Dong Thap Muoi Eco Reserve
Duration: 1 day
Size: max 10 persons
Time: 7.30am – 5pm
Price: from $45 pp
Our private tours can host between 1-10 guests.
If you’re looking to keep your budget down, we also run group tours with our partner companies.
Costs will depend on your preferred dates and tour group size, so contact us directly for a quote!
Itinerary
- Journey HCMC to Dong Thap, Mekong Delta; 2 hrs
- Explore the stunning bird sanctuary by rowing boat.
Cycle through the lush forest trails of the ecological reserve.
Visit a local pineapple farm or enjoy a scenic drive around the reserve.
Discover the grandeur of Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm Chánh Giác, Vietnam’s largest Zen monastery.
Experience local craftsmanship at a pineapple candy business.
Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch amid nature.
- Return to Saigon.
Book this tour
| Guests | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost pp | $200 | $226 | $264 | $292 | $315 | $342 | $371 | $400 | $423 | $450 |
| Total | $200 | $113 | $88 | $73 | $63 | $57 | $53 | $50 | $47 | $45 |
Next day bookings can be fulfilled up until 6pm ICT time. Pick-up is free within Saigon districts 1, 3, and 4. A small charge will apply for pick-up in other districts, to be paid upon collection.
Dong Thap Muoi Eco Reserve Tour
Escape the bustling city and immerse yourself in the tranquil landscapes of the Mekong Delta’s Dong Thap Muoi Ecological Reserve. This unique tour offers a rare glimpse into one of Vietnam’s most important wetlands, renowned for its rich biodiversity, peaceful cycling routes, and spiritual heritage.
Dong Thap Muoi, also known as the Plain of Reeds, is a vast wetland ecosystem in the Mekong Delta region. It is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, especially its birdlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The reserve’s waterways, forests, and rice fields create a poetic and serene landscape, reminiscent of ancient Vietnam.
The area plays a crucial role in the Mekong’s ecology and offers a glimpse into traditional rural life, where farming and fishing remain central to the local economy. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while learning about conservation efforts to protect this vital habitat.
7:30am – Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Relax or doze as you travel approx. two hours through the scenic Mekong countryside towards the ecological reserve.
9:30am – Arrival at Dong Thap Muoi Ecological Reserve
Step into a world of natural wonder at this vast wetland area. Here, you’ll board a traditional rowing boat (sampan) to gently glide through the bird sanctuary, home to a myriad of bird species and vibrant flora. The peaceful waterways offer a perfect opportunity for birdwatching and photography. This is truly one of the most peaceful places on Earth!
Cycle or drive through the forest
After the boat ride, hop on a bicycle to explore the reserve’s forest trails. The quiet paths wind through lush greenery, giving you a chance to connect with the natural environment. For those who prefer, a scenic drive around the reserve is also available.
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties, served in a tranquil setting surrounded by nature.
Visit pineapple farm
Post-lunch, we’ll take in a nearby pineapple farm. Learn about the cultivation of this tropical fruit and the role it plays in the local economy. This is a great chance to see rural life up close and try some fresh tropical fruit.
Thie n Vien Truc Lam Chanh Giac Zen Monastery
Next, visit the magnificent Thie n Vien Truc Lam Chanh Giac Zen Monastery, located in Thanh Tan Commune, Tan Phuoc District, Tien Giang Province. This is the largest Zen monastery in Vietnam, built in 2012 following the traditional architectural style of the Truc Lam Yen Tu sect.
The monastery spans 50 hectares and is divided into inner and outer sanctuaries. The outer sanctuary features impressive structures such as the Main Hall, Patriarch Hall, Meditation Hall, Lecture Hall, Library, Exhibition House, and Bell Tower, covering over 47,000 square meters. A towering stupa with a majestic triangular peak creates a striking landmark.
A unique highlight is the Four Holy Sites (Tu Dong Tam), four sacred relic sites modeled at 60% scale after the original holy sites in India and Nepal, the birthplaces of Buddhism. The monastery is not only a spiritual center for Buddhist study and practice but also a serene tourist destination offering peace and reflection amid beautiful surroundings.
Visit pineapple candy factory
On the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City, stop at a local pineapple candy factory. Witness the traditional candy-making process and taste some of the region’s famous pineapple sweets – a perfect souvenir to bring home!
5:00pm – Return to Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City with wonderful memories of a day spent exploring nature, culture, and spirituality.
Included
- Pick-up & drop-off in districts 1, 3, & 4
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees
- Lunch and fruit*
- 1-bottle mineral water
- All activities
*Please advise us of any dietary needs for our Dong Thap Muoi Eco Reserve Tour.
Excluded
- Pick-up outside districts 1, 3, & 4**
- Additional drinks and snacks
- Gratuities
**A small charge will apply for pick-up in other districts, to be paid upon collection.
For more wildlife adventures, see our tour to Can Gio Mangrove Forest.