Bac Lieu Ancient Longan Garden: A Tasty Eco-Tourism Treat in the Mekong Delta

A Unique Blend of Nature and Culture

Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a cultural and ecological gem in the Mekong Delta, attracting 18,000 travelers annually with its 56 km coastline and diverse population, including 20% Khmer residents. The Ancient Longan Garden in Hiep Thanh Ward, spanning 230 hectares, is a historic eco-tourism site featuring centuries-old longan trees with sinewy, twisting shapes that bear the imprint of time. Visiting costs range from $2–$45 (50,000–1,125,000 VND) in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). This serene garden offers fruit-picking, cultural performances, and a glimpse into Bac Lieu’s agricultural heritage, making it an unforgettable eco-tourism destination.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to the Ancient Longan Garden, using bicycles and electric transport to immerse you in its natural beauty while supporting local communities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. The Ancient Longan Garden, located in Hiep Thanh Ward, 6 km from Bac Lieu’s center, is easily accessible, replacing outdated references to Vinh Trach Dong commune, which is no longer a primary site for the garden.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Bac Lieu tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, and partnerships with local farmers and artisans to preserve Mekong Delta heritage, aligning with Vietnam’s sustainable tourism goals. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Historic Longan Trees

The Ancient Longan Garden, established over 200 years ago by early settlers like Truong Hung, is renowned for its Su-bic and Tu-huyt longan varieties, introduced from China. These trees, some older than 100 years, thrive on Bac Lieu’s coastal alluvial soil, nourished by an underground freshwater stream that resists saltwater intrusion. The Su-bic strain yields large, sweet fruit with thick pulp and thin skin, while Tu-huyt offers smaller, sweet fruit with tiny pits. Each tree produces 300–400 kg per harvest, making the garden a vital agricultural and tourism asset.

• Cost: Entry $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); fruit-picking tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support local farmers with fruit or wine purchases ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND); avoid damaging trees.

Cultural and Eco-Tourism Experiences

The garden is a hub for eco-tourism and cultural activities, offering:

• Fruit-Picking: Harvest fresh longans during the peak season (June–August), enjoying their sweet flavor on-site.

• Don Ca Tai Tu Performances: Experience UNESCO-recognized southern folk music, performed under the canopy of ancient trees ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND).

• Picnics and Dining: Savor seafood and local dishes like Banh Xeo paired with garden-grown vegetables ($1.50–$7 or 37,500–175,000 VND).

• Workshops: Learn about longan cultivation and traditional wine-making ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND); support conservation efforts with entry fees.

• Cultural Note: The garden’s connection to the iconic song Da Co Hoai Lang by Cao Van Lau enhances its cultural significance, often performed during tours.

Scenic Beauty

The garden’s sinewy, century-old trees create a poetic landscape, with golden-yellow blooms and fruit in season, shaded pathways, and a refreshing sea breeze. The lush greenery and tranquil setting make it ideal for relaxation, photography, and family picnics, offering a serene escape from urban life.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use digital photography to minimize waste; respect tree roots and pathways to preserve the ecosystem.

• Dry Season (November–April): Clear skies and cooler temperatures (24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F) with minimal rainfall (~100–200 mm) are ideal for cycling and exploring the garden’s pathways, with 100–250 daily visitors.

• Rainy Season (May–October): Lush greenery and peak longan harvest (June–August) make it the best time for fruit-picking, with fewer crowds (70–180 daily visitors) despite high rainfall (~1,800–2,000 mm). Short showers (1–2 hours) allow ample exploration.

• Festivals:

  • Ok Om Bok (October/November, lunar 10th month): Combines garden visits with Khmer boat races and music near Tac Say River (free entry, activities $2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND).

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year at nearby Xiem Can Pagoda adds cultural vibrancy (free entry, donations $1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead for sustainable planning; use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Tip: Visit June–August for ripe longans; mornings (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) for cooler weather and vibrant blooms.

Located in Hiep Thanh Ward, 6 km from Bac Lieu’s center, the garden is accessible via updated routes.

From Bac Lieu Center (6 km, 10–15 minutes)

• Bicycle: Rent for $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND) from Bac Lieu Market. Follow Tran Phu St. to Hiep Thanh Ward. Ideal for eco-conscious travelers.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) via app or hotline. A low-emission option.

• Motorbike Taxi (Xe Om): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) via Grab or Xanh SM apps.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Ancient Longan Garden, Hiep Thanh Ward, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Follow signs from Tran Phu St.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis.

From Ho Chi Minh City (280 km, 5–6 hours)

• Bus: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station to Bac Lieu Bus Station (Ward 7), then a taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND). Operators: Phuong Trang, Mai Linh.

• Private Car: $100–$130 (2,500,000–3,250,000 VND) for 4–7 seaters; $150–$180 (3,750,000–4,500,000 VND) for minivans via Legend Travel Group’s Eco Tour ($85–$130).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose buses or electric vehicles.

From Hanoi (1,800 km, 5–6 hours)

• Flight to Can Tho + Transfer: Fly to Can Tho International Airport ($70–$150 or 1,750,000–3,750,000 VND, 2–2.5 hours) via Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways, then a taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND) or bus ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) to Bac Lieu, plus a local taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).

• Flight to Ho Chi Minh City + Transfer: Fly to Tan Son Nhat Airport ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), then a bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) or taxi ($150–$180 or 3,750,000–4,500,000 VND) to Bac Lieu.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose fuel-efficient flights and electric taxis.

From Ca Mau City (60 km, 1–1.5 hours)

• Taxi: Xanh SM electric taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND).

• Bus: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) from Ca Mau Bus Station to Bac Lieu, then a local taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for electric taxis or buses.

• Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary (12 km): A 40 km² haven for over 50 bird species ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).

• Tac Say Floating Market (15 km): Vibrant river market with boat tours ($12–$22 or 300,000–550,000 VND).

• Bac Lieu Salt Fields (Vinh Trach Ward, 10–20 km): Eco-tours of shimmering fields ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Xiem Can Pagoda (15 km): 19th-century Khmer pagoda, free entry.

• Quan Cong Pagoda (Tac Say Ward, 15 km): 19th-century Chinese temple, free entry.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or electric taxis; support conservation with entry fees.

• Accommodations:

  • Mekong Breeze Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km): $18–$40/night (450,000–1,000,000 VND), eco-friendly with solar power.

  • Royal Bac Lieu Hotel (Ward 2): $50–$150/night (1,250,000–3,750,000 VND), modern amenities.

  • Muong Thanh Luxury Ca Mau Hotel (Ca Mau City, 60 km): $60–$200/night (1,500,000–5,000,000 VND), upscale with pool.

• Dining:

  • Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1): Offers Banh Xeo ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) and Lau Mam ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND).

  • Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2): Serves Bon Bon salad ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).

  • Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1): Specializes in Lau Mam ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose accommodations and eateries using local, sustainable ingredients; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

Activity Costs

• Garden Entry: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Fruit-Picking Tours: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Don Ca Tai Tu Performances: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Nearby Attractions: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

Transport Costs

• Local Bicycle: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) for 6 km.

• Motorbike Taxi: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) for 6 km.

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $18–$35 (self-guided visits, cycling, market dining).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided tours, homestay stays).

• Luxury: $90–$130 (premium tours, upscale accommodations).

• Best Time: June–August for ripe longans and fruit-picking; November–April for dry weather; October/November for Ok Om Bok Festival. Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Sustainability: Support local farmers with fruit or wine purchases ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND); use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND) and avoid littering.

• Safety: Wear sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) and hats ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND); stay on paths to avoid tree roots. Carry travel insurance ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Navigation: 6 km from Bac Lieu center; use a Vietnamese SIM ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for apps like Vietmap. Save the address in Vietnamese.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; ask permission before picking fruit or photographing farmers.

Explore the Ancient Longan Garden with our sustainable tour packages:

• Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Visit the garden, cruise Tac Say Floating Market, taste Lau Mam. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Explore the garden, salt fields, and homestays with Don Ca Tai Tu. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Visit Bac Lieu, Ca Mau City, and U Minh Forest with bike and boat tours. Includes meals, eco-transports.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.

Bac Lieu’s Ancient Longan Garden in Ca Mau Province is a unique eco-tourism treat, offering centuries-old trees, sweet longans, and cultural experiences like Don Ca Tai Tu performances. Whether picking fruit in the rainy season or enjoying shaded pathways in the dry season, the garden captivates with its natural beauty and heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you through this flavorful haven, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience that supports local farmers and conservation. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today to savor the tasty charm of Bac Lieu’s Ancient Longan Garden in the Mekong Delta!
Ready to explore Bac Lieu’s Ancient Longan Garden? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group for a sustainable Mekong Delta adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.