During the September 2nd holiday, popular amusement parks like Dam Sen and Suoi Tien are often overcrowded. Here are some addresses where family tourists and groups of friends can find moments of true relaxation.

Approximately 85km from Ho Chi Minh City, take Road 744 from Thu Dau Mot City to Dau Tieng Town, then travel another 7km to reach Cau Mountain. The highlight of this tourist area is Thai Son Pagoda, nestled about 50m from the foot of Cau Mountain. Built in 1988, the pagoda covers an area of about 5 hectares.
After visiting the pagoda, there is a path leading to the summit of Cau Mountain with 1,000 stone steps, winding but beautiful. The serene scenery and cool climate allow visitors to overlook the vast Dau Tieng Lake below. Adjacent to Cau Mountain is Dau Tieng Lake tourist area, where you can rent boats to cruise on the lake or enjoy fishing and indulge in freshly caught fish dishes. Dau Tieng Lake boasts various delicious fish species such as snakehead fish, catfish, tilapia, and carp.

Cao Minh Tourist Area
Located approximately 56km from Ho Chi Minh City, Cao Minh Tourist Area is suitable for students for outdoor activities due to its spacious green lawns. It is also ideal for families or groups of friends seeking relaxation and enjoying the fresh natural air. For 500,000 VND per person, including meal expenses (lunch, dinner, and breakfast the next morning) and accommodation. Upon arrival, visitors can chat and sing along with singer Cao Minh, the owner of the tourist area. Address: Hamlet 2, Vinh Tan Commune, Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai Province.

Binh My Ecotourism Area, Cu Chi
Located approximately 25km from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh My offers a countryside ambiance ideal for group outings or family relaxation. Along the Saigon River, Binh My features a restaurant serving Cu Chi specialties such as ecological tofu, ecological spring rolls, Binh My shrimps, Binh My fish, ecological vegetables, and milk ecological wine. Entertainment services include children's swimming pools, traditional folk games, river cruises, and recreational fishing. Address: Hamlet 4A, Binh My Commune, Cu Chi District.
Golden Scorpion Ecotourism Area
Approximately 30km from Ho Chi Minh City, suitable for families or groups organizing gatherings or outdoor activities. With rustic scenery and fresh air, Golden Scorpion boasts about 200 stilt houses and leaf-roofed cottages arranged along the riverbank and fruit tree gardens suitable for groups of two to over 20 people. Besides the entrance fee of 40,000 VND per person, rental fees for life jackets, boat rentals for rowing on the river, and the food service area serving fast food during holidays are complimentary. Golden Scorpion also offers all-inclusive packages for groups of over 50 people for a 2-day, 1-night outdoor activity, priced at 60,000 VND per person. Address: Hamlet 3, Phuoc Khanh Commune, Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai.
Giang Dien Waterfall Ecotourism Area
Approximately 50km from Ho Chi Minh City, often likened to the Dalat of the East due to its romantic scenery and cool climate. Giang Dien Waterfall is also perfect for young groups to engage in outdoor activities, summer camps, and camping. In addition to accommodation and dining services, the main attraction of this ecotourism area is the opportunity for visitors to bathe under the waterfall and immerse themselves in the green waters of the Buong River. During the September 2 holiday, the ecotourism area organizes Gong festival nights and the 'Delicacies from Three Regions' culinary program to serve visitors. Address: 104/4 Hoa Binh Hamlet, Giang Dien Commune, Trang Bom District, Dong Nai.
Kings' Memorial Area
Part of the National History and Culture Park project suitable for students and visitors interested in history. Open from 8 am to 4 pm, the memorial area does not charge an entrance fee. For outdoor activities, there is a fee of 10,000 VND per day. Currently, the place does not offer food or accommodation services; however, due to its lush greenery and beautiful architecture, it also attracts young people for recreational activities. Address: Vinh Thuan Ward, Long Binh District, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City.
Mango Garden Ecotourism Area
Approximately 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City, this area offers a tranquil green space. During the September 2 holiday, the ecotourism area offers circus performances, magic shows, and free traditional folk singing performances for visitors. Entrance fee is 70,000 VND. Other activities such as rowing, duck pedaling, grass sliding, crocodile fishing, ostrich riding, and paintball incur additional fees. The ecotourism area provides accommodation options including hotels, ancient houses, streamside garden houses, or bungalows, depending on visitors' preferences. A mini supermarket here sells products made from crocodile leather such as wallets, belts, and handbags. Additionally, crocodile meat, ostrich meat, and eggs are available. Address: 114, Tan Cang Hamlet, Phuoc Tan Commune, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide - Courtesy of: SGTT
TravelWithEase.comAugust 30, 2013