Vinh Long – Authentic Mekong canals & island life
Vinh Long sits in the middle of the Mekong Delta, with its capital city stretched along the Cô Chiên River, a branch of the Hau River. The province is a mix of mid-size urban life and quiet rural islets such as An Binh and Binh Hoa Phuoc. Expect orchards, waterways, and small lanes best explored by bike or boat. The region has roots going back to the Long Ho administrative center in the 18th century and is still tied to its craft heritage of red-brick and pottery kilns along the Co Chien.
These days Vinh Long is known less for big-ticket attractions and more for simple experiences: cycling under fruit trees, overnighting at island homestays, or photographing the impressive Mang Thit kilns. Tourism is present but not overwhelming, and the vibe is more low-key than in Ben Tre or Can Tho. It’s a good choice if you prefer slower travel and a local feel, which sets the stage for the best things to do here.
Best things to do in Vinh Long
When it comes to the best things to do in Vinh Long, most activities are centered around the rivers, canals, and rural lifestyle. Don’t expect major landmarks or dramatic scenery; instead, the appeal is in slow travel—cycling, boating, and experiencing everyday life in the Delta.
Note on floating markets
Most floating markets around Vinh Long have faded. Tra On has only a handful of boats, and Cai Be has largely diminished.
1. Boat tour through Vinh Long’s canals and rivers
Exploring by boat is still the most atmospheric way to get a feel for Vinh Long. Larger motorboats cross the wide rivers and reach distant villages, while small sampans take you deeper into shaded side canals where life moves at a slower pace. From the water you’ll see stilt houses, small ferries shuttling motorbikes, and fruit trees leaning over narrow bridges.
Boats can be arranged through your accommodation or directly at the ferry piers in town. Prices vary depending on boat size and length of trip, but expect to pay more if you want the boat to yourself. If you’re staying at a homestay, most families can organize a short sampan ride or a longer half-day trip combined with stops at orchards.
2. Visit the Mang Thit brick & pottery kilns
The Mang Thit area is lined with dozens of red-brick kilns along the Co Chien River, their cone shapes giving the riverbanks an almost surreal look. This was once the largest brick-making hub in the Mekong, using local clay to produce bricks and ceramics that were shipped across Vietnam.
You can reach the kilns by bike, scooter, or boat. Some factories are still in operation and allow visitors to step inside and see the process, though it’s best to ask permission before entering. Even if you don’t go into a kiln, cycling or boating past the riverside kilns is worth it for the unique scenery.
3. Fruit gardens & seasonal fruit picking
Orchards are one of the main draws of Vinh Long, especially on the islets. Depending on the season, you’ll find rambutan, longan, grapefruit, jackfruit, and the locally famous Ri6 durian. Many gardens let you stroll shaded paths and enjoy tastings, often with a small entrance fee that includes a fruit plate.
Not every orchard is open to walk-in visitors. Some are family farms without tourist access, while others are set up for guests. You can often find visitor-friendly gardens on Google Maps, but the easiest way is to join a boat tour or ask your host to recommend one.
4. Cycling the countryside
Cycling is one of the best ways to see the Delta at your own pace. Small bridges, village lanes, and canals make for a scenic ride, with locals waving as you pass by. On An Binh Island especially, the roads are quiet and shaded by fruit trees, perfect for a few hours on two wheels.
Most accommodations provide free bicycles, though these are usually basic. For longer distances or rougher roads, consider renting a sturdier bike or booking a guided cycling tour that takes you deeper into the countryside and helps navigate the ferry crossings.
5. Explore An Binh Island
An Binh Island sits right across from Vinh Long City and is one of the province’s main draws. The island is a patchwork of quiet lanes, fruit orchards, and small villages, with homestays scattered along the canals. It’s a pleasant place to spend a night or two, cycling between gardens, stopping at Hoa Ninh Market, or visiting the historic Tien Chau Pagoda.
Getting there is simple—ferries cross every few minutes and cost only a few thousand dong. If you’ve booked a homestay, they’ll usually send a boat to pick you up from the pier, making the journey part of the experience.
6. Kayaking in Vinh Long
In recent years, some homestays and eco-areas have started offering kayaks. Paddling the calm side canals can be a fun way to explore, especially in the late afternoon when boat traffic slows down. It gives you a closer look at river life and a chance to slip into narrow waterways that larger boats can’t reach.
Conditions vary depending on tides and location, so it’s best arranged through your accommodation. Stick to smaller channels rather than the main river, where wakes from bigger boats can be intimidating.
7. Temples & spiritual sites
Vinh Long has a mix of spiritual architecture worth a stop if you’re interested in temples. Van Thanh Mieu (Temple of Literature), built in the 1860s, is a Confucian site with restored gates and shrines.
On the edge of the city stands the Phat Ngoc Xa Loi (Jade Buddha Temple), a massive modern pagoda with breezy upper terraces, often combined with a visit to the nearby Ngoc Hanh Zen Monastery, which features a reclining Buddha.
Within town, you’ll also find Thien Hau and Ong Pagodas, small Chinese-Vietnamese shrines that add another layer of cultural influence.
If you’re exploring farther afield, Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda showcases Khmer design influences and a calmer countryside setting. It’s a longer ride, but rewarding if you’re combining temples with rural cycling.
8. Cai Cuong Ancient House
Built in the late 19th century, Cai Cuong Ancient House combines French colonial architecture with Vietnamese detailing. Its tiled floors, carved wooden columns, and old-world atmosphere make it one of the more photogenic spots around Vinh Long.
The house is on An Binh Island, making it easy to combine with cycling or a boat trip. Entry is inexpensive, and a short visit is usually enough to take it in.
9. Vinh Long Market & riverside
The city’s market is lively in the mornings, when traders unload fruit and vegetables from the Delta. Inside, you’ll find everything from fresh produce to steaming bowls of hu tieu noodle soup, plus a food court that’s good for a cheap, local meal.
For a short break, stroll along the riverfront or cross the Bach Dang and Thieng Duc bridges. The views of boats moving along the river give you a sense of the city’s daily rhythm.
10. Don ca tai tu & simple local evenings
Don ca tai tu is the Mekong Delta’s traditional folk music, performed with string instruments and often woven into meals or evening gatherings. In Vinh Long, you might come across performances at homestays or organized dinners on the islets.
It’s not something you’ll find every night, and the quality varies depending on the setting. If it interests you, check with your host about whether any shows are happening during your stay.
Best time to visit Vinh Long
You can visit Vinh Long at any time of year. The main differences are in how hot it feels, how much rain you’ll encounter, and which fruits are in season. Boat trips, cycling, and orchard visits are possible year-round, but the experience shifts with the weather.
- Dec–Apr (dry season): Little rain and plenty of sunshine. March and April can feel very hot, so sun protection is essential. This is the easiest time for cycling and boat trips.
- May–Aug (early–mid rainy season): Expect short but heavy showers, usually in the afternoon. The countryside is lush and many fruits are harvested during these months, making it one of the best times for orchard visits.
- Sep–Nov (flood season): Rivers run higher and the scenery turns vividly green. Skies can be dramatic, though some paths may be muddy. Gardens remain enjoyable, but plan for flexible timing if rain arrives.
- Public holidays and weekends: Local gardens and eco-parks get busy with domestic visitors. If you’re traveling then, book homestays and boat tours in advance.
How to get to Vinh Long
Direct buses from Ho Chi Minh City
The most common way to reach Vinh Long is by bus. Sleeper and limousine-style minibuses run frequently, taking around 3–3.5 hours depending on traffic. Big operators like Futa and Thanh Buoi have good reputations, and tickets can be booked online or at Ho Chi Minh City’s Mien Tay Bus Station. Once in Vinh Long, many companies provide a free shuttle van to drop passengers at hotels or homestays within a short distance, so it’s worth asking when you book.
If you’re coming from Can Tho, the trip is much shorter at about 40 km, with frequent buses, vans, and private transfers available.
Private transportation
Hiring a car with driver is the most comfortable option, especially if you want to combine Vinh Long with other stops such as Cai Be or the Mang Thit brick kilns. It’s door-to-door and allows flexibility for sightseeing along the way, or even to continue deeper into the Delta on a multi-day trip. Riding a motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City is also possible, but it’s only recommended for licensed and experienced riders. The distance is long, traffic can be hectic near Saigon, and the heat makes it tiring—best treated as part of a slow road trip rather than a quick transfer.
How to get around
Getting around the city
Vinh Long City itself is small enough to cover on foot or by bicycle, with most cafés, markets, and temples within a short distance. For longer hops—like crossing bridges or getting to the bus station—taxis and Grab cars are straightforward to use. If you’re staying on An Binh Island or another islet, many homestays arrange boat pick-ups and drop-offs, which is often the easiest way to move back and forth.
Getting around the region
Cycling is one of the best ways to enjoy the countryside, especially on the islets where roads are quiet and shaded. Short loops are easy with the basic bikes that many homestays provide, but for longer countryside rides it’s better to join a tour or rent sturdier bikes and plan your ferry crossings in advance.
Boats can be arranged directly at piers or through hotels and homestays—always agree on the route and length of trip before setting off. For sights farther afield, like the Mang Thit brick kilns, Jade Buddha Temple, or Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda, renting a scooter or hiring a car with driver is the most practical option.
Staying in Vinh Long
Vinh Long makes sense as a base if you prefer a quieter Delta stop than Can Tho. It’s good for slow travel, cycling, and homestay experiences, though it lacks the big-ticket attractions and nightlife you’ll find in larger cities. The choice mainly comes down to whether you want convenience in town or the more rural atmosphere of the islets and countryside.
An Binh Island
An Binh is the most popular area for visitors to stay. Homestays here are surrounded by fruit gardens and canals, giving you a peaceful setting and easy access to cycling or short boat trips. The main trade-off is that you’ll need to cross by ferry to reach the city—crossings are quick and frequent, but it’s something to plan around. This option suits travelers who want a more relaxed, local experience rather than city comforts.
Other rural areas
Outside the city and away from An Binh, you’ll find smaller lodges and family-run homestays scattered along the canals or near the Mang Thit brick kilns. These places are less visited and feel closer to the rhythms of local life. They’re especially rewarding if you’re into photography, with sunrise and sunset light over the river and the kilns.
Vinh Long City
The city itself is convenient if you want to be close to the bus station, markets, and temples. Hotels here are practical rather than charming—good for a night in transit or if you value air-conditioning, cafés, and quick access to transport. For most travelers, though, the rural areas give a stronger sense of what the Mekong Delta is about.
Travel tips for Vinh Long
Is Vinh Long worth visiting?
Vinh Long is worth it if you’re looking for a quieter slice of the Mekong Delta—cycling through canalside villages, staying in family-run homestays, visiting fruit orchards, or photographing the old brick kilns. It’s not the right place if your main goal is to see a lively floating market, since Tra On is tiny and Cai Be has largely faded. For that, Can Tho’s Cai Rang is still the standout. Compared to Ben Tre, Vinh Long feels less polished and tourist-focused, but that can also mean a more local experience. Compared to Can Tho, it’s calmer but has fewer big sights.
How long do you need?
One night (two days) is ideal to combine a boat trip, cycling, and a visit to the kilns or temples without rushing. A day trip from Ho Chi Minh City is possible, but you’ll miss the evening atmosphere and the slower pace of the islets. If you’re keen on photography or want to explore multiple orchards, adding an extra night makes sense.
Where to go next?
- Can Tho – for Cai Rang floating market and a bigger Mekong hub.
- Cai Be (Tien Giang) – good starting point for river cruises and colonial-era architecture.
- Sa Dec – known for ancient houses and the flower village.
- Ben Tre – famous for coconut countryside and easy boat trips.
What to bring
Pack for the Delta climate: sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the heat; a light rain jacket if visiting during the rainy months. Mosquito repellent is useful, especially at homestays near the water. Offline maps help with navigation if you’re cycling across islets and ferries. Carry small cash for snacks, ferries, and entry to fruit gardens. For temple visits, bring something modest to cover shoulders and knees.
Suggested 2-day itinerary
Day 1 – City & An Binh Island
- Morning: Arrive in Vinh Long and start with a walk through the market, then stop at Thien Hau or Ong Pagoda before taking a coffee break along the river.
- Midday: Cross by ferry to An Binh Island and enjoy lunch at a fruit garden.
- Afternoon: Take a sampan boat ride through the narrow canals, visit Tien Chau Pagoda, and cycle a short loop through the island’s quiet lanes.
- Sunset: Return to the riverside for views from one of the bridges, then have a local dinner. If available, end the evening with a Don ca tai tu performance at your homestay.
Day 2 – Mang Thit & temple loop
- Sunrise: Head to the Mang Thit brick kilns for golden-hour photography; visit a working factory if possible.
- Late morning: Continue toward the Jade Buddha Temple, with the option to stop at Ngoc Hanh Zen Monastery nearby.
- Lunch: Eat at a simple countryside spot or orchard garden.
- Afternoon (option A): Kayak a calm canal near the islets or take another cycling loop.
- Afternoon (option B): Visit Cai Cuong Ancient House, then relax with a coffee before departure.
- Add-on (early AM alternative): If you overnight in Can Tho before this itinerary, you can fit in the Cai Rang floating market before continuing to Vinh Long.
