Vinh Long province located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, is a land where major rivers like the Tien and Hau rivers converge. With a dense network of canals and fertile alluvial soil, Vinh Long is famous for its lush fruit gardens, friendly people, and unique river culture. It is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the natural beauty and distinctive culture of the Southwestern region of Vietnam.
Vinh Long province attractions
1. An Binh Islet
An Binh Islet is a large cluster of islands situated in the middle of the Tien River, often referred to as the “green lung” of Vinh Long. With vast, verdant orchards growing fruits like rambutan, mangosteen, durian, Nam Roi pomelo, and longan, the islet offers a serene and refreshing environment. Visitors can take a boat along the small canals, navigate through the fruit gardens, participate in fruit harvesting with the locals, or enjoy rustic dishes like grilled snakehead fish, banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes), and banh khot (mini pancakes) right in the garden.
Additionally, An Binh Islet is known for its cultural and historical sites, such as the ancient Cai Cuong house, which features traditional Southern architecture, and Tien Chau Pagoda, a 300-year-old temple offering a tranquil and peaceful space. This is a great opportunity for visitors to experience authentic life in the Mekong Delta and discover the hospitality of the local people.
2. Tra On Floating Market
Tra On Floating Market, one of the oldest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, is a must-visit destination when in Vinh Long province. This market, bustling with trade activities on the river, offers visitors a unique and authentic experience of the Mekong Delta’s distinctive trading culture. At the market, hundreds of small boats and large barges gather to sell various fruits, vegetables, seafood, and local specialties.
Tra On Floating Market is not only a trading place but also a cultural exchange venue. Visitors can attend traditional Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern folk music) performances on the river to feel the simplicity, sincerity, and hospitality of the local people.
3. Vinh Sang Tourist Area
Located on An Binh Islet, Vinh Sang Tourist Area is an ideal destination for those who love ecotourism and exploring the culture of the Mekong Delta. With its large area and lush greenery, Vinh Sang offers visitors many exciting activities such as kayaking on the river, crocodile fishing, ostrich riding, participating in farming experiences, or engaging in traditional folk games.
Vinh Sang also organizes cultural programs to learn about the customs and traditions of ethnic minorities, especially the Khmer people. Visitors can watch traditional Khmer dances, participate in unique festivals, and enjoy distinctive cuisine, helping them understand the cultural diversity of the Southwestern region.
4. Fruit Gardens
Vinh Long is known as the “fruit kingdom” of the Mekong Delta, with vast fruit orchards that are abundant all year round. Fruit gardens like rambutan, mangosteen, durian, and Nam Roi pomelo not only supply the domestic market but are also exported to many countries worldwide.
Here, visitors can tour the gardens, handpick ripe fruits, enjoy them on-site, or buy them as gifts. Many fruit gardens also offer tours where visitors can experience fruit harvesting, learn more about the cultivation and harvesting processes, and understand the unique gardening culture of the local people.
5. My Thuan Bridge
My Thuan Bridge, connecting Tien Giang and Vinh Long province, is the first cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam and symbolizes the connection between the Mekong Delta provinces and other regions. My Thuan Bridge is not only vital for transportation and the economy but also an attractive tourist spot with its modern architecture and panoramic views of the Tien River.
Visitors to Vinh Long often stop at My Thuan Bridge to take photos and enjoy the vast river scenery from above. In the evening, the bridge becomes even more enchanting with its bright lighting system, creating a romantic and poetic atmosphere.
6. Ong Pagoda (Ông Thất Phủ Cổ Miếu)
Ong Pagoda also known as Thien Hau Temple, is an ancient and sacred pagoda in the heart of Vinh Long City. It serves as a place of worship for the Chinese community in Vinh Long, featuring unique architecture and intricately carved statues. A visit to Ong Pagoda allows visitors to admire the architectural beauty and learn more about the beliefs and culture of the Chinese community in the Mekong Delta.
7. Van Thanh Mieu
- Address: Tran Phu, Ward 4, Vinh Long city
Van Thanh Mieu is an important cultural and historical site in Vinh Long, dedicated to honoring Confucian scholars and preserving traditional cultural values. This site hosts many festivals and solemn rituals, deeply reflecting the spiritual life and culture of the local people. Visitors can come here to learn about the history and culture of this land.
Vinh Long Cuisine – The Essence of Mekong Delta Flavors
Vinh Long’s cuisine is rich in rustic flavors, combined with creative cooking methods, offering visitors unique and distinctive dishes.
1. Keo Hotpot: This famous hotpot dish features a tangy, spicy broth with sweet, tender Keo fish. It is usually served with noodles, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
2. Snakehead Fish Porridge with Bitter Herb: A nutritious dish made with snakehead fish and bitter herb, a specialty of the Mekong Delta, offering a fresh and rich flavor. It is often enjoyed in the morning or evening.
3. Crispy Fried Elephant Ear Fish: The crispy fried elephant ear fish, with its delicious meat, is usually served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a rich and appealing taste.
4. Boiled Sweet Potato with Fermented Fish Sauce Wrapped in Wild Betel Leaves: This rustic dish features boiled sweet potatoes served with fermented fish sauce and wild herbs like betel leaves, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor.
5. Snails Steamed with Ginger Leaves: This dish combines the light fragrance of ginger leaves with the sweet taste of snails, offering a distinctive and flavorful experience.
6. Banh Xeo with Mussels from Cu Lao Dai: Banh xeo with mussel filling, crispy and flavorful, is a signature dish of Cu Lao Dai, beloved by many tourists.
7. Three-Filling Banh Tet: Banh Tet with three different fillings is a traditional Vinh Long specialty, often enjoyed during Tet and particularly during the rice harvest season.
Notable Festivals
Vinh Long province is home to many traditional festivals, reflecting the culture and beliefs of the local people. Some notable festivals include:
1. Lang Ong Tra On Festival: Held in early January every year, this festival honors the virtues of General Dieu Bat Nguyen Van Ton and attracts many visitors to partake in cultural and folk art activities.
2. Mieu Worship Festival: This important spiritual activity includes worshiping at Mieu Ong, Mieu Ba, and Mieu Co Hon, usually held on full moon days and major holidays with solemn rites.
3. Ky Yen Festival: Held at village temples, this festival aims to pray for national peace, abundant harvests, and prosperity, featuring many traditional rituals and cultural activities.
4. Chol Chnam Thmay Festival: Celebrated by the Khmer community in mid-April, this New Year festival includes games, dances, and religious ceremonies at Khmer temples.
Traditional Craft Villages in Vinh Long
Vinh Long is also famous for its many unique traditional craft villages, each reflecting the lifestyle and culture of this region.
1. Ancient Mang Thit brick village: One of the oldest craft villages in Vinh Long, known for its products of bricks, tiles, and red ceramics with natural and unique colors.
2. My Hoa Beancurd Sheet Village: My Hoa is renowned for its high-quality, flavorful beancurd sheets made from soybeans.
3. Traditional Fish Sauce Making Villages: Vinh Long has several traditional fish sauce-making villages, where the fish sauce is rich, flavorful, and made according to age-old methods.
4. Son Dong Glutinous Rice Wine Village: Son Dong glutinous rice wine, made from delicious sticky rice through natural fermentation, has a distinctive and rich flavor, highly popular among locals.
Best time to visit
Vinh Long enjoys a mild climate year-round, but the best time to explore is from December to April, when the weather is dry and cool, perfect for outdoor activities. This period is also the fruit harvest season for many varieties like rambutan, mangosteen, and durian, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh fruit right in the garden.
Travel Tips
• Transportation: Vinh Long province is about 140 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors can travel by car, bus, or train. Renting a motorbike or bicycle to explore the surrounding areas is also a popular and enjoyable option.
• Preparation: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket to protect your skin from the sun, especially during outdoor activities or river travel.
• Respect Local Culture: When visiting temples, shrines, and religious sites, dress modestly and respectfully, and maintain quiet. Always ask for permission before photographing local people.
Experience Activities
• Join a Boat Tour: Visitors can participate in kayak or motorboat tours along the canals to explore the natural beauty and daily life of the Mekong Delta people.
• Experience Orchard Life: Stay at homestays on An Binh Islet, where guests can engage in gardening, fruit harvesting, and cooking with local residents.
• Explore the Floating Market: Join early morning tours to Tra On Floating Market to witness the lively trading scene and enjoy specialty dishes on the boats.
Vinh Long with its simple beauty and genuine, hospitable people, promises to offer visitors a delightful and memorable experience. Come to here to fully appreciate the cultural essence and natural beauty of the Mekong Delta. We would love to hear about your experiences in Vinh Long. Please share your photos and stories with us, and don’t forget to follow our page for more exciting and up-to-date travel tips!
