10 Things to Do in Dong Thap: Discover Vietnam’s Hidden Gem with a Muslim-Friendly Twist

For those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Dong Thap Province in southern Vietnam offers an idyllic retreat. Visitors can immerse themselves in peaceful paddy fields, natural landscapes, and fresh air while enjoying local specialities.

For Muslim travellers, Dong Thap offers a serene and enriching experience, with its natural beauty, cultural depth, and opportunities for halal-friendly exploration. Whether it’s discovering vibrant flower fields, cruising through wetlands, or learning traditional crafts, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable journey.

1. Explore Tram Chim National Park

Image credit: vinpearl | Official Website

Also read: 9 Muslim-Friendly Destinations in Southeast Asia to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

During the floating season, visitors can explore the park by boat or on foot, navigating through the floating vegetation and witnessing the vibrant burst of colours reflected on the water's surface.

Image credit: vinpearl | Official Website

The season offers a visual spectacle and a chance to observe the diverse wildlife thriving in this unique habitat. This natural wonderland comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colours during the blooming season, featuring meadows adorned with wildflowers, delicate lotus blossoms floating gracefully on the water, and the sweet fragrance of orchids and native blooms filling the air. For Muslim travellers, it’s an ideal destination for peaceful exploration and reflection. Bringing halal snacks for a picnic ensures a pleasant, worry-free visit to this serene environment.

2. Visit the ancient Huynh Thuy Le House

Image credit: Vemekong | Official Website

This historical house, with its stunning French-Vietnamese architecture, offers insight into Dong Thap's colonial past. While there, Muslim travellers can immerse themselves in the cultural significance of the site, appreciating its beauty without compromising their faith. The house is wonderful and for those who are Marguerite Duras fans, it’s surely an unmissable destination to visit.

3. Marvel at Xeo Quyt Relic Site

Image credit: Vemekong | Official Website

The Xeo Quyt Relic Site offers a spiritual connection to history through its peaceful cajeput forests and wartime relics. The calming environment makes it an ideal spot for reflection. Travellers should wear modest, comfortable clothing for trekking through the natural terrain.

4. Stroll through Sa Dec Flower Village

Image credit: Vietnam Trip with Local | Official Facebook

Sa Dec Flower Village is a must-visit, especially for its vibrant atmosphere. Muslim travellers can explore the colourful floral displays while ensuring modesty in attire, as the area can get busy with visitors. The village is a family-friendly destination, perfect for all ages.

5. Taste local halal-friendly delicacies

While traditional Dong Thap cuisine is flavourful, Muslim travellers should seek halal-certified or vegetarian options to ensure compliance with dietary requirements. Simple dishes like rice and vegetable-based meals are widely available, and travellers can carry pre-packed halal meals for convenience.

Also read: Muslim Travel Guide: Halal Food in Sapa, Vietnam

6. Discover the lotus fields

Image credit: Võ Văn Tiến | Pexels

Dong Thap’s iconic lotus fields are not only breathtaking but also resonate with themes of purity and beauty. Muslim travellers can enjoy a modest photoshoot or simply relax in the calming atmosphere. Lotus tea and vegetarian lotus dishes are excellent choices for a refreshing snack.

7. Explore ecotourism experiences in the Mekong Delta

Image credit: Vinh Dao via Canva Pro

The Mekong Delta, a vast network of waterways in southwest Vietnam, stretches from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia. Fed by a river originating in the Himalayas and passing through China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia before reaching Vietnam, the delta is known for its murky waters and rich cultural heritage.

Muslim travellers can enjoy a motorised boat tour of Tan Phong Islet in Cai Be, which takes about three hours and offers a range of activities. These include bicycle rides through picturesque villages, sampling fresh fruit, and experiencing traditional modes of transport. Travellers can explore the locals’ way of life, learn about the delta’s long history, and appreciate its cultural uniqueness, all while ensuring dietary needs are met by seeking halal or vegetarian food options.

8. Cycle through countryside roads

Image credit: Vientiane Times | Official Facebook

Cycling through Dong Thap’s scenic countryside is a wonderful way to experience its charm. Travellers should dress modestly to respect local customs and carry essentials like water and sunscreen. The countryside offers many quiet spots ideal for a break or even prayer.

9. Join traditional handicraft workshops

Learning traditional crafts, such as weaving or pottery, is an enriching experience for families and solo travellers alike. Muslim visitors can enjoy these workshops as a way to connect with the region's cultural heritage, ensuring any materials used align with Islamic principles where applicable.

10. Shop and eat at the Mekong Floating Market

Image credit: izzetugutmen via Canva Pro

The famous Mekong floating markets, such as Cai Rang Floating Market and Phong Dien Floating Market, are not located directly in Dong Thap but are relatively close and accessible from the province. These markets are in Can Tho, which is a neighbouring city in the Mekong Delta region.

From Dong Thap, particularly from major towns like Cao Lanh or Sa Dec, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road to reach Can Tho, where the floating markets are located. Cai Rang is the most popular and larger of the two, and visiting early in the morning is the best time to experience the vibrant trading activity on the river.

For those in Dong Thap looking to experience similar vibes closer to the province, smaller river markets may exist but on a less grand scale compared to Cai Rang.

Why Dong Thap is Ideal for Muslim Travellers

These destinations showcase how previous generations adapted to natural conditions to create thriving crafts, while the younger generations work to preserve and promote these traditional values. Beyond its cultural heritage, Dong Thap boasts multiple ecotourism areas where travellers can soak in the countryside vibe and savour its unique local delicacies.

Dong Thap’s serene landscapes and rich cultural tapestry make it an inviting destination for Muslim travellers seeking both adventure and spiritual harmony. By planning thoughtfully, visitors can explore this hidden gem while staying true to their faith, ensuring a meaningful and memorable journey.