In today's world, tourism is more than just visiting a place and taking check-in photos. It's about experiencing something new. Let's head to Cao Lanh in Dong Thap and enjoy a refreshing 2-day eco-tourism experience in this peaceful countryside.

Cao Lanh and its verdant beauty
How to get to Cao Lanh? Let's find out!
You can opt for traveling from Saigon to Dong Thap by Phuong Trang coach. A convenient aspect is that our chosen homestay - Duyen Casa Hoa An - is quite close to the city center, so upon arrival at the bus station, you just need to inform the shuttle driver of the homestay address.
The distance from Saigon to Cao Lanh is approximately 145km, with a travel time of just over 3 hours by bus. Buses usually depart from the Mien Tay bus station. Phuong Trang ticket prices range from 130,000 to 150,000 VND per person.
Exquisite homestay in Cao Lanh
Duyen Casa Hoa An
The architecture draws inspiration from knitting techniques, with the curtain made from hundreds of incredibly unique bricks.

The special design enhances the space to become more artistic when the sun shines.

The corridor adorned with orange brick tones and banana plants creates a feeling of being in a warm tropical area.
A spacious area in front of the house is allocated for building a swimming pool, allowing guests to enjoy themselves right at the homestay.

Refreshing pool in front of the homestay.
Moreover, Duyen Casa Hoa An also features another secluded area nestled within a lush mango garden. This area is perfect for those who seek private experiences with loved ones, family, etc.

Verdant ambiance at Duyen Casa Hoa An 2.

Verdant ambiance at Duyen Casa Hoa An 2.
And other exciting experiences in Cao Lanh
Cycling through lush green orchards
One of the 'specialties' when traveling to the Mekong Delta of Vietnam is immersing yourself in lush green orchards. In Cao Lanh, try cycling early in the morning through the lush fruit orchards. On sunny days, these orchards are even cooler. Enjoying the serene moments of cycling, breathing in the fresh air in the vast orchards will be a great time for you to recharge.

Cycling along green pathways.
Paddleboarding on the Tien River
Flowing through 6 provinces in the Mekong Delta, the Tien River eventually merges into the sea. The stretch of river passing through Cao Lanh is calm and spacious, perfect for paddleboarding. The best time for paddleboarding is in the afternoon, around 3:30 PM, allowing you to paddleboard while admiring the vibrant sunset over the river.

Paddleboarding on the Tien River.

Vibrant sunset over the Tien River.
Rowing boats at the eco-tourism area of Gao Giong
The eco-tourism area of Gao Giong, located in Gao Giong commune, Cao Lanh district, is approximately 17km from the city center. This area is part of the Dong Thap Muoi ecological system, a special conservation forest with incredibly rich flora and fauna. Visitors here will have the opportunity to row along the green canal to admire the lush vegetation with reeds, water lilies, bananas, and melaleuca trees, and to marvel at the 36ha bird sanctuary with numerous rare bird species such as storks, egrets, herons, and swallows.

Cool and lush green forest.
The entrance fee to visit Gao Giong eco-tourism area is 40,000 VND/person, and the boat rowing ticket is 50,000 VND/person for a boat with 3 passengers. After rowing, tourists will be invited to enjoy lotus tea and traditional cakes.
This place is only about 3km away from the My Phu Thanh eco-tourism area. So you can go rowing at Gao Giong and then return to My Phu Thanh for lunch.

Paddling along the green streams.
Indulge in Dong Thap's specialties
Sa Dec noodles are a very famous dish. You can enjoy this delicious dish at Ngoc Hanh restaurant - 8 Nguyen Quang Dieu Street, Ward 1, Cao Lanh City.

Cao Lanh noodles.
My Phuoc Thanh eco-tourism area (address: 264 - 266 Ton Duc Thang Street, My Phu Ward, Cao Lanh City) is a highly recommended destination when you visit Cao Lanh. This tourist area opened in 2019 and has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike due to its vast 4.5-hectare space situated amidst canals, rice fields, and expansive lotus ponds. Familiar images of the old Western countryside such as leaf-thatched houses, white wooden boats, traditional rowing boats, and old-fashioned tableware blend harmoniously to create a nostalgic and rustic childhood space.

My Phuoc Thanh tourist area.

It's also very beautiful here when it rains.

Vast lotus ponds amidst rice fields.
Here, indulge in delicious rustic garden dishes such as grilled snakehead fish, wild water lily salad, etc.

Irresistible dishes at My Phuoc Thanh tourist area.
Don't forget to visit the countryside market right at the entrance of My Phuoc Thanh tourist area to enjoy beautifully presented traditional cakes. Additionally, you can choose from various familiar specialties of the Western region as gifts such as dried coconut, pia cake, various dishes, or lotus tea,...

Delicious traditional cakes.
Being very close to Saigon and with many attractive destinations, Cao Lanh - Dong Thap will surely be an exciting choice for weekend getaways with close friends. Try visiting this rustic Western land to experience the relaxing feeling of 'green tourism'!
Author: Đỗ Ngọc Hoài Thu
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blog writing program introducing beautiful destinations throughout Vietnam, under the framework of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualified article, you will receive 800,000 VND and the opportunity to become a Collaborator with Mytour. For more information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal