Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area, located within Vinh Long Province, presents a varied selection of recreational and cultural pursuits within Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. This destination allows guests to participate in local customs, engage in distinctive outdoor activities, and gain knowledge about the area's natural surroundings. It functions as a comprehensive location for both relaxation and active exploration for those navigating the southern Vietnamese waterways.
Reaching Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area
The Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area is precisely situated at An Thuan Hamlet, An Binh Commune, Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province. To arrive at the site, visitors must first utilize the An Binh ferry. Upon disembarking from the ferry, the eco-tourism area is approximately three kilometers away.
Travelers originating from Ho Chi Minh City have a couple of primary routes to consider for reaching the An Binh ferry terminal. The first option involves proceeding along National Route 1A towards My Tho City, then crossing the My Thuan bridge into Vinh Long, and subsequently locating the An Binh ferry. This path is generally considered quicker for reaching the destination, though it offers fewer scenic views during the journey. Alternatively, a second route provides more visual interest along the way. This involves crossing the Rach Mieu Bridge into Ben Tre Province, continuing over the Ham Luong Bridge, passing Lach Market, and then taking the Dinh Khao Ferry to Vinh Long Province before finally reaching the An Binh ferry. It is advisable to avoid this second route during public holidays, as traffic congestion can be substantial.
Admission and Activity Costs
Entry to the Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area requires a fee. Adults are charged VND 50,000, while children's tickets cost VND 35,000. This admission price covers access to the eco-tourism grounds, opportunities for photography within the area, and viewing chicken races. Most other activities offered at Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area are ticketed separately, allowing guests to select experiences based on their preferences.
The range of activities and their individual costs is extensive, catering to various interests. From interactive animal experiences to water-based games and cultural demonstrations, there are numerous options for visitors to consider. It is recommended to review the pricing for specific activities upon arrival, as these are subject to change by the venue. For those planning a trip through the region, understanding the diverse Mekong Delta ecotourism opportunities can enhance the overall experience.
Individual Activity Prices (Current as of 2019, verify upon visit)
| Activity | Price (VND) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Crocodile Fishing | 5,000/ticket/person | One fishing attempt per ticket |
| Ostrich Riding | 25,000/ticket/person | One circle ride in the designated yard |
| Water Zorbing | 30,000/ticket/person | 10 minutes of play |
| Sliding on Grass | 30,000/kart/twice | For 2 people per kart |
| Rotating Swing Ride | 30,000/ticket | |
| Feeding Fish with Milk | 5,000/bottle of milk | |
| Draining Pond for Fish | 200,000/pax | |
| Eating & Drinking | 35,000/serving | |
| Karaoke (max 20 guests) | 70,000/hour/room | |
| Karaoke (max 30-40 guests) | 100,000/hour/room | |
| Bumper Kart Ride | 20,000/ticket/guest | 5 minutes of play |
| Children's Play House | 20,000/ticket | |
| Swan Pedal Boat | 30,000/ticket/2 people | |
| Water Slide | 15,000/ticket/person | |
| Vietnamese Folk Music Show | 800,000/3 hours | |
| Basket Boat | 30,000/ticket/2 pax | |
| Arrow-shooting | 10,000/3 arrows | |
| Dart-playing | 10,000/3 darts | |
| Rambutan Garden Tour | 170,000/adult, 120,000/child | |
| Camping | 30,000/person | Maximum 8 people |
| Wooden Sampan Rowing | 30,000/ticket/2 people/sampan | |
| Basket Boat Race for Ducks | 450,000/show | Includes 2 basket boats and 1 duck |
| Catching Ducks in a Pond | 290,000/duck | |
| Orchard Entrance | 35,000/adult or 55,000/adult | Price depends on fruit types |
| An Binh Eco-tourism Area Entrance | 45,000/2 adults | Includes fruits, Vietnamese folk music, and tea |
| Can Throwing Game | 10,000/3 balls | |
| Cai Be Floating Market Tour | 650,000/boat (max 9 pax) | |
| Cai Be Floating Market Tour | 750,000/boat (max 19 pax) | |
| Cai Be Floating Market Tour | 40,000/person (over 20 pax) | Additional VND 100,000/boat for night/holiday tours |
Engaging Experiences at Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area
The eco-tourism area offers a spectrum of activities designed to entertain and provide insight into local life. For those seeking a thrill, crocodile fishing allows participants to use a rod to interact with these reptiles in a controlled pond environment. Another popular choice for excitement is ostrich riding, where guests can take a short ride around a designated circular yard. These activities are particularly appealing to visitors looking for unique animal encounters.
Water-based recreation is also a significant draw. Water zorbing involves two individuals entering a large inflatable ball, which is then released onto the water. The objective is to propel the ball as far as possible within a ten-minute timeframe, after which the oxygen supply inside the ball diminishes. For land-based speed, grass sliding offers a kart experience down a slope, suitable for those who enjoy quick descents. Beyond these, visitors can enjoy swan pedal boats and water slides, providing gentler aquatic fun. Families with young children will find a dedicated playhouse available.
For a taste of rural life, the activity of draining ponds for fish provides a hands-on opportunity to experience traditional farming methods in the Mekong Delta. While this can be a messy endeavor, many find it a worthwhile and authentic experience. Additionally, tours to the fruit orchards allow guests to sample various seasonal fruits directly from the trees, which is often cited as a highly recommended activity. These experiences offer a deeper connection to the agricultural heritage of the region, complementing a broader exploration of rural destinations in Vietnam's Mekong Delta.
Accommodation and Culinary Delights
For visitors desiring an extended stay, Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area provides overnight accommodation options. Rooms are available for different group sizes: a room for two guests costs VND 280,000 per night, a room for three guests is VND 350,000 per night, and a room designed for four guests is priced at VND 420,000 per night. It is important to note that breakfast is not included in these room rates. Each room is equipped with amenities such as a television, refrigerator, air conditioning, and drinking water. An added benefit for overnight guests is the complimentary use of a karaoke room for one hour.
The culinary offerings at Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area highlight the distinct flavors of the Mekong Delta. Several on-site restaurants serve regional specialties. Popular dishes include snakehead fish smoked in straw, a traditional preparation that imparts a unique flavor. Other local favorites feature various hotpots, such as fermented fish hotpot, roasted duck, duck hotpot with fermented bean curd, and paddy crab hotpot. These dishes provide a genuine taste of the local gastronomic culture, allowing visitors to savor the fresh ingredients and traditional cooking styles of the area. For a more structured experience that includes local life and homestays, consider a Mekong Delta River Life & Homestay – 2 Days tour.
Exploring Beyond Vinh Sang: Local Attractions
While Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area offers a wealth of activities, the surrounding Vinh Long Province and Mekong Delta region hold additional points of interest. One prominent option is a tour to the Cai Be Floating Market. This market is best visited during daylight hours to witness its full activity. For tours conducted at night or on public holidays, an additional charge of VND 100,000 per boat applies. The Cai Be Floating Market tour can accommodate various group sizes, with specific pricing for boats carrying up to 9 passengers (VND 650,000), up to 19 passengers (VND 750,000), and a per-person rate of VND 40,000 for groups exceeding 20 individuals. For those interested in a focused exploration of this area, a Mekong Delta Cai Be Floating Market & Vinh Long Discovery – 1 Day tour is available.
Another nearby option is the An Binh eco-tourism area, which has a separate entrance fee of VND 45,000 for two adults. This fee typically includes access to fruits, Vietnamese folk music performances, and tea. The broader Vinh Long area is also known for its traditional crafts, such as the Vinh Long pottery village, offering further cultural insights. These additional sites provide opportunities to deepen one's understanding of the local economy and cultural practices beyond the specific offerings of Vinh Sang.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of activities available at Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area?
The area provides a mix of animal interaction, water activities, and rural experiences. Visitors can try crocodile fishing, ostrich riding, water zorbing, and grass sliding. For cultural engagement, options include draining ponds for fish, touring fruit orchards, and watching traditional folk music performances.
How do I get to Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area from Ho Chi Minh City?
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can take National Route 1A to My Tho and Vinh Long, then the An Binh ferry. A more scenic, but potentially slower, route involves crossing the Rach Mieu Bridge into Ben Tre, then the Ham Luong Bridge, and finally the Dinh Khao Ferry to Vinh Long before reaching the An Binh ferry.
Are there options for staying overnight at the eco-tourism area?
Yes, Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area offers rooms for overnight stays. Options include rooms for two, three, or four guests, with varying prices per night. These rooms typically include a TV, fridge, air conditioning, and drinking water, along with one hour of complimentary karaoke room use. Breakfast is not part of the room rate.
What local dishes can I try at Vinh Sang Eco-tourism Area?
The restaurants within the eco-tourism area specialize in Mekong Delta cuisine. You can sample dishes like snakehead fish smoked in straw, fermented fish hotpot, roasted duck, duck hotpot with fermented bean curd, and paddy crab hotpot. These offerings provide a taste of authentic regional flavors.