Gao Giong Dong Thap: Experience the flood season and the sampan festival

Cultural space of rivers in the middle of cajuput forest

Located in Phong My commune, Cao Lanh district, about 145 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Gao Giong Eco- tourism Area is not only a natural destination but also a place to preserve the typical cultural features of Dong Thap Muoi region. In particular, every October, the atmosphere here becomes more bustling than ever with the traditional sampan race, an activity that attracts a large number of locals and tourists to participate.

The race brings together dozens of amateur teams, from farmers, teachers to commune officials, competing on a small canal winding between bamboo groves and cool green cajuput forests. This is not only a speed competition but also a community festival, where cheers and cheers blend with the sound of oars splashing water, creating a vivid picture of river life in the West.

Dinghy racing teams are competing on a small canal at Gao Giong. — The race takes place in the cool ecological space of Gao Giong cajuput forest.

Explore the Gao Giong ecosystem

With a total area of 1,500 hectares, Gao Giong is known as the "green lung" of the Dong Thap Muoi region. An experience not to be missed when coming here is sitting on a sampan weaving through small canals, admiring the rich vegetation and enjoying the fresh air. Local boatmen will take you deep into the cajuput forest, introducing typical plants such as cajuput, duckweed, and water lilies.

Gao Giong Bird Sanctuary

A highlight of the tourist area is the large bird sanctuary, home to more than 100 species of birds, including many rare species such as storks, herons, and cuckoos. Visitors can climb to the 18-meter high observation tower for a panoramic view of the bird sanctuary and the vast cajuput forest. The ideal time to watch birds is early morning or late afternoon, when they fly out to find food or return to their nests.

Tourists sit on a sampan to explore the canals in Gao Giong cajuput forest. — Weaving through the canals is a typical experience when coming to Gao Giong.

Dong Thap Muoi culinary specialties

No trip would be complete without experiencing the local cuisine. The restaurant in the resort serves rustic dishes, typical of the West, prepared from fresh ingredients available in nature.

Grilled snakehead fish: Snakehead fish is grilled with straw until the skin is charred, the meat inside is still sweet and fragrant. This dish is usually served with rice paper, raw vegetables and tamarind fish sauce.
Linh fish hotpot with water mimosa flowers: A specialty only available during flood season, with the sour taste of water mimosa flowers and the sweet, fatty taste of young linh fish.
Lotus dishes: Dong Thap is famous as the land of lotus, so don't forget to try dishes like steamed rice in lotus leaves, lotus root salad with shrimp and meat.

People and tourists enjoy traditional dishes at the tourist area. — Visitors can enjoy many traditional cakes and local specialties.

Useful information for tourists

Move

From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can travel by motorbike or car along National Highway 1A or National Highway N2, the journey takes about 3-4 hours. If traveling by bus, you can buy a ticket to Cao Lanh City, then travel by taxi or motorbike taxi about 20 km to Gao Giong tourist area.

Ideal timing

The best time to visit Gao Giong is during the flood season, from September to November every year. This is when the natural landscape is most abundant, the ecosystem is diverse and many unique cultural activities such as the boat racing festival take place.

Other notes

You should prepare comfortable, easy-to-move clothes, bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Use insect repellent to avoid mosquitoes in the cajuput forest.
Entrance fees and services such as boat rides and meals are clearly listed. Visitors should check before using.