In terms of historical sites in Dong Thap Province, top billing may be Xeo Quyt Relic Area. It’s sure that you will gawk at the remains of the American Vietnam War and wonder how smart, courageous and strong the Vietnamese people in the past were to able to eliminate the enemies from their country. Apart from the history values, Xeo Quyt also offers you authentic experiences of the life in the Mekong Delta and lets you explore charming landscapes there as well.
A first glance at Xeo Quyt Relic Area
Dong Thap Province is the habitat of many historical sites, and Xeo Quyt is known as the impressive one to explore. It’s not only endowed with spectacular landscapes, but also associated with historical values. Xeo Quyt Relic Area has the area of around 50ha, including the 20ha pristine cajuput forest, and it may be uncovered by boat or on foot.
In the past, Xeo Quyt used to be a vast swamp full of wild grass, complex canals and channels. That’s why it’s chosen as the revolutionary base of the VC in 1960-1975. Nowadays, this area has become a must-visit place in Dong Thap Province for those who would like to bring back understanding of the Vietnam’s history and authentic experiences of the Mekong Delta’s life.
What to explore and experience at Xeo Quyt Relic Area
The glorious history at Xeo Quyt Relic Area
Xeo Quyt used to be the revolutionary base of the Dong Thap’s provincial committee in the American Vietnam War from 1960-1975. During the wartime, Xeo Quyt underwent enemy bombing, but the people there still stood up and fought for the country’s independence by their courage patriotism, smartness, and endurance. A Visit to Xeo Quyt entitles you to witness the remains of the revolutionary base, such as
+ Stronghold in the shape of L
+ Stronghold in the shape of Z
+ Shacks, kitchens, and meeting rooms
+ Deadly traps
In the American Vietnam War, there are up to ten enemy military posts, forming a circle at Xeo Quyt. In 1992, it’s designated as a national historical relic site.
Biodiversity of fauna and flora
With the area of approximately 50ha, including the 20ha pristine cajuput forest, Xeo Quyt is situated at My Hiep and My Long Communes, Cao Lanh District, Dong Thap Province. The biodiversity is one of things attracting more and more visitors to Xeo Quyt. Cajuputs and water hyacinths are the most popular species of flora in Xeo Quyt, but it’s quite rare in anywhere else. The Xeo Quyt area is the home of up to 170 species of flora, 12 tree species, and 200 species of fauna – 7 species of amphibian, 22 species of reptile, 73 species of fish, 91 species of bird, and 7 species of animal. One special thing is that there are 13 species of fauna, listed in the Vietnam’s Red Data Book.
Sightseeing Trip of Xeo Quyt Relic Area
In the dry season, a sightseeing trip of Xeo Quyt will take you through meandering trails shadowed by cajuput trees to the remaining revolutionary base. In the floating season, you take this trip by wooden sampans whereby you can contemplate the magnificent scenery at two sides while taking in the fresh air and cool breeze.
When the dark cover the sky of Xeo Quyt, it will be an ideal choice to leisurely move along the river by boat to get a sense of the tranquility of the countryside and listen to classic songs from the Dong Thap’s ladies.
If you get a chance to visit Xeo Quyt in the time of lotuses in full bloom, this land looks like a seductive painting with the irresistible charm.
Activities at Xeo Quyt Relic Area
One of the most interesting features for a visit to Xeo Quyt is that you can join compelling activities, such as fishing, weaving baskets from dried water hyacinths and folk games. The zone for the folk games is about 25 ha, and designed for players to have authentic experiences about the Mekong Delta’s life. Here’s also where to have a picnic with your family.
Cuisines at Xeo Quyt Relic Area
Cuisines are rich in types, and you can find out a wide section of what to eat when having a trip to Xeo Quyt Relic Area. What are supposed to be the best delicacies you shouldn’t miss are grilled snakehead with lotus leaves, roasted paddy rats, sour and sweet soup with eel, and grilled frogs. There is nothing more amazing than savoring those culinary delights while listening to beautiful folk music performances from the local singers.
How to get to Xeo Quyt Relic Area from Ho Chi Minh City
There are two ways to Xeo Quyt Relic Area from Ho Chi Minh City
Motorbike
Ride along National Route 1 or Trung Luong Expressway to Tan An, Long An. Then, turn right to National Route 62 and follow the instruction sign to Cao Lanh City. An alternative is that you travel through My Tho City and Cai Be to Sa Dec City.
From Cao Lanh City, you go on National Route 30 to the intersection of My Long Commune (right at the office of People’s Committee). Turn left to Provincial Route 650 and go about 6 kilometers to Xeo Quyt Relic Area.
From Sa Dec City, you get onto the ferry of Mieu Trang to cross the river. Then, move through the Mieu Trang Bridge to the intersection (right at My Long Commune People’s Committee). Turn right to Provincial Route 650, and go 6 kilometers to your destination.
Bus
The bus departs from Mien Tay Bus Station or the stop of Le Hong Phong to Cao Lanh Bus Station or Sa Dec Bus Station in the city center. The bus may be from Phuong Trang Bus Line or Phu Vinh Long Bus Line. The bus fare is about VND 100,000/pax. Upon arrival in Cao Lanh Bus Station or Sa Dec Bus Station, you can take a taxi or motorbike to Xeo Quyt Relic Area.
Where to stay nearby
Huynh Duc 2 Hotel
Address: Ngo Thoi Nham Street, Ward 1, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province
Price from VND340,000/guest/night
Bong Sen Xanh Hotel
Address: Le Loi Street, Ward 2, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province
Price from VND300,000/guest/night
Van Kim Long Hotel
Address: Provincial Route 848, Tan Phu Dong Ward, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province
Price from VND 500,000/guest/night
Thanh Cong Hotel
Address: Provincial Route 848, Tan Phu Dong Ward, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province
Price from VND 234,000/guest/night
Huong Sen Hotel
Address: 109 Tran Thi Nhuong Street, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province
Price from VND 200,000/guest/night
Extra information about Xeo Quyt Relic Area
Address: Hamlet 4, My Hiep Commune, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province
Tel: (+84)(67) 3910 297
Opening hours: 7:30 AM- 6:00 PM
Entrance fee: VND 10,000/pax
Fishing: VND 150,000/pax
Rowing boat: VND 15,000/pax