Travel Information for Vi Thanh City, Hau Giang Province, Vietnam

Vi Thanh City, Hau Giang Province: The charm of riverside life in the Mekong Delta

I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to explore Vi Thanh, the capital city of Hau Giang Province, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. This city is not widely known among Thai tourists, but for me, Vi Thanh is a city full of the charm of traditional lifestyles combined with the tranquility and warmth of the local people.

Vi Thanh is about 240 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City and only 60 kilometers from Can Tho. I chose to travel here by bus from Can Tho, which took about an hour. The journey started from the new provincial bus station in Can Tho, located about 4 kilometers from the city center. The travel was comfortable and affordable. From Vi Thanh bus station, you can take a motorbike taxi into town for only 20-30 baht.Read more about Vi Thanh Bus Station

The traditional lifestyle along Kenh Xa No Canal

What made me fall in love with Vi Thanh from the first step was the Kenh Xa No canal flowing through the city center. This canal is the lifeline for locals who still use boats as their main means of transportation to go shopping in town. It also offers a genuine glimpse into the close relationship between the people and the water. Residents park their boats along the canal to sell fresh goods at the morning market and then stroll around the town, making the morning market lively and warm.I have written about the atmosphere of Vi Thanh morning market here

The market is filled with fresh produce and local fruits sold by locals on large boats. The atmosphere is reminiscent of traditional floating markets from decades ago. I enjoyed hot noodles at the market’s food zone; the taste was delightful and the price very affordable. I saw grandparents and grandchildren eating together, a scene that reminded me of old memories from Bang Phli Noi market back home.

Accommodation and life in a peaceful small town

Vi Thanh does not have many hotels or guesthouses because it is not well known to tourists. I stayed here for 8 nights. The room was fully comfortable with a desk, Wi-Fi, hot water, and TV, costing about 300 baht per night. This is very cheap considering the quality and tranquility offered. For those interested, searching for hotels in Vietnam in advance or choosing to stay in this town is a good option for those who enjoy peace and want to experience authentic local life.

Taste local dishes you shouldn’t miss

Vi Thanh is famous for its noodles and grilled pork rice dishes, which I tried and loved. Noodles here are very cheap, only 12 baht per bowl, with a rich flavor. I tried dry noodles and Mi Kho, as recommended by locals.Read the 12-baht noodle review in Vi ThanhThere is also a popular fish noodle soup made with snakehead fish and fish head, widely eaten by locals. I once had stomach trouble from eating grilled pork that was not fresh and was bothered by flies, so I advise travelers to choose freshly cooked food to avoid illness abroad.

If you want to try local souvenirs, you must try the giant pork sausage, which is very popular. Vi Thanh locals love pork sausage and fermented pork. I once tried a large pork sausage at a restaurant near my accommodation, where a mobile karaoke truck came to sing and create a lively atmosphere at night.The story of Vi Thanh’s giant pork sausageandVi Thanh’s mobile karaoke night experiencewhich impressed me greatly

Fun and vibrant city life during festivals and leisure

The Tet Festival, or Vietnamese New Year, is the liveliest time in Vi Thanh. Locals gather by boat from distant villages along Kenh Xa No canal, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. I saw locals walking fighting cocks and bantam chickens around town, a rare sight in modern city life.Read about Vi Thanh’s fighting cocksIt’s another perspective that feels like stepping back in time to the countryside of the past.

In the evenings, I often went jogging along the river to watch the beautiful sunset and strolled around Co Op Mart, a shopping mall next to Kenh Xa No canal, which is a favorite spot for locals and myself.Read the review of Co Op Mart in Vi ThanhThe upper floor of the mall has a food court where you can eat and relax, a great choice for travelers seeking convenience and variety.

Summary of my real experience in Vi Thanh by mr.hotsia

For me, Vi Thanh is a small city full of the charm of riverside life and a community lifestyle that strongly preserves its traditional identity. Whether it’s the morning market along Kenh Xa No canal, delicious and cheap noodles, unique mobile karaoke shows, or even seeing fighting cocks walking in town, all these experiences left a lasting impression on me.

If you have a chance to travel to the Mekong Delta, don’t forget to stop by Vi Thanh to experience the true lifestyle of southern Vietnamese people. I guarantee you will find beautiful simplicity and the friendliness of the locals here.

For more information and reviews of other attractions in Vi Thanh, you can read atVi Thanh Morning Market, Co Op Mart, Vi Thanh, and12-Baht Noodles in Vi ThanhThank you.