Ho Chi Minh City is not only a bustling economic hub but also home to numerous preserved and eco-friendly areas. With a growing preference among those who seek to escape the urban hustle and bustle, eco-tourism destinations have become attractive choices for travelers. In this article, Visithcmc will introduce you to the top 10 eco-tourism destinations in Ho Chi Minh City that are highly rated.

Song Long Eco-Tourism Area

Song Long Eco-Tourism Area is an ideal destination for local residents and visitors from nearby regions looking for relaxation and a taste of the pristine natural beauty after hectic workdays. Located along the Dong Nai River, Song Long is designed as a miniature "Mekong Delta," featuring meandering canals, lush coconut groves, and an ambiance that allows you to immerse yourself in nature.

At Song Long, you can enjoy exciting activities such as stream bathing, traditional water games, mini-zoo visits, outdoor amusement parks, and even a children's swimming pool. All of these create a cheerful entertainment space that helps you unwind and escape the stresses of daily life. Additionally, you can partake in boat rides along small canals, taking in the picturesque scenery with verdant coconut trees providing shade from Saigon's characteristic heat.

Besides outdoor and water activities, Song Long Eco-Tourism Area also offers spaces for relaxation and tranquility, far removed from the bustling urban environment. Thatched-roof huts surrounded by dense vegetation create a peaceful landscape, allowing you to breathe in the fresh air. 

Inside the eco-tourism area, you can find stalls selling delicious local dishes like grilled rice paper, mango shakes, sizzling pancakes, broken rice, crab noodle soup, and ice cream to savor after an energetic day.

Address: 10 D1 Street, Long Phuoc Ward, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Cu Chi Fosaco Eco-Tourism Area

Cu Chi Fosaco Eco-Tourism Area is often referred to as a "Little Central Highlands" nestled within the heart of Saigon. Located about 40 kilometers or a one-hour motorbike ride from the city center, Fosaco features a unique Central Highlands architectural style, with traditional longhouses and stilt houses, handcrafted wooden and bamboo items that harmonize with nature.

Visitors here can immerse themselves in the distinctive culture of the Central Highlands by participating in nightly festivals and not missing the pig racing competition, where pigs race towards feeding troughs at the end of a fun track. Additionally, Fosaco offers campfire activities, tasting of homemade rice wine, demonstrations of traditional weaving by ethnic minority communities, pottery-making techniques of the Churu people, physical activities like swings, slides, suspension bridges, duck-catching boat rides, and jump rope, among many other captivating experiences worth exploring.

Apart from engaging activities and scenic beauty, Fosaco Eco-Tourism Area is renowned for its authentic Central Highlands cuisine, including dishes like bamboo tube-cooked rice, beef rolled in rice paper, and various insect-based delicacies. Visitors are also free to bring their own food and have a picnic outdoors.

Address: Eco-Tourism Area, Nga Tu Hamlet, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: Open 24/7, every day.

Dam Sen Tam Da

Dam Sen Tam Da is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center, covering nearly 5 hectares and surrounded by a vast lotus pond that attracts a large number of visitors for photography and scenic enjoyment. Upon arrival, you'll be amazed by a picturesque landscape reminiscent of a miniature Mekong Delta, with thousands of blooming lotus flowers that resemble the charm of the Mekong Delta.

Many young people visit Dam Sen Tam Da to capture stunning photos in traditional Vietnamese áo dài or stylish yếm (traditional vests) amidst this idyllic setting, creating breathtaking images. To enter Dam Sen Tam Da, you'll pay a reasonable entrance fee of just 25,000 VND per person, which is used for maintaining the park. The best time to admire and photograph the lotus flowers is from 5 AM to 9 AM when the sun rises, making the surroundings sparkle even more.

In addition to its famous lotus pond, Dam Sen Tam Da features various other flower gardens, including sunflowers, cosmos flowers, and marigolds. However, the sunflower garden is particularly captivating, and it's recommended to visit from 9 AM to 4 PM for the best sunflower photo opportunities.

Dam Sen Tam Da isn't just an ideal spot for photography; it's also a place to connect with nature and escape the busy urban life, enjoying the fresh air and the fragrant aroma of the blooming flowers.

Address: 361/20 Tam Da Street, Truong Thanh Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: 5:30 AM - 6 PM.

Binh Quoi Ecotourism Area

The Bình Quới Ecotourism Area is an intriguing destination for those seeking tranquility amidst the bustling city of Saigon. This ecotourism area comprises three villages, namely Bình Quới 1, 2, and 3, located on the Thanh Đa Peninsula. Each village is designed with a different rural style. Bình Quới 1 embodies the rustic charm of the Mekong Delta, while Bình Quới 2 recreates the serene ambiance of the Southern region. Bình Quới 3 offers a picturesque view of the romantic Saigon River.

Bình Quới promises a delightful experience of simple countryside life with coconut-shaded paths, winding canals, and the opportunity to savor traditional Southern dishes such as steamed snakehead fish, fried sticky rice, and various salads. Additionally, during weekends, the ecotourism area hosts buffet feasts featuring Southern Vietnamese cuisine.

Bình Quới 1: Address: 1147 Bình Quới, Ward 28, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Bình Quới 2: Located near Bình Quới 1 on the Thanh Đa Peninsula, Ward 28, Bình Thạnh District.

Bình Quới 3: Address: 1019 Bình Quới, Ward 28, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM.

Eco-Cuisine and Fishing Entertainment at Xuân Hương

Xuân Hương Eco-Cuisine and Fishing Entertainment is an ecological area that combines fishing, entertainment, and traditional cuisine. Visiting Xuân Hương, you will immerse yourself in the serene countryside atmosphere of the Southern region, surrounded by coconut trees, banana orchards, and winding village roads. The large Xuân Hương fishing lake, with its closely spaced fishing huts, offers recreational fishing activities.

In addition to fishing and enjoying the natural scenery, you can indulge in a variety of delectable Southern Vietnamese dishes prepared by experienced chefs. Signature dishes at Xuân Hương include sour soup with snakehead fish, duck with bamboo shoot soup, grilled snakehead fish, and snakehead fish salad with rice crackers.

Xuân Hương Fishing Entertainment:

Address: C12/40 Long Vĩnh, Ấp 5, Bình Hưng, Bình Chánh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

Hocmon Eco-Park

Hocmon Eco-Park, despite being inaugurated in May 2023, has already captured the attention of many visitors. Spanning over 6 hectares, this park offers various zones including a leisure square, viewing areas, community halls, flower gardens, tourist service areas, swimming pools, and more, ensuring a wholesome entertainment experience.

Hocmon district established this ecological park to meet the leisure, entertainment, and sports needs of residents in the area and the surrounding region while contributing to the overall tourism development of Hocmon district and Ho Chi Minh City. Entrance to the park is completely free, and due to its recent opening, some areas might not have full tree coverage, so visitors should be prepared for the sun and consider bringing extra clothing.

Address: Xuân Thới Thượng 6 Street, Ấp 3, Xuân Thới Sơn Commune, Hóc Môn District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: Open 24/7.

The BCR, District 9

The BCR in District 9 is a popular destination for entertainment, recreational activities, and culinary exploration. Located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center and spanning over 300 hectares, it offers a refreshing natural environment with forests, lakes, rivers, and clean, cool landscapes, making it an ideal place for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.

The BCR in District 9 offers a wide range of activities, including paintball, camping, traditional pottery making, farm games, kayaking, fishing, and more. Additionally, it boasts a variety of restaurants serving both traditional and modern cuisine to cater to every taste.

Kayaking at The BCR:

Address: 191 Tam Đa Street, Trường Thạnh Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Cù Lao Phước Thiện

Located about 20 kilometers from the city center, Cù Lao Phước Thiện is an attractive destination for those who appreciate peaceful and intimate settings. Spread across approximately 3 hectares, it is surrounded by the waterways characteristic of the Southern region, providing a nostalgic atmosphere with old wooden houses, traditional villages, vintage vehicles, and antique items—a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Aside from reliving the past, Cù Lao Phước Thiện offers various recreational activities, including swimming, BBQ parties, and enjoying a cup of coffee in a serene and rustic environment.

Address: Cù Lao Phước Thiện, Phước Thiện Street, Ấp Phước Thiện, Long Bình Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: Open 24/7.

Vườn Ông Mười (Ông Mười Garden)

Situated approximately 20 kilometers from the city center, Ông Mười Garden presents a rustic and charming ambiance surrounded by lush greenery and abundant waterways. Covering an area of 3 hectares, this garden is an ideal location for group outings, family gatherings, traditional games, and communal activities. The friendly garden hosts are always eager to welcome visitors.

With a camping fee of 10,000 VND per person per camping session and 20,000 VND per person per day-night session, including complimentary beverages, Ông Mười Garden also offers tent rentals, cooking utensils, water, and firewood for those who want to showcase their culinary skills. This location is undoubtedly a must-visit for those looking to experience rural life.

Address: 78/30/8 Gò Công, Long Thạnh Mỹ Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: Open 24/7.

Bình Mỹ Riverside Ecotourism Area, Củ Chi

The Bình Mỹ Riverside Ecotourism Area is an ideal destination in Củ Chi, located about 25 kilometers from the city center. Covering an area of over 4 hectares, it is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a gentle and immersive natural setting that allows visitors to escape the stresses of life.

Bình Mỹ offers a wide range of entertainment and recreational services suitable for all ages, making it an excellent choice for group gatherings, team-building activities, or corporate events. Activities include fishing, camping, river swimming, swimming pools, kayaking, traditional Southern folk music performances, and much more, ensuring visitors have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Moreover, Bình Mỹ boasts a diverse culinary landscape featuring all the signature dishes from the three regions of Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam, as well as famous local specialties. Notable dishes include Củ Chi beef, charcoal-grilled snakehead fish, bamboo-tube-roasted chicken, and many more. All these culinary delights are prepared to suit the taste buds of every traveler.

Address: 22 Nguyễn Thị Da Street, Ấp 4, Bình Mỹ Commune, Củ Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM.

The above represents the top 10 ecological tourism destinations in Ho Chi Minh City as shared by VisitHCMC. These destinations not only offer exciting ecological experiences but also provide opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of a simple life with family and friends. Through this article, we hope you have gained valuable information to help you choose the perfect destination for your upcoming trip.