What is Dragon Island (Tan Long Island)
Dragon Island, locally called Cồn Tân Long or Cồn Rồng, is a small alluvial islet in the Tiền River, sitting just a few hundred meters from My Tho city. The island is compact, covered with coconut palms and fruit trees, and crossed by quiet lanes where only bicycles and motorbikes fit—there are no cars here. Life feels slower, and the main attractions are really the river views and the local atmosphere.
Administratively, the island is now Tan Long Ward of My Tho City, but for a long time it was seen as a rural backwater. Its past is unusual: during the French colonial period it was used as a leper camp, later abandoned, and then resettled by families from nearby provinces. In the 20th century, the community slowly grew as embankments were built to protect against landslides, electricity lines were connected, and aquaculture on floating rafts became an important source of income.
Today, Dragon Island is not a tourist site in the traditional sense. There are no staged shows, large temples, or organized activities. Instead, it’s a lived-in island community—an ordinary Mekong village right across from a bustling city. That makes it less immediately exciting than Phoenix or Unicorn Island, but also far more authentic. For travelers who value calm surroundings and glimpses of daily life, Dragon Island has its own quiet charm.
The Four Islands of the Mekong
Dragon Island (Tân Long) is part of the “Four Sacred Islets” (Tứ Linh), named after mythical animals that symbolize prosperity in Vietnamese culture: Dragon (Tân Long), Unicorn (Thới Sơn), Turtle (Quy), and Phoenix (Phụng).
The islets sit close together in the Tiền River, split between two provinces: Dragon and Unicorn belong to Tiền Giang, while Turtle and Phoenix fall under Bến Tre. Because of their location right opposite My Tho, they’re often bundled into classic 1-day Mekong Delta tours from Ho Chi Minh City.
Within this set, Dragon Island stands out as the quietest and most residential. While Unicorn and Phoenix have developed tourist areas with activities and performances, Dragon is more about everyday life. That makes it less of a “sight” but appealing if you’re curious to see a side of the Delta that hasn’t been shaped as much for visitors.
What to See and Do on Dragon Island
It’s worth saying up front: Dragon Island is a small, residential place. You don’t come here for a packed itinerary but rather for the calm pace, river scenery, and a glimpse of local life. A few simple activities make it a pleasant stop or overnight base.
1. Riverside Walks & Sunset Points
The embankments on Dragon Island are ideal for a slow walk, with wide views over the Tiền River and My Tho city on the opposite bank. The best time is late afternoon when the light softens and locals gather along the water.
2. Cycling the Island Loop
A bicycle is the easiest way to explore. The island is flat, with shady lanes lined by coconut and fruit trees. You can cycle the full loop in under an hour, and since there are no cars, it feels relaxed and safe even for casual riders.
3. Fruit Seasons & Small Gardens
Dragon doesn’t have large orchards like some nearby islets, but you will see rambutan, longan, and durian trees in home gardens. If you’re lucky and it’s harvest time, locals may offer fruit, though this is informal—best to ask politely rather than expect a tasting.
4. Raft Fish Farms & River Life
Fish farming on floating rafts is one of the main livelihoods here. From the shore you can watch the daily rhythm of boats loading feed, nets being checked, and fish being sorted. If taking photos, do so respectfully, as these are people’s workplaces.
5. Simple River Activities (with locals)
In the evenings, some residents bathe or swim in calmer stretches of the river. It’s not an organized activity, but if you’re staying overnight and your host says it’s safe, you can join in. Always be cautious of currents.
6. Boat Ride Around the Islet
If you’d like a closer look at Dragon Island from the water, you can arrange a short private boat ride from My Tho or through a homestay host. The circuit is short but can be combined with nearby canals or other islets for variety.
Location & How to get there
Where is Dragon Island?
Dragon Island sits directly opposite My Tho city (Tiền Giang Province) in the middle of the Tiền River. From the city center it’s only a few hundred meters across the water—a short hop by local ferry or boat.
Day trip from Ho Chi Minh City
From Ho Chi Minh City, it takes about 1.5–2 hours by road to reach My Tho. Most classic Mekong Delta tours head straight to Unicorn or Phoenix Island, so Dragon is often skipped or only seen from the boat. If it is included, expect no more than a quick circuit or short stop rather than in-depth exploration. A private tour is the better option if you’d like to add a quiet walk or bike ride on Dragon as a contrast to the more touristy islets.
Travel by yourself
Traveling independently is straightforward if you’re comfortable with local ferries:
- Option A: HCMC → My Tho (by bus, van, or private car) → walk to the Tân Long Ferry (at Trưng Trắc Street, Ward 1) → short passenger ferry across to the island.
- Option B: From My Tho’s riverside, hire a small boat to circle the islet and drop you off.
Once on Dragon Island, you can walk or cycle the quiet lanes. Services are limited, so it’s easiest if you have a homestay host meet you at the ferry and help arrange bikes or onward boat trips.
Staying on Tan Long Island
Accommodation on Dragon Island is very limited, with currently just one small homestay/guesthouse. Rooms are simple but comfortable enough, and the real highlight is the home-cooked meals and personal contact with the host family. They can also help arrange bicycles, boat trips, or onward travel, which makes things much easier given the lack of tourist infrastructure.
This kind of stay best suits travelers who value quiet, river views, and local immersion over facilities. You’ll wake up to the sound of boats on the river, share meals with the family, and experience a side of the Mekong that feels lived-in rather than packaged.
There are trade-offs: the ferry adds an extra step to every journey, there are no real restaurants or shops on the island, and you may encounter some background noise from dogs or village life. To make it work smoothly, plan to eat with your hosts and come prepared for a simple but authentic stay.
Tips for visiting Dragon Island
- Pace & expectations: This is not a sightseeing hotspot—come with the idea of slowing down and enjoying the river life rather than ticking off attractions.
- When to go: Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant, with cooler air and softer light. Visiting during fruit season adds an extra layer of interest.
- What to bring: Pack mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat, light clothing, a reusable water bottle, and cash, as there are no ATMs on the island.
- Baggage: If you’re staying overnight, it’s easiest to leave larger luggage in Ho Chi Minh City or My Tho and carry only a small bag across on the ferry.
- Respect local life: Always ask before taking photos of people, homes, or fishing rafts. If you join locals for a swim, dress modestly and be careful with currents.
- Getting around: Arrange a bicycle through your homestay; the island is easy to navigate, but locals can point you toward the quietest or most scenic lanes.
- Food: Expect to eat with your hosts or at very simple stalls. Let them know about any dietary needs in advance, as options are limited.
Is Dragon Island worth visiting?
Yes, if what you’re looking for is a calm and authentic base near My Tho. Dragon Island offers river views, quiet lanes, and welcoming hosts, making it a good choice for travelers who enjoy slowing down and don’t need a list of formal sights.
No—or maybe—if you prefer a more structured itinerary with staged activities, cultural shows, or a full day of attractions. After a short bike ride or walk, some visitors may feel there’s not much else to do here.
A smart way to experience it is to explore My Tho and the other nearby islets during the day, then return to Dragon Island for the night. The evening calm and early morning river life give you a sense of the Mekong Delta that day-trippers completely miss.
