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Vinh Long is considered an ecotourism paradise of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Closely tied to the history of the delta’s formation and development, it was once one of the six provinces of Cochinchina. In this Vietnam travel guide, Asia King Travel will provide you with useful information about this southern province.
Panoramic view of Vinh Sang tourist area from above
Vinh Long lies in the heart of the Mekong Delta, about a 2–3 hour drive southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. After the 2025 administrative reform, Vinh Long Province merged with the former Tra Vinh Province and Ben Tre Province, and now has a total area of 6,296.20 km².
To the north, it borders Dong Thap Province; to the southwest, Can Tho City; and to the east, the East Sea. The province is surrounded by the Tien and Hau Rivers, which create its distinctive waterways system.
There are many ways to reach Vinh Long for a Mekong Delta tour. For those traveling by air, the trip often begins at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport, followed by a drive through the countryside.
If you’re seeking authenticity, motorbikes are a nice way to take in the fresh air and see the local life along the way for yourself. From Saigon, you can take National Highway 1A, continue along Tan Tao Street, and then head straight to Vinh Long via Trung Luong.
This period is considered the best time to visit Vinh Long and do a Mekong Delta tour in general, as the weather is relatively dry and pleasant. Temperatures are generally mild, ranging from around 21°C in the mornings and evenings to about 32°C during the daytime.
Beautiful aerial view of Vinh Long Province
Humidity is lower than in the wet season, making outdoor activities more comfortable. Clear skies and abundant sunshine make it an ideal time to explore outdoors and enjoy boat rides along the waterways.
The months from May to August bring the hot and humid summer. Temperatures can rise significantly, with daytime highs often reaching 35°C or higher. Humidity levels are high and occasional rain showers or thunderstorms may provide relief from the heat.
The apricot garden is beautiful during the rainy season
The rainy season in Vinh Long begins in September and continues through November. During this time, the region experiences frequent rainfall, sometimes in the form of heavy downpours. Temperatures remain warm, ranging from around 24°C to 32°C. While the rain keeps the landscapes green, a Mekong Delta tour may be difficult to enjoy due to the wet conditions.
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There are many ways to reach Vinh Long for a Mekong Delta tour. For those traveling by air, the trip often begins at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport, followed by a drive through the countryside.
Tourists going to Vinh Long by road from Ho Chi Minh City will pass through My Thuan Bridge
If you’re seeking authenticity, motorbikes are a nice way to take in the fresh air and see the local life along the way for yourself. From Saigon, you can take National Highway 1A, continue along Tan Tao Street, and then head straight to Vinh Long via Trung Luong.
Floating markets are iconic in the Mekong Delta, and Tra On is one of the most authentic ones out there for your Mekong Delta tour. The early morning boat trading scenes, tropical fruits, and local river culture are fascinating, even for Vietnamese. In addition, it is rather less crowded than the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho City.
Tra On floating market
This islet is very popular for homestays and ecotourism. You would enjoy cycling through fruit orchards and taking boat tours on small canals. The experience of authentic Mekong Delta village life is something definitely worth a try.
Rambutan orchards in full ripeness on An Binh Islet
Also known as Phoenix Islet, this is a famous stop for most Mekong River ecotourism tours. Phung Islet lies on a river island in the Tien River, a major branch of the Mekong River.
River trips are a core experience when it comes to Vinh Long
Visitors can take a motorboat along the islet to see coconut candy workshops, visit fruit orchards by horse-drawn cart, explore bee farms, or stop at local homes to enjoy tea and tropical fruits. The islet is also often included in day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.
From the first taste, you will definitely be impressed by the flavor of the Marian plum. Although it originates from the Bay Nui region in An Giang Province, the fruit is grown in large quantities here and has become an important economic product for the province. The Marian plum is about the size of a chicken egg, fitting neatly in the palm of your hand. With its dark orange skin and juicy flesh, the fruit is green when unripe.
This fish usually lives in small creeks at the intersection of salt and brackish waters on the Hau River. It can be prepared in many ways, from braised to grilled, fried, or cooked in soup. Each dish has a unique flavor that few other brackish-water fish can match, especially when braised.
Tra On braised fish has a special and unforgettable flavor
According to locals, the secret to a delicious pot of braised fish is cooking it with sugarcane. Though it takes a lot of effort to prepare, the meat is sweet and fragrant.
Fish sauce and sweet potatoes combine two seemingly unrelated ingredients to create a unique and impressive flavor, making it a signature dish of Vinh Long. The indispensable side ingredient is kach leaves. The sweetness of the potatoes, combined with the saltiness of the fish sauce and the aroma of the leaves, creates a special dish that diners remember long after tasting it just once.
Goby fish is common in Vinh Long and across the Mekong Delta, but grilling it in reed tubes offers a completely unique way of enjoying this local specialty. The fish is cleaned, placed inside a reed tube and grilled over a charcoal stove until perfectly cooked. When done, the goby is golden in color, with meat that is moderately soft, sweet and rich. Served with tamarind sauce, grilled goby fish makes for a truly delicious combination.
Goby fish is golden in color when grilled, its meat is moderately soft, sweet and fatty
Vinh Long, a fertile land along the Mekong River, is an attractive ecotourism destination for those who love the simple beauty of the Southwest region. It is famous for its lush fruit gardens, bustling floating markets, ancient temples and unique local specialties. Contact Asia King Travel for more Vietnam travel guide and start planning an exciting trip to the Mekong Delta.
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