TRAVEL GUIDE TO TIEN GIANG: EXPLORE TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN THIS CITY

Tien Giang is a charming province that offers a blend of nature, culture, and traditional charm. From lush landscapes to ancient temples and vibrant floating markets, this destination is perfect for both adventure and relaxation. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Tien Giang, as well as top 10 attractions in this city.

Tien Giang  – An attractive destination in the Southwest region.

1. Where is Tien Giang?

Tien Giang is located in southern Vietnam, about 70 kilometers (43 miles) southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. As one of the key provinces in the Mekong Delta, Tien Giang is an excellent gateway for exploring the region’s rich culture and scenic beauty.

The province is bordered by the provinces of Long An, Dong Thap, Ben Tre, and Vinh Long, and it features a network of rivers, canals, and islands that make it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the charm of the Mekong Delta.

2. How to get there?

Here are the best ways for you to reach Tien Giang:

– By Bus: From Ho Chi Minh City, buses run frequently to Tien Giang. The journey usually takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. You should depart from Mien Tay bus station. One-way ticket prices range from 100.000 VND to 150.000 VND (4 – 6 USD), depending on the bus company, type of bus and destination. Suggested bus companies: Duy Quy, Thong Nhat, Thao Chau, Phuong Trang, Phuong Hong Linh, Ben Tre limousine.

– By Car: You can also drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Tien Giang via National Highway 1A. The road is well-paved, and the drive is scenic, passing through rural villages and lush farmland.

3. The ideal time to visit Tien Giang

The best time to visit Tien Giang is during the dry season, which lasts from December to April. During this period, you’ll enjoy clear skies, sunny weather, and comfortable temperatures, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and taking boat trips along the Mekong River.

The wet season, from May to November, offers its own charm with lush greenery and fewer tourists. However, the rains can sometimes disrupt travel plans, especially if you’re venturing to the islands.

4. Top 10 attractions in Tien Giang

4.1. Bach Prince’s House

Bach Prince’s House is a historical site that vividly recreates the lavish lifestyle of a famous nobleman during the early 20th century.

Bach Prince’s House

Built in just one year, the residence spans a total area of 322 square meters and is situated on a plot of land over 4,000 square meters. The house features a design inspired by Western architecture, characteristic of affluent families in the early 20th century, with large columns, tiled roofs, and beams made from precious wood as the main elements.

The interior space of the house with many precious wooden furniture.

If you admire luxurious European architecture, the sprawling estate and French-style design of Bạch Prince’s House are sure to leave you in awe of this renowned nobleman’s opulence.

Bạch Prince’s House is one of the most stunning examples of European architecture and a must-visit destination during your Tien Giang travel journey.

Address: No. 62, Dinh Bo Linh Street, Tien Giang.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Monday – Saturday) and Sunday open 24 hours.

Entrance Fee: 30.000 VND (1.2 USD).

4.2. Royal Mausoleum

Royal Mausoleum is an architectural masterpiece deeply influenced by the Nguyen Dynasty, showcasing traditional construction styles vividly reflected in the intricate carvings on the tomb and the interior of the temple. The motifs of the Four Sacred Creatures and the Four Seasons, inspired by East Asian feng shui principles, are also prominently featured here.

The mausoleum is a place to worship Duke Pham Dang Hung and other members of the Pham Dang clan.

The entire tomb is encompassed by a spacious, airy garden filled with towering frangipani trees and a variety of fragrant flowers and exotic plants, embodying the serene garden style of the ancient capital of Hue.

The ancestral temple is where the memorial tablets of Duc Quoc Cong and other members of the Pham Dang clan are placed.

Address: Long Hung District, Tien Giang.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM daily.

4.3. Cai Be Floating Market

When visiting Tien Giang, you should not miss the “tourism specialty” of Cai Be Floating Market, a renowned destination that attracts many tourists. The market operates from early morning, even before sunrise, and continues until late at night, so you can visit at any time.

Cai Be Floating Market

Here, you will witness the bustling, vibrant atmosphere of the market, with goods like fabrics and seafood sold directly from boats, creating a unique charm and leaving a lasting impression of Tien Giang. Especially, you can buy and enjoy fresh fruits straight from the orchards.

At Cai Be Floating Market in Tien Giang, trading boats are divided into separate and orderly areas.

You must try the typical fish noodle dish of the Southwest region.

Note: You should visit Cai Be Floating Market in the early morning (from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM). This is the best time to experience the local activities in the floating market as well as you can try the local dishes with the low prices.

Address: Cai Be District, Tien Giang.

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM daily.

4.4. Dong Hoa Hiep Ancient Village

Dong Hoa Hiep Ancient Village showcases a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western architecture, merging the intricate elegance of the imperial capital with the liberating charm of the Southern riverine culture. Unlike the traditional South-facing houses of Central Vietnam, the homes here follow the principle of “proximity to market, proximity to river, and proximity to road,” ensuring better alignment with the cultural and economic life of the waterways.

Visiting this village offers you the chance to travel back in time and gain deeper insights into Vietnam’s rich history.

Address: Cai Be District, Tien Giang.

Opening Hours:  7:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily.

4.5. Tan Dong Communal House

Tan Dong Communal House also known as Go Tao Temple, boasts over 100 years of history and captivates visitors with its ancient and unique architecture. Two bodhi trees grow on the roof, with their roots cascading down and enveloping the entire structure, enhancing the serene yet sacred beauty of the temple.

After being restored, Tan Dong Communal House still retains its original architecture with Bodhi tree roots clinging all around.

A key highlight of the temple is the pair of dragon motifs flanking a flower design on the roof, a decorative style strongly influenced by the Nguyen Dynasty and the French colonial period in Southern Vietnam. Additionally, the temple is adorned with green-glazed ceramics in the traditional Cay Mai style, reflecting East Asian cultural elements.

Tan Dong Communal House stands proudly with over a century of history. During your journey to this fertile land, make sure to visit and admire this one-of-a-kind temple nestled within the embrace of the ancient bodhi trees.

Address: Tan Dong Ward, Go Cong District, Tien Giang.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

Entrance Fee: Free

4.6. Tan Thanh Beach

Tan Thanh Beach stretching 7 kilometers, is one of Vietnam’s rare and most beautiful black-sand beaches. It is also renowned for its fresh and delicious seafood, allowing visitors to indulge to their heart’s content.

Tan Thanh Beach

Seafood is the top attraction for travelers visiting Tan Thanh Beach, as the water here is not very clear, and swimming is less popular. The seafood season at Tan Thanh runs from March to September on the lunar calendar, making this the best time to visit the beach. During this period, you can enjoy both the lively atmosphere and fresh seafood.

This spot is perfect for capturing stunning photographs.

If you love watching the sunrise or sunset over the sea, you can visit the 300-meter-long green bridge leading out to the ocean at Tan Thanh Beach.

Address: Tan Thanh Ward, Go Cong District, Tien Giang.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.7. Dong Tam Snake Farm

If you enjoy visiting unique and unusual destinations, Dong Tam Snake Farm is a perfect choice. Known as the largest snake farm in Vietnam, it is home to over 400 different species of snakes, ranging from venomous to non-venomous, organized into three distinct zones.

Dong Tam Snake Farm

In addition to being a place for tourists to explore, learn, and discover, Dong Tam Snake Farm also serves as a treatment center for snakebite victims and extracts snake venom to produce antivenom.

Here owns a list of different snake species that is extremely diverse and rich.

Address: Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 30.000 VND (1.2 USD).

4.8. Doc Phu Hai Independence Palace

Doc Phu Hai Independence Palace built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, has harmonious blend of Eastern and Western architecture, combining French and Vietnamese cultural influences. This makes it an ideal destination for those passionate about exploring historical architecture.

Doc Phu Hai stands out with its East-West architectural style and dominant yellow color.

A visit to Doc Phu Hai is sure to leave a lasting impression. The house has been preserved in its original state to this day, and from the moment you step inside, you’ll feel the grand, regal atmosphere that permeates the entire space.

Precious antiques are currently on display. The objects in the Phu Hai Governor’s House are mostly made of precious stones, marble, wood and mother-of-pearl inlays with elaborately carved motifs.

One of the most striking features is the That Bao bed, adorned entirely with vibrant marble. The bed’s legs are intricately carved with floral motifs and inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

With its harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics, Doc Phu Hai continues to attract visitors to the fertile land of Go Cong. For those who wish to gain deeper insights into the lifestyle of the officials and landlords of the Mekong Delta in the past, this house is the perfect stop on your journey.

Address: No. 49, Hai Ba Trung Street, Tien Giang.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Saturday).

Entrance Fee: Free

4.9. Man Dinh Hong Garden

Man Dinh Hong Garden is a popular “check-in” spot for taking stunning photos, attracting many women and couples with its vibrant garden filled with flowers like sunflowers, mustard flowers, cosmos, and more.

Man Dinh Hong Garden is a “virtual living” paradise that has been very popular with young people in recent days.

Here, more than 10 types of flowers are grown at certain times, so the scenery is always beautiful and colorful.

The garden spans a large area of 1.1 hectares, with flowers planted alternately in separate rows. It is beautifully adorned with various decorative elements such as swings and traditional three-plank boats.

Address: Phuoc Thanh Ward, Tien Giang.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday – Friday) and 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Saturday). 12:00 PM – 18:00 PM (Sunday)

4.10. Tan Phong Island

Surrounded entirely by water, Tan Phong Island in Tien Giang offers boat tours that allow visitors to enjoy the serene scenery, a feature that many find truly delightful. Unlike the hustle and bustle outside, traveling by boat provides moments of relaxation and tranquility, helping you unwind and refresh your mind after long hours of work.

Image of small boats loaded with flowers rowing along the river at Tan Phong Islet, Tien Giang.

Known as the most famous fruit-growing region in Tien Giang, Tân Phong Islet treats you to a variety of delicious seasonal fruits, ripe, sweet, and irresistibly flavorful. You can freely explore the orchards, harvest fruit to take home, or enjoy it right on the spot with friends. In addition to fruit, Tan Phong Islet offers a chance to savor other local specialties, such as Tan Phong rice snails and bánh vá (a traditional fried cake).

Visiting traditional craft villages is another fascinating activity loved by both domestic and international tourists when exploring Tan Phong Island in Tien Giang.

Address: Cai Lay District, Tien Giang.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily.