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Introduction

Tra Vinh is a former coastal province in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, now part of Vinh Long Province. When visiting Tra Vinh, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of coastal islands and fruit orchards uniquely adapted to the local environment. In this article, Asia King Travel will provide you with useful information for your trip to Tra Vinh.

Ang Pagoda is nearly 1,000 years old in Tra Vinh. Source: Traveloka

Ang Pagoda in Tra Vinh is nearly 1,000 years old

History Of Tra Vinh

The predecessor of Tra Vinh Province, known as the land of Tra Vang, existed before Lord Nguyen established Dinh Vien District and built Long Ho Palace in 1732. In 1802, after ascending the throne, King Gia Long began to rearrange and redefine the boundaries of administrative units nationwide. The southern territory was divided into four towns and one sub-town, and this land then belonged to Vinh Tran Town.

In 1876, the Governor of Cochinchina issued a decree dividing the entire region into four major administrative areas. Based on that division, the Vinh Long administrative region consisted of four sub-regions: Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, and Sa Dec. The Tra Vinh sub-region later became the predecessor of Tra Vinh Province.

Khmer Cultural Museum in Tra Vinh seen from above with a campus covered with many green trees, creating a fresh landscape. Source: Traveloka 

Khmer Cultural Museum in Tra Vinh from above 

From January 1, 1900, the name Tra Vinh was officially used until May 1951. During this time, Vinh Long Province and Tra Vinh Province were merged into a single province named Vinh Tra. On May 5, 1992, the National Assembly decided to split Vinh Tra back into two provinces.

In 2025, as part of the national administrative reform initiated by the Vietnamese government, Tra Vinh Province, along with Ben Tre, was merged into Vinh Long to create a new Vinh Long Province.

Read more: Southern Vietnam Tour 10 days: Highlights Exploration

Best Time To Visit Tra Vinh

The area receives a substantial amount of rainfall during the wet season. Heavy rains, high humidity, and sporadic storms are all part of the monsoon season.

Breathtaking scenery at Ba Dong Beach. Source: Traveloka

The breathtaking scenery at Ba Dong Beach

In contrast, the dry season from November to April is characterized by lower humidity and less rainfall. The weather is generally more comfortable, with cooler temperatures and clear skies. This season is considered the most favorable time for travel and outdoor activities.

How To Travel To Tra Vinh

There are two main routes to reach Tra Vinh from Ho Chi Minh City.

Route 1: To reach My Tho Ward, take National Highway 1A, which passes through Binh Chanh District and continues to Long An. From here, travel along the National Highway 60 toward Mo Cay Ward, passing over the bridges of Rach Mieu and Ham Luong. To get to your destination, turn right after 14 kilometers and cross the Co Chien Bridge. Then, turn left and proceed 12 kilometers on National Highway 53.

Tra Vinh is a suitable place for those who want to travel for healing. Source: chothuexecantho

Tra Vinh is a suitable place for those who want to travel for healing

Route 2: Take the Ho Chi Minh City-Trung Luong Expressway. After leaving the expressway, travel about 5 kilometers to reach My Tho Ward. From there, follow National Highway 60 and continue along the same route as above to arrive in the Tra Vinh region.

What To Do In Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh is one of the most distinctive provinces in the Mekong Delta, with a unique blend of Vietnamese and Khmer culture. The province is home to a large Khmer community, with more than a hundred pagodas across the region. Exploring these temples and witnessing local Khmer festivals offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Vietnam.

Beyond its spiritual heritage, Tra Vinh also gives travelers the chance to immerse themselves in the authentic life of the Mekong River. A boat ride through peaceful canals shaded by coconut palms, a visit to local markets, or a night in a riverside homestay allows you to discover the rhythm of local life, far removed from the usual tourist trail.

Local Specialties In Tra Vinh

Mekong Delta Rice Noodle Soup

This dish originates from the Khmer people and is deeply imbued with the culinary culture of Tra Vinh. Although simple, it combines many ingredients such as roast pork, beef, fresh vegetables, and a broth flavored with fish and shrimp.

Mekong Delta rice noodle soup makes tourists addicted after just one bite. Source: Travel News 24h

Mekong Delta rice noodle soup makes tourists addicted after just one bite

The fish sauce in the noodle soup does not overwhelm first-timers, as the broth is diluted for balance. When enjoying the dish, add a little lemon to enhance the sweet and slightly sour taste, complemented by the crunchiness of the vegetables and the rich aroma of the meat.

Ben Co Thick Noodle Soup

A specialty of Tra Vinh, this noodle soup offers a more mouth-watering and appealing flavor than ever. Ben Co thick noodle soup features soft, chewy noodles that are opaque white and do not expand when placed in the broth.

The attractive appearance of Ben Co thick noodle soup. Source: VnExpress

Ben Co thick noodle soup

The broth is made from bones simmered for many hours to create its natural sweetness, while fresh ingredients and a blend of seasonings give the dish a unique kick found only in Ben Co noodle soup.

For Mekong Delta locals, a small bowl of pure fish sauce with slices of fresh red chili to enrich the flavor is a must. The dipping sauce, combined with the ingredients of the soup, makes this rustic dish even more flavorful and delectable.

Jumping Fish Stir-Fried With Lemongrass And Chili

Jumping fish usually live in muddy areas along rivers or on newly formed alluvial flats. They are typically straight-bodied, about 20 centimeters long, round in shape, and white in color. After being caught, the fish are dried and grilled over charcoal to create a crispy, flavorful dish with an enticing aroma.

Jumping fish stir-fried with lemongrass and chili is a very attractive and unique dish. Source: Traveloka

Jumping fish stir-fried with lemongrass and chili is a very attractive and unique dish

When stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, the dish develops a distinctive fragrance, blending the rich taste of the fish with the slight spiciness of chili and the aroma of lemongrass, making it even more appealing. You can actually find this dish at many restaurants in Tra Vinh, especially around Ba Dong Beach.

Conclusion 

If you are looking for a place to start your journey to explore the Mekong Delta, Tra Vinh is the perfect choice, with many interesting stories to discover. Contact Asia King Travel to start planning your trip to this fascinating land.

Read more: South Vietnam tours