Vinh Long is one of 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta, about 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Due to this distance, this region is less visited in day tours such as My Tho and Tien Giang and for multi-day tours most people choose Ben Tre and Can Tho. This ensures that when you explore the area, it feels wonderfully authentic and local.
Things to do in Vinh Long
1. Boat tour
Like most places in the Mekong Delta, the best way to explore the Vinh Long region is with a boat trip. A boat tour takes you over the major rivers in front of the city and through the smaller side channels that cut through the countryside. There are motorboats that allow you to cover greater distances and sail across the rivers. With smaller traditional sampan rowing boats you can float through the narrow channels to enjoy the peace and quiet and explore all corners of the Mekong Delta.
It’s wonderful to see local life from the boat, while also stopping at several islets along the way to visit fruit orchards and get a taste of local village life.
2. Floating markets in Vinh Long
1. Tra On floating market
In the province of Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta, there is one floating market, in the Tra On District. Dozens of whosale boats float on the Tra On floating market, mainly trading fruit from the nearby fruit orchards. It is wonderful to see how the goods are transferred from one boat to another and then distributed to nearby markets as far as Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Cai Be floating market
The Cai Be Floating Market is not located in Vinh Lonh province, but it is closer to the provincial capital Ving Long than the Tra On Floating Market. However, due to the improved road network, the floating market in Cai Be has diminished considerably, so you may be disappointed if you go here especially to see a lively floating market.
3. Cai Rang floating market
The Cai Rang floating market is also not in Vinh Long, but with 40 kilometers away from the city of Vinh Long, it should not be missing from this list. The Cai Rang floating market is very lively and even the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Hundreds of boats gather here to negotiate fresh fish, vegetables, fruit and other local produce.
3. Van Thanh Mieu Pagoda
The Van Thanh Mieu Pagoda is also called the Temple of Literature, not to confuse it with the famous Temple Of Literature in Hanoi. Just like the temple of the same name in Hanoi, this temple in Vinh Long was also built to workship Confucius. It was built between 1864 and 1866 and despite being renovated many times over the years, it remains the original architecture.
The gate to the pagoda has 3 entrances. Within the complex you will find the main temple in the center called Dai Thanh for worshiping Confucius and four of his best known disciples. In addition, 2 small shrines named Huu Vu and Ta Vu stand for worshiping the 72 most gifted students of Confucius.
The temple is located 5 kilometers from the city center and is well worth a visit if you are staying in the area.
4. Brickyard
The Mekong Delta is known for its many traditional activities. For example, you can visit the unique brick factory of Mang Thit. It is especially a popular spot among photographers. Nearly 1000 different stone production facilities are located here side by side along the Co Chien River. If you pass by boat it is an impressive sight and you understand why this is one of the best things to do in Vinh Long.
The Brick Factory Mang Thit is more than a hundred years old. Here you will find the largest production of red bricks and ceramics in the Mekong Delta. The ceramics and bricks are used all over Vietnam and even exported to many countries around the world.
5. An Binh Island
Just across the water from the town of Vinh Long, you’ll find the island of An Binh. The island is more than 60 square kilometers spread over four communes. This area is best known for its many fruit orchards, but there are also a few small villages and pagodas, including the 250-year-old Tien Chau Pagoda.
The villages and fruit orchards are all connected by small roads, where there is almost no traffic. This makes it ideal to explore the island by bike. Along the way you can pick and taste your own fruit at a fruit orchard and discover more of the local life in the sleepy villages.
In the southernmost part of the island you will find the Vinh Sang tourist area. Here you can participate in activities such as sledding on the grass and a basket boat trip. Please note, this area is mainly aimed at domestic tourists and is often not to the liking of outside travelers.
How to get there
Vinh Long is about 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and can be easily reached by bus. The bus journey from the city takes less than 3 hours and you have a choice of regular buses or luxury minibuses (recommended) which will take you directly to your accommodation. If you stay outside the city in the countryside of Vinh Lonh, you can do the last part by taxi.
At just 40 kilometers you are already in Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, including an airport that has connections with various cities in Vietnam. Public buses run on this route, but for a little more you can book a luxury minibus that will take you door to door.
Best time to visit
Like the rest of the Mekong Delta, Vinh Long has the dry and rainy season. The drying season runs from December to April and the rainy season runs from May to November. If you want to see clear blue skies and no rain, the best time to visit Vinh Long is in the months of the dry season.
Accommodation in Vinh Long
There are plenty of accommodations in the town of Vinh Long, but for a more authentic experience, it’s recommended to look outside, in the countryside. Lodges and resorts provide the most comfortable and luxurious options and homestays provide a more local feel. You can also stay on An Binh Island; homestays in particular can be found here.
