Lotus Pond Sanger celebrates Southeast Asian culture in California’s Central Valley.
Hidden among Fresno County’s orchards and open spaces, you’ll find one of the Central Valley’s newest agritourism destinations – Lotus Pond Sanger. Newly opened in 2025, the pond and event space offers a unique opportunity to tour Lotus Pond and even taste Lotus petals, seeds and roots in authentic Southeast Asian dishes.
What to do at Lotus Pond Sanger
Whether you’re looking to relax, broaden your horizons, or let loose, there’s something for everyone at Lotus Pond Sanger.
Take pictures on the bridge
Lotus Pond Sanger offers a one-of-a-kind background for photos and videos! Step out onto the wooden bridge and strike a pose in front of the stunning pond. Lotus Pond invites guests to snap photos with their phones )and tag @lotuspondsanger when they post), but professional photographers should request permission in advance.
Canoe through the pond
During the day, guests can canoe through the pond. Paddle along the shore, or navigate your way through the lotus pads – being careful not to disturb the plants. Guests should reserve their canoe time at Lotus Pond in advance and donations are appreciated.
Watch the sunset at the pond
The bridge across the pond can get crowded, but the shore offers spectacular sunset views. Find the perfect spot, then settle in and watch the colors shift before the stars come out.
Learn how lotus petals are used in Southeast Asian cuisine
Adventurous epicureans can pre-order authentic Southeast Asian dishes from The Lotus Pond Kitchen – many of which incorporate parts of the lotus plant.
Lotus flower petals
Meing Kham, which translates to “one bite,” is similar to a lettuce wrap, but uses lotus petals instead of leafy greens. Guests are invited to fill the petals with dried shrimp, coconut flakes, lime, shallots, ginger, peanuts and herbs, then topped with a tamarind sauce.
Lotus leaves
Lotus Pond Sanger uses lotus leaves are used to plate and decorate many of the traditional dishes. Fun fact: all the proteins used at Lotus Pond Kitchen, including the duck used to make Larb Paeng and Paeng Pet, come from the family’s farm!
Lotus seeds + lotus roots
Lotus seeds and lotus roots are both available for purchase at Lotus Pond Sanger. With a flavor reminiscent of almonds, lotus seeds can be eaten just like sunflower seeds, making them a tasty snack. Lotus roots are delicious in stir-fries and soups, with a crisp texture often compared to water chestnuts or jicama.
Take home a bouquet
Take a piece of the pond home with you when you buy a lotus seed pod bouquet! The seed pods can be used in fresh floral arrangements or dried to create long-lasting decorations.
Visit the local vendors
The Lotus Pond offers a fun assortment of food trucks offering delicious dishes + drinks. Look for freshly pressed sugarcane juice, papaya salad, Cambodian beef sticks, sushi, boba and much more!
Feel the music
Evenings come alive at Lotus Pond Sanger with karaoke on Friday nights and live music every Saturday. Take the stage, cheer on the band or dance with your crew – whatever you choose, it’s always a good time!
When is Lotus Pond Sanger open?
Lotus Pond Sanger is open to the public on Friday and Saturday and by reservation Monday through Thursday, from June through October 31st.
Flowers, community and family: the inspiration for Lotus Pond
For Lyla Khounvixay, Lotus Pond is more than a water garden. It’s a tribute to her grandmother, Bouakhanh Phimmasone, whose love of lotus flowers inspired the space.
Bouakhanh planted her first lotus flowers in 2022, and it didn’t take long for her beloved blooms to take over the pond. “She wanted to share the flowers with the community,” Lyla explains. “Lotus flowers symbolize so many things – every culture and community has their own meaning. For our family, it symbolizes resilience, unity and purity.”
The idea to bring food trucks and vendors to Lotus Pond came from Bouakhanh, too. After retiring from the restaurant business, she continued working as a vendor at markets and events. Inviting other food trucks and vendors to the pond was her way of giving back to that community.
The Lotus Pond is a place for people of all backgrounds and ages to come together to celebrate the Central Valley’s diversity and beauty. “I encourage people to visit the Lotus Pond because it’s something unique,” Lyla explains. “It’s something different and makes you feel like you’re away from home even though it’s like a 20-minute drive – we see lots of guests that come visit, and they feel like they’re back home in the mainland. It’s a place for family and friends to come together and create memories.”
Article and photography by Hilary Rance.