Situated about 162 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Cao Lanh is both the vibrant capital city of Dong Thap Province and one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam. The city itself is new, but its jungles and swamps certainly provide unparalleled adventure in the Delta.
While the city center is surprisingly pleasant for a walk without the crowds, some prominent sites and interesting things on offer are related to the rich history and lush nature of Cao Lanh. The most popular attraction that you can’t ignore is the Tram Chim National Park, located about 40 km north-west of the town. This over 7,000-hectare park is an amazing paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers, with numerous bird species, including the rare red-headed cranes (sarus-crane) that inhabit here in the dry season. Visitors can explore around by boat and enjoy fantastic bird-watching tours. The best time to visit is during dawn and dusk when the birds are all around and the atmosphere is perfect for a wowing photo shoot.
For history buffs, the War Memorial in the north-east of the city is a notable landmark to visit. The great monument featuring a large white statue of a Vietnamese soldier also houses the graves of more than 3,000 Viet Cong who died fighting in the Vietnam War. Another remarkable place to visit is the tomb of Ho Chi Minh’s father, Nguyen Sinh Sac (1862–1929). This complex is a pretty 9.6-hectare park, including two parts, the tomb and the model heritage village of wooden stilted houses. Nearby, you can also have a look at the exact replica of Ho Chi Minh's stilt house in Hanoi and a small museum devoted to Ho Chi Minh.
Last but not least, make sure you take the time exploring the Dong Thap Museum that is among the Mekong's best museums. There, you can find an anthropological history of Dong Thap province with displays of sculptures, mini traditional houses, and a few stuffed animals, as well as information about war history and Ho Chi Minh.