Sa Dec Vietnam: The flower capital of the Mekong Delta

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Every corner tells a story of beauty and heritage on the Sa Dec Vietnam map (Source: Collected)

Sa Dec Vietnam has emerged as a must-visit, celebrated as the “flower capital” of Vietnam travel. With a growing number of tourists, the city offers more than just flower cultivation. Flower-viewing towers, charming homestays, and unique photography spots are there to enhance your travel experience in this vibrant destination.

1. Overview of Sa Dec Vietnam

Situated 147 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Sa Dec is a province nestled within Dong Thap Province. Sa Dec has earned its position as the Mekong Delta‘s premier hub for flower cultivation, having the largest floral collection in the region. Various blooms of orchids, roses, and lotuses are nurtured in gardens, each adding a splash of color to Sa Dec’s picturesque landscapes.

More than beautiful blooms, Sa Dec Vietnam offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences where tourists can explore different craft villages. Also, the bustling Nguyen Hue Night Market and unique landmarks like Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House or Kien An Cung Pagoda are great attractions for your trip to Sa Dec Vietnam.

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2. Top tourists attractions in Sa Dec Vietnam

2.1. Sa Dec Flower Village

The blooming livelihoods of Sa Dec Flower Village (Source: Collected)

Sa Dec Flower Village has a history spanning over a century. The locals are all nature enthusiasts who have gradually transformed the village into a floral kingdom on the Mekong Delta map. Today, over 2,000 households in the village earn their livelihood by growing flowers. Many tourist activities are available for those who want to enrich their experiences in the village. Amidst the blooming landscapes, they have a chance to engage in the daily life of the villagers by learning about their cultivation techniques, taking care of the flowers, and packaging.

2.2. Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House

The timeless beauty of Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House (Source: Collected)

Located on Nguyen Hue Street, Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House gained recognition as a Vietnamese national relic in 2009. It is celebrated not only for its unique blend of Eastern-Western architecture but also for the captivating story that lies within its walls. The house is famous with the novel “L’Amant,” which recounts the poignant real-life romance between Huynh Thuy Le and Marguerite Duras. The acclaimed novel, translated into 43 languages, was adapted into a film in 1992, with scenes shot in Sa Dec, further immortalizing the legacy of the house.

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2.3. ‘Flour Village’ in Sa Dec

The Flour Village is a significant flour-making center in Sa Dec Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Along the Sa Giang River lies a flour-making Vietnamese village which is home to nearly 350 families and 2,000 workers. Producing approximately 30,000 tonnes of rice flour annually, this village has established itself as a key flour-making center in Vietnam. Nestled between two major rice cultivating areas in the Mekong Delta, the village can easily access glutinous rice – the primary ingredient of flour production. The Tien River and Sa Dec River ensure a consistent supply of freshwater year-round, essential for producing the silky smooth flour unique to Sa Dec.

2.4. Kim Hue Pagoda

The serene atmosphere of Kim Hue Pagoda (Source: Collected)

Kim Hue Pagoda, also known as Hoi Khanh Pagoda or Bong Pagoda, has a remarkable Chinese architecture that radiates grandeur in the heart of Sa Dec Vietnam. Between 1920 and 1945, this revered site served as a training center for monks from across Vietnam’s southwestern provinces, where numerous renowned monks were nurtured. Throughout its history, the pagoda has been overseen by nine generations of abbots. As of now, Venerable Thich Thien An leads the pagoda as the spiritual leader appointed by the authorities of Dong Thap Province. 

2.5. Happy Land Hung Thy Tourist Area

Have a great time in Happy Land Hung Thy Tourist Area (Source: Collected)

Happy Land Hung Thy greets tourists with a vibrant carpet of flowers in bloom year-round. Here, adventurous souls can partake in thrilling activities such as canoe swimming, rope swinging, bridge crossing, and fishing. After indulging in the Hung Thy’s exhilarating offerings, visitors can unwind at the on-site restaurant situated within the ornamental flower area. They can savor a variety of dishes, including grilled snakehead fish wrapped in lotus leaves, traditional specialties made from rice flour, fish hotpot, and steamed snail.

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2.6. Kien An Cung Pagoda

Kien An Cung Pagoda is a legacy of Chinese immigrants in Sa Dec Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Kien An Cung, also known as Ong Quach Pagoda, is another religious site situated opposite Cai Son Canal. Constructed from 1924 to 1927 by Chinese immigrants from Fujian, this pagoda exhibits Chinese architectural features with a three-layered tiled roof and dragon-scale motifs. The entire structure is supported without the use of beams as most other Vietnamese pagodas. Instead, round wooden columns bear the weight. Adorning the pagoda walls are depictions from famous literary works such as Journey to the West and Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

2.7. Phuoc Hung Ancient Pagoda

Consider visiting Phuoc Hung Pagoda to your Sa Dec tour (Source: Collected)

Phuoc Hung Ancient Pagoda holds a special place in Sa Dec Vietnam history, dating back 300 years to the inception of Buddhism in Sa Dec. Featuring two tiers, the pagoda’s tiled roofs create undulating waves with gently sloping peaks. Intricately crafted ceramic reliefs adorn the roof with mythical creatures. Inside the main hall, simplicity reigns alongside solemnity. The pagoda serves as a renowned religious site within the province and its surrounding areas. With traces of history spanning centuries, Phuoc Hung Pagoda will impress every visitor.

>>> Check out Bac Lieu Vietnam, another tourist destination in the Mekong Delta!

3. Top must-try foods in Sa Dec Vietnam

• Hu tieu: This dish features a flavorful broth made from simmered pork bones, accompanied by tender rice noodles, succulent slices of boiled pork, and meatballs.
• Grilled duck: Grilled duck has crispy golden skin and tender flavorful meat, marinated in a blend of spices.
• Grilled snakehead fish wrapped in lotus leaves: Utilizing local ingredients such as snakehead fish, lotus leaves, and aromatic herbs, this dish is often served with tamarind fish sauce.
• Roasted field mice: An unconventional but integral part of Sa Dec Vietnam’s gastronomy, these plump, fatty mice are seasoned and roasted over charcoal in clay pots.
• Hotpot with linh fish and dien dien flower: This hotpot dish features locally sourced linh fish and dien dien flowers, offering both delicious flavors and health benefits.
• Banh tam bi: These large, soft noodles paired with finely shredded pork skin, meatballs, fresh vegetables, and sweet coconut milk are sure to provide a unique taste.
• Water lily braised in fish sauce: Water lily blossoms are cooked with braised fish sauce, chili, dried shrimp, lemongrass, and pork belly to create a unique flavor profile.

Many tourists are eager to try exotic dishes in Sa Dec Vietnam (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Floating markets in Mekong Delta: 9 unmissable destinations

4. Useful travel tips for visiting Sa Dec Vietnam

4.1. Best time to visit

The best time to explore Sa Dec Vietnam is during the rainy season, particularly in September, October, and November, when the water rises. This period offers an opportunity to immerse in nature, explore the wetlands, and savor the distinct cuisine of the region. Additionally, you can visit Sa Dec during the time of local festivals like Go Thap Festival (held in the third and eleventh lunar month) for more insights into the indigenous culture.

>>> Check out: Weather in Mekong Delta Vietnam: A complete overview

4.2. How to get there

You can first take a flight to Can Tho International Airport in Can Tho or Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you have multiple transportation options including taxis, cars, and coaches to reach Sa Dec Vietnam.It takes approximately 3 hours to go from Ho Chi Minh City to Sa Dec. Some reputable coach companies are Phuong Trang and Loc Dien. Once in Sa Dec Vietnam, getting around is hassle-free with taxis, motorbike rentals, and local buses readily available.

You can easily get to Sa Dec Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

4.3. Some additional points to note

• There are not many luxurious accommodations in Sa Dec Vietnam. For convenience, opt for lodging outside the city.
• Bring a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and face mask in the hot season.
• Wear casual, comfortable clothes to move around easily.
• Pack mosquito repellent to guard against bites, especially during the rainy season.
• Respect the local environment, don’t litter.

Consider visiting attractions near Sa Dec, like Tram Chim National Park and Nam Phuong Linh Tu Temple.

Sa Dec Vietnam offers a unique travel experience to the Mekong Delta region of the country. With diverse attractions, tantalizing cuisine, and friendly locals, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable journey here.

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