Vinh Long Travel Guide: Top Activities and Experiences in the Mekong Delta

A Cultural and Natural Haven in the Mekong Delta

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 offers immersive activities like boat tours, fruit picking, and cultural performances, with costs ranging from $5–$40 (125,000–1,000,000 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). Its serene waterways and warm hospitality make it an ideal escape from urban hustle.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours in Vinh Long, using bicycles and electric 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 through its vibrant markets, orchards, and cultural landmarks.

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 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 an immersive, responsible journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Vinh Long’s blend of river life, cultural heritage, and culinary delights offers unforgettable activities for travelers. Below are the top experiences, updated with current attractions, pricing, and sustainable options, ensuring a fresh and authentic perspective.

1. Cruise Tra On Floating Market

• Description: Glide along the Hau River on a sampan or motorboat to Tra On Floating Market, a 300-meter hub where locals trade Cam Xoan Tra On oranges ($3–$6/kg or 75,000–150,000 VND) and dishes like Ca Tai Tuong($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND). Engage with vendors and witness vibrant river commerce.

• Details:

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

  • Location: Tra On Ward (20 km from city center).

  • Booking: Arrange at Vinh Long wharf or through Legend Travel Group’s Mekong Food Tour ($80–$120).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose human-powered sampans or electric motorboats; avoid plastic waste in waterways.

• Tip: Visit at 5:00–7:00 AM for peak market activity; pair with a stop at Phat Ngoc Xa Loi Pagoda.

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

2. Cycle and Explore An Binh Island Orchards

• Description: Pedal through An Binh Island’s 60 km² of orchards and villages, picking Nam Roi pomelo ($2–$5/kg or 50,000–125,000 VND) or Ri 6 durian ($6–$10/kg or 150,000–250,000 VND). Visit Tien Chau Pagoda, a 250-year-old Khmer temple, or Mekong Pottery Homestay for pottery workshops ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND).

• Details:

  • Cost: Bicycle rental $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND); ferry $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND); orchard tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Location: An Binh Island (10 km from city center, via ferry).

  • Booking: Book through Legend Travel Group’s Fruit Tour ($80–$120) or rent bikes at An Binh ferry dock.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Bicycles are zero-emission; support organic orchards.

• Tip: Ride in the morning (6:00–10:00 AM) for cooler weather; wear a helmet ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

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

3. Experience Don Ca Tai Tu Music

• Description: Immerse in Don Ca Tai Tu, a UNESCO-recognized folk music, performed by small ensembles at homestays, pagodas, or river cruises. Enjoy soulful melodies with dan tranh (zither) while savoring Banh Xeo($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Details:

  • Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) at homestays; $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) on boat tours; free during festivals.

  • Locations: Mekong Pottery Homestay (An Binh Island), Vinh Long Night Market (Ward 1), Phat Ngoc Xa Loi Pagoda (Tra On Ward).

  • Booking: Book through Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($85–$130).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support local musicians; combine with eco-friendly boat tours.

• Tip: Attend evening shows (6:00–8:00 PM); visit during Ok Om Bok (October/November) for festive performances.

• Best Time: November–April for outdoor shows; year-round for homestay experiences.

4. Homestay Cooking and Dining

• Description: Join a cooking class at Cocohome Homestay or Tra On Riverside Homestay to prepare Lau Cua Dong (crab hotpot, $3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND) or Cha Gio (spring rolls, $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND). Share meals with local families, learning about Mekong life.

• Details:

  • Cost: Cooking class $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND); homestay stay $12–$35/night (300,000–875,000 VND), includes breakfast.

  • Locations: Cocohome Homestay (An Binh Island, 10 km), Tra On Riverside Homestay (Tra On Ward, 20 km).

  • Booking: Book through Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($75–$110).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses locally sourced ingredients; supports family-run homestays.

• Tip: Book evening classes for communal dining; pair with a market visit for fresh ingredients.

• Best Time: November–April for outdoor dining; rainy season for cozy indoor experiences.

5. Visit Mang Thit Brick Factory and Pottery Village

• Description: Explore Mang Thit’s iconic beehive-shaped kilns, a hub for traditional brick and ceramic production. Participate in pottery workshops or buy souvenirs ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) while learning about local craftsmanship.

• Details:

  • Cost: Boat tour $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND); workshops $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Location: Mang Thit village (15 km from city center).

  • Booking: Arrange via Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($85–$130) or local boat operators.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support artisans; choose electric boats for tours.

• Tip: Visit in the morning for active kilns; combine with a stop at Van Thanh Mieu Temple.

• Best Time: November–April for pleasant weather.

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

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush greenery and abundant fruits; fewer crowds (50–150 daily visitors). Perfect for indoor cooking classes and homestays. Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Ok Om Bok (October/November): Khmer festival with boat races and Don Ca Tai Tu, drawing 300+ visitors.

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with cultural feasts.

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): Vibrant markets but some venues may close briefly.

• Timing Tip: Morning activities (5:00–10:00 AM) for markets and orchards; evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) for music and dining. Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.

• 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.

• Walking: Free, ideal for city center (1–3 km radius).

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND), eco-friendly.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Ferry to An Binh Island: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND, 5–10 minutes).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis; book through Legend Travel Group.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Vinh Long Market or ferry docks.

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), sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 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).

Activity Costs

• Boat Tours: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

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

• Cooking Classes: $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND).

• Don Ca Tai Tu Performances: $5–$25 (125,000–625,000 VND).

• Guided Tours: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).

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

Transport Costs (Local)

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

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

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$30 (self-guided cycling, market snacks).

• Mid-range: $35–$60 (guided boat tour, homestay dining).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (premium guided tours, dining).

• Timing: Plan morning activities (5:00–10:00 AM) for markets and orchards; evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) for music and dining. Expect 50–150 visitors on weekdays, 80–200 on weekends.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book festival tours (January/February, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead. Homestays and boats require 1–2 days’ notice.

• Sustainability: Use reusable items; support local farmers with fruit purchases ($2–$10/kg or 50,000–250,000 VND). Choose eco-friendly transport like bicycles or electric taxis.

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

• Safety: Secure valuables; wear life jackets on boats. Avoid heavy rain for outdoor activities.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; engage with locals about traditions for deeper connections.

Experience Vinh Long with our sustainable tour packages:

• Vinh Long Foodie & Nature Tour ($75–$110/person, 1 day): Cruise Tra On Floating Market, cycle An Binh Island, taste Ca Tai Tuong. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Vinh Long Island Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Explore An Binh orchards and Tra On market by boat, enjoy Don Ca Tai Tu. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Discover Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, and Tra On wards with boat, bike, and cultural tours. Includes meals, eco-transports.

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

Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province, is a Mekong Delta treasure offering a range of activities, from cruising vibrant floating markets to savoring local dishes at homestays. Whether you cycle through An Binh Island’s orchards or immerse in Don Ca Tai Tu music, every experience captures the region’s authentic charm. Legend Travel Group’s Vinh Long Tours let you explore Vinh Long while supporting sustainable practices, ensuring a sustainable Vinh Long Travel experience. Book your tour today to discover the Mekong Delta’s natural and cultural wonders!
Ready to explore Vinh Long? Reserve your eco-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, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group