Just a short three-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City lies one of Vietnam’s most dazzling spring destinations: Sa Dec Flower Village. As the largest flower village in the Mekong Delta—and one of the biggest in the country—Sa Dec bursts into an ocean of color each spring, drawing visitors eager to stroll among hundreds of blooming flower varieties.
But Sa Dec offers more than just flowers. This 300-year-old heritage city is also famed for its beautiful blend of ancient architecture from Vietnam’s feudal times and the French colonial era. It’s the perfect getaway for those seeking a peaceful escape and a taste of the old-world charm.
How to Get to Sa Dec
From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):
- Distance: ~140 km
- Travel Time: ~3 hours by car
- Transport Options:
- Bus: Frequent departures every hour from Saigon. Trusted companies include Phuong Trang, Phu Vinh Long, and Loc Dien. Tickets range from 80,000–105,000 VND (~$3–$4.30).
- Motorbike: Adventurous travelers may opt for a motorbike ride to soak in the Mekong scenery.
Getting Around Sa Dec:
Sa Dec’s attractions lie close together, making it ideal for exploring by bicycle or motorbike. Many hotels and homestays offer rentals. Cycling through vibrant flower gardens is highly recommended to truly experience the fragrant breeze and scenic beauty!
Top Places to Visit in Sa Dec
Sa Dec Flower Village
Your journey isn’t complete without wandering through Sa Dec Flower Village itself. The village transforms into a living canvas, awash in vivid colors and floral scents.
Here, you can:
- Admire endless rows of flowers in every shade imaginable.
- Interact with friendly local farmers, eager to share their gardening secrets.
- Capture stunning photos amidst a floral paradise.
Entrance Fee: Free. However, photographing specific garden spots often costs around 30,000 VND (~$1.20) per person.
Happy Land Hung Thy Tourist Area
Located within the flower village grounds, Happy Land Hung Thy combines vibrant floral displays with fun activities like:
- Monkey bridge crossings
- Canoeing
- Swing bridges
- Cycling adventures
Tickets:
- Entrance: 30,000 VND (~$1.20)
- Games package: 100,000 VND (~$4.10)
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House
Nestled along the Sa Giang River, the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House stands as a timeless witness to the love story between Vietnamese-Chinese nobleman Huynh Thuy Le and French writer Marguerite Duras, whose romance inspired Duras’s famous novel The Lover.
- Built in 1895, renovated in 1917
- French villa exterior, intricate Chinese interior
- A beautiful blend of architectural cultures
Don’t miss this historic gem while exploring Sa Dec!
Phuoc Kien Tu (Lotus Pagoda)
About 14 km from Sa Dec, Phuoc Kien Tu—also known as the Lotus Pagoda—is famous for ponds filled with giant lotus leaves measuring 2–3 meters wide, capable of holding the weight of an adult. Unfortunately, bridge repairs sometimes limit access.
Nam Phuong Linh Tu
Often described as the “Hue Imperial City in the heart of the Mekong Delta,” Nam Phuong Linh Tu is a royal-style temple attracting visitors with:
- Majestic architecture reminiscent of Hue’s imperial palaces
- Scenic photo opportunities
- Additional activities like canoeing, enjoying Southern folk music, and sampling regional cuisine
Ticket price: 50,000 VND (~$2)
Where to Stay in Sa Dec
Maison En Bambou Phong-le Vent
For a peaceful retreat, Maison En Bambou Phong-le Vent offers:
- Unique bamboo architecture
- Quiet setting amid Sa Dec Flower Village
- Western-style dining
- Activities like fishing, canoeing, and cycling
Note: Rooms have no air-conditioning and suit travelers who prefer tranquility over urban convenience.
Frog Flower House Homestay
Immerse yourself in flower-filled surroundings at Frog Flower House Homestay, featuring:
- Rooms surrounded by blooming flowers
- A scenic location beside the Tien River
- A restaurant serving rustic Mekong dishes
Perfect for travelers wanting an authentic local experience.
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House Homestay
This unique homestay lets guests sleep inside the historic Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, ideal for:
- History enthusiasts
- Those seeking French–Chinese architectural charm
- Easy access to Sa Dec night market and riverside strolls
What to Eat in Sa Dec
No trip to Sa Dec is complete without indulging in local cuisine:
- Sa Dec Noodles (Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc): Famous for its unique chewy noodles and savory broth.
- Where to try: Phu Thanh Noodle Soup, 75 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 1, Sa Dec.
- Banh Tam Bi (Silkworm Cake): Soft noodles topped with coconut milk and pork skin.
- Try it at: 49B Phan Boi Chau, Ward 1, Sa Dec City.
- Sa Dec Flower Village Food Court: Offers a buffet of traditional cakes and Western folk dishes for only 50,000 VND (~$2) per serving—a true taste of local flavors!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking a floral wonderland, historical architecture, or authentic Mekong Delta flavors, Sa Dec offers a vibrant and peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Saigon. With its breathtaking flower fields, charming heritage sites, and warm local hospitality, Sa Dec deserves a spot on your Vietnam bucket list.
Ready to smell the flowers and capture stunning photos? Sa Dec is waiting for you!
