Vinh Long, meaning “eternal prosperity” is a city in Vietnam that is known for its natural landscapes, scenic vistas, local culture and a lot more.It falls in the middle of My Tho and Can Tho and on the banks of the centre of the Mekong Delta, it is the capital of the province of the same name. Blessed with natural bounty, Vinh Long is a must-visit place. Still untouched by the heavy tourists, Vinh Long can be your escape to nature as a day trip when you are visiting Vietnam. From floating markets to historic monuments, and pagodas to beautiful orchards and unique delicacies, Vinh Long promises all of it and even more to its visitors, which may come as a surprise.
Places To Visit In Vinh Long
Though Vinh Long is a small town you can visit for a day trip, it doesn’t mean that you can’t do much here and have to restrict yourself. Here is a list of places to visit in Vinh Long.
1. Tien Chau Pagoda
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One of the ancient pagodas in Vietnam, Tine Chau Pagoda has a history of about 250 years. Presently located in Binh Luong Hamlet of Vinh Long Province, it holds historical value for the locals. Initially, monks found this beautiful and isolated place located on an islet ideal for meditation purposes and made a small hut and was named Di Da Pagoda. In the late 19th century, monks from My Tho city visited here and saw the deteriorating condition of the pagoda they renovated in 1899 and gave its present name. The architecture of the Pagoda inside out is equally impressive and features four pillars and a huge statue of Amida.
Address: 7X79+5JX, Ấp Bình Lương, Long Hồ, Vĩnh Long, Vietnam
Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Must Read: Hon Mun Island
2. Pottery Kilns
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Vinh Long has an age-old practice of pottery and brick making from the alluvial layers that have been formed along the banks of Vinh Long. The people established kilns for these bricks and ceramic-making skills from the clay that was deposited over the years. As these pottery-making kilns are located in the interior of the village, it is essential to book a guide for better exploration. These clays and bricks were also used for the construction of the famous temples and pagodas in and around the area. You can visit this area to learn their century-old art, and even take the art you have made here.
Address: 7243+Q58, ĐT902, Thanh Đức, Long Hồ, Vĩnh Long, Việt Nam
Timings: N/A
3. Temple of Literature (Van Thanh Mieu Pagoda)
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Not to be confused with the famous temple of the same name in Hanoi. This Temple of Literature was built somewhere between 1864 and 1866 and has been renovated several times with the same architecture still in existence. The intention of building this temple is the same as the main Temple of Literature in Hanoi and that is to worship and study the principles and ideas of the great Chinese scholar Confucius. The complex has the main temple named Dai Thanh as the worshipping centre and 2 small shrines named Ta Vu and Huu Vu which were built to worship 72 students of Confucius who were believed to be equally gifted.
Address: 6XVM+4R5, Trần Phú, Phường 4, Vĩnh Long, Vietnam
Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Suggested Read: Hanoi in July
4. An Binh Island
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Another very interesting place to visit in Vinh Long is An Binh Island, located across the town. Spread over 60 kilometres and over 4 communes; it is best known for its fruit orchards. However, there are other places to explore, like small villages and pagodas, with the most famous Pagoda on Vinh Long, Tien Chau Pagoda. All the villages are mostly engaged in producing fruits and offer a quaint life ambience for you to explore. You can purchase some local produce and try it there or enjoy the island’s serene beauty.
Address: Between the towns of Vinh Long and Cai Be
Timings: 24 Hours
5. Vinh Long Central Market
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Once you’re done exploring the pottery villages and other spots, you must visit the central market of Vinh Long, which is just a bike ride away from the centre of the city. It is a bustling market where you can try out some famous drinks and food in this area. In the market itself, there’s an area where street vendors sell freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. Besides a shopping destination, this place is also known for its picturesque vistas.
Address: Nguyen Van Nha Street Ward 1, Vinh Long 890000, Vietnam
Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Suggested Read: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Things To Do In Vinh Long
After exploring the places and tourist attractions of Vinh Long, there are several things you can indulge in to maximise your experience here.
1. Take A Sampan Ride Through The Canals Of Vinh Long
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Sampan, meaning a small boat, is one of the conventional boats used by the Mekong people to visit markets, travel to nearby areas, float markets, transport various goods, and also for events like weddings. The sampan found in Cai Be can accommodate nearly four adults in the smaller variety, whereas it can accommodate eight in the bigger ones.
2. Kayaking
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Based on the location of your stay in Vinh Long, you can try a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking and canoeing. Near the islets, there are plenty of small canals that are less crowded, which is why tourists choose these canals for kayaking.
Suggested Read: Kon Tum
3. Cycling
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Cycling through the small towns is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Vinh Long. When you start the journey, you need to pin the location of your stay on the maps, as there are many twirls and rolls throughout.
4. Enjoy The Don Ca Tai Tu Folk Music
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Don Ca Ta Tui is Vietnamese folk music originating from the Mekong Delta. It is a unique combination of theatre and ballads coordinated by a guitarist. The interesting storylines are mostly based on countryside life and are either joyous or melancholic.
Suggested Read: Hon Mun Island
5. Shop At The Tra On Floating Market
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Tra On Floating Market is one of the most popular destinations in the Vinh Long region. The vendors in this market don’t sit at a particular spot to sell their goods. Instead, they load their boats with different products, including home-cooked meals, handmade items and farm produce.
Best Time To Visit Vinh Long
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Vinh Long is an ideal city to visit in any season throughout the year, each season offering a unique experience to the tourists. However, September to March is the best time to visit Vinh Long. The weather is pleasant and suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities you might take part in. Here’s a detailed explanation of the different seasons one can experience here:
January to April
During these months, the weather is hot and humid. It is also harvesting season, and you can engage in fruit harvesting activities with the local people.
May to October
You can also plan a visit to Vinh Long during the rainy season when the beauty reaches its peak.
September to December
The most suitable time to visit Vinh is during these months, as you can try different activities with the local people and relax in the orchards.
Further Read: Hotels in Phan Thiet
Vinh Long City is a hidden gem, and you must visit it on your next trip to Vietnam . It is mainly popular for the variety of fruit orchards, islet homestays, nature parks, and isolated villages. Besides the fruit orchards and rice cultivation, Vinh Long also has several tributaries and canals flowing across the city, which is just a cherry on top for the tourists. Overall, it presents a beautiful and unique picture of the local culture of Vietnam.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vinh Long
What are the languages spoken in Vinh Long?
The two languages mostly spoken in Vinh Long are Vietnamese and Khmer, and some people also understand English.
What are the important festivals celebrated in Vinh Long?
Some of the festivals that are celebrated with grandeur in Vinh Long are the Rice Festival, Tong On Festival and Sene Delta.
What makes Vinh Long worthy famous?
Vinh Long is mainly famous for its fruits and flower orchards. Adding to it, many islands and rivers are adorning this little town.
What type of accommodation can you get in Vinh Long?
You can find homestays in all parts of the town, alongside hotels and resorts suited to all your needs.
What are the famous dishes to try in Vinh Long?
Some of the popular dishes you should try in Vinh Long are rice paper wrappers, Hanoi hot pot chicken, and giant gourami fish.
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