Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve is located in Phuong Binh commune, Can Tho city. This is known as the "green lung" and is the largest wetland biodiversity treasure of the new city, playing an important role in preserving the endemic Melaleuca forest ecosystem of the lower Mekong River region. With a strategic location in a lowland area flooded all year round, this place is not only a special-use forest with high scientific research value but also a natural heritage space, reflecting the pristine beauty and intense vitality of the West Hau River region over hundreds of years.
Area Lung Ngoc Hoang nature reserve
Every day, the space in Phuong Binh commune always carries the tranquility and purity of a brilliant "emerald", which possesses an interwoven system of hills, mounds and canals under the canopy of ancient cajuput forests. Currently, Lung Ngoc Hoang is a leading eco-tourism destination, where visitors can directly experience the activity of weaving bamboo bark among the lush melaleuca forest and learn about the values of sustainable nature conservation in the heart of modern Can Tho city in 2026.
Primary Melaleuca forest
Melaleuca forest is the most valuable ecosystem in Lung Ngoc Hoang, covering most of the reserve area in Phuong Binh commune. These are ancient Melaleuca populations that are submerged all year round, creating a "green maze" with layers and layers of interwoven aquatic plants. Strict conservation helps maintain the wild beauty and cool atmosphere, allowing visitors to clearly feel the appearance of the lowland West of the Hau River, which has been preserved for decades.
Excursion by shellfish
Located among the interlaced canals is a system of specialized vehicles serving tourists to explore the deepest corners of the forest. The bark glides gently on the water surface covered with duckweed and giant duckweed, helping visitors get close to the ancient melaleuca trees without disturbing the quiet space. Sitting on the side of the boat, you can directly observe amphibians and feel the vibrations of nature right in the heart of the green Phuong Binh commune.
Self Bird Garden nature
Natural bird sanctuaries Along the low-lying areas are natural bird sanctuaries, home to thousands of rare water birds. This is the gathering point for many species listed in the Red Book such as Giang sen, snail stork or gray stork from all over the city. Visitors can observe the nesting process and bustling life of bird flocks from close range, demonstrating the richness and safety of the conservation environment at Lung Ngoc Hoang in 2026.
Local produce harvesting area
Located close to the central area This is a place to demonstrate traditional product exploitation models of the area's residents. Here, visitors can witness with their own eyes the process of pouring and spreading nets to catch fish or learn how to pick vegetables - a typical specialty of the saline alum land. This space is not only a tourist attraction but also helps visitors understand the wilderness lifestyle and promote the quintessence of the city's rustic cuisine to international friends.
Panorama observation tower
Watchtower over 20m high is an ideal "lookout tower" to see the entire 2,800 hectares of the reserve from above. From the top of the tower, visitors will clearly see the deep strips of melaleuca forest interwoven with winding hills and rocks like a giant oil painting on the alluvial ground. This is the best location to take photos at sunset, when flocks of birds begin to fly back to their white nests, filling the sky, creating a majestic view of nature in a modern city.
In addition to the main highlights, Lung Ngoc Hoang also has other interesting details:
Solar powered boat: A modern, noiseless means of transportation, maximally protecting the habitat of wildlife in Phuong Binh commune.
Bamboo bridge through the forest: Bamboo bridges wind under the canopy of the Melaleuca forest, allowing visitors to walk and enjoy the feeling of walking through the core of the virgin forest.
Animal rescue station: A place to care for and naturally reintegrate rare animals, ensuring ecological balance for the entire region.
Specimen display area: Space to introduce hundreds of endemic plant and fish specimens, serving the needs of environmental research and education.
Floating water season (From September to November)
This is considered the most golden period when the "Emerald" of Phuong Binh commune wears the brilliant beauty and full of vitality of the flowing alluvial water. The canals in the reserve are covered with green duckweed, mixed with water lilies, lotus flowers and fields of ghost rice (sky rice) stretching along the water. Visitors visiting at this time will fully enjoy the characteristics of the Western wetland ecosystem, sitting on bamboo shoots weaving between the deep green melaleuca forests and feeling the most original natural breath.
Dry season to explore the melaleuca forest (From December to April of the following year)
This period is ideal for picnic activities and deep exploration into the core area of the area. Preserved thanks to dry weather, warm sunshine and open space. This is when the paths through the forest, bamboo bridges and dike roads in Phuong Binh commune become easier to follow than ever, creating favorable conditions for visitors to experience trekking or cycling under ancient cajuput trees. Bright yellow sunlight penetrates through each leaf, creating magical streaks of light, turning the entire reserve into a beautiful natural studio for photography lovers.
Can Tho International Airport
Can Tho International Airport
Can Tho International Airport is located in Thoi An Dong ward, a strategic aviation gateway connecting tourists with the Lung Ngoc Hoang wetland ecosystem. From the airport, it takes visitors about 60 - 70 minutes to travel (about 45km) along the main road National Highway 61C (the route connecting Can Tho - Vi Thanh) to reach Phuong Binh commune. Domestic airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways are currently operating direct flights from many provinces and cities to here with flexible frequencies.
From the North & Central Region: Direct connections from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa and Da Nang, helping tourists easily access the "Emerald" within the same day.
International route: Pick up direct flights from major centers in the region, opening up opportunities to explore biodiversity for experts and international tourists.
Note: At the airport lobby, visitors can easily book a technology taxi or rent a self-driving car to move towards Phuong Binh commune with convenient routes and transportation infrastructure. modern traffic.
Inter-provincial bus station system
Can Tho Central Bus Station in Cai Rang ward and Vi Thanh Bus Station in Vi Thanh ward are the two main reception points for passenger buses from the city. Ho Chi Minh and the Southeast region. For the route to Lung Ngoc Hoang, Vi Thanh Bus Station acts as the nearest transfer station, helping tourists shorten the distance traveling within the city. Reputable bus companies such as Phuong Trang, Mai Linh or Tuan Hiep maintain smooth schedules, ensuring smooth connections through newly inaugurated highways.
At rest stops in the new city, the inter-commune bus system and shuttle buses operate continuously to take passengers to Phuong Binh commune area. Visitors can choose high-quality Limousine cars to be served right at the gate of the Reserve. A system of synchronous traffic signs from the inner wards to the conservation core area helps passengers traveling by personal vehicle or passenger car to accurately locate their destination.
To access Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve, visitors have many flexible vehicle options, suitable for the terrain of rivers and melaleuca forests:
Road (Personal car & Taxi): National Highway 61C is the most beautiful and fastest route to Lung Ngoc Hoang. Visitors can order Grab or Xanh SM from central wards such as Ninh Kieu ward or Cai Rang ward to go straight to Phuong Binh commune with transparently displayed fares.
Motorbike (Experience trip): This is a favorite choice of young people to enjoy the fresh air of the suburbs. The road passing through the typical rice fields and canals of Phuong Binh commune will bring an interesting discovery experience before entering the solemn space of the Melaleuca forest.
Intra-province buses: Modern bus routes connect the city center with suburban communes to help tourists save money. You should choose the route going towards Vi Thanh and get off at the nearest stop to catch a local motorbike taxi into the reserve.
To truly touch the soul of Lung Ngoc Hoang, visitors cannot miss the typical experience of traveling by watercraft:
Va Loi (Motorboat): This is the only means of transport that can penetrate small canals and the deepest valleys. Visitors can contact directly at the Conservation Area Service Center in Phuong Binh commune to rent boats in groups or individuals.
Reference rental price: From 300,000 VND - 600,000 VND/boat (depending on the exploration route and number of guests).
Experience: Sitting on a bamboo shell gliding gently on a green water hyacinth carpet, visitors will be able to see water birds and feel the magnificence of the ancient cajuput forest from under the water.
Sojo Hotel Ga Hau Giang is located on Nguyen Cong Tru street, Vi Thanh ward. This is the most modern "pure digital" style hotel in the western part of the city, providing a smart stay experience with a room control system via mobile application. Guests staying here can enjoy minimalist yet sophisticated room spaces, along with a vibrant lounge area with integrated entertainment. From the hotel, it only takes about 25 - 30 minutes to reach the core area of Lung Ngoc Hoang Conservation Area in Phuong Binh commune. According to 2026 data, room prices here range from 1,500,000 to 2,800,000 VND/night.
Sojo Hotel Ga
Hau Giang Hotel located in the center of Vi Thanh ward, is a prestigious destination with elegant architecture and long-standing professional service. The hotel owns a diverse system of rooms, from standard to luxury, serving both tourists and business travelers. With a prime location near arterial roads leading straight to Phuong Binh commune, this place is the top choice for those who want to combine urban relaxation and nature exploration. The average room price in 2026 is between 1,100,000 and 2,300,000 VND/night depending on room type.
If you want more high-end options in neighboring areas for convenient transportation, you can consider:
Bong Sen Hotel - Vi Thanh Ward - Price about 1,000,000 - 1,800,000 VND/night.
Viet Uc Hotel - Vi Thanh Ward - Price about 900,000 - 1,600,000 VND/night.
Lung Ngoc Hoang Eco-Resort is located right in the administrative service subdivision of the Conservation Area in Phuong Binh commune. The resort is designed in the form of isolated thatched-roof bungalows along the canals, bringing the feeling of complete immersion in the breath of the ancient cajuput forest. This is the ideal space for those who want to experience the feeling of waking up amidst the sound of birdsong and the morning mist of the wetlands. Guests can participate in bird watching tours right from their room's veranda. Reference room prices in 2026 range from 1,200,000 to 2,500,000 VND/night.
Lung Ngoc Hoang Eco-Resort
Muong Khai Ecotourism Area located in Vi Thanh 1 commune, owns a large orchard campus and a system of stilt houses along a lotus pond with a garden-like nature. This resort focuses on hands-on experience activities such as catching fish, picking wild vegetables and enjoying reclaimed cuisine right on the spot. This is a suitable stop for a group of friends or family looking for a peaceful space and fresh air before going deeper into the special-use forest. The price to stay here ranges from 800,000 to 1,500,000 VND/night.
For a variety of options for a purely natural resort space, you can refer to:
Bamboo Garden Homestay – Vi Thanh Commune 1 – Price from 900,000 – 1,700,000 VND/night.
Vi Thuy Resort - Vi Thuy Commune - Price from 1,100,000 - 2,000,000 VND/night.
Kim Lan Homestay located in Phuong Binh commune, is a cozy and close family-style accommodation. Tourists will be able to live with the hosts and participate in the daily work of the people in the area such as spreading nets and catching fish. Rustic wooden rooms overlooking small canals bring a sense of relaxation and a deep connection to local culture. Room prices here are very reasonable, ranging from 500,000 to 900,000 VND/night including rustic breakfast.
Kim Lan Homestay
Location Thanh Riverside Hostel offers a dynamic accommodation model located along the river in Vi Tan ward. With open design and spacious common living space, this is a favorite meeting place for the international backpacking community when visiting the "Emerald Pearl" Lung Ngoc Hoang. From here, visitors can easily rent motorbikes to actively explore the dike roads surrounding the reserve. Reference prices in 2026 range from 350,000 to 700,000 VND/night.
For travelers who love flexibility and cost savings, the following locations are suitable suggestions:
Van Quang Hotel - Vi Thanh Ward - Price from 400,000 - 700,000 VND/night.
Phuong Binh Garden Homestay - Phuong Binh Commune - Price from 300,000 - 600,000 VND/night.
Nam Nho Hau Giang Restaurant

Nam Nho Hau Restaurant Giang
Nam Nho Hau Giang Restaurant located on Vo Van Kiet Street, Vi Tan Ward, is a luxurious and leading culinary destination in the region. With a large space and cozy design, the restaurant specializes in serving classy events such as weddings, conferences and parties during the hours from 08:00 to 23:59. Diners can enjoy a diverse menu from premium seafood to professionally prepared local specialties with costs ranging from 300,000 - 600,000 VND/person.
Hau Giang Hotel Restaurant
Hau Giang Restaurant is located in the center of Vi Thanh ward, providing a classic and formal culinary space right in the heart of the new urban area. The restaurant is famous for its skill in preparing boneless beaded fish and hotpot dishes of Melaleuca forest specialties imbued with local identity. With a prime location and professional service standards, this is the top choice for diplomatic banquets or partner receptions with prices ranging from 350,000 - 800,000 VND/person.
Some other quality culinary places you can refer to in this area:
Viet Uc Restaurant - Vi Ward Thanh – Price from 300,000 VND/person.
Bong Sen Restaurant – Vi Thanh Ward – Price from 250,000 VND/person.
Sojo Hotel Lounge – Vi Thanh Ward – Price from 200,000 VND/person.
Grilled snakehead fish and Vegetables
This is the iconic culinary duo of Lung Ngoc Hoang land in Phuong Binh commune. After catching snakehead fish from the lungs, it will be skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled with dry straw until it has a strong aroma and the meat is firm and white. This dish is served with vegetables - endemic vines that only grow under the canopy of Melaleuca forests, creating an unforgettable sweet, crispy flavor for visitors with prices ranging from 180,000 - 250,000 VND/portion.
Mitter beaded lat fish hotpot
This hotpot is culinary quintessence Vi Thanh land, using hand-rolled fresh fish slices to maintain the characteristic natural crunchiness. The sweet hot pot broth is cooked with wild bitter melon and wild vegetables collected directly from the edge of Lung Ngoc Hoang forest, bringing a mild bitter taste and a deep sweet aftertaste to diners. The rustic decoration but rich river flavor makes this dish a favorite choice of most tourists with prices ranging from 250,000 - 450,000 VND/pot.
Some other quality local cuisine addresses around the area:
Grilled field mice - Hiep Hung Commune - Prices from 80,000 - 120,000 VND/fish.
Wild eel sour hotpot - Phuong Binh Commune - Price from 250,000 - 400,000 VND/pot.
Bitter snails boiled with lemongrass - Vi Thuy Commune - Price from 60,000 - 100,000 VND/plate.
"Emergency" meal in the middle of the Melaleuca forest
The culinary experience on fish shells weaving in the middle of the stream is a unique cultural feature where diners are served right on the blue water of Phuong Binh commune. The rhythmic sound of the engine mixed with the sweetness of straw-roasted ground shrimp and ash-buried sweet potatoes creates a lively dining space, recreating the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the open world period. In particular, the "Melaleuca honey tea" prepared from pure forest honey harvested on the spot is an unforgettable experience with prices ranging from 35,000 - 60,000 VND/cup.
Some other unique culinary experiences that tourists should try:
Lotus leaf rice package: White rice with sesame salt wrapped in lotus leaves picked locally - Price from 45,000 - 75,000 VND/portion.
Acacia honey wine: Quintessential drink from special-use forest products - Price from 200,000 - 350,000 VND/liter.
Early morning hot lotus tea: Enjoy tea in the morning dew while the birds go foraging - Price from 30,000 - 50,000 VND/pot.
Traditional Shell Race - Local canal route

Traditional Shell Racing Competition
The Loi shell racing festival takes place on major holidays and is a dramatic cultural event that attracts a large number of people from Vi Thanh and Vi Tan wards to participate and cheer. The seashells rush across the water surface covered with green water hyacinths, creating spectacular chases, demonstrating the skillful watercraft control skills of downstream residents. This is a unique community cultural experience, bringing a true perspective on the cohesion and martial spirit of the people of the new land in 2026.
Other annual festivals and cultural events in the surrounding area:
Ooc Om Boc Festival - Ngo boat racing in Soc Trang Ward: Traditional boat racing The drama took place in the 10th lunar month, attracting tens of thousands of spectators from the merged units to eagerly cheer.
Southern Folk Cake Festival in Cai Khe Ward: The event brings together the quintessence of traditional baking art from all communes and wards of the new city taking place on the third lunar month.
Ky Yen Ceremony in Vi Tan Ward: A space to honor the architectural heritage and long-standing spiritual traditions of local residents in the new administrative unit in 2026.
Cultural Festival at Tan Phuoc Hung Commune: Activities honoring local products and agricultural lifestyle in the lowland area of the new merged unit.
Lung Ngoc Hoang eco-tourism area
Lung Ngoc Ecotourism Area Hoang
Lung Ngoc Hoang eco-tourism area located in Phuong Binh commune, is a large entertainment complex with a typical wetland style of the lower Mekong River region. Here, visitors can participate in unique folk activities such as digging into ditches to catch fish, fishing or experiencing the feeling of weaving with bamboo shells among the maze of ancient melaleuca forests. The green space with water hyacinth carpet and the intricate canal system brings a feeling of relaxation, completely separate from the bustle of the city, extremely suitable for families and groups of young people to visit after exploring the central wards. The price of entrance tickets and a package of experiential activities currently ranges from 150,000 to 350,000 VND/person depending on the number of games selected.
In addition to the main entertainment highlights mentioned above, Lung Ngoc Hoang also has many other interesting entertainment activities for visitors to experience:
Amusement fishing service Decoration: Quiet lotus pond area for diners who want to relax and enjoy the results of fresh fish - Rod and bait rental price ranges from 50,000 - 100,000 VND/session.
Kayaking through duckweed: Experience the feeling of personally controlling the boat gliding on the lush green carpet of duckweed - Canoe rental price from 100,000 - 150,000 VND/hour.
Eco-Camping Campsite: A place for groups of friends who want to organize BBQ parties and sleep in tents in the wild nature - Prices for renting fields and tents range from 200,000 - 400,000 VND/night.
Folk cake making class: Tourists are taught by local artisans how to make beef cakes and rolled sandwiches directly at the bird garden - Participation fee ranges from 80,000 - 120,000 VND/person.
>Tour "Breath of Melaleuca Forest" - Explore the green core of Phuong Binh commune
Itinerary: Gate of the reserve (Phuong Binh commune) - Travel by bamboo shell through the water hyacinth maze - Observe the natural bird sanctuary - Experience picking wild vegetables - Enjoy grilled snakehead fish at a thatched hut on the edge forest.
Mean of transportation: Boat (small motorboat).
Reference tour price: 350,000 - 550,000 VND/person (depending on number of guests).
Organizing unit: Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve Management Board.
>Tour "Conquering the Jade Emperor's Lung" - Trekking & Observatory
Itinerary: Phuong Binh Commune Operation Center - Trekking through the special-use forest - Observing wetland flora - Check-in to the 20m high observation tower for panoramic views of the reserve - Learn about rare animals.
Transportation: Experiential walking combined with solar electric boat.
Reference tour price: 450,000 - 650,000 VND/person.
Organizing unit: Center Lung Ngoc Hoang Environmental Education and Services.
>Walking Tour: Green Heritage and Indigenous Culture
Itinerary: Forest edge area of Phuong Binh commune – Visit the specimen exhibition house – Move to Phung Hiep God Temple (Phung Hiep commune) – Learn about the history of lowland reclamation and culture local agriculture.
Transportation: Experiential walking combined with local tram.
Reference tour price: 400,000 VND/person.
Organization unit: Can Tho Tourist (Vi Thanh branch).
A day as a farmer in the Lung region
Itinerary: Phuong Binh commune amusement park – Experience slapping ditches to catch fish – Learn how to cast a spell – Have fun at the underwater folk game area – Have a wild lunch.
Transportation: Internal tram combined with small boat.
Reference tour price: 550,000 - 750,000 VND/person (including lunch and Ba Ba outfit).
Organizer: Lung Ngoc Hoang Eco-Resort.
>Tour "Dance of the birds" - Sunrise and sunset photo hunt
Itinerary: Depart from Phuong Binh commune pier in the early morning - Watching birds go foraging for food - Kayaking through the hamlets and rocks - Enjoying cajuput honey tea at the forest edge stop.
Transportation: Kayak/Canoe.
Reference tour price: 600,000 VND/person.
Organizer: Green Mekong Travel.
Natural products at Lung Ngoc Hoang
Flower honey Melaleuca
Buy Buy melaleuca honey at the forest Shop for melaleuca forest products Lung Ngoc Hoang reserve in Phuong Binh commune is likened to a pure "green market", where visitors can find the most quintessential of the wetland ecosystem. The most iconic product is pure Melaleuca flower honey, hand-harvested from bee huts under the canopy of the old forest, with the characteristic aroma and elegant sweetness of white Melaleuca flowers. Directly choosing to buy bottles of honey that still smell of the forest or packages of dried fish right at the gate of the reserve brings a reliable shopping experience, helping visitors own "natural" gifts to give to their loved ones after the journey to explore Phuong Binh commune.
For more shopping options for specialty and reputable gifts in the western area of the new city, you can refer to the following addresses:
Lung Ngoc Hoang Honey - Phuong Binh Commune: Direct point of sale at the Management Board of the Conservation Area specializes in providing 4-star OCOP cajuput honey, along with premium cajuput essential oils and honey wine, elegantly packaged, ensuring absolute quality for visitors.
Ky Ba beaded fish - Vi Tan Ward: Famous specialty store specializing in boneless fish cakes and seasoned fish cakes made from fresh ingredients from the lowland area. This is a typical culinary gift with a modern vacuum packaging process, convenient for long-distance transportation by plane from Thoi An Dong airport.
Water hyacinth weaving cooperative - Phung Hiep commune: Space for displaying sophisticated handicraft products such as bags, hats, carpets woven from dried water hyacinth fibers by the skillful hands of local artisans. The products here not only have high use value but also have artistic qualities, and are environmentally friendly souvenirs for tourists who love folk culture.
City Specialty Store (Vi Thanh Area) - Vi Thanh Ward: Center displaying a collection of dried snakehead fish, dried snakehead fish and high quality certified lotus tea bags. The store is located right on the busy main road, making it easy for tourists to visit to shop for a full range of products from the Western Hau River region before ending the trip.
>Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve Management Board
Address: Phuong Hoa Hamlet, Phuong Binh Commune, Can Tho City.
Support phone number: 0293.386.1012
Function: Responsible for biodiversity conservation, special-use forest management and operating ecotourism activities in Phuong Binh commune. This is the focal point for receiving tour registration information, supporting forest trekking and providing guides about the wetland ecosystem. The management board also assists visitors in handling issues related to environmental protection regulations and safety when visiting the core area of the reserve.
Phuong Binh Commune Police
Address: Administrative area of Phuong Binh commune, Can Tho city.
Emergency phone number: 113
On-duty phone number: 0293.386.1113
Function: Ensuring security, order and safety for tourists during the journey to explore the conservation area in Phuong Binh commune. The unit receives reports on incidents related to property and personal safety and directly manages the buffer zone area, ensuring a healthy tourism environment, without solicitation of tourists. Visitors can contact 24/7 for assistance in emergency situations or need to locate and search when traveling in the Melaleuca forest area.
Phuong Binh Commune Medical Center
Address: Phuong Binh Commune, Can Tho City.
Emergency phone number: 0293.311.5544
Functions: Providing primary health care services, providing quick emergency care for problems such as heatstroke, insect allergies or unexpected incidents when moving under the forest canopy. The medical facility is fully equipped with basic first aid equipment, located on the main road leading into the reserve, so it is very convenient for timely access, ensuring stable health for visitors before moving to inner-city ward hospitals.
Can Tho International Airport
Location Address: Vo Van Kiet Street, Thoi An Dong Ward, Can Tho City.
Phone number: 0292.384.4301
Function: The largest air gateway connecting the new city with domestic and international provinces, located in Thoi An Dong ward. The airport hotline supports tourists with flight schedule information, baggage handling and advises on intra-province passenger car, taxi or bus routes to travel straight to Phuong Binh commune to visit the reserve. This is an important starting point for the journey to explore nature, ensuring a smooth connection between modern urban areas and ecological conservation areas.
Wish you have an exciting journey of discovery, enjoy the fresh air and have unforgettable experiences at Lung Ngoc Hoang - the brilliant and precious "emerald" of modern Can Tho City!