As a former wetland in Cao Lanh District, Dong Thap Province in the Mekong Delta, Xeo Quyt was a revolutionary base in 1960-1975 during the Viet Nam War (1955-1975). On July 20, the 50-hectare Xeo Quyt, of which cajeput forests account for two-fifths, has become an attractive historical and ecological site with thousands of visitors coming a year.
A rowboat carries tourists along a canal in Dong Thap Province’s Xeo Quyt Tourist Area
In Xeo Quyt Tourist Area, guests can feel a fresh atmosphere brought by lotus and water-lily lakes, which are also home to lots of fish. A simple yet unique dish of the countryside is steamed rice compressed in lotus leaves and served with sesame and salt.
In the former revolutionary base, visitors can see bomb shelters, bunkers, meeting rooms and bomb craters. Though they have to do a lot of walking in Xeo Quyt Tourist Area, they may feel comfortable thanks to many big shade trees and fresh air from small canals snaking through the area.
Tourists are seen on a path leading to Xeo Quyt Tourist Area
Fauna and flora also make Xeo Quyt attractive to visitors. The place is now home to seven species of fauna, 73 species of fish, 91 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles and seven amphibians, and 170 plant species.
Instead of walking back to the entrance of the area, tourists can take a 20-minute rowboat ride through cajeput forests to get back to the starting point.
Steamed rice compressed in lotus leaves, a unique dish served in Xeo Quyt – Photos: Tuong Vi