Buzz
Just 140 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Long is perfect for exploration, immersing in the river culture, and enjoying unique entertainment options.
Below are some essential details to help travelers plan their trips more conveniently.
Best Time to Visit
Travelers can visit Vinh Long at any time of the year, but the summer season – the time of blooming fruit trees – is the most suitable.
Transportation Options
Travelers can opt for reputable bus companies such as Phuong Trang, Thanh Bui, Phu Vinh Long,... Ticket prices for one-way travel range from 85,000 to 110,000 VND. Besides traveling by bus, many people choose motorbikes for flexibility and cost savings.
Accommodation
Depending on preferences, interests, and economic conditions, travelers can stay overnight in Vinh Long through various options such as renting rooms, homestays (staying with locals), or camping. Room rates in the city center of Vinh Long range from 250,000 to 400,000 VND per night. Homestay accommodations offer reasonable prices and more experiential conditions, making them a popular choice among domestic and international travelers (prices range from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per night with full amenities).
Cuisine
Fried Elephant Ear Fish: Selecting large fish weighing from 1 to 1.5 kg fried in deep oil, the fish meat emits a rich aroma. The fish is presented on a large, visually appealing plate with intact, golden scales, complemented by various vegetables from the Western orchards. Diners delicately peel off each piece of still-warm meat, wrap it with fragrant herbs, cinnamon leaves, noodles, etc., along with a thin layer of rice paper on the outside. The dipping sauce is made from fish sauce combined with the sourness of lime, the spiciness of chili, garlic,... enhancing the unforgettable flavor of the dish.
Burnt Fish: Despite having many bones, the flesh of burnt fish is delicious and fatty. Burnt fish sour soup is the number one popular dish here. Ingredients include tamarind, corn, bean sprouts, dill,... with thick, rich fish sauce infused with a hint of chili. Additionally, this type of fish is also prepared in dishes such as stew, porridge, fish salad,...
Savory Delight: Indulge in the unique flavors of smoked sweet potatoes wrapped in tender leaves. These tender potatoes, meticulously steamed until perfectly cooked, are peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces for easy enjoyment. Locals pair them with either carp or catfish sauce, enhanced with a hint of lime and sugar to suit individual palates. Wrap the potatoes with various greens such as kale, lettuce, and basil, dip in spicy fish sauce, and savor the distinctive taste of this rustic dish.
Grilled Green Prawns: Over the enticing glow of charcoal, prawns transition from pink to a rich red, signifying their readiness. The succulent, sweet flesh coupled with aromatic fragrances bewitches even the most discerning of travelers. A dash of lime-infused salt is indispensable for relishing grilled green prawns.
Soursop: Resembling lemons, the green-hued soursop fruit ripens into a lustrous golden-yellow, boasting a soft, tangy sweetness that captivates travelers. Apart from being enjoyed chilled with ice, soursop is also utilized as a spice to elevate dishes such as sour soup with snakehead fish or sour soup with snakehead fish.
Attractions
My Thuan Bridge: Spanning 1,535 meters across the Tien River, My Thuan Bridge connects the provinces of Tien Giang and Vinh Long. Beyond its transportation and economic significance, this towering cable-stayed bridge stands as a pit stop for most travelers passing through.
Vinh Sang Tourist Area: Engage in activities such as crocodile fishing, canal fishing, ostrich riding, grass sliding, and more at Vinh Sang. Situated on An Binh islet in Long Ho district, this vast eco-tourism site is the largest in Vinh Long. Visitors can also paddle through craft villages producing coconut candy and pottery, or relish a lunch accompanied by the melodies of Southern folk music. Truly a haven for nature enthusiasts and those eager to immerse in the culture of the Mekong Delta. Admission is priced at 40,000 VND per person, with individual game fees ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 VND depending on the activity.
Văn Thánh Temple: Erected in 1864, Văn Thánh Temple, consisting of 3 chambers and 2 roofs, is dedicated to the worship of Confucius. This temple served as a place for scholars to review, cultural activities, and emphasized the importance of instilling patriotism in the people of that era. It stands as an architectural masterpiece, often referred to as the pinnacle of Vĩnh Long – the land of talented individuals.
Tiên Châu Pagoda: Located on An Binh islet, the pagoda was constructed in 1750 in a triple-chambered structure, comprising the main hall, rear ancestral shrine, and rear auxiliary chamber. With a total of 96 round wooden columns, beams, and rafters intricately carved by artisans from the imperial capital of Huế, the pagoda was officially recognized as a national historical and cultural relic on December 12, 1994.
Fruit Orchards: Vast lychee, longan, and mangosteen orchards in Vĩnh Long will leave travelers pleasantly exhausted. Notably, visitors can purchase tickets to enter the orchards and indulge in a hearty feast on-site, but taking fruits away is not permitted. Representative orchards include Chín Hoán lychee orchard, Tám Hổ longan orchard, and Mỹ Hòa pomelo orchard, with ticket prices ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 VND depending on the orchard and season.
Bonsai Gardens: With hundreds of ornamental tree varieties such as yellow apricot, waterfall orchid, and ficus, combined with fish ponds, the bonsai gardens create a charmingly simple rural space. Some notable bonsai gardens that attract many visitors (with no admission fees) include Sáu Giáo Bonsai Garden, Mười Đầy Bonsai Garden, and Hai Hoàng Bonsai Garden, all situated along the banks of An Binh islet.
Souvenirs to Bring Home
Various fruits such as pomelo, lychee, mango, longan, and mangosteen make for indispensable gifts after every visit to Vĩnh Long. For those fond of ornamental plants, beautiful bonsai pots can be acquired to decorate or gift to friends and family.
As per VnExpress
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourJanuary 29, 2015
