Vinh Long Travel Guide

This travel guide takes you through the newly expanded Vinh Long – now a dynamic province formed from the merger of Vinh Long, Ben Tre and Tra Vinh. This has created one of the Mekong Delta‘s most culturally and naturally rich destinations. Here you can explore centuries-old pagodas, charming islands, lush orchards and peaceful towns, all connected by the Tien and Hau rivers.

General Information

Vinh Long province boasts over 450 recognised monuments, including 10 national monuments and 32 provincial historical and cultural relics. Now, with the addition of Ben Tre and Tra Vinh, the list of heritage sites is even more impressive, with Khmer pagodas, colonial architecture and coastal fishing villages. Visitors can explore landmarks such as Cong Than, That Thu, Thanh Tinh Ngoc Son Quang, Tra On ancient pagoda, Tan Hoa Communal House, An Binh Islet, and many more scattered throughout the towns and islands.

If you are planning a trip through the Mekong Delta, Vinh Long should be at the top of your list. In the heart of the mainland, An Binh and Binh Hoa Phuc Islets welcome visitors to stroll along tree-lined paths, swing in hammocks, and enjoy fresh tropical fruits right in the garden.

In Ben Tre, you can relax on coconut-lined canals and watch traditional candy being made, while in Tra Vinh, you can explore the peaceful beauty of Khmer pagodas and experience the life of coastal fishermen. Local favorites include Ong Sau Giao Flower Garden, Ong Muoi Vai Stilt House, and Ong Hai Hoang Ancient House – each offering a glimpse into the warm hospitality and traditions of the people of the Mekong Delta.

Vinh Long Weather & Best Time to Visit

Vinh Long has a tropical monsoon climate, making the weather hot and humid all year round, with average temperatures of around 26°C and 30°C. There are two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from December to April with more sunshine and lower humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities such as cycling, boating along the river, etc. This is also the harvest season for many types of fruit, so floating markets and fruit gardens will be very busy.

The rainy season from May to November often has rain in the afternoon but does not last long. Thanks to the rain, the weather becomes cooler, the river water level is also higher, making boat trips more relaxing and beautiful.

In our experience, the best time to visit Vinh Long is the dry season from December to March when the weather is most pleasant. April is the start of the rainy season so the weather can be unpredictable, but you will have the opportunity to participate in major festivals of the Khmer community such as Ooc Om Boc or Chol Chnam Thmay.

Getting to Vinh Long

By Road

If you are travelling from Ho Chi Minh City, the most common way to reach the province is by car or bus via National Highway 1A and the Trung Luong – My Thuan Expressway. The journey to Vinh Long City takes around 2-3 hours, while Ben Tre and Tra Vinh can take 1.5-3.5 hours depending on the starting point and traffic conditions. From Can Tho, the journey time is quicker, taking only 30-60 minutes to reach the central districts of Vinh Long, Ben Tre or Tra Vinh. We highly recommend hiring a car with a driver to travel faster.

By Air

Vinh Long does not have its own airport, but visitors can fly to Can Tho International Airport (VCA), less than an hour from Vinh Long, and then continue by car or bus. Can Tho has domestic flights from most major cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, along with a limited number of international routes.

By water

Being part of the Mekong Delta, Vinh Long is surrounded by rivers and canals, making boat travel both convenient and scenic. Boats and ferries are popular between districts, river islands, and even between neighboring provinces such as Tien Giang and Soc Trang. Some visitors also arrive by Mekong River cruise from Ho Chi Minh City or Cambodia, often stopping in Vinh Long or Tra Vinh.

What to See in Vinh Long

Don Ca Tai Tu Show

Vinh Long is highlighted as a province rich in both tangible and intangible heritage. The most popular intangible value is the Don Ca Tai Tu show, which is a must-see for most visitors when visiting Vietnam.

‘Don ca tai tu’ is a common and traditional form of music performance in Southern Vietnam, particularly in Vinh Long province. It is also a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. To put the Government policy into action, the local committee has taken numerous steps to preserve and utilize heritage values for socioeconomic development, particularly in tourism and culture. ‘Don ca tai tu’ has proven its powerful vitality as a major part of local people’s daily lives over the years. The show has been seen at major events such as death anniversaries, birthday parties, weddings, and public gatherings. Instruments are used to accompany singers who perform many tones of emotion through beautiful and tormenting rhythms to perform this type of music.

An Binh Island

An Binh is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking a tropical getaway. You will be able to contemplate the gentle beauty of natural landscapes and learn about the uniqueness of indigenous people. Hiring a small boat to float on the interlaced river system, you find yourself lost in the fruit orchards with deep blue rows of willow on both sides. The soil here is very fertile and abundant in freshwater, which benefits a variety of fruits such as rambutan, mango, longan, durian, and sapodilla, among others.

Coming here, all the noise, hurry, and bustle of city life will be replaced by the smooth, soft, and comfortable feel that come from watching peaceful scenes in the countryside water. Mr. Sau Giao garden, Mr. Muoi Day’s house on stilts, and Mr. Hai Hoang’s ancient house are some gardens recommended for tourists. In addition, under ‘homestay’ tourism, tourists can find other gardens to relax in. Mr. Nam Thanh’s homestay, Mr. Tam Tien’s homestay, Mr. Ba Linh’s homestay, and so on. Here, the hosts are eager to welcome you to a meal of traditional water region dishes such as fried gourami with pieces of fish rolled with basil, star fruit, banana dipped in chili garlic fish sauce, crispy fried spring rolls, and so on, and to live with the friendly and hospitable locals.

Hoang Hao Ecotourism Area

It is 2 kilometers from the Dinh Khao ferry on Highway 57 in Thanh Duc commune, Long Ho district, Vinh Long province. This is a brand new, stunning eco-tourism area in Vinh Long province. This location not only has cool green scenery with extremely fresh air, but it also has mini houses with thatched roofs, corrugated iron roofs, and a strikingly colorful wall below.

Eco-Tourism zone – Vinh Sang Farm

Tourists can visit the Vinh Sang tourist area from An Binh island to participate in exciting activities such as riding ostriches on the sand, crocodile fishing, walking in the unique monkey bridges, cycling around the village, slapping ditches for fishing, spreading nets, experiencing grass sleds, kayaking along the river, and so on.

Vinh Sang farm was built in 2004 by the local government with a total investment capital of 12 billion VND and a total area of over 2.2ha. The most appealing area for most tourists is the ostrich-raising zone. Mr. Vinh – the farm’s owner announces that ‘Tourists come here mainly to try such a new game which first emerged in the West. Children are the first to be drawn to this game. Some of them even call out “Hugo riding ostriches” while riding on real ostriches.” Every year, thousands of tourists visit this farm, with international visitors accounting for 15-20% of the total.

Vinh Long Temple of Literature and Saints

Vinh Long Temple of Literature and Saints is one of three Confucian Temples built in southern Vietnam in the nineteenth century and is located in a large area along the Long Ho River. Built from 1864 to 1866 by Phan Thanh Gian, a Mandarin of the Nguyen Dynasty, the name of the temple, Van Thanh Mieu, stands for a temple worshiping the holy literary genius. The person referred to in Confucius’ name, is widely known as ‘the eternal teacher’.

The scenery inside the temple gives visitors a lovely sense of silence and holiness. The spacious area on the temple grounds with a straight asphalted road decorated by two lines of old trees and the ancient statues of talented intellectuals puts visitors at ease to contemplate. The Ministry of Culture and Information designated it as a national historical relic in March 1991.

Tra On Floating Market

Visit Tra On floating market to learn about the cultural characteristics of the people of Vinh Long. About 250m downstream of Tra On, the floating market on the Hau River. It has a length of over 300m and frequently meets according to the country, so the large country is crowded.

Tra On Floating Market functions similarly to a wholesale market, distributing agricultural products to many other small markets throughout the province. As a result, no matter what time of day you visit the market, you will see a bustle of boats.

Orchards

One of the highlights of Vinh Long is its charming orchards. As you explore these orchards, you will be surrounded by lush greenery, creating a peaceful setting for your adventure. One of the highlights is the opportunity to pick fresh fruit yourself and enjoy the taste right on the spot. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the orchards and enjoy the sweetness of the fruits you have picked yourself. The entrance ticket allows you to enter the orchards, where you can freely enjoy a variety of fruits to your liking. Enjoy their sweet taste and enjoy the natural freshness that the orchards bring. However, if you want to take some fruits home as gifts or to enjoy later, you can buy them separately.

Binh Dai Beach

Located along the banks of the poetic Cua Dai River, Binh Dai Beach offers a peaceful coastal retreat, still retaining its pristine charm, away from the hustle and bustle of commercial tourism. This is an ideal place to swim in the clear blue water and enjoy fresh local seafood. Besides beach activities, visitors can also participate in fishing. Exploring beyond the sandy shore, visitors also have the opportunity to visit some famous tourist attractions.

What to Eat in Vinh Long

Fruits

Nam Roi Pomelo is the most popular pomelo in Vietnam’s south. Furthermore, Nam Roi pomelo in Binh Minh, Vinh Long is well-known for its delicious, rich grapes with a sweet and sour flavor. This type of fruit is extremely nutritious. It’s big, sweet and sour, and packed with meat. Pomelo grapes can be eaten with a local salt mix and dried shrimp.

Bagridae fish soup

The Bagridae fish cooked with celery and tomatoes is another popular dish in Vinh Long. It is frequently accompanied by herbs, cucumbers, or lotus roots. First, fresh Bagridae fish, celery, and tomatoes are prepared. The fish is then cooked with these ingredients, along with lemon juice and other traditional spices. The fish is tender and naturally sweet, and it has very few bones. As a result of the harmony between the fish, spices, and herbs, it tastes delicious.

Rice paper

Rice paper can be used in a variety of ways, including rice paper rolls, dipped rice paper, sweet rice paper rolls, and baked rice paper. This product is entirely handmade from rice flour and contains no chemicals. When tasting this type of food, appetizers may feel soft and slightly salty. For most visitors, the best-served dish is rice paper wrapped with shrimp, meat, vegetables, rice noodles, and sauce or soy sauce.

Vinh Long Snails steamed with gingers

Steamed snails with gingers are always at the top of the list of what to eat in Vinh Long because the dish is both sophisticated and popular. In detail, residents immerse snails in water for over 6 hours before cooking to allow all the dirt to drain. They will then boil the snails, remove them from their shells, and dice the meat. They then combine ground pork, spices, and diced snail meat. Then, fill the empty shells with the mixture. Finally, these snails are steamed with ginger and lemongrass. Steamed snails with ginger are served with sweet-and-sour fish sauce. The dish is savory and has a distinct flavor that many people enjoy.

Vinh Long deep–fried giant gourami fish

When it comes to Vinh Long specialties, we can’t leave out the deep-fried giant Gourami fish, which is one of the city’s most famous dishes. Before frying gourami fish, locals remove the fish’s scales and fins. Then, in a large pan, they fry a giant gourami fish at a high temperature. As a result, the outside of the fish is crispy while the inside remains tender and sweet. Deep-fried giant gourami fish wrapped in rice paper and served with local herbs. Then, dip into a bowl of a special recipe fish sauce.

Coconut specialties

Visitors to Vinh Long, especially the Ben Tre region, will be amazed by the countless specialties and delicacies made from coconut. One of the highlights is coconut rice, a dish that combines the natural sweetness of coconut with fragrant rice. There are also famous coconut candy and coconut cake. Coconut candy, famous for its chewy texture and sweetness, showcases the natural sweetness of coconut in the form of delicious chewy candy. Meanwhile, coconut cake, with its soft and moist texture, offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Banh xeo oc gao

Banh xeo oc gao is a delicious dish with a crepe-like crust made from a mixture of flour and fragrant coconut milk. The filling is traditionally made from rice snails, bean sprouts and chopped cassava. The addition of rice snails creates a unique and rich flavor for the dish, while also showcasing the diversity of seafood in the region. It is worth noting that the rice snail season usually falls between the fourth and seventh lunar months, creating a unique and anticipated feature for the dish. This limited time makes the dish even more special for those lucky enough to enjoy it during the rice snail season.

This guide has shown you how the newly merged Vinh Long brings together the best of the Mekong Delta: peaceful canals, endless coconut groves, Khmer pagodas, and vibrant markets. It’s a place where culture and nature flow side by side, waiting to be explored at your own pace. Ready to experience it for yourself? Contact us today and let us help you plan your perfect Vinh Long journey.