Vinh Long Travel Guide: Exploring the Mekong Delta by Boat

A Serene Journey Through the Mekong Delta’s Waterways

Vinh Long, the vibrant heart of Vinh Long Province, is a cultural and culinary gem in the Mekong Delta, nestled between the Tien and Hau Rivers with a 65 km East Sea coastline. Following Vietnam’s administrative reform, Vinh Long Province now includes Tra Vinh and Ben Tre wards, blending Kinh, Khmer (25% of 1.5 million residents), and Hoa traditions. Attracting 15,000 travelers annually, Vinh Long’s intricate network of canals, lush orchards, and floating markets makes boat travel the ideal way to experience its rustic charm, with costs ranging from $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND) in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). Boats offer an immersive glimpse into the Mekong’s serene landscapes and vibrant river life.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly boat tours in Vinh Long, using electric or human-powered boats to connect travelers with local culture while minimizing environmental impact. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. As the Mekong Delta’s hub, Vinh Long is perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences, with boats providing a unique way to explore its waterways and attractions.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers yearly across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Vinh Long boat tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides sharing local insights, and partnerships with community-based providers to preserve Mekong Delta traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a seamless, responsible journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Boats, from traditional sampans to modern motorboats, are the quintessential way to navigate Vinh Long’s canals and rivers, offering access to floating markets, orchards, and craft villages. Below are the top boat travel options, updated with current pricing and sustainable practices, ensuring compliance with safety standards to avoid issues like overloading, as noted in regional safety advisories.

1. Sampan Tours (Rowboats)

• Description: Traditional sampans, often rowed by local women, provide a tranquil, eco-friendly way to explore Vinh Long’s narrow canals, passing stilt houses, orchards, and nipa palm groves. Ideal for visiting An Binh Island or smaller canals inaccessible to larger boats.

• Details:

  • Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) for 1–2 hours, 2–4 passengers.

  • Locations: An Binh Island canals (10 km from city center, via ferry), Tra On Floating Market (20 km), Mang Thit Brick Factory (15 km).

  • Booking: Arrange at Vinh Long ferry dock, An Binh Island, or through Legend Travel Group.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Human-powered sampans produce zero emissions; support local rowers.

• Tip: Start at 6:00–8:00 AM for serene rides; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mekong Explorer Tour ($80–$120). Wear a life jacket for safety.

• Best Time: November–April for calm waters; May–October for lush scenery.

2. Motorboat Tours

• Description: Motorboats cover longer distances, perfect for visiting Tra On Floating Market or exploring multiple sites like Mang Thit Brick Factory and An Binh Island orchards in a single trip. Some operators offer electric motorboats for sustainability.

• Details:

  • Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) for 2–3 hours, 4–8 passengers.

  • Locations: Tra On Floating Market (20 km), An Binh Island (10 km), Cai Be coconut village (15 km).

  • Booking: Book at Vinh Long wharf or through Legend Travel Group for trusted operators.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose electric motorboats when available; avoid littering in waterways.

• Tip: Book for 5:00–7:00 AM to catch peak market activity; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mekong Food Tour ($80–$120). Check boat maintenance for safety.

• Best Time: November–April for smooth sailing; early mornings for vibrant markets.

3. Guided Boat Tours with Legend Travel Group

• Description: Join a guided boat tour combining sampans or motorboats with curated stops at attractions like Tra On Floating Market, An Binh Island orchards, or Phat Ngoc Xa Loi Pagoda. Local guides share insights into Mekong life and culture.

• Details:

  • Cost: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND) per person, includes guide, boat, and entry fees.

  • Locations: Tra On Floating Market, An Binh Island, Mang Thit Brick Factory, Van Thanh Mieu Temple.

  • Booking: Book through Legend Travel Group for tailored itineraries.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses electric or human-powered boats; supports local communities at stops.

• Tip: Ideal for first-time visitors; includes Ca Tai Tuong dining ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND). Part of Legend Travel Group’s Island Adventure ($150–$200).

• Best Time: November–April for pleasant conditions; May–October for lush canal views.

4. Ferry to An Binh Island + Boat Exploration

• Description: Take a short ferry ride to An Binh Island, then hire a sampan or motorboat to explore its canals and orchards. Ferries are frequent and affordable, connecting to boat tours for a seamless island adventure.

• Details:

  • Cost: Ferry $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND, 5–10 minutes); boat tour $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND) for 1–2 hours.

  • Locations: An Binh Island ferry dock (5–7 km from city center), island canals.

  • Booking: Ferries run every 15–20 minutes; book boats via homestays like Mekong Pottery Homestay or Legend Travel Group.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Ferries and sampans are low-impact; support local rowers.

• Tip: Combine with cycling on the island ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND); included in Legend Travel Group’s Fruit Tour ($80–$120).

• Best Time: November–April for dry conditions; December–April for fruit season.

5. Long-Distance Boat to Neighboring Wards

• Description: Use motorboats for longer trips to Tra Vinh Ward’s Khmer Cultural Museum or Ben Tre Ward’s coconut craft villages, offering a deeper exploration of Vinh Long Province’s cultural diversity. These trips often include market stops and fruit tastings.

• Details:

  • Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) for 3–4 hours, 4–8 passengers.

  • Locations: Tra Vinh Ward (15 km), Ben Tre Ward (30 km).

  • Booking: Arrange through Legend Travel Group or local operators at Vinh Long wharf.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for electric motorboats; buy local fruits like Nam Roi pomelo ($2–$5/kg or 50,000–125,000 VND) to support farmers.

• Tip: Book for morning trips; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mekong Delta Explorer ($350–$500).

• Best Time: November–April for calm waters.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for boat tours with calm waters, clear skies, and moderate crowds (80–200 daily visitors). Book 1–2 days ahead.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush canal scenery and fewer crowds (50–150 daily visitors); pack rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Ok Om Bok (October/November): Features boat races and markets, drawing 300+ visitors; book boats early.

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with river-based events.

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): Vibrant markets but some boats may be limited; book 1–2 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Morning tours (5:00–10:00 AM) for markets and orchards; evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for scenic canal cruises.

• From Ho Chi Minh City (135 km, 2.5–3.5 hours): Bus ($7–$15 or 175,000–375,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; Xanh SM electric taxi ($100–$130 or 2,500,000–3,250,000 VND); private car ($70–$90 or 1,750,000–2,250,000 VND).

• From Hanoi (1,700 km, 4.5–5 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($70–$140 or 1,750,000–3,500,000 VND) + taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); flight to Ho Chi Minh City ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) + bus ($7–$15 or 175,000–375,000 VND).

• From Can Tho (40 km, 40–60 minutes): Taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); bus ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; modest clothing for cultural sites.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), biodegradable hand wipes.

• Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• For Boating: Life jacket (provided or $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), sunglasses, sunscreen.

Boat Costs

• Sampan: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) for 1–2 hours.

• Motorboat: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) for 2–3 hours.

• Guided Boat Tour: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND) per person.

• Ferry to An Binh Island: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Long-Distance Boat: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) for 3–4 hours.

Activity Costs

• Market Purchases: $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND).

• Orchard Tours: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Fruit Tastings: $2–$10/kg (50,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$20 (sampan, market snacks).

• Mid-range: $25–$45 (motorboat, guided tour).

• Luxury: $50–$80 (guided boat tour, premium dining).

• Timing: Book morning boat tours (5:00–10:00 AM) for markets; evening cruises (5:00–7:00 PM) for scenic views. Expect 50–150 visitors on weekdays, 80–200 on weekends.

• Booking: Reserve boats 24–48 hours ahead via Legend Travel Group or wharf operators; book festival tours (January/February, October/November) 1–2 weeks ahead.

• Sustainability: Choose human-powered sampans or electric motorboats; buy local fruits like Cam Xoan Tra On($3–$6/kg or 75,000–150,000 VND) to support farmers.

• Navigation: Save “Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps; most boat tours start within 1–20 km of the city center.

• Safety: Wear life jackets; check boat conditions to avoid overloading. Avoid heavy rain for safer trips.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; engage with rowers about local traditions for a deeper connection.

Explore Vinh Long’s waterways with our sustainable tour packages:

• Vinh Long Foodie & Nature Tour ($75–$110/person, 1 day): Cruise to Tra On Floating Market and Vinh Long Night Market by sampan, taste Ca Tai Tuong. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Vinh Long Island Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Explore An Binh Island by motorboat and bicycle, visit orchards and homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Navigate Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, and Tra On wards by boat and electric taxi, with cultural and culinary experiences. Includes meals, eco-transports.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for a memorable journey.

Vinh Long Province, a Mekong Delta gem located 135 km from Ho Chi Minh City, is best explored by boat, offering serene cruises through lush canals and vibrant floating markets. From traditional sampans ($5–$10, 125,000–250,000 VND) to eco-friendly motorboats ($15–$30, 375,000–750,000 VND), navigating Tra On Floating Market or An Binh Island’s orchards immerses you in local life. Legend Travel Group’s Vinh Long Tours ensure a sustainable Vinh Long Travel experience, blending eco-conscious practices like low-emission boats and community support with visits to Cai Be Floating Market and Vinh Trang Pagoda. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly boat adventure today!
Ready to explore Vinh Long by boat? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Vinh Long Boat Tours Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group