Pocket Guide to Dong Nai for Wanderlust Enthusiasts

Bordering Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, a province in the Southeast, holds significant potential for tourism development. Let's explore what makes Dong Nai's travel experience truly special in the following article!

Pocket Guide to Dong Nai for Wanderlust Enthusiasts

Optimal Time for Dong Nai Travel

Dong Nai province is situated in the tropical region with high temperatures and only two seasons: rainy and dry. The climate is generally moderate, with rare occurrences of extreme weather conditions. Due to these advantages, tourists can explore Dong Nai at any time. However, if you want to savor various local specialty fruits, visit during the summer when the fruits are ripe.

Transportation for Dong Nai Travel

There are two ways to travel to Dong Nai: by personal vehicles or public transportation such as buses, trains, and planes. If the distance is not too far, you can choose to ride a motorbike or drive a car. Alternatively, you can purchase bus or train tickets from Ho Chi Minh City, which is very convenient.

Departing from Ho Chi Minh City

Some bus companies traveling to Dong Nai

Cuc Phuong Bus, Tel 0251 3608 070

Bay No Bus, Tel 0984 567411 – 0918 696100

Kim Manh Hung Bus, Tel 1900 088804

Hoang Long Bus, Tel 1900 088805

Additionally, there are many other bus companies traveling to Dong Nai from the Eastern Bus Station. These companies depart from the Eastern Bus Station and stop at Xuan Loc, Long Khanh, Dong Nai Bus Station, or Song Ray Bus Station, depending on passengers' preferences. The bus fare to Dong Nai starts from only 60,000 VND per passenger.

If you want to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere during your journey, you can also choose to travel by train. From Ho Chi Minh City to Bien Hoa takes only 45 minutes, with 6 train trips available every day. If you desire a different experience from taking the bus or car, you can easily get a train ticket starting from 45,000 VND.

Departing from Hanoi

The most convenient means of transportation for passengers traveling from Hanoi to Dong Nai is by plane. You will land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, then travel to Dong Nai using the mentioned transportation options. Moreover, Long Thanh International Airport is under construction. Once completed, you can fly directly to Dong Nai without additional transfers.

During your Dong Nai travel, you can choose to rent a car to visit various places or use buses, taxis, as these means of transportation are quite popular here.

Some taxi companies in Bien Hoa

    Bien Hoa Taxi – Airport – Contact: 0835 599 522

    Phong Phu Taxi – Contact: 0982 937 778

    DONA TAXI – Contact: 03 2828 7778

    VinaSun Taxi Bien Hoa – Contact: 02838 27 27 27

    Mai Linh Taxi – Contact: 1055

    Bien Hoa City Taxi – Contact: 0931 277 360

    Sai Gon Taxi – Contact: (0251) 36 36 36 36

Accommodation Options in Dong Nai

Attractions to Explore in Dong Nai

Buu Long Tourist Area

Buu Long Tourist Area is just 30km from Ho Chi Minh City, making it an easy weekend getaway for travel enthusiasts. Situated on the gentle banks of the Dong Nai River, this 84-hectare area has been recognized as a National Monument since 1990, boasting a rare and harmonious landscape of mountains, rivers, and ancient temples. The entire tourist area blends various landscapes, including rivers, mountains, forests, and venerable temples. Everything harmonizes to create a relaxing atmosphere for tourists visiting here.

Conquering Chua Chan Mountain

Chua Chan Mountain is known as the 'roof' of Dong Nai province. With a height of 837m above sea level, it is the second-highest mountain after Ba Den Mountain in the Southeast region. Located just 110km from Ho Chi Minh City, Chua Chan Mountain is a popular camping spot for many young people. Besides trekking and overnight camping, visitors can explore silent temples nestled along the mountain's slopes.

Golden Scorpion Resort

The Golden Scorpion Resort is situated in Nhon Trach district, only a 1-hour motorbike ride from Ho Chi Minh City. It is a favorite destination for team-building activities and engaging in various exciting games. Diverse games at Golden Scorpion, such as boat racing, water ball, trampoline jumping, relay games, water jumping, SUP paddling, archery, and more, provide enjoyable experiences for visitors.

Nam Cat Tien National Park

Nam Cat Tien National Park is part of the larger Cat Tien National Park complex, spanning three provinces: Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, and Lam Dong. The national park is a conservation area for many rare and endangered species, with natural coverage extending up to 80%. Currently, it is recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in Vietnam. A visit here not only immerses you in nature during your Dong Nai travel but also allows you to explore diverse plant landscapes and encounter rare animal species found only in the wild.

Trị An Lake

Trị An Lake is an artificial reservoir created to supply water for the Trị An hydroelectric dam. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach the lake from Ho Chi Minh City. The road leading to the lake is surrounded by lush greenery, providing an additional energy boost for a joyful outdoor excursion. Here, you can immerse yourself in experiences like fishing, rowing boats, and campfire activities. If you choose to camp overnight, make sure to prepare all necessary equipment and food. At Trị An Lake, you can also visit Ó Island, a pristine island situated in the middle of the lake.

Tre Viet Eco-tourism Area

Tre Viet Eco-tourism Village is located in Nhơn Trạch district, offering a new destination for weekend sightseeing and relaxation. The name signifies that the tourist area draws inspiration from bamboo, a culturally significant plant found throughout Vietnam, known for its diverse uses. The tourism area provides visitors with a feel of the Mekong Delta with its authentic rural design.

Here, you can enjoy various team-building activities such as monkey bridge climbing, water sliding, kayaking, water biking, and numerous other team games. The cuisine at Tre Viet is authentically Vietnamese, featuring traditional dishes like braised fish, fried fish, braised fish sauce, and crispy rice. These simple yet delicious dishes rival any luxurious cuisine.

Dong Lach Sheep Farm

Dong Lach Sheep Farm, located in Trang Bom district, offers an immersive livestock farming experience for just 50,000 VND per person. If you've become accustomed to popular destinations like Chua Chan Mountain or Buu Long, the sheep farm will bring a breath of fresh air to your Dong Nai travel experience.

Local residents raise sheep here for wool and meat. The soft, white wool of the sheep adds a touch of brilliance, making your photos stand out and appear more unique.

Ba Chong Rock

Ba Chong Rock is an archaeological site located in Dinh Quan district, Dong Nai province. The most prominent feature of this site is three large rocks stacked on top of each other, creating a seemingly precarious and dangerous formation. However, this is the result of ancient geological processes. Despite the countless changes over time, the rocks have maintained their current shape, showcasing the intricate work of Mother Nature in creating Ba Chong Rock.

Giang Dien Waterfall

Giang Dien Eco-tourism Area is often referred to as the 'Dalat of the East.' Open since 2006, it has become a popular and attractive destination for visitors from all around. The eco-tourism area immerses you in lush greenery, with various types of flowers and vibrant green grass. It's an ideal place for young people to engage in outdoor activities, play team-building games, and rejuvenate after periods of study or work-related stress.

Culinary Delights in Dong Nai

Fruit Orchards in Long Khanh

The city of Long Khanh has long been renowned as the fruit basket of the Southeast and specifically Dong Nai. When you embark on your Dong Nai journey, make sure to visit the lush fruit orchards in Long Khanh and choose the finest fruits as delightful souvenirs.

Here are some fruit orchards in Long Khanh that you should note down:

Aunt 2 Fruit Orchard

– Address: Cay Da Hamlet, Binh Loc Commune

– Variety of fruits in the orchard: rambutan, longan, mangosteen, dragon fruit, durian, jackfruit, bon bon...

– Phone: 0961 878 535

Ut Tieu Orchard

– Address: Group 4, Cay Da Hamlet

– Variety of fruits in the orchard: rambutan, jackfruit, durian, milk fruit, mango...

– Phone: 098 7041135

Vinh Khang Farm

– Address: Hang Gon, Long Khanh

– Variety of fruits in the orchard: durian, mangosteen...

– Phone: 0389 992 358

Mai Tai Tan Phong Orchard

– Address: Xuan Tan, Long Khanh

– Variety of fruits in the orchard: rambutan, pomelo…

– Phone: 0855 440 017

Cat Anh Orchard

– Address: Binh Loc Commune, Long Khanh

– Variety of fruits in the orchard: rambutan, longan…

– Phone: 0908992607

Fish Salad

Located along the Dong Nai River, the locals here often exploit the river's produce to serve their daily lives. Therefore, the fish salad dish came into being as a necessity of the culinary culture. Simply a plate of fresh snakehead fish, mixed with fresh lime, accompanied by a variety of vegetables, then dipped into a meticulously prepared dipping sauce. Though simple, this dish has left a mark on many food enthusiasts.

Fried Rolled Bat

It might be unfamiliar to people from other regions, but for the people of Dong Nai, fried rolled bat has long become a distinctive dish. Bats are cleverly caught, and their meat is then processed into the rolled and fried dish. Apart from frying, bats are also minced and cooked into porridge, offering a rich flavor.

Tan Trieu Pomelo

Tan Trieu Pomelo is a delicious specialty in Vinh Cuu district. This type of pomelo is abundant, juicy, and has a characteristic fragrance, making it a gift that tourists often bring back after their Dong Nai travel.

Fairy's Delight Jackfruit

Fairy's Delight Jackfruit is considered a specialty fruit in the Long Khanh region. The jackfruit is small, with soft skin, and filled with succulent jackfruit pods. Moreover, the rich and enchanting aroma of jackfruit makes everyone swoon after just one taste.

Sour Soup with Giang Leaves

Giang leaves are abundant in the red basalt soil region. The leaves have a sour taste but are not sharp, rather refreshing, making them suitable for cooking various dishes. Therefore, the people of Dong Nai came up with the dish sour soup with Giang leaves, perfect for cooling down in the summer. The sour taste of Giang leaves, combined with the aromatic scent of onions and the rich, savory flavor of meat, enhances the deliciousness of the meal.

Here is the complete guide to Dong Nai travel that you must have before planning to explore this rich land in the Southeast. Wishing you a wonderful journey, and don't forget to follow Mytour's blog for more useful travel guides!

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Source: Travel Guide from Mytour