Long Xuyen, the capital of An Giang province. It is a hidden gem in the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Rich in history and pulsating with a vibrant culture, Long Xuyen offers a captivating glimpse into the soul of the Delta. Life flows in rhythm with the mighty Mekong River, its fertile plains cradling villages, farms, and bustling townships. Whether you are an architecture lover, a nature enthusiast yearning for verdant landscapes and floating markets, or a gourmand eager to savour the region’s unique flavours. Long Xuyen has something special in store for you.
Best Time To Visit
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Long Xuyen has a tropical climate. The peak season, aka the dry season, lasts from December to April. During this period, the temperature usually averages around 25°C (77°F), and with minimal rainfall, exploring the city becomes a breeze.
Given that vacations involve being outdoors, exploring popular tourist attractions and making the most out of the travel experience, it isn’t even a question that you must avoid visiting during the monsoon seasons. September experiences the highest rainfall, so keep that in mind while planning your trip and avoid visiting during that month.
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Reaching Long Xuyen Vietnam
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Vietnam’s popular cities, including Long Xuyen, are well connected with all the major airports and bus routes. If you plan to visit and explore Long Xuyen, here’s how you can reach the city.
By Air
The most convenient way to reach Long Xuyen is by flying into Can Tho International Airport (TIA). Located around 57 km away from the airport, accessibility is quite seamless. You can take a taxi, bus, or private car from Can Tho to Long Xuyen. The journey takes about two hours by road.
By Bus
Long Xuyen boasts a well-developed bus network connecting it to various cities within Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. This particular route is ideal for tourists on a budget and looking for cheaper alternatives. The bus route takes you through Vietnam’s countryside, which adds to the thrill of the experience.
By Boat
The last way to reach Long Xuyen is by taking a ferry or hydrofoil from Chau Doc, a town near the Cambodian border. You get to witness the beauty and uniqueness of the Mekong Delta in real time.
Must-Visit Places In Long Xuyen Vietnam
After you reach Long Xuyen City, there are many popular sightseeing spots worth checking out. Whether you want to enjoy the natural beauty or the historical significance, there are a variety of options.
1. An Giang Museum
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Start your sightseeing experience by visiting the An Giang Museum, a historical spot that speaks volumes about the culture of An Giang province. This impressive museum houses a vast collection of artefacts, including ancient Cham sculptures, traditional Khmer clothing, and exhibits depicting the region’s revolutionary past. If you are curious to unfold details about the historical events that shaped the existence of Long Xuyen, this is the place to visit.
Location: 11 Đ.Tôn Đức Thắng, P. Mỹ Bình, Thành phố Long Xuyên
Time To Visit: 7:30 Am to 11 AM and 1:30 PM to 5 PM
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2. Long Xuyen Floating Market
Floating markets are a common occurrence in Vietnam. So, while you are in Long Xuyen, don’t miss out on checking out their local market scene. As dawn breaks, hundreds of boats laden with fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies gather on the Cai Vung River. Witnessing so many boats coming together and selling fresh produce, local delicacies and handmade items is a treat. While exploring options, indulge in a bowl or two of bun bo hue or try a cup of Vietnamese coffee.
Location: 22 Ngô Thời Nhậm, Street, Thành phố Long Xuyên
Time To Visit: 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM
3. President Ton Duc Thang Memorial Zone
Image Credit: Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên for Wikimedia Commons
Pay homage to Vietnam’s beloved President Ton Duc Thang at his dedicated memorial zone. It is located in the middle of a serene park, featuring the president’s former residence. Inside, there is a museum dedicated to him, where you can learn more about the president, his contributions to the country, and his legacy in shaping the modern Vietnam we know today.
Location: CC4W+49Q, Ấp Mỹ An 2, Thành phố Long Xuyên
Time To Visit: 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
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4. Khmer Pagodas
If you want to witness and learn more about the rich Khmer heritage in Long Xuyen City, make your way to the Khmer Pagodas. The most prominent ones include Phuoc Thanh Pagoda and Chua Xu Lady Pagoda. These temples are significant not only in their historical reasonings but also in their architectural intricacies, which are worth highlighting. From intricate carvings to colourful murals, there’s much to witness in these historical places.
Location: Tra Vinh Province
Time To Visit: 8 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 5 PM
5. Blue Sky Crocodile Land
For an offbeat experience and adventure, go to the Blue Sky Crocodile Land. Home to a large population of crocodiles, this place allows you to witness crocodiles up close and pay close attention to their habits. Not only do you get to learn more about their fascinating lifestyles, but you can also learn about the conservation efforts the organisation put in place. There are boat tours and crocodile shows to experience as well.
Location: 91 Trần Hưng Đạo, P. Mỹ Thạnh, Thành phố Long Xuyên
Time To Visit: NA
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Ho Chi Minh City
Things To Do In Long Xuyen
Once you finish exploring the nearby tourist attractions, don’t miss out on this list of the top things to do in Long Xuyen. Here is the list of things to do in Long Xuyen:
1. Sample Local Delights
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Vietnam is known for its delectable food. So, while you are in Long Xuyen, a world of delicacies awaits exploring. Indulge in the distinct flavours of the Mekong Delta by trying dishes like “goi ca tra”, “banh khot” and “nem nuong”. These few local dishes are quite popular in Long Xuyen and worth trying. Also, visit and explore the night markets to try some street food.
Famous Dish: Phở Phở-real, Bánh Mì, Cơm Tấm, Bún Bò Huế, goi ca tra
Price: Starting from 20,000 VND
2. Explore The Cai Dong Canal
An often offbeat and underrated experience is taking a boat ride along the Cai Dong Canal. This vital waterway winds through the city of Long Xuyen and offers beautiful views of the surrounding nature and vistas. As you traverse the canal on the boat, you can witness the local life, markets, and verdant rice fields.
Famous For: Cai Be floating market
Things To Do: Cai Rang Floating Market, Mekong Delta cruises, Can Tho Bridge
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3. Learn The Art Of Ca Don Ca Tai
This is a type of Vietnamese music, and while it is not a mandatory activity, it is one you will thoroughly enjoy. This captivating art form features a haunting melody played on a “dan tranh” (sixteen-string zither) accompanied by soulful vocals. The lyrics often tell tales of love, loss, and the beauty of the Mekong Delta. If nothing, you can book tickets to watch a performance live in one of the local entertainment complexes.
Famous For: Music
Instruments Uses: two-stringed fiddle, 16-string zither, pear-shaped lute percussion, monochord and bamboo flute
4. Bike Through The Countryside
The beauty of Long Xuyen isn’t limited to the city but extends to the countryside as well. Once you finish basking in the beauty of city life, rent a bicycle and bike through the countryside. The scenery of the paddy fields and fruit orchards with quaint cottages is a sight to behold. You might even get to witness traditional farming practices and the harvest season’s vibrant activity.
Ideal For: Bikers, Family, Couples
Best Time for Biking: November and December
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5. Kayak on the Mekong River
One of the most thrilling experiences lies in the kayaking experience on the Mekong River. It enables you to explore the delta from a completely new perspective. As you paddle through the gorgeous emerald water surrounded by lush vegetation and vibrant wildlife, you will surely praise yourself for planning this vacation. The highlight of this activity lies in its tranquillity. Also, you get a deeper understanding of the delta and its role in uplifting the lives of the local community there.
Best Time For Kayaking: May to July
Price: Starting from INR 3000
Further Read: Binh Ba Island
With its captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Long Xuyen offers an unforgettable experience for travellers seeking an authentic Vietnamese adventure, from exploring ancient temples and bustling markets to cruising through the Mekong Delta on a boat or savouring the region’s unique cuisine. As you gear up to plan your next trip to Vietnam, adding this unique and often unheard-of city into your itinerary is truly going to be a rewarding experience.
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Cover Image Credit : Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Xuyen
What is the currency used in Long Xuyen?
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency in Long Xuyen. You do need to carry cash, especially when you are exploring the countryside.
What is the standard Long Xuyen language?
Vietnamese is the primary Long Xuyen language spoken by the locals. However, some locals may understand basic English, especially in tourist areas.
Does one need a visa to visit Long Xuyen?
Visa requirements for visiting Vietnam depend on the person’s nationality and the duration of stay. It's recommended to check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest visa information.
What is the best time to explore Long Xuyen?
December to April, which is considered to be a dry season, is the best time to explore Long Xuyen.
Which is a popular Long Xuyen food?
Popular Long Xuyen food includes all the staple Vietnamese dishes that you have planned to try while there including pho, banh mi, bun rieu, etc.
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