Among miraculous and fantastic spots for tourists to experience after the pandemic in Vietnam is Sa Đéc, Đồng Tháp, the Mekong Delta. While the Mekong Delta is famous for rustic charm and tranquil scenery, Sa Đéc proudly boasts its magical image as it’s full of colored flowers and many other special things you must discover. That’s also why those destinations are included in plenty of Mekong Delta tours offered at travel agents through Vietnam. Then, what to see, do and eat in Sa Đéc? The blog will bring you valuable hints. Let’s see!
What to See in Sa Đéc? – Best Places to Visit
For an excursion to Sa Đéc, there are a variety of things to see, which may leave you exhilarating experiences after that. The experiences will be regarding cuisine, culture and even the way locals live and behave in the community.
Sa Đéc Flower Village – Tân Quy Đông Commune
Sa Đéc Flower Village is labeled as the travel symbol of Đồng Tháp Province, and is nationally known for its beauty full of colors. It is a traditional village dating back up to 100 years and has an area of more than 500 ha for cultivating flowers. About 2000 species of flower may be found here.
The most remarkable characteristic of Sa Đéc Flower Village at first sight is that all flowers are cultivated on frames horizontally put above water, making up outstanding flower beds. That’s why locals will look after their flowers by boat during the floating season. It’s true to say that there is no word to describe this splendid flowery picture since you will feel like immersing yourself into a kind of real masterpiece and just touching by heart is the only way to have the most valuable experience.
- Address: Hoa Sa Đéc Street, Tân Quy Đông, Sa Đéc, Đồng Tháp
Hùng Thy Happy Land
Apart from a sightseeing tour of flower gardens at Sa Đéc Flower Village, if you also intend to do various fascinating activities and even outdoor games afterwards, Hùng Thy Happy Land should be your next stop. Hùng Thy Happy Land was originally developed from abandoned fields, and later designed to become a tourist attraction of the Mekong Delta distinctive features.
Hùng Thy Happy Land emerges as a cozy small plantation of bonsai and flower beds, where any tourist can chill out, get breezes and soak up the serene atmosphere. Although the flowers are the main point of this attraction, you never feel bored and never find that sightseeing is the only activity. Vietnamese folk games are a plus point for an excursion there. Accordingly, the place is completely right for team building activities and photography.
- Entrance fee: VND 20,000/pax
- A combo ticket: VND100,000/pax.
- Address: Sa Đéc Village, Sa Đéc City, Đồng Tháp Province.
- Web: https://happylandhungthy.com
Huỳnh Thủy Lê Ancient House
For a trip to Sa Đéc City, Huỳnh Thủy Lê Ancient House is absolutely one of the don’t miss destinations. The house had witnessed a renowned romantic story of Mr. Huỳnh Thủy Lê – the son of a rich merchant and the French author Marguerite Duras many decades ago. After that, this story was written by Ms. Marguerite Duras and included in her novel “The Lover”. The story was later adapted for film and really loved by plenty of people. If the story impresses travelers and tourists a lot, the architecture inside and outside of Huỳnh Thủy Lê Ancient House also overwhelmed them due to its sophisticated details. Contemplating those features help you understand more about the contemporary life and development of the region.
- Address: 255A Nguyễn Huệ Street, Ward. 4, Sa Đéc City, Đồng Tháp Province.
Kim Huê Pogoda
Situated in the downtown center of Sa Đéc City, Kim Hue Pagoda is an integral part of your trip to explore Sa Đéc, the Mekong Delta. Next to Cái Sơn Canal, the pagoda is striking by its unique architecture and luring gate. Another eye-catching feature of this destination is a series of arched bridges standing out among green trees blending down at two sides of the canal. The peaceful ambience there is a plus point for those who are seeking an escape from the bustle and hustle.
- Address: Nguyễn Tất Thành Street, Ward 1, Sa Đéc City, Đồng Tháp Province
Phước Kiển Pagoda (Lotus Leaf Pagoda)
Located nearby is Châu Thành District. After seeing around Sa Đéc City, you can find something new in this district. Lotus Leaf Pagoda aka Phước Kiển Pagoda is also a quite special spot there. The pagoda is very well-known among Vietnamese youngsters. With a distinctive but simple architectural style and an imposing pond of giant lotus leaves that are up to 2 – 2.5m, it’s enough to win the hearts of all visitors when on a short visit there.
It’s said that the most attractive characteristic of Phước Kiến Pagoda is the giant lotus leaves as people can sit on them. For youngsters who prefer boasting impressive things on social networking sites, the leaves to sit on are ideal to have beautiful shots. Another surprise is many year-old turtles emerging at times to see people around; it’s great to witness this scene.
- Address: Châu Thành District, Đồng Tháp Province.
What and Where to Eat in Sa Đéc?
Sa Đéc Rice Noodle (Hủ tiếu Sa Đéc)
Sa Đéc is famous for dozens of specialties, but rice noodle is referred to as the symbol of this area. Locals always state that it is the food every traveler should try at least once when they take a chance to visit Sa Đéc. In terms of the food recipe, it looks quite simple because ingredients to make it are found ubiquitously. There are dried rice noodles, pork organs, squids, herbs, vegetables, bean sprouts and some kinds of chili sauce. However, its taste is really irresistible; it’s slightly sweet, not too salty, sour from lime juice, and spicy from chili sauce.
When you are offered Sa Đéc rice noodles, what you should do first is to mix all ingredients with dried noodles. Remember that it is often enjoyed with a bowl of broth made from stewing pork bones, squids, and dried shrimps. It is definitely a brilliant experience. The following are highly recommended food stalls specializing in Sa Đéc rice noodles:
- Hủ tiếu Sa Đéc Stall. Address: 188 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Ward.1, Sa Đéc City.
- Hủ tiếu Bé Năm Stall. Address: 27 Âu Cơ Street, Sa Đéc City.
- Hủ tiếu chị Dậu Stall. Address: 292 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Ward. 1, Sa Đéc City.
- Hủ tiếu ông Tư Stall. Address: 246 Trần Phú Street, Sa Đéc City.
Night Food Court Next to Sa Đéc Canals
Local people prefer enjoying a dinner at the night food court next to Sa Đéc Canals after their hard work. They may eat something while chatting with their friends, making the atmosphere hustling and bustling. And when you have come back downtown after a daylight excursion, the food court is probably an ideal spot for relaxation. It’s also an opportunity for you to dip into the locals’ nightlife.
The food court is renowned for paddy field crab hotpot. The crab flesh is slightly chewy, not too tender while the stock is quite sweet and savory. The hotpot is served with wet rice noodles, yellow flowers, water morning glory, and brassica juncea, and some sauces. All of these ingredients are easily found throughout the Mekong Delta.
How to Get to Sa Đéc from Ho Chi Minh City?
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can get to Sa Đéc City by bike or coach. If you prefer a coach, some reliable coach lines for you include Phương Trang, Phú Vĩnh Long, and Lộc Điền. The fare is around VND 80.000 – VND 105.000/pax.
For those who decide to go by bike, the following details about the route may help. First of all, take Nguyễn Văn Linh Street or Đông Tây Avenue to Bình Chánh District (Ho Chi Minh City) and when you meet Bình Thuận Intersection, turn to National Route 1. Go about 16 km and then reach Bến Lức Bridge. Keep going until you see Tân An Bridge. Cross the bridge to Tân An City – Vĩnh Long Province. By that time, you will see Mỹ Thuận Bridge. Turn right and go about 16-17 km to Sa Đéc City.
How to Get around Sa Đéc?
As soon as you arrive in Sa Đéc City, you may be concerned about how to get around. It’s easy to pick a rental bike or bicycle for a sightseeing tour. Where to rent are found ubiquitously, and some of them are:
Minh Chánh Rental Bike Store – Sa Đéc City
- Address: Tân Lập Hamlet, Sa Đéc City, Đồng Tháp Province
- Tel: 0793 979 789
Phương Nam Hotel
- Address: 384A, Đường Nguyễn Sinh Sắc Street, Sa Đéc City
- Tel: 0227 3867 867 – 0277 3707 070
Plus, tandem bicycles are provided at Sa Đéc Flower Village. It’s ideal for couples to experience the most wonderful time together.
The Mekong Delta, Vietnam is full of outstanding hotspots which are set in numerous itineraries of tourists and travelers all over the world, but Sa Đéc is probably a place of alluring features they should not miss. With its marvelous charm of different species of flowers and existing calm, the land is portrayed as a magical image in bloom. Beside watching this awesome scenery, you also enjoy a lot of great activities there.
