Are you looking for unique things to do in the Mekong Delta or simply want to explore beyond the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City?
Perhaps we have just what you're looking for!
Over the years, we've visited some of the most beautiful places in the Mekong Delta, and the Sa Dec flower village in Dong Thap is one of our favorites. Located at the bank of the Tien River, the flower village is one of the most colorful and unique destinations we’ve explored in Vietnam.
Find out everything you need to know about visiting the Sa Dec flower village in this guide. We’ve included what you can expect, entrance fees, best time to visit, how to get there, and many insider tips to help you plan your trip.
Overview of Sa Dec Flower Village
Sa Dec, located in Dong Thap Province, is the flower capital of the Mekong Delta. The flower village is a vibrant and colorful sight, with the blooming flowers creating a picturesque landscape.
The small town boasts over 1,000 different species of ornamental flowers. It is not only a popular attraction for tourists but also serves as a hub for flower trading, attracting buyers from all over the region.
Visiting Sa Dec Flower Village | Our Experience
During one of our visits to the Mekong Delta, we decided to make a day trip to Sa Dec from Can Tho. We visited in January around two weeks before the Tet holiday. It was the perfect time to visit Sa Dec as most flowers were in bloom in preparation for the biggest holiday in Vietnam!
We rented a motorbike and it took us almost two hours to reach the flower village. There are a few different routes you can take to Sa Dec from Can Tho. The fastest way is to take the main highway, but you’ll be sharing the road with trucks and other road haulage.
For a safer and more pleasant drive, we'd recommend taking a little bit of a detour and taking smaller roads instead.
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We started our drive just after lunch, and it was scorching hot on the way. We reached Sa Dec around 3pm, which was a great time as local gardeners were busy working on the fields and attending to their flowers.
The village is scattered with countless flower farms. We had enough time to go around the area and take plenty of photos as the sun was setting. Although, we couldn't help but feel a bit rushed towards the end as we were thinking about the long drive back to Can Tho in the dark.
Tip: We highly recommend visiting in the morning so you can take your time and make the most out of your trip.
What to Expect
If you’re visiting right before the Tet Holiday, expect the flower village to be bustling with local tourists, photographers, and gardeners working in the fields. You’ll also find trucks on the side of the road loading flowers to distribute around the region.
There are multiple kinds of flowers grown in Sa Dec, but the most impressive ones are the rows and rows of Chrysanthemums. The yellow variant is the most sought after during Tet, resulting in a sea of these ball-shaped yellow plants.
The flowers are grown above water, so the farmers attend to them using a small boat, which is a fascinating sight to witness.
Parking
Car: Some parts of the village have smaller roads, so you might have to park your car somewhere outside of the village and walk around.
Motorbike: If you visit Sa Dec by motorbike, you can easily navigate your motorbike through the village and park in front of the fields.
Visiting Flower Fields
As most people visit Sa Dec flower village just to take photos, some farmers have started to charge an entrance fee. Multiple places have signs displaying the prices, starting from 20,000 VND per person.
We found that there’s no set price and it really depends on the farmers in the area. However, there are also plenty of fields you can enter without paying.
Note: Be respectful. Always ask the local farmers before entering the field and especially before taking pictures of them.
Some of the local gardeners we’ve encountered were more than happy to get their photos taken, while some asked for money. Decide for yourself if it’s worth the price they are asking, otherwise, move on.
Drone Photography
As mentioned before, one of the best things to see if you’re in Sa Dec are the rows of yellow Chrysanthemums perched on bamboo sticks. Since the fields are mostly flooded, the locals use a small wooden boat to get to the flowers. And the best way to capture this is with a drone!
Note: Be mindful of the farmers and don’t fly your drone too low above them.
Best Time to Visit
The Sa Dec flower village is open all year, but the best time to visit is a few weeks before the Lunar New Year, which usually falls between the end of January and early February.
This is the most beautiful season to visit the flower village because you will see rows and rows of flowers and ornamental trees for the holidays, such as Chrysanthemums, Marigolds, and kumquat trees. This, however, is also the busiest time for tourists, who all want to photograph the flower village.
Tip: For the best photo opportunities, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when gardeners are watering the flowers.
Read: Vietnam’s Best Time to Visit
How to Get to Sa Dec Flower Village
Here are the best ways to reach the Sa Dec flower village.
Motorbike: The most convenient way to reach and get around Sa Dec is on a motorbike. You can easily rent a motorbike in Can tho. We recommend renting a motorbike with at least 150cc as the drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Rent your bike with Motorbike Can Tho at +84919362004 starting at 7 USD per day.
Tour: Looking to visit Sa Dec on a guided tour? Make the most of your Mekong Delta trip and book this tour which also includes other highlights of the Mekong, such as the Cai Rang floating market.
Where to Stay Near Sa Dec Flower Village
Though you can reach Sa Dec from Can Tho, we recommend staying nearby instead to get the most out of your visit. This will give you more time to explore the area and to visit both in the early mornings and towards sunset. Find all accommodations in Sa Dec here.
Other Attractions to Visit
Besides the flower village in Sa Dec, here are some other attractions nearby you can visit.
- Kien An Cung Pagoda: Also known as Ong Quach Pagoda, walk around and discover the intricate details of the tapestries and silk embroideries.
- Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House: The ancient house is known for its blend of east-and-west architecture and history. It was also featured in the famous novel "The Lover" by Marguerite Duras, which popularized the house.
- Phuoc Kien Pagoda: A small pagoda close to the Sa Dec flower village. The main attraction is its pond with big lotus leaves.
Want to see more of Mekong's lesser-known attractions? Take a look at our 4-day motorbike trip to see some of the Mekong Delta’s hidden gems.
And that’s our guide to visiting the Sa Dec flower village in Dong Thap Province!
The Mekong Delta offers an abundance of unique experiences for those willing to go beyond the usual tourist attractions. And visiting the Sa Dec flower village is an experience that should not be missed.
Ready to explore more of the Mekong? Read about the traditional fish drying village in Dong Thap province. Additionally, here is our guide to some of the most beautiful temples in An Giang Province.
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
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