Overview of Vinh Long Province

Vinh Long is a province located in the center of the Mekong Delta region. It is surrounded by the two major rivers, the Tien River and the Hau River, and also possesses a long coastline adjacent to the East Sea. The province holds a strategic position, serving as an important connecting hub for the region, playing a key role as a major source of fruit, rice, and aquatic products for the entire country, and acting as the maritime trade gateway for the region.

 

Position of Vinh Long Province on the Map of Vietnam

To the North Vinh Long borders Dong Thap province, to the West borders Dong Thap provinces and Can Tho city, to the South borders Can Tho city, to the East is the East Sea. With a coastline of about 130km and an interlaced system of rivers and canals creating many large and small islands, Vinh Long is the epitome of a rich river West, fully converging ecosystems of gardens, mangrove forests and the sea.

Featured Destinations in Vinh Long

Mang Thit Brick Kilns (The Kingdom of Brick and Pottery)

Mang Thit Brick Kilns

The Mang Thit Brick Kilns are an extremely unique industrial and cultural heritage site of Vinh Long province. Stretching along the canals and waterways, hundreds of manual brick kilns stand majestically with their truncated cone architecture, creating an impressive and magnificent "Red Kingdom." Visitors often take boat trips winding through the kilns, admiring the one-of-a-kind landscape, learning about the centuries-old pottery and brick-making craft, and capturing artistic, impressive photographs.

Cu Lao An Binh

Cu Lao An Binh

Cu Lao An Binh is the symbol of Vinh Long’s fertile orchard ecotourism. Built up by the alluvium of the Tien River, this island is a massive fruit basket with vast orchards of rambutan, durian, longan, and mangosteen. Visitors can enjoy cycling along tree-lined village roads, taking a xuong ba la (three-plank boat) to explore the small canals, enjoying Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern Vietnamese folk music), and experiencing the rustic, peaceful life at local homestays.

Ao Ba Om and Chua Ang

Chua Ang

This is a complex of scenic and historical sites bearing the distinct identity of Khmer culture. Ao Ba Om is a large artificial lake with a calm surface, surrounded by hundreds of centuries-old sao (Hopea odorata) and oil trees, whose gigantic roots emerge above the ground, creating a mysterious landscape. Right next to it is Chua Ang (Angkorajaborey), one of the oldest and most splendid Khmer pagodas, notable for its exquisitely carved architecture and serene spiritual atmosphere.

Nguyen Dinh Chieu Tomb and Memorial House

Nguyen Dinh Chieu Tomb and Memorial House

As a special national historical and cultural site, this complex is the resting place and memorial for the great patriotic poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu. The architectural complex is solemnly built on vast grounds, including a new temple, the tomb area, and an exhibition house. Visitors come here not only to offer incense in memory of "Teacher Chieu" but also to learn about his life, his immortal literary career, and to deeply feel the staunch patriotism of the Southern people.

Ba Dong Beach

Ba Dong Beach

Ba Dong Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Vinh Long province, showcasing the characteristic beauty of the Mekong Delta's coastal region. With a long stretch of dark sand, cool green rows of casuarina trees blocking the waves, and fresh air, it is an ideal destination for swimming, strolling, and enjoying fresh seafood at coastal restaurants. The area still retains its wild, peaceful charm, making it highly suitable for weekend picnics and relaxation.

Lan Vuong Tourist Area

Lan Vuong Tourist Area

Lan Vuong Tourist Area is a vibrant ecological orchard destination that attracts a large number of visitors, especially young people, due to its fun activities rich in Mekong Delta character. The area recreates a picturesque riverine space with ponds, small canals, and orchards, where tourists can participate in challenging team games such as crossing the monkey bridge, swinging across the river, and scooping water to catch fish. This is an ideal location for relaxation and experiencing rich rural cuisine.

Here are suggestions for other attractions in Vinh Long besides the 6 prominent places mentioned above:

  • Con Phung: A famous spiritual ecotourism area with unique Coconut Religion architecture and orchard experiences.
  • Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary: A large natural bird garden housing thousands of storks and night herons, ideal for ecological tourism.
  • Chua Hang (Kompong Chray Pagoda): An ancient Khmer pagoda with unique architecture, featuring a pagoda gate built to resemble a cave.
  • Vinh Long Temple of Literature: One of the first three Temples of Literature built in the Southern region, symbolizing the province's tradition of valuing education.
  • My Thuan 2 Bridge: A modern cable-stayed bridge spanning the Tien River, serving as a new transportation symbol and an ideal spot for sunset viewing.
  • Tan Qui Islet: A small island famous for its clean fruit orchards, especially mangosteen and durian, known for its fresh and quiet atmosphere.
  • Vinh Long Museum: A place that preserves and exhibits thousands of valuable artifacts about the history, culture, and people of the Vinh Long region through various periods.
  • Tra On Floating Market: One of the oldest floating markets, operating according to the tides, showcasing the characteristic riverine trading culture of the area.

Best Time to Visit

Vinh Long province features a tropical monsoon climate, with sunshine year-round and divided into two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Visitors can travel to Vinh Long at any time, as each season offers a unique beauty, from the coastal beaches to the fertile orchard islets.

The ideal time usually falls during the dry season, from about December to April of the following year. At this time, the weather is sunny, the skies are clear, and there is less rain, which is very favorable for outdoor activities. This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to explore cultural-historical sites like Ao Ba Om, the Kingdom of Brick and Pottery, or enjoy a comfortable beach vacation at places like Ba Dong Beach.

Conversely, the rainy season (from May to November) is the "golden time" for those passionate about exploring orchard ecotourism. Although there may be sudden afternoon showers, the rain quickly stops and brings cool air. Most importantly, this is the peak fruit season in Vinh Long. Visitors to islets like An Binh will be immersed in orchards heavily laden with rambutan, durian, and mangosteen, and can enjoy fresh fruits right in the garden.

Transportation Information

Traveling to Vinh Long by Air

Currently, Vinh Long province does not have a civil airport. To travel by air, tourists generally fly into Can Tho International Airport (VCA), the largest airport in the Mekong Delta region, and then travel by road to various areas within Vinh Long province (travel time ranges from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the destination).

Hanoi (HAN) – Can Tho (VCA)

  • Departure Airport: Noi Bai International
  • Estimated Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air operate multiple direct flights daily, connecting the capital with the Mekong Delta center.

Da Nang (DAD) – Can Tho (VCA)

  • Departure Airport: Da Nang International
  • Estimated Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • This is a convenient option for tourists from Central Vietnam who want to explore Vinh Long without transiting through Ho Chi Minh City.

Hai Phong (HPH) – Can Tho (VCA)

  • Departure Airport: Cat Bi International
  • Estimated Flight Time: 2 hours 05 minutes
  • The direct route connects the northern port city with the riverine Mekong Delta, helping tourists save maximum time.

Traveling to Vinh Long by Train

The national railway system currently does not directly connect to Vinh Long Province. Tourists from the North or Central regions who wish to travel by train can stop at Sai Gon Station (Ho Chi Minh City), and then continue their journey to Vinh Long by coach.

Traveling to Vinh Long by Coach

Passenger bus to Vinh Long

This is the most popular and convenient means of transportation to reach Vinh Long from neighboring provinces and cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long

  • Departure Terminal: Mien Tay Bus Station
  • Estimated Travel Time: 2 – 3.5 hours (depending on the destination within the province)
  • Many high-quality bus companies such as Phuong Trang (FUTA Bus Lines), Hung Cuong, Kim Hoang, and Tan Thanh Thuy operate continuously, with frequent trips (approximately every 30 minutes to 1 hour).

Can Tho – Vinh Long

  • Departure Terminal: Can Tho Central Bus Station
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 – 2 hours
  • Inter-provincial buses and coaches operate frequently, connecting the two major economic centers of the Mekong Delta.

Hanoi – Vinh Long

  • Departure Terminal: Nuoc Ngam Bus Station
  • Estimated Travel Time: 36 – 40 hours
  • This journey primarily serves tourists traveling trans-Vietnam. However, most visitors choose to fly directly to Can Tho Airport to ensure comfort and save time.

Getting Around Vinh Long Province

With a transportation system that combines road and waterway travel (due to the intricate network of rivers and canals), tourists have many options for exploring the province:

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Traditional taxi companies (Mai Linh, Vinasun) and ride-hailing applications (such as Grab) operate strongly in central areas, helping tourists move quickly and conveniently.

Inter-provincial Bus: The public bus system connects administrative and economic centers (old central wards) and major tourist spots within the province, suitable for budget-conscious travelers.

Motorbike and Self-Driving Car Rental:

  • Motorbike rental services are well-developed and are the most flexible option for exploring orchards, brick kilns, or traveling along the coast. Rental prices range from 100,000 – 180,000 VND/day depending on the type of motorbike.
  • Some reference addresses (Please contact in advance to check the latest information and address according to the administrative unit):

Anh Duy Rental Service | 📞 0944 355 558

Bao Quyen Rental Service (coastal area) | 📞 0949 008 667

Vinh Motorbike Rental Service (central area) | 📞 0964 773 456

  • Boats, Ships & Ferries: These are essential, characteristic means of transport. Tourists will use tourist boats to visit the islets (such as Cu Lao An Binh, Con Phung), explore the Kingdom of Brick and Pottery, the floating market, or take a ferry to cross large rivers. This service is readily available at tourist docks.

Accommodation information in Vinh Long

Luxury

Diamond Stars 

Diamond Stars Hotel

  • Address: 141 Dong Khoi Road, Phu Khuong Ward – rates starting from 1,600,000 VND/night.

Diamond Stars Vinh Long is a modern 5-star hotel, centrally located, offering convenient travel within the province. The hotel stands out with 138 luxurious rooms boasting panoramic views of the river and the city. Guests can enjoy the outdoor infinity pool, high-end Asian-European restaurant, rooftop bar, and professional spa services. This is an ideal choice for business travelers or a luxurious vacation.

Sai Gon Vinh Long Hotel

  • Address: 02 Trung Nu Vuong Road, Long Chau Ward – rates starting from 1,000,000 VND/night.

As an international standard 4-star hotel located right on the banks of the Tien River, Sai Gon Vinh Long offers a quiet retreat space and stunning views. The hotel has over 80 rooms, elegantly designed and well-equipped. Guests can relax at the outdoor pool, enjoy specialty cuisine at the riverside restaurant, or utilize the meeting room services. Its location is very convenient for exploring the islets and the province's administrative center.

Retreats (Resort, Villa)

Ben Tre Riverside Resort

  • Address: 708 Nguyen Van Tu Road, Ben Tre Ward – rates starting from 1,200,000 VND/night.

Peacefully situated beside the Ham Luong River, Ben Tre Riverside Resort is a 4-star retreat that deeply embodies the ecological style of the Mekong Delta. The resort offers rooms and bungalows designed to harmonize with nature, surrounded by lush coconut gardens. Guests can participate in activities such as cycling, kayaking on the river, and enjoying coconut-based cuisine at Hoang Lam Restaurant. This is the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and fresh air.

Ba Dong Beach Resort

  • Address: Truong Long Hoa Commune, Coastal Area – rates starting from 900,000 VND/night.

This is a comprehensive resort located right on Ba Dong Beach, one of the province's most beautiful beaches. The resort offers a variety of accommodation types, from hotel rooms to separate bungalows, suitable for families and couples. Guests can enjoy the large sea-view swimming pool, private beach access, fresh seafood restaurants, and the clean coastal air. This location offers a unique coastal resort experience right within the delta region.

Homestay & Orchard Experience

Mekong Home (Que Toi)

  • Address: Phuoc Long Commune – rates starting from 800,000 VND/night.

Mekong Home is an upscale ecological homestay, hidden amidst a peaceful countryside with small canals and lush fruit orchards. It stands out with bungalows made from natural materials (coconut leaves, wood), featuring a rustic but fully equipped design. Guests will experience authentic orchard life: picking vegetables, cooking, boating on the canals, and enjoying absolute tranquility. This homestay is ideal for those who want to "escape" the city and immerse themselves in nature.

Ut Trinh Homestay

  • Address: An Binh Commune – rates starting from 500,000 VND/night.

Located on the fertile Cu Lao An Binh, Ut Trinh Homestay is one of the oldest and most famous orchard homestays. Staying here, guests live in traditional Southern houses, interact with the host family, learn to cook local dishes, and stroll through the large fruit gardens. This place offers an authentic, cozy indigenous cultural experience and is an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding small canals.

Additionally, if you want more options for your stay in Vinh Long, here are a few other suggestions worth considering—suitable for various styles and budgets:

  • Cuu Long Hotel: A reputable 3-star option with a central location and standard services.
  • Phuoc Thanh IV Hotel: A modern, well-equipped hotel located in one of the province's bustling areas.
  • Hanh Phuc Hotel (Happy Hotel): A notable 3-star hotel with unique architecture and good service.
  • Vinh Long Farm Stay: A farm stay experience, suitable for families with young children.
  • Mekong Lodge: A riverside ecological resort with separate bungalows, focusing on nature experiences.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Festivals

Famous Restaurants

Duc Phat Hoang Gia Restaurant

Duc Phat Hoang Gia Restaurant

68/8D Pham Thai Buong Street, Phuoc Hau Ward

Duc Phat Hoang Gia Restaurant is one of the top choices for a luxurious culinary experience. This place makes a strong impression with its sophisticated design and unique wine cellar space. The restaurant specializes in serving high-end BBQ dishes, famous for its premium beef marinade and signature sauces. With spacious space and professional services, this is also an ideal location to hold weddings and important events. Reference price is about 200,000 - 500,000 VND/person.

Hung Vuong Restaurant 

148 Hung Vuong Street, An Hoi Ward

Hung Vuong Restaurant is a familiar and famous culinary address, located in an airy location along the river. This place serves a rich menu, combining many traditional dishes and local specialties, the most famous of which is the special "Steamed veal" dish only sold every Wednesday. With a large campus and professional event organizing experience, Hung Vuong is also the preferred location for conferences and weddings. Reference prices range from 150,000 - 400,000 VND/person.

Local Cuisine

Dong Khoi Bun Nuoc Leo – 139A Dong Khoi Road, Tra Vinh Ward

When visiting Vinh Long, you cannot miss the famous Khmer bun nuoc leo (noodle soup). The Dong Khoi stall is a familiar spot for locals, famous for its rich broth cooked with mam bo hoc (fermented fish paste), lemongrass, and ngai bun (fingerroot), served with snakehead fish, roasted pork, and banana blossoms.

Pate Hu Tieu Phu Loc – Near Cai Cam Bridge, Phu Tuc Commune

This is a unique variation of hu tieu (rice noodle soup) found only in Vinh Long. The hu tieu noodles are chewy and soft, the soup broth is rich, and the highlight is the rich, fragrant liver pate ball. The Phu Loc stall is one of the places that maintains the original flavor of this special dish, attracting customers from early morning.

Experiential Culinary Discovery

6 Cua Meatball Sandwich (Banh Mi Xiu Mai 6 Cua) – 31 Pham Thai Buong Road, Long Chau Ward

A "legendary" breakfast spot with its signature banh mi xiu mai. The meatballs are large, soft, soaked in a rich tomato sauce, served with hot, crispy bread. The stall is always bustling with customers, offering a vibrant and delicious street food experience.

Thanh Long Sweet Soup (Che Thanh Long) – 21 Hung Vuong Road, Ben Tre Ward

This small sweet soup stall is a paradise for those who love dessert. Most famous are the pomelo sweet soup (che buoi) and the sweet soup with creamy coconut milk (che thung). The desserts are skillfully prepared, with a mild, non-cloying sweetness, making it an ideal refreshment stop after a day of exploration.

In addition to the eateries mentioned above, people can refer to some other famous spots such as:

  • 136 Fermented Fish Hot Pot (Lau Mam 136) – Nguyen Van Thiet Road, Long Chau Ward
  • 7 Toi Eatery (Field Rat Specialty) – Tan Long Hoi Commune
  • Ben Tre Floating Restaurant – Riverside Area, Ben Tre Ward
  • Tra Cuon Cylindrical Glutinous Rice Cake (Banh Tet Tra Cuon) (Souvenir purchase) – Along Luc Si Thanh and Tra Con Communes

Vinh Long Cultural Experience

Ok Om Bok Festival (Worshiping the Moon Ceremony)

Ok Om Bok Festival

  • Takes place: On the 14th and 15th days of the 10th Lunar month every year, centered at Ao Ba Om (Tra Vinh Ward).

This is the largest and most unique festival of the Southern Khmer community, now an important part of Vinh Long's culture. The festival aims to thank the Moon God for granting favorable rain and wind and bountiful harvests. The main activities include the moon worship ceremony, flying sky lanterns, and especially the Ngo boat race on the Long Binh River, which attracts tens of thousands of locals and tourists to cheer in a vibrant, colorful atmosphere.

Coconut Festival 

  • Takes place: Usually organized biennially (in odd-numbered years), in the central area (Ben Tre Ward).

This is a festival to honor the coconut tree—the economic and cultural symbol of the province. The festival lasts for many days with rich activities such as coconut product exhibitions, coconut cuisine fairs, seminars on coconut tree development, and art programs. This is an opportunity for visitors to understand the "Land of Coconuts," enjoy innovative dishes made from coconut, and immerse themselves in the joyous festive atmosphere of the local people.

Other cultural experiences in Vinh Long

  • Chol Chnam Thmay Festival: The traditional New Year of the Khmer people (around April in the Solar calendar) held at Khmer pagodas in the province.
  • Nghinh Ong Festival: The fishermen's ceremony to worship the Whale God in the coastal area (Duyen Hai Ward, My Long Commune), taking place in the 3rd and 5th Lunar months.
  • Enjoying Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern Vietnamese Folk Music): Experiencing this intangible cultural heritage at ecological tourist spots, especially at Cu Lao An Binh (An Binh Commune).
  • Ky Yen Festival: The largest communal house worship ceremony of the year, held at village communal houses (like Tan Giai Communal House) to pray for peace and prosperity.

Entertainment Areas

Vinh Sang Tourist Area

Vinh Sang Tourist Area

Located in An Binh Commune, Vinh Sang Tourist Area is a large-scale complex for entertainment, recreation, and ecological resort activities situated on an islet along the Tien River. This place attracts visitors with unique thrill rides such as ostrich riding and grass sliding, along with characteristic orchard activities like scooping water to catch fish. Visitors can also tour the small zoo area, fish for crocodiles, or relax at the swimming pool. This is an ideal destination for family activities and vibrant team building events.

Reference Ticket Price:

  • Entrance Fee: Adults: 50,000 VND/ticket – Children (under 1.3m): 35,000 VND/ticket.
  • Combo Ticket (including entrance fee and games): Several combo packages are available, priced from 129,000 VND to 179,000 VND/ticket, including games like ostrich riding, grass sliding, crocodile fishing, zipline, crossing the shaking bridge, etc.
  • Rental of Ao Ba Ba (traditional Southern costume): Approximately 40,000 VND/set.

Other Entertainment Areas in Vinh Long

  • Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary: Located in Tan My Commune, this is a pristine mangrove forest area and habitat for thousands of storks and egrets. Visitors can enjoy a boat trip through the forest.
  • Con Oc (Snail Islet): Located in Hung Phong Commune, famous for its endless coconut groves and fruit orchards, it is a peaceful community ecotourism spot.
  • Tan Qui Islet (Cu lao Tan Qui): Located in An Phu Tan Commune, nicknamed the "Mangosteen and Rambutan Island," with fruit-laden orchards and a fresh, clean atmosphere.

 Suggested Tours

Experiential Travel Tour

1-Day Exploration of Cu Lao An Binh & Brick Kilns

  • Itinerary: HCMC – Visit Mang Thit Brick Kilns (Red Pottery Kingdom) – Boat trip to Cu Lao An Binh (enjoy fruit, listen to Don Ca Tai Tu) – HCMC
  • Transportation: Car + Boat
  • Reference Tour Price: 590,000 VND
  • Organizer: Mekong Travel

Family Travel Tour

Four Islets & Vinh Sang Tourist Area 2 Days 1 Night

  • Itinerary: HCMC – Visit 4 Islets (Long, Lan, Quy, Phung) – Listen to Don Ca Tai Tu, eat fruit, visit the coconut candy furnace – Vinh Sang Tourist Area (ostrich riding, crocodile fishing) – HCMC
  • Transportation: Car + Boat
  • Reference Tour Price: 1,550,000 VND
  • Organizer: VietFun Travel

Ecological Tourism

Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary & Coastal Area 2 Days 1 Night

Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary

Itinerary: HCMC – Travel to Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary (explore the mangrove forest by small boat) – Visit Nguyen Dinh Chieu Tomb – Explore the coastal area – HCMC

Transportation: Car + Boat

Reference Tour Price: 1,650,000 VND

Organizer: Du Lich Mien Tay

Shopping and Souvenirs

Red Pottery Products

Vinh Long is not only famous for its fertile orchard islets and peaceful coastline but also has many exquisite handicraft products and unique souvenirs that carry the distinct local cultural identity for you to choose as gifts while traveling. Here are a few suggestions:

Handicrafts & Souvenirs

  • Handicrafts from coconut: Such as masks, spoons, chopsticks, bowls, baskets, and decorative items. These are intricately crafted from the trunk, shell, and leaves of the coconut, making them a symbolic gift of the province.
  • Red Pottery Products: From the "Kingdom of Brick and Pottery," including products like vases, statues, bas-reliefs, and decorative bricks featuring the characteristic orange-red color that cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Silk and Khmer Brocade Products: Such as scarves, fabric, and handbags with unique patterns and vibrant colors, reflecting the special culture of the Khmer community.
  • Mats, Bedding, and Baskets: Made from sedge and rush, a long-standing traditional handicraft, resulting in durable, beautiful, and eco-friendly products.

Support Information and Other Contacts

Emergency Contact Information

To ensure safety during your trip, tourists should save the following emergency phone numbers, which operate 24/7 across the entire territory of Vietnam:

  • 113: Police
  • 114: Fire and Search & Rescue
  • 115: Medical Emergency

Major Hospitals

Vinh Long province has a developed healthcare system, with several large hospitals ready to assist tourists:

  • Vinh Long General Hospital (Central Office): 100 Pham Thai Buong Road, Phuoc Hau Ward.
  • Vinh Long General Hospital (Tra Vinh Office): 152 Pham Ngu Lao Road, Tra Vinh Ward.
  • Nguyen Dinh Chieu General Hospital (Coastal Office): 101A Dong Khoi Road, An Hoi Ward.
  • Cu Lao Minh Regional General Hospital: Located in Mo Cay Commune.

Tourist Assistance

For travel information consultation, maps, or assistance with arising issues, tourists can contact the province's visitor information and support centers:

  • Tourism Promotion Information Center (Main Office): Hoang Thai Hieu Road, Long Chau Ward.
  • Tourist Support Center (Khmer Culture Office): 6A Hung Vuong Road, Long Duc Ward.

Located amidst the rivers heavy with alluvium, Vinh Long invites visitors to experience the authentic orchard culture, explore the lush green islets, and enjoy the true peace and sweetness of the authentic Mekong Delta.