining traditional Vietnamese beauty and modern style, and is a spiritual destination attracting many tourists.
In addition, Sa Dec also has many historical and cultural sites such as the Huynh Thuy Le ancient house, Trung Vuong Primary School (which served as a setting in the movie “The Lover”)… Visiting these places, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and people of Sa Dec, gaining a deeper appreciation for this land.
Travel Tips for a Perfect Sa Dec Flower Village Trip
To have a complete and meaningful Sa Dec flower village tour, visitors should note a few things:
- Ideal time to visit: The most beautiful flower season in Sa Dec is usually from December to January of the lunar calendar, i.e., before and during the Lunar New Year. However, visitors can come to Sa Dec at any time of the year, as each flower season has its own beauty.
- Transportation: From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can travel to Sa Dec by bus or motorbike. If traveling by bus, there are many reputable bus companies running the Ho Chi Minh City – Sa Dec route. If traveling by motorbike, visitors can follow National Highway 1A or the Ho Chi Minh City – Trung Luong expressway and then turn into National Highway 80 to reach Sa Dec.
- Accommodation: Sa Dec has many hotels, guesthouses, and homestays with different price ranges. Visitors can choose accommodation that suits their needs and budget.
- Clothing: You should choose comfortable, easy-to-move clothing to visit the flower village and other tourist attractions. If you want to take beautiful photos, you can prepare more Ao Dai, Ao Ba Ba, or costumes with strong Vietnamese cultural features.
- Itinerary: Visitors can create their own sightseeing itinerary or book a package tour. A 1-day Sa Dec flower village tour usually includes main destinations such as Sa Dec flower village, Lai Vung pink mandarin garden, Canh Dong Hoa Hong (Rose Field) tourist area, Phuoc Loc Xa Loi Pagoda…
Sa Dec flower village tourism is a journey to explore the natural beauty, culture, and unique cuisine of the Mekong Delta. Coming to Sa Dec, visitors will not only admire flowers, enjoy sweet fruits and delicious dishes, but also experience the peaceful, hospitable rhythm of life of the locals. Take time to explore this “fairyland” and bring back unforgettable memories!
Article compiled and edited by Discovery To Wonders Team.
(Illustrative images)
Lai Vung pink mandarin garden with ripe fruits
Lush greenery of Lai Vung mandarin garden
Electric car taking tourists around Sa Dec flower village
Vibrant scenery at Sa Dec flower village
Tourists happily taking photos at the flower village
Colorful flowers blooming at Sa Dec flower village
Entrance to Canh Dong Hoa Hong (Rose Field) tourist area
Unique flying snakehead fish performance