1. Introduction to Tu Phuong That Dao (Four Directions Seven Islands)

1.1. Geographical location and outstanding features

Tu Phuong That Dao is located at Street No. 09N, Phuoc Huu Hamlet, Tam Long Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, 30 km northwest of Vung Tau center. The tourist area covers an area of approximately 22,000 m², notable for its clear blue lake surrounding seven artificial islands. The space is surrounded by rice fields, fruit orchards, and natural greenery, creating a sense of peace, clearly separated from urban life, despite its relatively close location to the center.

Tu Phuong That Dao is located at street number 09N, Phuoc Huu Hamlet, Tam Long Ward. (Source: Collected)

1.2. Origin of the name and associated stories

The name Tu Phuong That Dao originates from the characteristic spatial structure of the tourist area, with seven small islands scattered in all directions amidst the lake. This naming convention evokes the image of a miniature Mekong Delta river landscape, where people live in harmony with nature. Although not tied to a specific legend, the name still carries a clear cultural meaning, reflecting the orchard lifestyle, the connection with water, fruits, and the natural landscape of the local people.

1.3. Tourism, exploration, and ecological value

The outstanding value of Tu Phuong That Dao lies in its rare inland ecological landscape, with a clear blue lake, artificial islands, and surrounding agricultural spaces. This place is suitable for light experiential activities such as kayaking, fishing, fruit picking, island trekking and exploration, or countryside landscape photography. With its intimate eco-tourism model, this destination is particularly suitable for families and young groups looking for a relaxing, easily accessible trip.

2. How to travel and experience the journey to Tu Phuong That Dao

2.1. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City center

From the center of Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can travel to Tu Phuong That Dao via National Highway 51, passing through the Coopmart Ba Ria area, then turning into Long Phuoc, Phuoc Huu, and following the signs to the tourist area. The total distance is about 100 km, with a travel time of 1.5 to 2 hours. Motorbikes or private cars are the most flexible options, convenient for managing time and stopping along the way. For bus travelers, you can choose the Saigon to Ba Ria route, then travel further by taxi or ride-hailing car to reach the destination.

From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can travel to Tu Phuong That Dao via National Highway 51. (Source: Collected)

2.2. Moving from Vung Tau center

If starting from Vung Tau city center, the distance to the tourist area is shorter, about 30 km and takes 40–50 minutes to travel. The common route is to follow National Highway 51 towards Ba Ria, pass Coopmart Ba Ria, then turn into the Long Phuoc and Phuoc Huu areas. The road is generally easy to follow but can be crowded with container trucks during peak hours, so visitors should pay attention to maintaining a safe distance. Motorbikes, personal cars, or taxis are convenient options, and it is advisable to check the weather before going to avoid slippery internal roads after rain.

3. Ideal time to explore Tu Phuong That Dao

The most ideal time to explore Tu Phuong That Dao is the dry season, lasting from November to April. During this period, the weather is sunny and warm, with average temperatures ranging from 25–30°C, the lake is calm and clear, and the rice fields are lush green, creating a harmonious and pleasant scenery. This is a suitable period for boating, strolling, camping, or experiencing outdoor activities. Visitors should limit their visits during the rainy season from May to October, as storms and strong winds can make the paths muddy, the lake water murky, and significantly reduce the visiting experience.

During the day, the morning hours from 6–9 AM are favored by many for the soft light, morning dew still lingering on the water and rice fields, which is perfect for photography. In the afternoon, from around 2–5 PM, the lake surface becomes calmer, allowing a clear view of the seven artificial islands and the water bottom, suitable for fishing or strolling in the garden. Especially, the sunset moments from 5–6 PM offer a relaxing atmosphere with golden light reflecting on the lake surface, creating impressive and peaceful check-in spots.

Dry season is a beautiful time to visit Four Directions Seven Islands (Tu Phuong That Dao). (Source: Compilation)

4. Highlights at Four Directions Seven Islands (Tu Phuong That Dao)

4.1. Outdoor activities

Visiting Four Directions Seven Islands (Tu Phuong That Dao), visitors have the opportunity to participate in many outdoor activities associated with the river and countryside landscape. Boating through the clear lake to explore the seven artificial islands is a favorite experience for many, offering relaxation while admiring the lush green rice fields and simple thatched huts by the lake. The slow paddling and fresh air bring a sense of peace, separating you from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In addition, activities with strong rural flavors such as scooping ponds to catch fish, night frog hunting, seasonal fruit picking, or growing organic vegetables help visitors transform into 'farmers for a day'. For those staying overnight, experiences like camping, campfires, folk art performances, and group activities by the lake create a warm, intimate, and memorable atmosphere.

Boating activities at Tu Phuong That Dao. (Source: Collected)

4.2. Culinary and Relaxation Experiences

The cuisine at Tu Phuong That Dao is rich in rustic countryside flavors, with dishes prepared from fresh ingredients such as grilled fish, Mekong Delta fermented fish hotpot, and seasonal fruits like durian and mango. Meals are usually prepared on-site, are reasonably priced, and suitable for families and groups of friends. The peaceful atmosphere, with many cool green spaces, is also ideal for photography, strolling, or light trekking, helping visitors fully enjoy a sense of relaxation and closeness to nature.

5. Services and Amenities around the Tu Phuong That Dao area

Tu Phuong That Dao aims for a rustic eco-tourism model, centering on orchard experiences, so most services are simple, friendly, and accessible. The tourist area offers free entrance tickets, with resting huts arranged along the lake for visitors to relax. Overnight camping services have a reference fee of about 150,000 VND/adult and 100,000 VND/child, suitable for families or friends. Experiential activities such as boating to explore the islands (about 10,000 VND/person), scooping ponds to catch fish (200,000 VND/pond), or fishing and fruit picking are organized flexibly, focusing more on experience than commerce.

Many amenities at Tu Phuong That Dao serve tourists. (Source: Collected)

The cuisine here mainly consists of familiar rustic dishes such as grilled snakehead fish, fermented fish hotpot, stir-fried frogs, prepared from ingredients caught or picked directly on-site, creating a sense of closeness and freshness. The cost for food and beverage combos combined with experiential activities usually ranges from VND 150,000 – 300,000/person, suitable for a day trip. Service package prices may change depending on the time, visitors should contact the fanpage of Tu Phuong That Dao to get accurate service ticket prices.

6. Visiting experience and important notes

To fully experience Tu Phuong That Dao, visitors should go in small groups of 4-6 people for convenience in sharing costs and participating in experiential activities. The most suitable times are early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the harsh midday sun. Don't miss characteristic activities such as rowing boats, fruit picking, self-prepared fishing, or taking sunset photos by the lake and seven artificial islands. If traveling in a large group, it is advisable to contact and book in advance to manage the itinerary.

When visiting, tourists should wear comfortable clothing, non-slip shoes, and prepare sunscreen and mosquito repellent. It is necessary to maintain general hygiene, do not litter to protect the ecological space. Although the entrance fee is free, paid activities should be inquired about beforehand. Additionally, checking the weather and prioritizing travel by personal vehicle will make the trip more flexible and convenient.

7. Suggestions for combining visits near Tu Phuong That Dao

After visiting Tu Phuong That Dao, visitors can combine the journey towards Nui Dinh mountain to visit Thien Ton Phat Quang Pagoda. The serene mountain and forest space along with the stone steps leading to the pagoda create a slow-paced experience, balancing light exercise and meditation. This tour route is suitable for arranging within a morning or half-day, especially for those who love eco-tourism combined with spirituality.

If time permits, visitors can continue to Vung Tau city center to stroll along Front Beach or Back Beach, enjoying the cool sea air. Familiar check-in spots such as Tam Thang Tower with its unique architecture, the Christ the King statue, and Vung Tau lighthouse can also be easily combined within the same day. The interweaving of garden, mountain, forest, and sea spaces makes the exploration journey more diverse and complete.

Check-in at Tam Thang Tower with unique architecture and sea view. (Source: Collected)

With a cool green space, peaceful orchard landscape, and many nature-friendly activities, Tu Phuong That Dao is an ideal choice for a short trip near Ho Chi Minh City. Not too far, not noisy, this place brings a gentle relaxing feeling, suitable for families and friends. A visit will help tourists temporarily leave the urban rhythm to fully enjoy the simplicity and freshness of the land of Ba Ria - Vung Tau.