Known for its peaceful countryside, friendly locals, and a slow rhythm of life, Vinh Long offers travelers an authentic glimpse into the cultural and agricultural richness of southern Vietnam. Just a few hours from Ho Chi Minh City, it’s an ideal destination for weekend getaways, river cruises, and eco-tourism. Whether you’re paddling through narrow canals or enjoying tropical fruits straight from the garden, Vinh Long invites you to experience the delta at its most genuine.

A Glance at Vinh Long: Geography and Local Layout

Nestled between the Tien and Hau Rivers, Vinh Long boasts a classic Mekong Delta landscape: flat, fertile, and crisscrossed by a dense network of rivers and canals. This geographical setting has shaped its agricultural identity for centuries, making it one of Vietnam’s richest regions for fruit cultivation, rice paddies, and aquaculture.

The province spans an area of approximately 1,475 km², and is home to over 1 million residents. It is divided into 8 administrative units, including:

Vinh Long City (provincial capital)

Binh Minh Town

Districts: Long Ho, Mang Thit, Tam Binh, Tra On, Vung Liem, Binh Tan

Each area contributes to the region’s charm—whether through bustling river ports, quiet orchard villages, or traditional craft communities.

What to See and Do in Vinh Long?

An Binh Island 

A peaceful green haven just across the river from Vinh Long City, An Binh Island is famous for its lush fruit orchards, homestay villages, and coconut-shaded canals. Visitors can cycle through rural paths, sample fresh tropical fruits, join traditional cooking classes, or relax on a river cruise. It’s the perfect place for eco-tourism lovers seeking a slower pace of life.

Tra On Floating Market 

Located 40 km from Vinh Long City, Tra On Market is one of the Mekong’s oldest floating markets. It comes alive in the early mornings with colorful boats, lively bargaining, and riverside camaraderie. Best visited at dawn or during festivals, it offers a vivid portrait of delta life.

Van Thanh Temple

This Confucian temple is one of the oldest and most significant cultural landmarks in Vinh Long. Built in the 19th century, Van Thanh Temple honors scholars and promotes traditional values of respect, learning, and morality. The tranquil courtyard, antique altars, and red-lacquered woodwork offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s educational and spiritual past.

Brick Kiln Villages

The riverside villages in Mang Thit District are home to hundreds of old brick kilns, forming a striking industrial landscape against the delta’s calm waters. Many of these kilns are still in use, and visitors can witness the traditional brick-making process that has sustained local communities for generations.

Tien Chau Pagoda

Located on Long Ho River, Tien Chau Pagoda is one of the most peaceful spiritual sites in the area. With its serene lotus pond, colorful carvings, and incense-filled halls, it offers a spiritual break for travelers. It’s also a great spot to observe local Buddhist practices and traditional architecture.

Phat Ngoc Xa Loi Pagoda

Located just 7 km from the city center, this pagoda enshrines three Buddha relics brought from Nepal and India. Its architecture blends Vietnamese tradition with rare granite dragon pillars over 9 meters tall. Visitors come here not only for worship but also to admire its sacred and unique design.

Cocohome (Coconut House)

Handcrafted from over 4,000 coconut trees, Cocohome in Long Ho is a one-of-a-kind wooden residence that blends artistry, sustainability, and southern charm. From columns to furniture, everything’s made of coconut wood—offering a glimpse into the creativity and resilience of local craftsmanship.

Vinh Sang Ecotourism Area

Nestled along the Co Chien River about 15 km from Vinh Long City, Vinh Sang is a lush green farm-style ecotourism area with a wide range of fun activities. Visitors can enjoy boat rides through narrow canals, interact with rare animals, join folk games, and explore fruit orchards. Cultural experiences like making coconut candy or distilling traditional rice wine offer an immersive look into local life. With fresh air, river views, and rustic charm, it’s a top family-friendly destination in Vinh Long.

What to Eat in Vinh Long?

Beyond its lush orchards and peaceful waterways, Vinh Long is a foodie’s delight, offering a variety of rustic, flavorful dishes that reflect the heart of the Mekong Delta. Whether you’re dining at a floating kitchen, a riverside eatery, or a local homestay, here are must-try specialties you shouldn’t miss:

Crispy Fried Giant Gourami (Cá Tai Tượng Chiên Xù)

Served whole and upright, this iconic dish is both eye-catching and delicious. The fish is deep-fried until its skin puffs up golden and crisp, then wrapped in rice paper with herbs, noodles, and dipped in tangy fish sauce.

Mekong-Style Savory Pancake (Bánh Xèo Miền Tây)

This sizzling rice flour pancake is filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, best enjoyed wrapped in mustard greens or lettuce and dipped in sweet-savory nước chấm.

Grilled Field Mouse with Chili Salt (Chuột Đồng Nướng Muối Ớt)

A bold local delicacy for adventurous eaters. The mice are wild-caught from rice fields, marinated in chili and salt, then grilled over charcoal for a smoky, tender taste.

Purple Sticky Rice Cake (Bánh Tét Lá Cẩm)

This Tet holiday treat gets its purple hue from magenta leaves (lá cẩm). Sticky rice is layered with mung beans and pork fat, then wrapped and steamed into a soft, fragrant roll.

Fermented Fish Hotpot & Sour Fish Soup (Mắm Kho & Canh Chua Cá Linh)

Two Mekong classics. Mắm kho is a rich, pungent hotpot eaten with vegetables and rice. Canh chua cá linh is a light, tangy soup made with seasonal herbs and tamarind.

Fresh Orchard Fruits

No visit to Vinh Long is complete without sampling freshly picked rambutan (chôm chôm), longan (nhãn), or the region’s signature seedless sweet oranges (cam xoàn)—all best enjoyed at the source, in An Binh Island’s gardens.

Where to Eat in Vinh Long?

Local markets, floating kitchens, orchard homestays, and family-run eateries offer the most authentic flavors. Don’t miss early-morning food stalls by the riverside for the freshest bites.

Culture & Festivals

Vinh Long’s soul lies in its timeless countryside traditions, warm southern hospitality, and vibrant community life. The province is a cradle of Mekong culture, where music, crafts, and spiritual rituals blend seamlessly into daily living.

Đờn Ca Tài Tử – The Soulful Southern amateur music

Recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, this traditional music form combines melodic instruments (like đàn tranh, đàn cò) with heartfelt singing. You’ll often hear it echoing in orchard gardens or homestays during evening gatherings, offering a serene soundtrack to rural life.

Traditional Craft Villages

Pottery Kilns in Mang Thít: Centuries-old craft village where handmade bricks and ceramics are fired in red clay kilns.

Mat Weaving in Long Hồ: Watch skilled artisans weave colorful mats from river reeds.

Bonsai & Ornamental Plant Villages: Especially in Bình Minh, where garden artistry flourishes.

These villages keep craftsmanship alive and allow visitors to experience slow, meaningful encounters with local artisans.

Signature Festivals

Nghinh Ông Festival (Whale Worship): Held by riverside communities to honor the whale deity, praying for calm waters and abundant harvests. Includes vibrant boat processions and folk games.

Vu Lan (Ghost Festival): A Buddhist celebration in the 7th lunar month where families pay tribute to ancestors with offerings and lanterns.

Lunar New Year (Tết): The most joyful time of year, filled with floral markets, ancestral rituals, and family feasts.

Boat Racing Festival (Lễ Hội Đua Ghe Ngo): An exciting spectacle during major holidays, where teams paddle dragon boats to the beat of cheering crowds and traditional drums.

Climate & Best Time to Visit Vinh Long

Like most provinces in the Mekong Delta, Vinh Long enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons:

Dry season (December to April): Warm, sunny days make this the most pleasant time for sightseeing, river cruises, and orchard hopping. Roads are dry and easy to travel, and floating markets are bustling with activity.

Rainy season (May to November): While sudden showers are frequent, this is also when the delta is at its greenest. The canals fill up, boat travel becomes even more scenic, and local fruits reach their peak. However, rural roads may get muddy, and floods can occur in low-lying areas.

For the best experience, visit between December and March for comfortable weather, or come in May–June for vibrant gardens and fewer tourists.

How to Get to Vinh Long From Ho Chi Minh City?

Located around 130 kilometers southwest of Saigon, Vinh Long is just a 2 to 2.5-hour drive. You can take:

Intercity buses (frequent departures from Mien Tay Bus Station)

Motorbikes if you’re up for an adventurous Mekong road trip

The route is scenic, crossing bridges and rice paddies before reaching the lush heart of the delta.

Once in Vinh Long, local travel is charmingly rustic:

Xe ôm (motorbike taxis) are common and affordable

Boat tours are a must for visiting islands and floating markets

Bicycles can be rented at many homestays or eco-lodges—perfect for leisurely rides through fruit orchards and canal paths

Travel Tips for Vinh Long

Plan your trip by season: Dry season (December–April) for cool, less rain, perfect for boat rides and orchard visits. Fruit season (May–August) to enjoy local specialties like rambutans, longans, pomelos, and thanh tra fruit. Avoid peak rainy days if you’re not used to muddy paths or water-based travel.

Bring enough cash: Many rural markets, floating kitchens, and homestays don’t accept cards. Moreover, ATMs are limited outside the city center, so it’s best to carry local currency.

Stay in a homestay: An Bình Island and countryside homestays offer authentic Mekong life: local meals, fruit picking, fishing, and relaxing river views.

Pack for comfort and protection: Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Wear long sleeves and comfortable shoes for outdoor activities.

Respect local customs: Be friendly and polite to locals. When visiting temples or spiritual sites, dress modestly and behave quietly.

Combine with nearby provinces: Vinh Long is a great base to explore nearby destinations like Can Tho, Ben Tre, or Tra Vinh on a 3–4 day trip.

Map of Vinh Long: A Journey Worth Taking

Vinh Long is more than a stopover—it’s a soulful slice of the Mekong Delta where fruit-laden orchards, winding rivers, and centuries-old traditions come together in gentle harmony. Whether you’re paddling through quiet canals, enjoying home-cooked meals in a riverside homestay, or watching the sunrise over a floating market, the province offers a slower, more grounded way to travel. This is a destination for those who seek authenticity over luxury, simplicity over speed, and connection over checklists. Let Vinh Long surprise you with the peace you didn’t know you needed.

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