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Exploring Phu An Bamboo Village, Fruit Picking at Lai Thieu Orchard, or Pilgrimage to Hoi Khanh Pagoda are some recommendations for travelers in a day.
Phu An Bamboo Village
Located approximately 40 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, the first stop is at 124, Road 744, Phu An Commune, Ben Cat District, Binh Duong Province. Named the Eco Bamboo Museum and Phu An Botanical Reserve, it is a place for research and preservation of bamboo, reeds, and rushes in Vietnam. The natural scenery also adds to the appeal for young travelers seeking photo opportunities.
The bamboo village serves traditional southern dishes such as crispy pancakes, grilled meat; however, visitors need to pre-order. Admission ticket is 20,000 VND/ person. Photo: shyydimples/Instagram.
Explore Hoi Khanh Pagoda, Tibetan Temple
Located in Thu Dau Mot town, the Tibetan Temple is about a 25-minute motorbike ride from Phu An Bamboo Village. The temple sits atop a hill surrounded by lush trees. The main hall is surrounded by tall trees, with a square structure highlighted by the bell tower and towering quadrilateral structures over 15 meters tall. Behind the main hall is a statue of Master Hui Neng confirmed by the Vietnam Record Book as the largest hair-made statue in Vietnam. The statue was crafted in 1982, standing nearly 3 meters tall. In addition to the iron frame, the main material of the statue is made of hair collected from Buddhist followers.
Additionally, visitors can visit Hoi Khanh Pagoda, about 2 km from the Tibetan Temple. This pagoda houses the longest reclining Buddha statue in Vietnam. Photo: Quynh Tran.
Gio and Water Cafe
Located about a 6-minute drive from the Tibetan Temple, this famous coffee shop in Binh Duong is built from 7,000 tamarind trees. The most unique idea of the construction is the use of wind energy and the cooling ability of water to create a natural air conditioner. In the middle of the space is an artificial lake. At first glance, the lake bottom appears deep and profound, but in reality, the lake is only knee-deep, with the use of black stone color under the lake bottom creating a very deep feeling. The seating area for coffee drinkers is lower than the lake surface, allowing guests to enjoy the cool breeze from the lake. The shop spans 1,403 m2, located in an alley at 6/28T Khu 3 Phu Tho, Thu Dau Mot City.
The cafe offers a full range of drinks and food items with prices ranging from 25,000 VND to 55,000 VND. Photo: S.T
Visit Lai Thieu Fruit Orchard
Situated at 67 Tran Sao, Hung Dinh, Thuan An Town, the fruit orchard sprawls over 1,200 hectares with countless fruit-bearing trees. Although the prime fruit season typically spans from May to August in the Gregorian calendar, visitors can still explore citrus orchards and soak in the ambiance reminiscent of the Mekong Delta towards the year's end.
Here, visitors incur no entrance fees; charges apply only for fruit picking and rental of resting mats or food services, priced at approximately 100,000 VND per person. Additionally, guests can opt for a boat tour around the fruit orchard. Photo by: Bui Huu Nghia.
New City Park Binh Duong
This is a favorite destination among young people for its modern infrastructure, green, clean scenery suitable for check-ins. Built since 2009 with an area of 70 hectares, it includes a fountain plaza, streams, a lake, greenery, and a children's playground... If timed right, visitors can also participate in a bi-monthly fishing tournament.
The highlight of the park is the musical fountain displays every evening. There's no entrance fee to the park. On weekends, it's a camping destination for many young people and local families in Binh Duong. Photo by: Quynh Tran.
Admire the sunset at Dau Tieng Lake
Cap off your day at Dau Tieng Lake, just an hour and a half's motorcycle ride from New City Park. Here, you can camp out, marvel at the sunset, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty and close-to-nature atmosphere with friends and family.
Travelers can bring their own camping gear and food, or rent equipment locally. Tent rental prices vary based on size, ranging from 100,000 VND to 280,000 VND for the first 2 days. Aside from tents, other camping gear available for rent includes sleeping bags, insulated mats, coolers, folding chairs, flashlights, with prices ranging from 10,000 VND to 350,000 VND per item.
In addition to camping, visitors can also enjoy fishing or kayaking, with rental prices ranging from 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND per day. Photo by: Phan Tuan
By Thanh Hang / Vnexpress
