Vinh Long Province Travel Information

Vinh Long, the central province in the heart of the Mekong Delta you must experience

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I'll take you deep into Vinh Long Province, one of the provinces located in the middle of the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. This place truly showcases the natural beauty and riverside lifestyle of the Mekong River. I had the chance to visit Vinh Long in January 2012 and was so impressed that I must share it with you.

Getting to Know Vinh Long

Vinh Long is a small province with a population of over one million. The provincial capital is Vinh Long city itself. This city is located on the same sandbank as Tra Vinh province, west of Ben Tre province. The large Co Chien River flows through the city center, greatly enhancing the city's lush and refreshing atmosphere.

What I vividly remember is the long suspension bridge crossing the Co Chien River that connects Vinh Long with Ben Tre. Viewed from the city, it stands as a clear and beautiful symbol of Vinh Long, like a gateway to the Mekong Delta.

Vinh Long Market: A Hub for Fresh Fruits and Local Lifestyle

When talking about Vinh Long, it’s impossible not to mention the central market because this place is a paradise for fruit lovers. I strolled throughVinh Long Marketat 2 PM, still bustling with vendors displaying fresh fruits such as pomelo, rambutan, mangosteen, mango, and many other seasonal fruits. Sometimes, I saw large fruit boats docked near the market pier, showing that this is an important fruit distribution center in the area.

For fruit lovers like me, walking around and tasting fresh fruits from local orchards is a joy not easily found. Although I’m not an early riser for markets, visiting in the afternoon still lets me experience the authentic life of Vinh Long people.

Boat Ride to Watch the Sunset Along the Co Chien River

Another memorable experience was taking a ferry boat to the opposite bank of the Co Chien River, which is part of Ben Tre province. I spent time on the boat enjoying the view and waiting for the sunset. The golden sky reflecting on the river’s surface was stunning, and I captured this impression in my article.Boat Ride to Watch the Sunset on the Co Chien RiverHighly Recommended Experiences

The riverside park area in Vinh Long city is arranged as a walking and relaxation space. There are seating areas along the embankment perfect for enjoying the sunset view. Additionally, there is a large TV screen showing sports and various programs, as well as the nearby Coop Mart where I stopped to buy Vietnamese pork sausage and breakfast supplies.

Food and Dining in Vinh Long: Simple but Full of Flavor

Vinh Long is not a city with many diverse restaurants. I found local eateries quite few, so people rely on markets or city shopping centers like Coop Mart, which offers a variety of foods including the pork sausage I like to buy for snacking by the river.

If you want to try authentic Vietnamese food, there are some noodle and pho shops in the market, though not many. I tried fried meatballs sold along the riverbank, a tasty snack perfect for watching the view. However, be cautious about foam packaging as I once had food melt and lose its flavor; it’s best to wait until it cools before eating.

Travel and Accommodation in Vinh Long

Getting to Vinh Long is not difficult. From Ho Chi Minh City, it takes about 3 hours, and from Can Tho just 2 hours. I traveled from Tra Vinh province by bus, which took about 1 hour. The bus stops at Vinh Long bus station, about 4 kilometers from the city center. There are many Mai Linh taxis and motorbike taxis available, but be careful communicating with drivers as some street names in Ho Chi Minh and Vinh Long are the same. I almost got on the wrong bus to Saigon once.

Accommodation in Vinh Long city is available in the market area at budget prices, suitable for travelers wanting to save money. There are also day tours, overnight tours, and homestays with Central Vietnamese locals on the Mekong sandbank, which can be arranged directly through hotels. Some staff speak English, making it much easier.

Vinh Long: A Gateway to the Mekong Delta

From my experience, Vinh Long feels like an important transit tourist town in the Mekong Delta. Many travelers stay one night before continuing to Can Tho or crossing to Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam. I met small groups of tourists during my visit and felt that Vinh Long still retains the peaceful charm of a true Mekong riverside town.

Vinh Long is another province I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend you experience yourself—whether it’s the fresh market, roadside fruits, local food, riverside lifestyle, or the natural beauty here that will leave you unforgettable impressions.

For those who want to explore more about Vinh Long Market, click to read the articleVinh Long MarketOr if you want to enjoy the sunset atmosphere on the Co Chien River, check outBoat Ride to Watch the Sunset on the Co Chien RiverThank you.

Finally, if you’re interested in delicious Vietnamese food, don’t forget to watch the videos about grilled button squidClick hereor chicken biryaniClick herewhich I, mr.hotsia, really enjoy.