TRAVEL GUIDE TO VINH LONG: TOP ATTRACTIONS IN THIS CITY THAT YOU MUST VISIT

Vinh Long nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, is an often-overlooked gem that promises a tranquil and authentic Vietnamese experience. With its lush landscapes, winding rivers, and friendly locals. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Vinh Long, as well as the top attractions in this city.

Vinh Long

1. Where is Vinh Long?

Vinh Long is located in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, about 130 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Situated between two major rivers—Tao Dan and Co Chien—the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and an extensive network of waterways.

It’s a place where life slows down, making it the perfect spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of Vietnam’s rural heartland.

2. How to get there?

Getting to Vinh Long has several ways:

– By Bus: From Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus from one of the major stations like Mien Tay or Mien Dong. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. Passenger buses departing from Mien Tay bus station (HCMC) to Vinh Long are operated by Phuong Trang, Tri Nhan, Hoa Hiep, Nguyen An with ticket prices ranging from 180.000 VND to 280.000 VND (7.2 – 11.2 USD).

– By Motorbike or Car: If you’re an adventurous traveler, renting a motorbike and riding from Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh Long is an option. This offers a more immersive experience as you pass through small towns and villages. It will take 3 – 4 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh Long City.

3. The ideal time to visit Vinh Long

Long experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season (from December to April) and the rainy season (the remaining months). The average temperature is 27°C, with the highest temperature reaching approximately 36°C.

Vinh Long is one of the provinces with the largest fruit orchards in the Mekong Delta. Additionally, it is home to about 20 ethnic groups living together with various religions, creating a rich diversity in culture, cuisine, and lifestyle.

4. Top attractions in Vinh Long

4.1. Tra On Floating Market

Tra On floating market, located about 40 km from Vĩnh Long city center, is a traditional cultural highlight of the Mekong Delta, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Tra On has existed for over a century and still preserves many unique cultural and trading customs of the Cuu Long region.

Tra On Floating Market

The market takes place along a 300-meter stretch of the river and is most vibrant during festive seasons and early mornings (from 6 AM to 9 AM). At times of high tide in the early morning, the market draws hundreds of boats of various sizes from Vĩnh Long province and neighboring areas, engaging in lively trade and exchange of goods.

Address: No. 44, Trung Trac Street, Tra On District, Vinh Long.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily.

4.2. An Binh Island

An Binh Island is located in the middle of the Co Chien River and is one of the main suppliers of fresh fruits to various districts and cities in Vinh Long. Beyond its lush orchards, An Bình islet is a well-known eco-tourism destination with several attractions, such as Mr. Muoi Day’s stilt house and Tiên Châu Pagoda.

An Binh Island

 As a result, more and more visitors from within and outside the province come here to relax and enjoy themselves. The journey from Vinh Long city to An Bình islet by boat is an exciting experience, offering panoramic views of the fertile waterways of the Mekong Delta.

At An Binh island, visitors can explore the Cai Cuong ancient house. Though not as grand as the renowned old houses in Can Thi or Dong Thap, it is a great spot for those who appreciate the distinctive charm of traditional Southern Vietnamese architecture. Around 1885, Cai Cuong, a prominent landowner in the region, began constructing the house, which is now owned by Mr. Pham Van Bon’s family. The interior is well-preserved, with most furnishings made of rare and valuable wood.

Address: Long Ho District, Vinh Long.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.3. Vinh Long Museum

Vinh Long Museum is located in the heart of Vinh Long city, overlooking the tourist boat pier on the Co Chien River. Across the river lies An Binh islet, renowned for its lush orchards brimming with fruit. Within the museum grounds, many ancient trees recognized as “Vietnamese Cultural and Historical Heritage Trees” harmonize with the exhibition buildings, creating a space that is both historic and serene, shaded by greenery.

Vinh Long Museum

The museum has long served as a recreational and communal space, attracting visitors for research, education, sightseeing, and tourism.

Address: No. 1, Phan Boi Chau Street, Vinh Long.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM – 4:45 PM daily (Tuesday – Friday)

7:30 AM – 11:00 AM (Saturday and Sunday).

4.4. Hoang Hao Ecological Area Vinh Long

Hoang Hao Ecological Area with a variety of entertainment services suitable for both adults and children, highlights include a homestay on a lotus lake, a swimming pool, a countryside-style restaurant, and traditional waterway games from the Mekong Delta.

Hoang Hao Eco-tourism Area is one of the extremely attractive entertainment and resort destinations in Vinh Long.

Located in the middle of extremely peaceful nature, the space here possesses a bold garden design with colorful mini houses and a large-scale complex game area.

Moreover, the ecotourism area features a fruit garden with typical southern fruits, satisfying visitors’ cravings.

The most unique games here are Zorbing and colorful water ball rolling. Zorbing is a giant inflatable ball in which you lie inside and use your feet to roll down a moderately high grassy hill. This game once went viral on social media due to its fun and impressively unique experience. The colorful water ball rolling is similar to Zorbing, but instead of using your feet, the ball rolls on a stream of automatically sprayed water. Families can enjoy this attraction, with children safely trying the colorful water ball rolling, while adults can experience the exciting Zorbing ball.

Address: No. 57, Quoc Lo Street, Long Ho District, Vinh Long.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM daily.

Fee: range from 30.000 to 500.000 VND (1.2 – 20 USD).

4.5. Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda

Phu Ly Khmer Pagoda is one of the ancient Khmer pagodas in the Southern region of Vietnam, with a history of over 400 years. The pagoda features an architectural style blending influences from India, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Phu Ly Pagoda is a unique work of art, because it was built in a harmonious architectural style between India, Thailand and Cambodia.

In 2014, the pagoda was funded and renovated, giving it a stunning beauty that is both ancient and modern, while still preserving its mystical scenery and many sacred legends. If you are someone who enjoys exploring spiritual places, this is a perfect destination for you.

Address: Binh Minh Ward, Vinh Long.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.6. Tien Chau Pagoda

Tien Chau Pagoda, also known as Di Da Pagoda, is considered one of the oldest temples in Vinh Long Province, Vietnam. According to historical records, Tien Chau Pagoda was established over 300 years ago and has long been recognized as a National Cultural and Historical Monument. The pagoda’s ancient and unique beauty attracts many visitors who come to explore and experience its charm.

Tien Chau Pagoda

This pagoda is open every day of the week. However, the atmosphere becomes more lively on full moon days or the first days of the lunar month. Visitors can stay with the monks and Buddhist practitioners to enjoy a vegetarian meal. Besides, dress respectfully and appropriately for the spiritual and religious setting.

Tien Chau Pagoda is undoubtedly one of the must-visit spiritual destinations in your journey to explore Vinh Long.

Address: Long Ho District, Vinh Long.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.7. Vinh Sang Tourist Area

Vinh Sang Tourist Area has long been one of the most exciting destinations in the Mekong Delta. In addition to providing a relaxing countryside atmosphere and engaging activities to relieve stress, it is a sanctuary for many rare species of flora and fauna native to the Southern region of Vietnam. Visitors can immerse themselves in the refreshing natural scenery, enjoy delicious local dishes, and experience the distinctive culture of the Southern people.

Vinh Sang Tourist Area

To ensure a perfect eco-tourism trip to Vinh Sang, travelers should prepare essential personal belongings and supplies. The area offers numerous water-based activities, so don’t forget to bring comfortable swimwear to fully enjoy these experiences.

You will have experience the fun activities with friends and family.

Visitors are encouraged to bring necessary picnic food and bags for cleaning up afterward to keep the area tidy. Essential items such as hats, umbrellas, sunscreen, medication, and suitable footwear are indispensable. A fully charged phone and a portable charger are also recommended to capture stunning check-in photos at this charming and picturesque destination.

Address: Long Ho District, Vinh Long.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily.

4.8. Coco Home

Coco Home was conceived and built by Mr. Duong Van Thuong and Mrs. Nguyen Ngoc Giac (known as Mr. and Mrs. Tám) in 2009, using over 4,000 coconut trees.

Apart from the roof tiles, every detail from decorative panels, beams, and columns to partitions and furniture was made from coconut wood. To enhance durability, Mr. Thuong explained that the coconut trees were soaked in water for about a year after being purchased, stripped of their outer layers, and then treated to prevent termite damage.

Coco Home

The coconut house complex creates a unique living space that is both close to nature and environmentally harmonious. This home serves not only as a residence, a place of daily activities, and a site for worship but also as a space where the owners aim to showcase the value of the coconut tree to everyone.

Address: Long Ho District, Vinh Long.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.9. Phuoc Hau Pagoda

Phuoc Hau Pagoda is a must-visit spiritual tourism destination in Vinh Long. This renowned ancient temple features a blend of architectural styles, with the main hall rebuilt in 1962 in a fusion of Eastern and Western designs. Other parts of the temple, such as the middle hall, ancestral hall, scripture library, and stupa system, date back to 1894.

Phuoc Hau Pagoda

The Dhammapada Garden consists of 213 green stone slabs engraved with 423 verses of Buddhist scriptures on both sides. The stones are arranged to mimic a bodhi leaf spreading out in eight directions, symbolizing the Noble Eightfold Path. At the center of the garden stands a mountain with four statues of Gautama Buddha.

The campus is covered with many trees, creating shade and fresh air for this place.

The temple’s façade is designed in the style of an ancient pavilion, with a model of a seven-story stupa adorning the center. The spacious temple grounds, shaded by many ancient trees, exude a sacred yet serene atmosphere of a place of worship. Located beside the Trà Ôn River, visitors can always feel a sense of calm and relaxation when visiting the pagoda.

Address: Tam Binh District, Vinh Long.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

4.10. Mang Thit Ceramic Village

Mang Thit Ceramic Village, located along the Co Chien River and Kinh Thay Cai canal, has been passed down through generations. It was once known as the “Kingdom of Kilns.” The craft of pottery and brick production here not only generated substantial income for the kiln facilities but also brought significant economic benefits to Mang Thít in particular and Vĩnh Long province as a whole.

Mang Thit Ceramic Village

Additionally, it created jobs and provided stable incomes for the local community. Despite the ups and downs over time, this “kingdom” has gradually transformed into the “Contemporary Heritage of Mang Thit,” becoming a popular destination for many visitors.

At Mang Thit brick kiln in Vinh Long, where many valuable ancient primeval clay mines are still preserved.

This is the place that you must visit when travel to Vinh Long. You will experience how to make ceramic of this village and can buy their products for the souvenirs.

Address: Mang Thit District, Vinh Long.

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