TRAVEL GUIDE TO LONG AN: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISIT LONG AN

Long An is also an attractive tourist destination due to the diverse and rich ecosystem of the Dong Thap Muoi region, which includes various species of flora and fauna, historical and cultural-revolutionary relics, architectural art works, festivals, traditional craft villages, and rural specialties. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Long An, as well as the top attractions in this province.

1. Where is Long An?

Long An is a province located in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, approximately 50 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It serves as a vital economic area, connecting the bustling city to the southern agricultural heartland.

Long An

2. How to get there?

-By Car: Long An is about 45 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. You can take National Highway 1A or the Ho Chi Minh City – Trung Luong highway.

-By Motorbike: A scenic ride takes approximately 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City.

-By Bus: Public buses are available, taking around 1.5 hours to reach Tan An, the capital of Long An.

There are 10 bus routes running from Ho Chi Minh City to Long An, including 80, 85, 628, 621, 627, and 623. Ticket prices range from 7,000 VND to 30,000 VND. In Ho Chi Minh City, buses mainly depart from Chợ Lớn Bus Station, with a frequency of about every 15 minutes. Additionally, departure points can also be found in Củ Chi, District 8, and the Western Bus Station.

3. The ideal time to visit Long An

Long An has a characteristic climate of tropical monsoon, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

The rainy season usually lasts from May to October, accounting for over 70% of the total annual rainfall. The average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius.

The dry season lasts from November to April, with northeast winds, average temperatures ranging from 23 to 38 degrees Celsius, dry conditions, low humidity, and fresh air.

So, in my experience, you should visit Long An from November to April to have the best trip.

4. Top attractions in Long An

4.1. Tan Lap Floating Village Ecotourism Area

Tan Lap Floating Village Ecotourism Area is a destination with a peaceful waterway landscape. The nature here is highlighted by ancient cajuput forests, lotus ponds, water lily lakes, and hundreds of species of birds, fish, and amphibians.

Tan Lap Floating Village attracts many locals and tourists.

Visitors can sit in boats and navigate through the forest. There is also an observation tower for guests to take in the panoramic views of the surroundings. Additionally, visitors can walk along the paths to explore the cajuput forest.

Tan Lap floating village used to be a year-round flooded area.

Moreover, tourists can enjoy local specialties from the Mekong Delta, such as chicken hotpot with sour leaves, sour snakehead fish hotpot, crispy linh fish, clay pot fish, and stir-fried eel with turmeric. The cultural identity of the local residents is also showcased through traditional crafts like wood carving, boat building, and listening to “đờn ca tài tử” (a form of traditional music).

In Tan Lap Floating Village there are two intertwined roads.

Additionally, there are prices for various services such as boating, electric vehicles, fishing, and cycling.

Paddling a sampan on the peaceful canals is a wonderful experience when visiting Tan Lap Floating Village.

The calm lake surface evokes a sense of peace in the floating village.

In addition, you can also rent tents and go camping if you want to experience being one with nature. However, you should keep in mind that if you choose to camp, you need to bring mosquito and insect repellent for protection.

You can rent a tent and camp if you want to experience the feeling of being one with nature.

Address: Tan Lap Ward, Moc Hoa District, Long An.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Entrance Fee: 70.000 VND/person (2.8 USD).

4.2. Canh Dong Bat Tan Tourist (Endless Field Tourism)

Located about 80 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the “Endless Field” tourism is part of the Dong Thap Muoi Medicinal Plant Conservation and Development Research Center, situated in Quarter 3, Binh Phong Thanh Town, Moc Hoa District. This area features over 1,000 hectares of hundreds-of-years-old primary cajuput forests and a “medicinal forest” that conserves more than 80 types of rare herbal genes.

Endless Fields tourist area is a famous tourist attraction that you should visit.

This is an emerging destination in Moc Hoa District, which was the main setting for the film “Endless Field” directed by Nguyen Phan Quang Binh, based on the novel of the same name by author Nguyen Ngoc Tu. The tourist spot is close to nature, making it an ideal place for relaxation, helping visitors to let go of the everyday fatigue.

This tourist area includes many valuable medicinal plants such as cat’s whiskers, plantain, patchouli, yellow flowered melaleuca, tea tree, and five-veined melaleuca.

The paths fragrant with the scent of melaleuca are a beautiful sight that you cannot miss when visiting the Endless Field Tourist Area.

Address: Moc Hoa District, Long An.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

4.3. Dong Thap Muoi Ecotourism Area

Dong Thap Muoi Ecotourism Area stretches across the districts of Moc Hoa, Vinh Hung, Thanh Hoa, and Tan Thanh. This area is a wetland region of the Mekong Delta, covering more than 6,000 hectares, and is a captivating destination for visitors due to its vast cajuput forests spanning over 800 hectares. The Dong Thap Muoi Ecotourism Area is home to nearly 120 species of birds and 150 species of animals, including rare species such as herons, red-headed cranes, turtles, pythons, and rat snakes.

Dong Thap Muoi Ecotourism Area

The boat takes people sightseeing and admiring the surrounding scenery.

Here, visitors can witness the cajuput forests and lotus ponds up close. If you visit the ecotourism area during the flood season (approximately from September to November each year), you will have the opportunity to see the blooming lotus flowers.

Address: Moc Hoa District, Long An.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

4.4. Hundred Pillar House

Hundred Pillar House, which is the ancient house features Hue architecture with 120 wooden pillars made of precious wood and has existed for over 100 years in Long An. The house is located on the banks of the Vam Co Dong River, in Long Huu Dong Commune, Can Duoc District.

Hundred Pillar House – Western relic in Vietnam

While it bears a distinct mark of Hue style, it was built to the specifications of the owner during the French colonial period in the South, resulting in many changes in decorative themes that create a harmonious blend of Central and Southern architectural styles.

The 100-column house has a delicate and skillful design.

Address: Can Duoc District, Long An.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

4.5. Dragon Fruit Garden

Dragon Fruit Garden are one of the attractions in Long An. The total area for dragon fruit cultivation in the district is nearly 8,000 hectares. When visiting the gardens, tourists can learn about the dragon fruit plant, cultivation techniques, care, harvesting, and fruit preservation, as well as enjoy fresh dragon fruit on-site.

Dragon Fruit Garden

If you come to the gardens between May and August, they will also have the opportunity to see the dragon fruit gardens in full bloom with white flowers.

Address: Hiep Thanh Ward, Chau Thanh District, Long An.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

4.6. Ben Luc Pineapple Garden

Ben Luc Pineapple Garden, which is “Bén Duyên” pineapple has been cultivated in the saline land of Ben Luc District, Long An Province for a long time. The local pineapple brand is increasingly recognized for its deliciousness and sweetness, surpassing many other regions. Each year, a pineapple plant typically produces only one fruit.

Checkin at Ben Luc Pineapple Garden

However, farmers can manage the plants to produce fruit at desired times, which is why Ben Luc pineapples are available year-round. The pineapple fields offer a unique backdrop for visitors to create beautiful and distinctive photos. Not only can you immerse yourself in the vastness of the pineapple fields, but you can also enjoy the faint aroma of ripe fruit wafting through the air and taste the delicious pineapples right in the garden.

Address: Ben Luc District, Long An.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

4.7. Victory Monument

Victory Monument is not only a proud symbol for the local people, but it also represents the resilient and indomitable spirit of the people of Long An during the national war. If you are looking for a historical tourist destination in Long An, you can visit this place.

Victory Monument

Address: 1A Highway, Long An.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.8. Binh Hiep International Border Gate

Binh Hiep International Border Gate, you can expect a well-managed entry point with customs and border control facilities. Nearby, local markets offer a vibrant experience with a variety of goods, showcasing regional produce and cultural products, making it a lively spot for visitors. At Binh Hiep International Border Gate, tourists will have the experience of “going to the Cambodian market.”

Binh Hiep International Border Gate

The Binh Hiep border market is only a few hundred meters from the border gate, always bustling with many goods, prominently featuring products from Vietnam, Thailand, and some from Cambodia. Additionally, there is a border marker with Cambodia that many tourists check in at.

Visiting the border market at Binh Hiep border gate is an interesting experience that should not be missed when coming here. It is just a few hundred meters from the border gate, always bustling with people coming and going, offering a variety of eye-catching goods from many different places.

Prices here are quite affordable, with a wide range of products including food, household items, and electronics, prominently featuring goods from Vietnam, Thailand, and some products from Cambodia.

Address: Binh Hiep Ward, Tan Thanh District, Long An.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.

4.9. Lang Sen Wetland Reserve

Lang Sen Wetland Reserve, which is tourist destination in Long An has been recognized as a Ramsar wetland site of international importance. The low-lying terrain of the Dong Thap Muoi region provides a rich ecosystem with diverse natural landscapes such as islets, melaleuca forests, and rivers. It is even home to some bird species listed in the Red Book.

Lang Sen possesses an extremely rich and diverse ecosystem that attracts a large number of tourists.

The flood season from August to November is the ideal time to visit this place.

Melaleuca trees are a common and important species in Lang Sen Wetland Reserve.

Address: Vinh Loi Ward, Tan Hung District, Long An.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 50.000 VND/person (2 USD).

4.10. MyQ Safari (Mỹ Quỳnh Zoo)

MyQ Safari has a large space divided into several areas such as a water park, a resort, a dining area, a koi pond, a bonsai garden, and semi-wild and wild animal areas. In each area, you will find a meticulous and impressive design style combined with lush greenery.

MyQ Safari in Long An

Visitors can also feed or pet various “friendlier” animals. The ticket price for the bus tour of the semi-wild area is 50,000 VND/person (2 USD).

The most notable highlight at here is  the “Tiger Feeding Experience” also known as “Caged Humans, Released Beasts.” Here, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a specialized caged vehicle tour to explore the semi-wild area, where tigers are freely released and provided with the best living conditions in an environment that resembles a true natural forest.

Due to the hot climate of the Mekong Delta region, the water park is always an attractive destination for visitors, especially for children.

Bonsai and Koi Garden

Address: Tan My Ward, Duc Hoa District, Long An.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday).

Entrance Fee: 100.000/person (4 USD).