In the final days of the month, you might feel low on energy, but what about traveling? No worries. Take note of these 4 budget-friendly travel spots near Saigon, ensuring that even if you're dealing with 'appendicitis,' you can still enjoy yourself.
Affordable travel spots near Saigon
1. Buu Long Tourist Area
Situated just 6km from downtown Bien Hoa, this place boasts a tranquil, untouched scenery, all contributing to a charming beauty amidst the lush natural surroundings.
If you're looking for a weekend getaway to enjoy fresh air, then Buu Long tourist area is undoubtedly an excellent choice. From atop, you'll take in the panoramic view of Bien Hoa city along the winding Dong Nai river. Intermingled with that are the green hues of rice fields, grass, ... serenely beautiful.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, travelers can relax by the serene blue lake. Within the Buu Long tourist area lies the Hidden Dragon Lake with its stunning scenery. Surrounding the lake are tall rocky cliffs or architectural structures with strong religious influences. You can sit on a swan boat drifting gently on the lake, or leisurely admire the surrounding mountains, each corner is so picturesque it's like a valley of love.
Dubbed as the “Miniature Halong Bay of the South”, Buu Long boasts vast lakes, towering mountains, and fresh air. You can admire fields of beautiful purple Salvia flowers, freely take photos in the vibrant rose garden, or amidst the sunflower field dedicated to photo enthusiasts.
Another highlight that many travelers love is the temple scenery. You can follow the mountain path to visit Buu Long Pagoda or head to Long Son Cave Temple on Long An Mountain.
The ticket prices are also very affordable. On weekdays, adults are 30k, children over 1m are 20k, and children under 1m are free. On holidays, adults are 40k, children are 30k. The games here also range from only 10-20k per turn.
Location: Huynh Van Nghe, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai
Source: https://www.mytour.vn/cam-nang/khu-du-lich-buu-long-50866
2. Famous Affordable Floating Village Near Saigon: Tan Lap Floating Village
Located in the heart of Dong Thap Muoi, Tan Lap Floating Village is a favorite destination for many young people.
Covering an area of over 135 hectares, with a buffer zone of 500 hectares, Tan Lap Floating Village has been designated as a distinctive tourist area of Long An and the Dong Thap Muoi flooded region. Here, visitors can experience the characteristic features of the natural landscape of the Southern rivers and waterways. Within the tourist area, there are 5 hectares of facilities, guesthouses, management offices, boat docks, and parks. The remaining area consists of 130 hectares of melaleuca forests and 5 kilometers of concrete roads. Visitors can explore the forest by boat or on foot.
This is a suitable destination for those who want to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and love photography. If you want to visit other places, you can combine it with the Floating Pagoda, visit the medicinal herb garden, or go to Tan Hiep border gate.
Visiting this affordable Saigon nearby tourist destination, you can choose a 50k ticket for rowing boats or 130k for motorboats or boats with skilled drivers. Just hop on the boat and the boatman will take you through the forest area, introducing the marshland and the lush vegetation around.
The highlight of the melaleuca forest is the 38m-high tower. Standing here, visitors can enjoy the vast and majestic scenery of the forested mountains.
Also, don't miss the longest forest road in Vietnam. At the intersections, boats will pick you up to visit the lotus pond. It's best to visit around October or November when the lotus is in full bloom and the fragrance fills the air.
Note that during the flood season, the forest road may be flooded. So, avoid this time. Or if you want to go, contact the center beforehand to inquire about the water levels.
One drawback of this Saigon nearby tourist destination is the lack of dining services. You should bring your own food for the journey. If you wish, you can enjoy typical dishes of the Southwest region such as crispy fried snakehead fish, river leaf chicken hotpot, coconut braised carp, etc., typically priced under 100k. Considering this, the cost of dining and entertainment is less than 200k per person.
Address: National Highway 62, Moc Hoa Town, Long An
3. Dream Stream Park
This is one of the affordable Saigon nearby tourist destinations, about 100km from the city center. Dream Stream Park is a destination that attracts families and young people who love to explore.
Dream Stream Park is likened to a 'sea above the forest' sanctuary. The reason is due to its impressive natural landscape along with cool waterfalls and clear streams. Especially, the large swimming lake area covers an area of 150,000m2.
The spring water here is very special, originating from underground streams that trickle through the rock crevices into the cold water lake, rather than simply being treated cold water like in other places. Standing on the bank, you can easily see the beautiful moss growing under the water. Many young people also enjoy diving into the stream to touch the cool stones.
Besides swimming in the lake, you can also participate in fun activities such as water slides, water volleyball, water biking, kayaking... If you prefer tranquility, you can relax in the pavilion area or go camping, have BBQ parties, teambuilding activities, etc.
The entrance fee is 40k for adults and 30k for children. Outside food is not allowed in Suoi Mo Park, but you can visit restaurants within the tourist area. Snacks, ice cream, beverages, ala carte items, etc., are priced around 15k-30k. Main dishes like fried foods, hotpots, grilled dishes, stir-fries range from 70k-30k.
Address: No. 9, Hamlet 6, Tra Co Commune, Tan Phu, Dong Nai
Source: https://www.mytour.vn/cam-nang/khu-du-lich-suoi-mo-15562
4. 5Ku Farm
This affordable Saigon nearby tourist destination is located right in Saigon European Village. The spacious farm area along with the wonderful riverside dining area make it an ideal spot. However, not many people are familiar with its name, 5Ku Farm.
Stepping in here, tourists will delight in the lush vegetable patches, shaded alleys. Surely, this is a wonderful getaway to escape the hustle and bustle and experience the fresh air right in Saigon.
In addition to the cool green vegetable garden, there are also trellises with various types of squash, gourds, and pumpkins. Going a bit deeper, there's a simple and rustic thatched house. Sitting inside on wooden benches and looking out across the river, a picturesque rural scene unfolds before your eyes. It's truly a countryside atmosphere that feels so distant, not right here in Saigon like this.
To better serve young travelers, this budget-friendly tourist spot near Saigon also features a camping area and a film set. You can freely strike poses with the adorable sheep here. They are charming and quite photogenic. Surely, your photos will be fun and memorable.
Additionally, there's another unique culinary paradise with a strong rural flavor. The dining area is authentically rural. All the food is sourced from the farm, ensuring delicious, clean, and safe meals. It's not just fruits and vegetables, even the fish and meat are locally sourced.
Some signature dishes you can enjoy include grilled chicken, river prawns, frog legs with fish sauce, grilled catfish, Thai-style steamed clams, boiled vegetables, and more. The food prices aren't exactly cheap, but with the quality and the fantastic ambiance, it's still worth it. On weekends or holidays, gather your friends and family and head to 5Ku Farm!
Address: 1115 Thich Mat The, Thanh My Loi, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Source: https://www.mytour.vn/cam-nang/5ku-farm-green-farm-saigon-40751