Mekong - Vinh Long
travel guide

Vinh Long province is classic Mekong Delta country - tropical fruit orchards, sampans carrying fresh produce to market along waterways shrouded in lush green vegetation, and friendly people happy to share some of the magic of Vietnam's most important food production centre.

It's also a popular destination for travellers to the Mekong Delta.

It's a fairly long day trip from Saigon but definitely less of a tourist trap than My Tho. We recommend a visit to Vinh Long as part of a longer foray into the delta - spend at least one night.

Vinh Long town, the provincial capital, is unremarkable but spending a night or two in what are usually referred to as "homestays" just outside of town is a good way to get to know the area.

The fertile, tropical terrain that makes the Mekong Delta such an abundant food bowl surrounds Vinh Long town and is best visited on An Binh island.

The endless canals and tributaries of the Mekong River are perfect for exploration by boat. Country cycling or walks through picturesque gardens, orchards and small villages also give a great sense of delta life.

For travellers visiting the delta for a few days, Vinh Long is a popular first stop from Saigon.

Most travellers to Vinh Long visit as part of an organised tour but independent travel is fairly easy to work out too.

If you want cycling to be a part of your organised tour, make sure you let the travel company know in advance. Some companies specialise in cycling based travel in the delta.