I want to rewrite a detailed guide about: Vinh Long
To create the ultimate guide, I first need:
(1) Title ideas
(2) A detailed outline
To get inspiration for title and to write a detailed outline, we have a look at 4 different sources:
1. My old guide: it is not raking so good, so need to make it a lot better, but we can use information from it I researched before.
2. Best ranking guides on Google: We need to check if we can create a guide (outline first) that can compete against these best ranking guides on google. If they have a guide of 3000 words, we can not come with a guide of 1000 words. We can also compare if we have information missing
3. Reviews: I love using reviews as a source. Don’t mention in our text anything about reviews or what people have to say about. But use it as a source. Reviews often share practical things you can not find in guides and news articles. It can also help give our text a more honest tone. I don’t need to oversell anything or write to overly cheesy / flowery. If something is nice, sure we can say that, but if something is not nice, we also need to share that. So reviews makes our text more practical + honest.
4. My take on this. My take on it can be based on my experience of visiting it, or the reviews I have seen, guides I have read or photos I have seen. My take on it is simumar as reviews, to give make sure we share practical information and honest tone
5. My Outline idea: For some guides I already have an idea for an outline (not all!). We can use that as a base, but it does not mean we can not change or add things. If there are highlights, things to see, practical tips to add, always do so. We need to be able to be the absolute best in google!
These are all findings:
1. My old guide
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.
2. Best ranking guides found on Google.
Number 1 ranking guide on Google:
Visit Vinh Long – Official Vinh Long Travel Guide
Planning a holiday to Vinh Long? Discover top reasons to go, best time to visit, tours and free itineraries, history and hidden gems with the official guide! Find out what to do, where to go, where to stay and what to eat in Vinh Long from the local travel experts who know it best. If you’re not able to visit just yet, plan ahead to make the most of your wish-lists.
Welcome to Vinh Long City
Vinh Long is located in the Mekong Delta region, about 140km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, 40km from Tra Noc Intl airport of Can Tho City. The city itself has long been famous for its fruit orchards and surrounding islets where fruits are produced and exported. With a convenient location, this city is a good place for you to admire the islet homestays with isolated villages and off the beaten tracks and much unique beauty of local culture. Lush and heavily cultivated with both rice and fruit gardens, the province is criss-crossed with canals and tributaries all flowing into the teeming rivers that form its borders. It’s not surprising that the name Vinh Long translates to “eternal prosperity”. The city was built on the bank of the Cô Chiên River, which branches off from the larger Mekong River.
If Vinh Long rings even the faintest of bells, it may be because you once saw The Lover, a film more known for its explicit love scenes than anything else. The main male character is from Vinh Long, and it’s on a ferry between there and Sa Đéc that he meets our narrator and main female character. While we did see that film as a teen, we first remember hearing of Vinh Long and wanting to visit when we saw this photo.
Top Reasons to Go
Vinh Long Pottery & Brick Kingdom
There are hundred old brick and pottery factories in Vinh Long which are super impressive and unique to see when you travel to Vinh Long.
Cai Be Floating Market
Unfortunately the floating market of Cai Be is getting smaller every year, since trade is shifting more and more into modern central markets. The Catholic cathedral in the background of the floating market is an awesome motive for photos.
Stunning canals, wild islets and hidden homestay
In the Mekong Delta, life is lived on the water. Rivers and canals wind through the region, and locals grow up paddling boats and travelling by ferry. Get a taste of this unique culture by taking a sampan to explore small canals and mangrove forests. Women typically row sampans standing up while skillfully navigating the currents and twists of each waterway. You also can explore the area very well by bicycle riding on narrow roads along small side canals. Many of the small shady canals, which branch off from the larger river arms, are hard to spot, because they are overgrown by lush greenery.
Mekong Delta Cruises
Cai Be river is the meeting point of the river tributaries of Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre. This town has many cruises for tourists who are passionate about exploring nature and the majestic Mekong river. Mekong excursions can last for the day, overnight, or even cross-country between Vietnam and Cambodia and Laos. With the advantage of the mighty Mekong river, more and more tourists choose Cai Be as the place to start the trip of a lifetime – the Mekong Delta expedition.
Mekong River Islands
What makes a trip to Vinh Long worthwhile is not the town but the beautiful islands dotting the river. The islands are dedicated to agriculture, especially the growing of tropical fruits, which are shipped to markets in HCMC. This low-lying region is as much water as land and houses are generally built on stilts. Some of the more popular islands to visit include Binh Hoa Phuoc and An Binh, but there are many others. You can take the public ferry to one of the islands and then walk or cycle around on your own.
Getting here and around
As a central town of Mekong Delta, Vinh Long is getting easier for everyone to get there and get around. It also means that traveling to the town won’t take much sweat, especially when you get here by public bus, car via the highway. We will break this down in detail, so check the information below to choose your best vehicle option.
Air travel: Currently, there aren’t any direct flights to Vinh Long. The nearest one is Tan Son Nhat intl airport and Tra Noc intl (Can Tho) airport.
Bus travel: From Ho Chi Minh city to Vinh Long. The best bus company for getting from Saigon to Vinh Long is the Futa Bus Lines company or Thanh Buoi Bus Lines. You can catch a bus from the Western bus station (address: 395 Kinh Duong Vuong, An Lac Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City) with the time to travel to Vinh Long is 3 hours, to buy tickets or contact system of specialized vehicles running Saigon – Vinh Long route such as: Phuong Trang (futa bus lines), add in Saigon: 272 De Tham, District 1. Tel: (08) 38375570. Once you’ve arrived at the Vinh Long Bus Station, take a taxi to your Vinh Long accommodation. Or, if taking the Futa bus line, take the complimentary transportation van which goes to certain areas in 10 km distance. For your return trip, you can pre-book your tickets or have your accommodation help reserve the tickets for you. If you choose to stay at Vinh Long homestays in the islet, you’ll want the bus driver to drop you off at the Cuu Long B (facing the An Binh ferry) hotel where the boat station is. The locals from the homestays will arrange to pick you up in a boat when you arrive at the harbor.
Bus travel: From Can Tho to Vinh Long. Take the public bus as Futa bus line or Thanh Buoi bus line. Super easy to have a ticket. These buses are great and new and AC and depart from Can Tho to HCMC every 15 minutes. On the way, you just tell the driver to drop you off in Vinh Long. The bus ticket is about 120,000 VND.
Boat travel: Not a public boat yet. But it is quite typical to see some tourists book a customized boat trip from Can Tho to Vinh Long or Vinh Long to Can Tho for both exploring the Mekong river and avoiding the long drive with the traffic.
Speed Boat travel: From HCMC to Vinh Long. Not yet
Speed Boat travel: From Can Tho to Vinh Long. Not yet
Cruises: There are daily overnight cruises from Can Tho Vinh Long to Cai Be and Cai Be Vinh Long to Can Tho. Cai Be river is the meeting point of the river tributaries of Mekong river. This town has many cruises for tourists who are passionate about exploring nature and the majestic Mekong river. Mekong excursions can last for the day, overnight, or even cross-country between Vietnam and Cambodia and Laos. With the advantage of the mighty Mekong river, more and more tourists choose Cai Be as the place to start the trip of a lifetime – the Mekong Delta expedition.
Train travel: Not yet.
Bicycle and motorcycle travel: While it’s possible to rent a motorbike to explore the delta, Vinh Long city center and the wonderful An Binh islet, most visitors choose to utilize the free bicycles offered by most resorts and homestays. The roads are bumpy and occasionally muddy but the distances are relatively short. You’ll notice that many of the locals opt to travel by bike as well so you’ll be in good company.
Ferry travel: Two passenger ferries run between the Vinh Long mainland and the island of An Binh islet in the middle of the Mekong River. An Binh ferry (facing the Cuu Long B hotel) is the first ferry leaving from the town of Vinh Long near the tourist pier and drops you on the South end of An Binh islet. Dinh Khao ferry is the second ferry leaves from further downriver near the village of Hoa Phuoc and drops you closer to the Hai Dao homestay on An Binh islet as well. This allows you to make a loop on your bicycle. The ferries run about every 10 minutes so you’ll never have to wait long to cross. You can ride your bicycle or motorbike up the ramp and onto the boat. The fare is ~4,500 VND ($0.20) for a person plus a bicycle. You don’t need to buy a ticket before you board – someone will come around to collect payment during the river crossing.
Best time to Visit Vinh Long
Vinh Long welcomes you in any season all year round, each of which will certainly offer you specifically different types of pleasure and satisfaction. However, the best time to visit Vinh Long is from September to March. The weather is cool and pretty comfortable, so you can join any activity that you like.
Floating season (September – December): It is the best time to visit Vinh Long and the Mekong Delta region in general. You can go fishing in our traditional wooden boats, discover pristine nature and spend time in some orchards.
Rainy season (May – October): It is not a bad choice when traveling to Vinh Long during rainy seasons since the rains are short and will not affect your trip.
Dry season (January – April): It is hot and dry during this time, however, it is harvesting time here and you can enjoy fruit picking activities with the locals.
Vinh Long Tourist Attractions
Vinh Long Pottery & Brick Kiln Factory
There are hundred old brick and pottery factories in Mang Thit Vinh Long which are super impressive and unique to see when you travel to Vinh Long… Read more info & pictures
Blog: https://vemekong.com/a-guide-to-brick-kilns-in-vinh-long-ben-tre-and-can-tho-city/
Vinh Long Sampan Ride in Small Canals
Cai Be – Vinh Long hand-rowing sampan (small boat) is one of the authentic and traditional boats that the Mekong peoples used to have for the markets, floating markets, traveling around, loading goods and even for the wedding.
Sampan in Cai Be Vinh Long can accommodate about 4 adults with the small size, and 8 adults with the bigger one… Read more info & pictures
Blog: https://vemekong.com/cai-be-floating-market-small-canals/
Puffed Rice Cake Traditional Village In Vinh Long
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: One hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes, traditional candy, rice cakes, jasmine tea, snake wine…
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes, boat, car, coach
Blog: https://vemekong.com/pop-rice-cake-traditional-village-cai-be-vinh-long-mekong-delta/
Address: If you travel from Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit Cai Be pop rice village (112km). If you travel from Can Tho City, you can visit Vinh Long popped rice village (40km).
Added values: One of the Delta’s specialities is a crispy puffed rice snack which comes in a variety of flavours. And any traveller passing through the area should certainly not pass up the chance to witness its fascinating manufacturing process.
Whole grains of rice with their husks intact are poured into a large pot that’s previously been filled with black sand from the Mekong River.
This decades-old technique of cooking pop-rice begins with pouring whole grains of rice (including husk) into a large, wok-shaped pot filled along with black Mekong River sand over fire. As the worker stirs the mixture, the rice then launches into an explosive spectacle for the eyes and ears.
The popped rice is then filtered through a mesh screen twice, first to sift out the black sand and once again to remove the remaining rice husks (which are then used as fuel for the fire).
As the mixture is stirred over a fire, the rice begins to puff and pop, and it is later filtered twice through a mesh in order to remove the black sand and the remaining husks. The crispy rice is then placed into another wok-shaped pot and mixed with a syrup consisting of sugar and water… Read more info & pictures
Coconut Candy Traditional Village in Vinh Long
If you plan to visit Mekong Delta, coconut candy village and boat trip in small canals is also one of the most highlight things to do, see, eat and shop in Cai Be, Ben Tre, My Tho, Vinh Long.
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: One hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes, traditional candy, cakes, tea, coconut wine…
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes, boat, car, coach
Address: If you travel from Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit Cai Be coconut-processing village (112km). If you travel from Can Tho City, you can visit Vinh Long coconut-processing village (40km). If you travel from Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit Ben Tre coconut-processing village (90km).
Added values: If you visit Ben Tre, Cai Be, My Tho, Vinh Long, don’t leave without trying the coconut candy. Good luck and bon appétit! And any traveller passing through the area should certainly not pass up the chance to witness its fascinating manufacturing process.
Vietnamese coconut candy is one of the most popular candies in Vietnam with its sweetness of sugar, as well as the fragrance and natural fatty taste of coconut. This is also an ideal souvenir for tourists traveling to Vietnam. According to the residents, Vietnam coconut candy first appeared in Mo Cay District, Ben Tre province of Mekong Delta in the 1930s. Initially known as Mo Cay candy, it was a homemade treat served to guests during festive seasons or the Tet holiday. Since 1970 it has become more well-known and been produced on a larger scale. Because of this, the specialty has gained popularity and become a staple in Ben Tre, My Tho Cai Be, Vinh Long visitors’ gift baskets.
Mekong Delta’s Coconut candy-making process. Coconut candy is relatively simple to make with widely available ingredients. Candy makers’ keen eyes ensure each component is of the highest quality. The three main ingredients are malt syrup, sugar, and coconut… Read more info & pictures
Tra On Floating Market
On a stream branching off from the Hau River, the Tra On Floating Market has become a highlight of Vinh Long Province. Instead of sitting in stalls, vendors fill their boats with a variety of products like fresh produce, handmade crafts, and home cooked meals. Somewhat chaotic at times, the market is certainly a unique way to experience the local lifestyle. Top Tip: Now this market has only about 5 boats as we know. We hope you enjoy the river excursion instead of the “used to Tra On floating market”… Read more info & pictures
Blog: https://vemekong.com/tra-on-floating-market-vinh-long/
Vinh Long Kayaking and Canalling
Depending on where you’re staying, your homestay or hotel will probably have a list of activities you can choose from.
On the islets, there are many small canals and less boat traffic which is quite fun for kayaking activity. The muddy fresh water may be interesting in the low tide. It is fun to do in the afternoon. Make sure you put a life jacket on! Safety is priority.
Vinh Long Cycling Tour
This is a favourite thing to do in Vinh Long, Mekong Delta. While biking or driving a scooter only induces panic and stress in Vietnam’s big cities, the bicycle is actually enjoyable in Vietnam’s small towns. Be sure to pin your hotel or homestay’s location on your map when you embark on your journey: there are a lot of twists and turns to these roads that could get you confused.
If you take a ferry to another island, don’t be worried if your Google Maps feature just shows a block of green, without mapping any actual roads. Just learn or write down the phrase “Phà ở đâu?” (Where is the ferry?) Show someone this and give them the name and address of your accommodation; that will probably get you where you need to be.
An Binh Islet
An Binh islet of Vinh Long City is an islet in the Mekong River accessed via a five-minute ferry ride. The island is a tropical haven. Narrow channels criss-cross the land, creating rich soil that Cai Be Vinh Long farmers cultivate to grow delicious fruits. Plump jackfruits, rambutans, mangoes and mangosteens hang heavy from trees that cover every inch of the island. Give yourself an afternoon to explore the tiny lanes of the islet by bicycle. Ride over tiny bridges and along the water’s edge, all the while surrounded by lush greenery. Consisting of 4 communes, at An Binh islet, the locals also produce various goods like rice wine, rice paper, coconut candy, and Com candy. An Binh islet tours of the islet are available and it is the best way to visit the island. With a tour, travelers won’t have to worry about transportation and with the extensive knowledge of the guides, you’ll be able to learn more about the cultivation of fruit in Vinh Long… Read more info & pictures
Phat Ngoc Xa Loi Pagoda (Jade Buddha)
Coming here, in addition to praying sincerely to Buddha, finding a peaceful place to relieve sorrow, the space of this temple makes us imagine this is a miniature ancient film set.
First, let’s learn about the history of the formation of the Phat Ngoc Xa Loi Pagoda (Jade Buddha) in Vinh Long.
The origin of this Shari stupa was the idea of Most Venerable Thich Thien Hoa. Because, in 1970 Venerable NaraDa invited three Buddha relics, from Nepal India to donate to the Southern Vietnamese Buddhist Association in Vinh Long province, from which Venerable Thich Thien Hoa initiated the construction of the stupa to worship Buddha relics and establish the Buddhist Cultural Center.
By 1972, the construction of a ground floor and two floors had to be unfinished because of the lack of funds, partly due to the influence of the war. From 1975 to 2008, the Bao Thap was abandoned and suffered from ruin. In 2010, the Stone Laying Ceremony started to build the Phat Ngoc Xa Loi Pagoda in Vinh Long… Read more info & pictures
Vinh Sang Eco-Tourism
On the river next to Vinh Long City, the Vinh-Sang Eco-Tourism Area is a small farm where rare animals are housed. Featuring bears, goats, deer, boar, and monkeys, the area has become a fun attraction for travelers with families. Activities at the Vinh-Sand Eco-Tourism Area include slides, shooting games, fishing, riding an ostrich and ” fishing crocodile in a 200m2 wide lake”. Tourists can take a boat from Vinh Long to visit the area. It is quite common for Vietnamese tourists too… Read more info & pictures
Mang Thit Pottery Village
Mang Thit Terracotta Village is one of the places that have the largest craft brick and pottery kilns in the Mekong Delta. Leaving the busy urban area, you should have a look at Mang Thit when coming to Vinh Long. Mang Thit not only allows you to admire the remnants of the ancient brick kingdom, but this place also brings you to immerse yourself in the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere even though there is still a little sadness… Read more info & pictures
Don Ca Tai Tu folk music
The people of the Mekong Delta are known for their love of music. Don Ca Tai Tu, a Vietnamese style of folk opera originally from the Mekong Delta, is a mix of ballads and theatre accompanied by a musician playing a zither or, in modern renditions, a guitar. The amusing storylines are often set in Vietnam’s countryside and can be lighthearted, sorrowful, or both. Regardless of language barriers, it’s easy to enjoy Don Ca Tai Tu, thanks to expressive acting and melodious singing. Cai Be Vinh Long gardens and homestays, Tân Phong Islet, An Binh islet, are some of the places that perform Don Ca Tai Tu music throughout the day and at dinner time.
Van Thanh Mieu Temple
(Phan Thanh Gian Temple; Ð Tran Phu; 5-11am & 1-7pm) Confucian temples such as this are rare in southern Vietnam. The front hall honours local hero Phan Thanh Gian, who led an uprising against the French colonists in 1930. When it became obvious that his revolt was doomed, Phan killed himself rather than be captured by the colonial army. The rear hall, built in 1866, has a portrait of Confucius above the altar… Read more info & pictures
Vinh Long FarmStay
Vinh Long Fruit Garden
Ticket:20,000 VND – 100,000 VND (fruit, food)
Spend-time: A half day (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Food:Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/vinh-long-fruit-garden/
Address: An Binh islet, May islet, Vinh Long
Added values: Coming to Vinh Long fruit garden, visitors will be immersed in the fresh nature filled with green trees and ripe fruits according to color. Especially, if you come to the garden in the summer, when the fruit garden is in full bloom, the scent spreads throughout the garden.
You can visit Vinh Long fruit gardens at any time of the year. However, summer will be the time when the orchards are most fruitful. This is also the time when Vinh Long people harvest many kinds of fruit to sell to traders and export to other countries.
The best time for you to explore Vinh Long fruit gardens is from June to August. Around this time, you can come here to check in “virtual living”; and hand-harvested fruits such as rambutan, durian, longan, etc… Read more info & pictures
Vinh Long Tours and Free itineraries
As a local travel expert in Vinh Long, here is some options for your Vinh Long discovery:
Itinerary 1: Vinh Long Excursion from Vinh Long city center (full day)
Itinerary 2: Vinh Long Tour from HCMC 1 Day (full day)
Itinerary 3: Vinh Long Tour from Can Tho 1 Day (full day)
Itinerary 4: Cai Be & Vinh Long Tour from HCMC 1 Day (full day)
Itinerary 5: Cai Be Vinh Long Homestay Tour from HCMC 2 Day (2 days)
Itinerary 6: Cai Be Vinh Long & Can Tho Tour from HCMC (2 days)
If you do not have much time left, it is easy to check out spots in one full day by boat or with bike or with motorbike and car. But there are much more than tourist sites like these in Vinh Long. Make sure you have more time to feel and explore more about the hidden gems and the culture, food, night life, wildlife and forest as well. Top tip: Stay in a homestay nearby, so you have more chances to visit it and surroundings. If you are looking for the package Can Tho day tour with local, you can contact www.vemekong.com or Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559; email: [email protected]
Vinh Long Homestays and Hotels
Hai Dao homestay
This is a real local original house and used as a homestay and an amazing real life touch. The owner is the one who hosts the homestay. They cook well and well-behavior and the kids are so cutie and just like staying in a house in Mekong Delta. Contact us if you need help.
Ut Trinh Homestay
Just like any homestay, many rooms! Pro and cool and safe in the countryside, great for big groups too and the host is a local too. They know the international guests so well like we know you are reading now.
Ut Thuy homestay
Just like any homestay, many rooms! Pro and cool and safe in the countryside, great for big groups too and the host is a local too. They know the international guests so well like we know you are reading now.
Cocohome homestay
A 4000-coconut-tree homestay! Worth staying, the hosts are all locals. All things are good and good prices.
Mekong Nature Lodge
Just like any homestay, many rooms! Pro and swimming pool and safe in the countryside, great for big groups too and the host is a local too. They know the international guests so well like we know you are reading now.
An Binh Hotel
Address: 3 Hoang Thai Hieu, Ward 1, Vinh Long City, Vinh Long, Vinh Long
Tel: (070) 3282514
Cuu Long B Hotel
Vinh Long Markets, Shopping and Souvenirs
Vinh Long Market
Vinh Long Food and Drink
Vinh Long pop rice and coconut candy
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: One hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes, traditional candy, rice cakes, jasmine tea, snake wine…
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes, boat, car, coach
Blog: https://vemekong.com/pop-rice-cake-traditional-village-cai-be-vinh-long-mekong-delta/
Address: If you travel from Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit Cai Be pop rice village (112km). If you travel from Can Tho City, you can visit Vinh Long popped rice village (40km).
Added values: One of the Delta’s specialities is a crispy puffed rice snack which comes in a variety of flavours. And any traveller passing through the area should certainly not pass up the chance to witness its fascinating manufacturing process… Read more info & pictures
Elephant Ear Fish (fried giant gourami)
The guests will be served a crispy and beautifully fried Elephant Ear Fish (Gourami), displayed majestically on wooden holders. A server helped us take the meat from the body, which we rolled into fresh spring rolls and enjoyed with the traditional fish-sauce-and-chilli combo… Read more info & pictures
Dong Khanh VIETNAMESE
On 49 Ð 2 Thang 9; mains from 30,000d; 6am-6pm. Popular and spacious Dong Khanh (the name means ‘celebrate together’) offers a varied menu, including hotpots, pork noodles, roast chicken and Cantonese rice. English-language menu.
Phuong Thuy VIETNAMESE
On Ð Phan B Chau; mains from 30,000d; 6am-10pm. Decent choice by the riverside, but it can fill up with tour groups.
Hoa Nang Cafe CAFE, BAR
On Ð 1 Thang 5; iced coffee 7000d; 7am-11pm. Perched on the riverbank, this is a good place to enjoy an iced coffee or scented tea in the morning or to quaff your first beer back on dry land after a river trip.
Quán Com Chay Âu Lac Vinh Long for vegetarians
Co May Restaurant
Anh Thu Restaurant
Duc Phat Hoang Gia Restaurant
Hu tieu hoanh thanh local food (Rice noodle soup with wonton)
Hu Tieu Hong Mai local eat
Address: No. 98, 1/5 Street, Vinh Long Province
While “pho” is the hottest dish in Ho Chi Minh City, then “hu tieu” (noodle soup) will be the queen of the Mekong Delta. It’s usually eaten for breakfast here to energize farmers. However, nowadays, “hu tieu” is made into various versions yet maintains its unique flavor. The most popular one is “hu tieu hoanh thanh” that will make a strong impression on you.
Lau Cua Dong Banh Xeo Cam Nhung – local eat
Address: Phuoc Hau, Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province. The hotpot version of Vinh Long is a famous delicacy locals love the most in the summer. Its flavor can help remove the heat, and enchant people to come and try it. For those who are fed up with meat, then this is a good idea to try rice-field crabs instead! The food is not just simple but also delicious and aromatic.
Sau rieng Ri 6 (Ri 6 durians) – Must-try fruit
Address: Phuoc Dinh 1, Binh Hoa Phuoc, Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province
For several foreign tourists, eating durians is not an easy task due to their strange smell. But once you try Ri 6 durians, I bet that you will stop thinking like that! Breaking off the outward crust, you can see each segment inside shining bright. Get your appetite ready for tasting! How about its name? Well, it’s named Ri6 after the name of mister. Sau Ri, who made it in 1990. This type of durian brings out a bright yellowish shade, like the Musang King durian in Malaysia.
Vinh Long Hidden Gems
Le Longanier Restaurant
It is a very great french-style house in the green little jungle garden. A romantic place to chill during your holiday. It is in Cai Be – Vinh Long.
Ticket:Free
Spend-time: Two hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – Dusk
Food:Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/le-longanier-restaurant-tien-giang/
Address: 49 Hamlet 5 Phu An Village, Cai Lay, Tien Giang, Vietnam.
Added values: Open for lunch only. Advance reservations are highly recommended… Read more info & pictures
Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: One and a half hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: No
Shop: No
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/phu-ly-khmer-pagoda/
Address: Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda is located in Dong Thanh Commune, Binh Minh Town, Vinh Long Province
Added values: More particularly, Khmer Phu Ly Pagoda is an ancient temple in Vinh Long with beautiful and peaceful landscape. This building is the interference between Indian, Thai and Cambodian architecture, creating a unique feature that few temples have.
At the Dong Thanh Commune, visitors can tour the Khmer Pu Ly Pagoda, which is an ancient place of worship that was originally built by the Khmer people. Featuring a unique blend of Indian, Thai, and Cambodian architecture, the pagoda is a historic gem for the Vinh Long Pagoda. Having stood for almost 350 years, tourists can view the numerous pictures of Buddha in the temple halls or take a peaceful moment to view the majestic Buddha statue in the garden. The temple is open on a daily basis and it welcomes all visitors… Read more info & pictures
Cai Cuong Ancient House
Ticket: 20,000VND
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/cai-cuong-ancient-house/
Address: Binh Hoa Phuoc commune, Long Ho District, Vinh Long province.
Added values: There is a unique building when it has a harmonious combination between modern Western architecture mixed with ancient East Asian features. Experiencing many restorations, but the arrangement and decoration inside is still intact.
Originally built in 1885, Cai Cuong Ancient House blends traditional Vietnamese architecture with a French colonial style. A beautiful building, the details are in the ceramic tiles, doors, and decorations. Within the home, carved columns depict Vietnamese flora and fauna, as well as rivers and landscapes … Read more info & pictures
May Islet
Ticket: 25,000 VND (the fruit garden), 50,000 VND (the fruit garden and picking fruits from the gardens)
Spend-time: Half day (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/may-islet-vinh-long/
Address: Luc Si Thanh commune, Tra On District, Vinh Long province.
Added values: Referring to the islets on the Hau River, it is impossible not to mention May Island in Vinh Long. May Islet, also known as Luc Si Thanh Islet, belongs to two communes: Luc Si Thanh in the south and Phu Thanh in the north of Tra On district, Vinh Long province. With cool fresh air, charming rivers, poetic landscapes will make you remember this land forever.
Covering the Phu Thanh and Luc Si Thanh Communes, Islet May is a small island in the Hau River. Famous for its fruit gardens, which grow throughout the year, tourists visiting the island can try Vietnamese favorites like rambutan, grapefruit, and longan. A small restaurant on the island serves traditional meals like chicken porridge, lemongrass chicken, and Vietnamese hot pot… Read more info & pictures
Vinh Long History and Culture
Vinh Long History
The Vinh Long city’s history is closely connected to the province’s history, which dates back to 1732. The Nguyen Lords found Long Ho Dinh, including Vinh Long, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, and parts of Can Tho. Vinh Long province then witnessed the fighting between the Tay Son brothers and the Nguyen Lords as well as the victory of Nguyen Hue when he defeated Siamese forces assisting Nguyen Anh in the late 18th century. In the following years, the province was repeatedly combined with and separated from the others. Until 1991, Vinh Long was finally recognized as a province with 7 main districts, 1 district-level town, and 1 provincial city of the same name. Vinh Long City has been an official city since 2009 and consists of 11 wards.
Don Ca Tai Tu
The people of the Mekong Delta are known for their love of music. Don Ca Tai Tu, a Vietnamese style of folk opera originally from the Mekong Delta, is a mix of ballads and theatre accompanied by a musician playing a zither or, in modern renditions, a guitar. The amusing storylines are often set in Vietnam’s countryside and can be lighthearted, sorrowful, or both. Regardless of language barriers, it’s easy to enjoy Don Ca Tai Tu, thanks to expressive acting and melodious singing. Cai Be Vinh Long gardens and homestays, Tân Phong Islet, are some of the places that perform Don Ca Tai Tu music throughout the day and at dinner time.
Vinh Long Museum
Ticket:Free
Spend-time: One hour (approx)
Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Food:Yes
Shop: No
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/vinh-long-museum/
Address: Phan Boi Chau, Ward 1, Vinh Long City, Vinh Long
Added values: The museum is located on an open and airy campus with many ancient trees, which is a place containing ancient cultural heritages – now recreating a whole process of exploration, formation, and development of Vinh Long province.
With an open and green campus, ancient trees; The exhibition areas are spread out, suitable, in harmony with nature… The cultural heritages of the past and present recreate a whole process of exploration, formation and development of the former Long Ho palace and present day Vinh Long… Read more info & pictures
Vinh Long Nightlife
Vinh Long Festivals, Sports and Outdoor Activities
Vinh Long Health and Safety
Dos and Don’ts for Your Trip to Vinh Long
Practical tips: Ways to save, Internet, Water, Learn a little Vietnamese and pro Tips
Ways to save:
Stay somewhere with free breakfast. Many budget hotels offer free breakfast to guests.
Eat street food. Food stalls are cheap and plentiful and are a great place to try regional specialities.
Travel by bicycle/motorbike. These two-wheeled bikes are among the cheapest ways to get around Can Tho and Mekong Delta region.
Stick to free attractions. If you’re really tight for cash, attractions such as markets cost nothing.
Can Tho group tours. If you want to see and learn as much as possible with your limited time.
Internet:
Free Wi-Fi can be found everywhere from hotels to coffee shops. If you are from the EU you should be able to use your own data plan too. Or contact the hotel for the sim card.
Water:
Tap water is supposed to be safe but I advise against drinking it. It’s just not worth the risk. My advice is to use bottled water and save yourself from unexpected stomach problems.
Learn a little Vietnamese:
Sure, you can get by with just speaking English, but trying to speak the local language opens you up to much more polite & meaningful interactions with people. Even if you are not perfect or you make a mistake, your effort is appreciated. At a bare minimum: Hello = xin chao (sin chow), yes = dạ vâng, no = không (khom), thank you = cám ơn (kahm uhn), I’m sorry = tôi xin lỗi (toy sin loy), no problem/you’re welcome = không có gì (khong koh zi), goodbye = tạm biệt (tarm byeet), I’m vegetarian = tôi ăn chay (toy an chayh), How much? = bao nhiêu? (baow nyew), spicy/hot (cay), Oh My God (ôi..choy…oi…).
Pro Tips:
Best time to visit Cai Be floating market is from 5:30am-6:30am. I hope you have an amazing sunrise on the Mekong Delta river.
You can stay in a homestay which is near the floating market, this will help you out the best option. Then you can hire a scooter, car or bike and explore it by yourself, but you still need to hire a boat for the Cai Be floating market.
If you plan to extend your travel to Cai Be Vinh Long homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.
Visit Vinh Long or do any customized tours, please choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets and. Safety is a priority! Choose Vinh Long responsible tours which help you give back while traveling. It’s a cliché, but it’s true.
Vinh Long food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make Vinh Long cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Hu Tieu My Tho (a kind of noodle soup but it is really yummy), elephant ear fish, snails with pepper, rambutan jam, snake wine, coconut candy, pop rice, Durian Ri6…
Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.
Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Vinh Long in the rainy season, as Vinh Long always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.
Vinh Long tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Vinh Long brick & pottery kiln, Coconut candy village & sampan (small boat) ride in small canals, mighty Mekong river cruise, educational tour and community tour in Cai Be Vinh Long, Cai Be – Vinh Long homestay 2D1N, Cai Be floating market & small canals, amazing Vinh Long homestays on the islets, An Binh Islet, Vinh Long Fruit Garden, cocohome homestay, Puffed Rice Cake Traditional Village In Cai Be & Vinh Long, Cai Cuong Ancient House, May Islet (Luc Si Thanh Islet), Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda, Phat Ngoc Xa Loi Pagoda Vinh Long (Jade Buddha), Vinh Long Cycling Tours…
Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Vinh Long province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!
Number 2 ranking guide on google:
Vinh Long, Vietnam: A Complete Guide to this Magical Place in the Mekong Delta
Most people only ever do a day trip to the Mekong Delta (which is what I did on my first visit to Vietnam). However, if you’re looking to really enjoy this nice, almost sleepy area, I recommend slowing down and checking out its various towns and cities. My first experience of this was a trip to Vinh Long, a city about 3 hours away from Saigon in its own little world!
If Vinh Long rings even the faintest of bells, it may be because you once saw The Lover, a film more known for its explicit love scenes than anything else. The main male character is from Vinh Long, and it’s on a ferry between there and Sa Đéc that he meets our narrator and main female character.
While I did see that film as a teen, I first remember hearing of Vinh Long and wanting to visit when I saw this photo by @soaipham on Instagram. If you’ve met me in Saigon, you know I’m obsessed with the multitude of interesting temples here and in Vietnam in general. Unlike Korea, where many of the temples are more or less similar in color and set-up, the temples here seem to vary constantly!
Anyway, I saw that Vinh Long was 3+ hours away on the Cổ Chiên River, and when I commented, @soaipham replied to check out Mekong Pottery Homestay if I ever made it. Well, I popped over to the website and within a week I booked myself a little four-day getaway from the city!
Vinh Long was such a charming visit. It’s both a city and a province, with over 150k calling the city home while over a million say the same about the province. A part of me wants to call it a sleepy town on the Mekong, but it’s really not! I guess compared to the hustle of Saigon, anywhere seems quiet. But it’s definitely a busy spot, much, much busier than Phong Nha up in north-central Vietnam, which was my last city escape.
I really enjoyed popping down and seeing all I could get up to while visiting. It reminded me a lot of Namwon, my home for two years in Korea, especially when it came to finding delicious Vietnamese dishes to try. After all, the Mekong Delta, like the Jeolla provinces for Korea, is considered Vietnam’s food basket with 1/4 of the country’s agriculture coming from here. Aka, you just know this is where you’re going to find the best versions of some Vietnamese dishes.
Anyway, I packed my four days with lots of bike rides, restaurant and cafe visits, and, of course, temple-hopping! Check out my complete guide below.
Vinh Long Travel Tips
Where to Stay in Vinh Long
In Town
If you want to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Vinh Long, then your best bet is to stay right in town. Here you can easily walk to any of the restaurants, cafes, and big sightseeing spots from your hotel, though getting out to the islands or further will require a motorbike or bicycle.
Most hotels are closer to the area with Vinh Long Market, and truthfully none of them look particularly charming. The best-rated I found were Minh Khue Hotel or for something fancier, Khách sạn Sài Gòn Vĩnh Long. Airbnb wise, I found this private room or a room at Hotel Phu Gia for super cheap.
On the Islands
Another option is to stay on either on An Bình island which is known for its homestays. I’d stay here more if you just want a relaxing getaway where you’re not really moving around too much. Otherwise you’d need to take the ferry across every time you wanted to go into town or to the mainland in general.
There are quite a few homestays listed and all are pretty highly-rated. Nam Thanh and Phuong Thao are right by the An Bình port, though Mekong Riverside Homestay or Mekong Nature Lodge look the nicest.
My Recommendation: Mekong Pottery Homestay
I highly recommend snagging one of the rooms available at Mekong Pottery Homestay. Currently they only have two rooms but are planning to eventually expand to a few more. After deciding to visit Vinh Long, I took a look at all their homestay and hotel options, and by far this spot was the best. The decor is beyond cute, especially with all the flowing plants and pottery designs, and the hosts, Yennie and her mother, are amazing. As soon as I got off my shuttle from the bus station, Yennie greeted me with a hug and a welcome drink!
Location wise, I found it to also be in the best spot for doing all the sightseeing I wanted to do. It’s pretty much half way between the two farthest sights: the Pottery Village and Jade Buddha Temple, both of which are exactly 10km away on opposite sides. If you want to go over to Bình Hòa Phước, the ferry port is right next door, and if you want to go into town, it’s only 3km on an easy road. Mekong Pottery Homestay has bikes as well that you can use for free, which is how I got around! They also offer free breakfast and have a menu you can choose from. I got the scrambled eggs on toast the whole time ha!
As for the actual accommodation, my room was absolutely gorgeous! Clean white walls with lots of clay-red touches and a ton of plants. If you do get warm at night, there’s a fan above and an A/C unit you can keep next to your bed.
They’re listed on Booking and Agoda, but you can also just message them directly to book either through their website, their Facebook page, or Instagram. Yennie is seriously lovely; it felt like I was coming down to stay with a friend!
How to Get to Vinh Long
By Bus
The best, cheapest, and most environmentally-friendly way to get to Vinh Long from Saigon is by a sleeper bus. It costs around 150K VND (maybe less). Get a grab over to Mien Tay Bus Station (Bến Xe Miền Tây) and head over to the Futa Bus counters. Do NOT get overwhelmed by the first 31 counters who will all be vying for your attention. Futa is where you’ll want to go and if you’re confused, just find the security guard and ask “Futa?” and he’ll point you in the right direction.
Anyway, from the ticket counter head through the station for the Futa bus area; their buses are bright orange so VERY hard to miss. Vinh Long is all the way at the end, and there’s even a water cooler in the waiting area if you want to fill up before you go.
The whole bus ride takes 3 1/12 hours, and Vinh Long will be the second stop. It’s actually quite a nice ride. Things might get a little bumpy, but I didn’t need my seabands at all and actually slept like a baby the whole time both ways.
Once you get off, just show the drivers what Yennie messages you, and they’ll direct you to one of the free shuttles. The shuttle will then drop you off right at the homestay!
By Motorbike/Car
You can also get to Vinh Long via motorbike or car whether it’s your own or you’ve booked through grab. It’s just, obviously, quite expensive if you book on grab! When I looked, just in case I couldn’t get a bus spot, it was around 550k VND for a bike and 1.5 million VND for a car.
How to Get Around
By Bike & Motorbike
Honestly by bike or on foot is your best bet! You can always rent a motorbike as well, but I didn’t think it was that necessary. Mekong Pottery Homestay is a bit outside of town, so if you walk, it’ll be about 40 minutes. Biking into town for food or coffee took no time at all.
Just be careful with traffic as always. Vinh Long may be in the countryside, but the main town and roads are still busy enough that if you’re not paying attention, you could get into a crash. Also everywhere has some sort of parking, so no need to worry about finding a spot.
By Ferry
Of course, to go between the islands and mainland, you’ll need to take a ferry across! They seem pretty regular, and the whole ride probably takes under 10-15 minutes. The port for Bình Hòa Phước is right near the homestay while the the An Bình port is more in town. Just a warning that if the tide is too low, they might not be able to run!
Tours in Vinh Long
Yennie offers two tours she customized herself for guests at the homestay. I took advantage of the half-day one which takes you to her great uncle’s pottery factory and over to Bình Hòa Phước where you’ll get a nice boat ride along the river, a little visit to the market there, a pop over to Nha Tho Cai Muoi, the pink church, and then get lunch at a Tien Hu Rambutan Garden.
Her other tour is a night food tour for those of you who want to know more about the Mekong’s food scene! I’m like 99% sure I’m bringing Autumn here when she can finally visit, so I saved that for her trip since she’s the bigger foodie in our friendship.
The Weather
Southern Vietnam is generally humid and hot year round. The first time I was in the Mekong was in winter and this recent trip was in September, and I’m pretty sure I sweated all the same. Rainy/monsoon season is from about late June to early October, so keep that in mind if you can plan around it!
What You Really Need to Pack
Besides the obvious like underwear, shirts, shoes, etc, here’s what you really need for your trip!
Just a pair of good sandals
There’s not any trekking in the Mekong, so you don’t have to worry about bringing sturdy sneakers. The only time you might be worried about your sandals is getting in and out of the river boat or if it’s quite rainy. I wore my regular birks most of the time and brought my jelly birks just in case.
Because you have to take your shoes off for the sleeper bus, make sure you wear something you can just slide off and on easily.
Mosquito Spray
Had a few ankle bites while down here and, of course, my bed had a nice net to protect me while I was sleeping. If you’re usually a skeeter attraction, I’d bring some just in case.
Longer pant, skirt, or dress
Since Vinh Long is more in the countryside of Vietnam, it’s a bit more conservative than Saigon. Bring longer pants, a longer skirt, or a longer dress while you’re visiting the temples here. Honestly, my go-to has been my Old Navy cotton maxi dress. I took the polyester lining out of it, so it’s much more breathable.
A mini portable fan
I swear my body temperature was slightly elevated the entire time I was here! It got hot. And with tall the midday cycling, I was kicking myself for not packing my a little pink fan!
Sunscreen
Lol I swear I turned about three shades darker on this trip without meaning to (I even had some sunscreen). The southern sun is stroooong, and you’ll be outside most of the time! Of all the places in Vietnam to make sure you wear some sunscreen, this is probably the place you want to the most.
Maybe a good hat
Like I said, the sun is strong in the Mekong and at some point you’re going to want a head covering! Honestly, I always saw the conical hats as a bit touristy but actually they came in handy when we were on the river and the sun was relentless! They’re also more breathable than a normal hat shape, so you won’t need to worry about hat hair.
Places to Visit in Vinh Long
In Town
First up where exactly to go and what to see in town! Most of these places are all within walking distance of each other or, at the very least, a fast bike ride away.
Bach Dang & Thieng Duc Bridges
- Vietnamese: Cầu Bạch Đằng & Cầu Thiềng Đức
If you stay at Mekong Pottery Homestay, then you’ll eventually cross over either one of these bridges (or both)! Take a moment to enjoy the river view because it really is pretty, especially if you catch one of the boats coming through.
Vinh Long Market
Had to make a stop at this bustling market, especially to see all the fruit stands (and buy fruit, which I then had to get back to my apartment in Saigon lol). I was hungry, so I really only popped around the fruit stalls and then the food court part, but the market is quite extensive, and you could easily spend a morning walking through it all.
Ruins of Thanh Long Ho
- Vietnamese: Di Tích Cửa Hữu Thành Long Hồ
While you’re in town, stop by this spot which was built to remember the old Long Ho Citadel. Long Hồ was a sort of barrack (Wikipedia has it as dinh?) that comprised of Vĩnh Long, Bến Tre, Trà Vinh, and some of Cần Thơ back under the Nguyen lords. When I tried to translate the name into English, it said “Ruins of Thanh Long Ho,” but I think what you see is fairly new.
Temple of the Mother Buddha
- Vietnamese: Điện Thờ Phật Mẫu thành phố Vĩnh Long
From my Googling (and subsequent finding of Vietnamese articles roughly translated with Google Chrome’s translation button lol), this temple was first built in 1966 and has been restored quite a bit in the Cao Dai style. It didn’t look open to go in when I walked by, but the outside sure was unique and colorful. Apparently this is what Cao Dai establishments look like! The most famous is in Tay Ninh, which is where the religion was founded.
Thanh that Vinh Long
- Vietnamese: Thánh thất Vĩnh Long
I had to giggle when I got off my bike to look at Than that Vĩnh Long! Pretty much all the temples I’ve been to still say “temporarily closed” on Google Maps, so I didn’t think much of it when I plugged this in to visit. Turns out there’s a very good reason it’s actually temporarily closed — it’s under construction! Doesn’t look like much at the moment, but here’s a picture of what it’ll be when finished! It’s also in the Cao Dai-style, so you can see the similarities with the Mother Buddha temple.
Thien Hau Pagoda
- Vietnamese: Chùa Bà Thiên Hậu
The more temples I visit, the more than Vietnamese names start to sound familiar! If you read my post on Saigon’s Cholon and District 5, then you might recognized the name “Thien Hau.” The name comes from the Chinese sea goddess named Mazu, who was once a Fujianese shamaness. This gorgeous temple sits right before Thieng Duc bridge and around the corner from Ori Coffee.
Ong Pagoda – That Phu Temple
- Vietnamese: Chùa Ông Thất Phủ Miếu
If you cross over Thieng Duc bridge, make a left to head over to Chùa Ông Thất Phủ Miếu before going back to Mekong Pottery Homestay. The origins of this temple can be traced all the way back to the Nguyen dynasty, though from what I’ve read what you see now was constructed more towards the late 1800s/early 1900s.
Temple of Literature of Vinh Long
- Vietnamese: Văn Thánh miếu Vĩnh Long
I didn’t get a chance to properly visit this Confucius temple during my stay, but I did manage to hop out to see it on my way to the bus station as we had to pick up someone nearby. Will have to go back to walk around. It was built back in the 1860s and almost destroyed when the French took over!
Other Places in Town
There are so many temples and quite a few parks in town you can always visit. One of the fun things to do is just to park your bike and walk for a bit to see what life is like here in Vĩnh Long. The market itself could be a whole morning if you really wanted to wander!
Outside of Town
Now for the sights to see outside of town but still on the mainland! You definitely need at least a bicycle to get to some of them as the farthest were 10km away.
Dinh Khao Pilgrim Center
- Vietnamese: Trung Tâm Hành Hương Đình Khao
Quite literally across the street from Mekong Pottery Homestay is this pretty Catholic cathedral (or pilgrimage center?). Its interior and bottom part were under construction when I stopped in, so I just did a quick loop around the grounds and got out of their hair.
Just a warning, there are some, uh, interestingly graphic statues of what I assume to be missionaries being executed… One included an elephant stomping on his head. So, you know, heads up.
Pottery Village of Vinh Long
- Vietnamese: Làng Gốm Vĩnh Long
Okay, you’re going to hate me, but I promise you won’t regret doing this. Wake-up before sunrise and head over to this area to see the giant pottery kilns line the river. It almost fees like you’ve stumbled across the ruins of an ancient civilization except these are all pretty lively factories!
If you go at sunrise, you’ll get to experience the warm, golden glow and avoid the worst of the heat. It’s about a 10km bike ride, and it took me around 40 minutes going at a pretty decent speed. Once you turn into the village itself, the easiest place to stop off is at the gas station where you can leave your bike and walk to the river’s edge.
Seriously, times like this are when I wish I had a drone to fully capture how incredible this all looked from above!
A Pottery Factory
To learn more about the Mekong’s pottery tradition and how exactly things are made, visit one of the factories! On Yennie’s half-day tour, we started out at her great uncle’s and she showed me around! First the clay is gathered from the Mekong, which is what gives the pottery its reddish color. They used to be able to gather clay from right near the factory but due to erosion concerns, they get it from much further out.
Once the clay is gathered, it’s mixed with sand and water and then it’s molded to whatever they need it to be (bricks, pots, vases, etc). After it’s molded, it’s polished and smoothed by hand before baking in a giant kiln. The kiln’s conical shape, which is what makes it look so unique in the village, is so that everything heats evenly.
Jade Buddha Temple of Vinh Long
- Vietnamese: Chùa Phật Ngọc Xá Lợi Vĩnh Long
Ten kilometers the other way from the homestay is this stunning temple. This yellow and maroon Buddhist temple is absolutely massive and is fairly new; having been completed in 2015. The huge statue of Guanyin (Quán Thế Âm in Vietnamese) sits to the right of the entrance and, of course, you can miss the towering pagoda on the second level!
If you climb up, there’s a really nice breeze under the pavilions, and you can see out to the river and bridge.
Ngoc Hanh Zen Monastery
- Vietnamese: Thiền Viện Ngọc Hạnh
On the way to the Jade Buddha Temple, you’ll actually see a lot of interesting places. If I’d had more time (and energy), I would’ve stopped at a lot more! The one temple I did stop at was the beautiful Thiền Viện Ngọc Hạnh. Its main feature is the giant Reclining Buddha, which is meant to show Buddha getting ready to enter parinirvana (or nirvana-after-death). I didn’t notice it at first from the ground, so had quite a shock when I got to the second level and turned around haha.
Peace Farm
One of my days in Vĩnh Long, Yennie invited me to check out this new farm that had opened up! It’s actually down the same way Thiền Viện Ngọc Hạnh, so if you go to the Jade Buddha temple, it’d be a fun stop on your way back. All the fruits and vegetables are grown organically with no pesticides, and the owner is hoping to turn the one building into a little cafe! There are also some little things for kids to do to learn about farming.
Other Places Outside of Town I Didn’t Visit:
I had a bunch of places, mainly temples, marked down but you can only do so many temples in a few days! Also some of them, like the Chua Khmer Phu Ly, were quite far. But if you want to add more sightseeing, check out any of the ones below:
- Dinh Tan Hoa
- Tinh Xa Ngoc Chon
- Tinh Xa Ngoc Hoa
- Chua Quan Am
- Phuoc Kien Tu/Chua La Sen (Lotus Pagoda)
- Chua Khmer Phu Ly (super cool but quite far)
An Binh & Binh Hoa Phuoc Islands
Now for the islands! The two islands across the ferry from Vĩnh Long are An Bình and Bình Hòa Phước. If you take the port next to Mekong Pottery Homestay, it takes you over to Bình Hòa Phước and the one for An Bình is more in town.
These islands are actually pretty connected; on my tour Yennie motorbiked from Bình Hòa Phước to An Bình without needing to take another ferry or anything. An Bình is the more famous island and on the other side of it is where you’ll find the famous Cái Bè Floating Market.
The River
One lovely activity is taking a boat ride along the river from Bình Hòa Phước to An Bình! One our tour, Yennie took me here and we met with the loveliest lady who then rowed us down the river. She gave us these delicious, huge bananas and coconuts to eat and drink before we made our way, and then Yennie pointed out the different plants and fruits growing around us.
Hoa Ninh Market
- Vietnamese Name: Chợ Hoà Ninh
At the end of our boat ride, we were let off at Hoà Ninh Market to walk around a bit. If you want to see the market in full swing, it’s better to go early in the morning, but it was still fairly busy around noon when we arrived!
Cai Muoi Church
- Vietnamese: Nhà thờ Cái Muối
Next door to the market is this pretty little pink church! I mean, if you have the chance to visit a pink church, why not?! I believe the pink color is quite new because when I was looking up its history, it was still a more neutral color as recently as 2012.
Tu Hien Rambutan Garden
- Vietnamese: Vườn Chôm Chôm Tư Hiền
Our final stop was in An Bình was at this very lovely rambutan farm for lunch (more on that below). Since it’s not quite the season for them, there’s not as much to see, but when things are in season, you can come to pick some fruit. It’s nice and peaceful, and you might even run into some sleepy cats and curious pups.
Other Places to Visit:
- Chua Tien Chau – very cool Buddhist temple near An Bình port. We drove past it on the motorbike, so I made a note to visit if i made it back over.
- Cai Cuong Ancient House – one of the old French colonial homes left from Indochina that you can actually visit since most of them have been turned into government buildings
Where to Eat and Drink in Vinh Long
Now, the number one thing to do in Vĩnh Long or anywhere along the Mekong is to eat. After all, you’re in Vietnam’s rice basket! I was very excited to try out some of the many places Yennie recommended.
Restaurants to Try
Bun Mam Co Ba
Once I arrived to Vĩnh Long and settled in, Yennie suggested I go here for dinner for a truly delicious Mekong speciality. Um, she was right. One sip of the broth, and I was messaging Autumn and promising her I’d take her here when she visits so she can experience the incredible umami flavor for herself.
For those of you from the US South, sometimes bún mắm is considered “Vietnamese gumbo.” It’s made with vermicelli noodles and fermented fish paste (the mắm in the name). There are veggies and seafood mixed in like shrimp, eggplant, and more. Ugh, guys, I cannot emphasize this enough: I’m going to be 80-years-old telling my kids about that first sip, and my mouth is watering a bit remembering it! The flavor was just so deep and delicious.
Bittet 68
For a quick meal, you can get the beefsteak options at Bittet 68. It wasn’t the most amazing stop for me (I’m not a big beefsteeak person), but it was right around the corner from a Banh Xeo place I wanted to visit and couldn’t find.
Hu Tieu Muc Thit Bam Ut
So this basically translates to minced meat and squid noodle soup which doesn’t sound as good as this was. The broth might be clear but it was super flavorful.
Vinh Long Market Food Court
While you’re visiting the Vĩnh Long Market, grab a bite to eat at the food court! It’s right next to parking, and the first two stalls were by far the friendliest ladies. Like they let these two darker cats hangout and eat there!
One had a rice counter (com), so I got food from her and then I got Sâm Bổ Lượng from the lady next to her. I do not know how to order che at all, so I also just ask them to give me whatever they think is the nicest haha. Turns out sam bo luong is made with jujubes, seawead, longan, lotus seeds, and barley. Yummmmm!
Tu Hien Rambutan Garden
Our lunch at the chom chom farm! This dish is known as an elephant ear fish or elephant ear gourami, and it’s native to the Mekong. Seriously nothing like getting fresh fish from a region known for it! Meal wise, this one’s quite easy. Wet your rice paper, add some greens and rice noodles, and then the fish on top. Roll up and dip in the sauce for an explosion of flavors!
Cute Cafes in Vinh Long
This is Vietnam after all! Even in the smaller cities you can find plenty of cute cafes to relax in. I came here to work on things and for the times I really just needed some icy aircon to cool down.
The 1996 Coffee & Tea
Popped in here my last day to do some work! Super cute, instagrammable cafe with lots of different drink options and a super pretty, feminine aesthetic. Also I think it goes up to 3 floors of space, so you’ll never feel crowded in. I treated myself to one of their frappes.
Brownie Coffee
Sadly this place does not offer brownies despite the name but it does have some different cakes and things, so I just came in for a treat. I think I got the red forest cake with some iced oolong tea. It’s smaller and was quite crowded/noisy when I went after dinner, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for work or study.
Cafe Trugen
The cafe attached to my homestay. I guess I didn’t specifically go here, but I had a nice ca phe sua da with breakfast every morning, a delicious iced tamarind tea as a welcome drink, and an iced kumquat tea for the road, so I’d say I got a good idea of the selection! Yennie’s mom has been serving coffee for years, so she knows her way around a good drink.
Cocochine Cafe
So the name “cochinchina” is what Vietnam south of the Gianh River was often called under Indochina times, which is where this name comes from. Super chic, European interior design. Hid from the rain here and enjoyed their fancy drink. Actually really delicious if you order it. I forget the name exactly, but it was something like “Cocochine Coffee” or “Cocochine Espresso.”
Nau Coffee & Tea
Nau Coffee is another super spacious spot to come and work or hangout with your friend. I came here at night to work and even though it was quite busy, there’s so much space, it doesn’t feel too noisy or crowded-in. Always a fan of the iced teas and this cake treat was quite good!
Ori Coffee
If you don’t mind not having A/C, Ori Coffee is a cute spot in the middle of town (close to some temples). It’s got some fun, retro-inspired decor and the owner was really nice! I didn’t work here, but just used it as a spot to get a coffee and cool down after a bunch of sightseeing and temple-hopping.
Up Coffee
One more good place to work! You order from the front window and then head in to find a seat. Plenty of work spots, and it’s nice and air-conditioned. I came here quite late in the day so just got their iced oolong tea before finding a spot in the direct path of an A/C unit.
And there you have it! My complete guide to the lovely Vinh Long, Vietnam. Now I’m on a kick of wanting to visit all the cities and towns in the Mekong Delta, so wish me luck!
3. Reviews
Review #1:
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4. My take on this:
5. My outline idea:
Keep in mind:
2. 3. 4. are header 2
2.1 2.2 3.1 etc are header 3
2.1.1 header 4 (hardly used)
1. Introduction (3 sentences)
Start with main keyword in first sentence
Last sentence is what is in this guide
2. Vinh Long – add short title after it that defines Long Xuyen in a few words
This is like a general text about this. Not too detailed. You could see this as a summarize of the whole guide. This gives a good base for people to understand the rest of the guide, or for others they might know enough just after reading this part. Don’t overlap with coming sections. More like a general introduction. Can be 1 or 2 paragraphs. Things we mention is:
– General location (again not a detailed how to get there). But just the area and province
– What type of destination is this: town/city and surrounding landscape
– Is there any history to mention?
– Where is it famous or known for (more about rescent time)
– What is life here, who are the locals
– Is there tourism here (again, without going to deep in things to do, but this last part is more like part of the flow/transistion to next section)
3. Best things to do in Vinh Long
Each highlights gets its own subheader like 3.1, 3.2 etc.
Descriptions are a mix of background info (like what is it) with practical information for travellers (from visitors perspective what is there to see do, anything people should know when visiting, a bit of an honest tone)
4. Best time to visit Vinh Long
Mention:
Does time of year matter and explain why yes or why not really
What are general considered the best months and why
What is the experience out of this season
5. How to get to Vinh Long?
5.1 Direct busses from Ho Chi Minh City
5.2 Private transportation
For most people this means renting a car with driver. Can also book it multi day to get around on the spot to see more of the province or surounding regions, but also just a convient a to b.
A few people opt for motorbike, but quite far, best to make it a road trip. And even there are plenty of roads to this place quite, best to only do this when having a licence and experience
6. How to get around
6.1 Getting around the city
6.2 Getting around the region
Cycling: if you don’t go too deep into the region, short trips through countryside very nic with biking. Longer trips requiere best to go with tour or at least arrange proper bikes, not the once you often can get for free at some accommodations
7. Staying in Vinh Long
Explain why stay here (or why not). What kind of accommodations and what areas are the best to stay.
8. Travel tips for Vinh Long
9. 2-day travel itinerary
10. CTA
THis includes:
A title (max 60 characters) that clearly offers help with a travel service.
– Make it feel like a prompt to take action (not just another header)
– Avoid sounding like an introduction or topic heading
– Use natural sentence casing (not title case or ALL CAPS)
After the title, we give a short description of 2 to maximum 3 sentences.
Important context:
The guide already gave readers full information about the topic. This box should not repeat that content or describe the place again. Instead, it should respond to the reader’s interest and offer a way to take action—by booking a related service. So don’t say “did you enjoy reading?” or “this place is great to visit”.
This paragraph should:
– Speak directly to the reader
– Offer a service that fits their interest (e.g., custom tour, private car, trekking, trip planning)
– Clearly show that this is for booking help, not for general questions
– Avoid repeating basic facts about the place—they already read that
– End with a soft, action-oriented line like “Use the form below to start planning” or “Let us know your travel plans”
If the place is very simple that can be visited by the reader easily, make it about a broader subject, like custom trip to vietnam or a part of vietnam or a destination.
=====End====
Now give me:
(1) Title ideas
(2) A detailed outline
After these 2 tasks are done, I give you the first section to write.
