Long Xuyen

Long Xuyen is a colorful city stretching across southern Vietnam, in the very heart of the picturesque Mekong Delta. Located just 45 kilometers from the Cambodian border, it offers travelers a unique atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of major metropolises, set among mesmerizing waterways and emerald rice fields.

With a population of about 278,000, Long Xuyen is the administrative center of An Giang province and a vital economic hub for the region. The city is renowned for its thriving trade in rice and seafood, as well as its modern educational institutions, most notably the large An Giang University.

One of the unique features of Long Xuyen is the absence of bridges across the river—locals and visitors alike use ferries, which adds a special charm to every trip. Here, you can truly feel the spirit of the Vietnamese countryside: watch the slow-moving boats on the river, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of aromatic street markets, and enjoy a relaxed pace of life. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to March, when the weather is particularly pleasant and the nature of the Mekong Delta blooms in all its glory.

Long Xuyen will be a true discovery for those seeking an authentic experience away from standard tourist routes and wishing to enjoy the unique natural beauty of the Mekong Delta. This city invites you to get to know its distinctive culture and hospitable residents.

You can find more interesting facts on the history of Long Xuyen page.

The weather in Long Xuyen is characterized by a tropical climate with high humidity and consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. Average annual temperatures fluctuate slightly, usually ranging from 26.5°C to 29.8°C. The hottest months are March and April, when maximum temperatures can reach 33-34°C. The coolest months are December and January, with average minimum temperatures around 22-23°C.

Long Xuyen has clearly defined dry and wet seasons. The dry season occurs from December to April, with minimal precipitation, especially in February (0 mm) and January-March (1 mm). The wet season lasts from May to November, bringing significant rainfall peaking in September and October (about 10 mm per month), and the highest number of rainy days (25-29 days per month from May to October). Expect hot weather year-round with a distinct rainy season from May to November and a drier period from December to April. For more detailed information, check the full forecast: Climate in Long Xuyen.

In addition to its picturesque canals and lively markets, Long Xuyen hides many surprising features. This city in the Mekong Delta is ready to amaze travelers not only with its beauty but also with unique traits that not everyone knows about.

• Long Xuyen is considered the city with the second-highest standard of living among all cities in the southwestern part of Vietnam, second only to the regional capital. Modern technologies and centuries-old traditions successfully coexist here.

• The city is famous as the center of the Hoa Hao religion—one of the unique Vietnamese religious traditions, which gives Long Xuyen a special spiritual atmosphere and attracts pilgrims from all over Vietnam.

• The education system is actively developing in Long Xuyen: it is home to one of the region's largest universities, An Giang University, as well as colleges and specialized schools, making the city the intellectual center of southwestern Vietnam.

• In 2025, Long Xuyen took first place in the national children's story contest based on books, highlighting the focus on cultural and educational development among the youth.

When planning a trip to this colorful city in the Mekong Delta, it is wise to think through your route in advance. There are no direct flights to the city itself, so tourists usually fly to nearby major centers and then continue their journey by land. You can find out more about how to get to Long Xuyen, including schedules and alternative routes, on a dedicated page.

There is no airport in Long Xuyen itself, but you can fly into Can Tho International Airport (IATA: VCA) in Can Tho, which is located approximately 45.5 km from Long Xuyen. This is the nearest air hub, handling both domestic and some international flights. The journey from the airport to the city center by taxi or bus takes about 1.5 hours. This is the optimal option for those looking to minimize overland travel time.

For most international travelers, the main gateway is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (IATA: SGN)—the country's largest airport, located in Ho Chi Minh City. It is about 144 km from Long Xuyen. Despite the distance, this option is popular due to the vast number of flights. The trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Xuyen by intercity bus or taxi usually takes about 4 hours, allowing you to enjoy views of southern Vietnam along the way.

For clarity, here is a summary of the main airports:

As for rail transport, there is no railway station in Long Xuyen itself, as the rail network does not cover the deep regions of the Mekong Delta. The nearest major railway hub is in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Station). Tourists who prefer trains usually travel to Ho Chi Minh City and then transfer to comfortable sleeping buses or minibuses that regularly run toward An Giang province.

Long Xuyen, a charming city in An Giang province, offers its guests a unique blend of culture, history, and modern entertainment. Situated in the heart of the Mekong Delta, this city holds many interesting sites that can surprise and delight travelers.

One of the key historical landmarks is the Ton Duc Thang Monument. This monument is dedicated to a prominent Vietnamese political figure who was born in this province and left a significant mark on the country's history. Visiting the monument allows for a deeper understanding of Vietnam's past and pays tribute to its outstanding personalities. This site often serves as a center for commemorative events and attracts those interested in the region's history.

For lovers of architecture and spiritual heritage, the Long Xuyen Cathedral is of great interest. This impressive religious structure is an important center for the city's Catholic community. The cathedral stands out with its architecture against the traditional buildings and serves as a reminder of the diverse cultural influences in the region. It attracts not only worshippers but also tourists wishing to see its beautiful interior and feel its special atmosphere.

If you are traveling with family or simply want to cool off on a hot day, Sao Vang Water Park is an excellent choice. This modern water complex offers various slides, pools, and relaxation areas for visitors of all ages. It is a great place to have fun, enjoy water attractions, and escape the tropical heat, making it a popular leisure destination.

Shopping enthusiasts and fans of modern urban spaces should stop by Long Xuyen Plaza. This is a large shopping center featuring various brand stores, food courts with local and international cuisine, and entertainment zones. The Plaza is a popular spot for shopping, meetings, and relaxation for both locals and visitors, offering a comfortable and lively atmosphere.

The gastronomy of Long Xuyen is a true immersion into the world of fresh flavors from the Mekong Delta. The basis of the local cuisine is, of course, fish and seafood dishes, as the city is famous for its catches. Be sure to try bun ca (bún cá)—an aromatic soup made with fresh fish, rice noodles, herbs, and spices. Equally popular are catfish dishes, prepared in many ways—fried, stewed with spices, or served in hearty soups.

In addition to fish delicacies, the cuisine of Long Xuyen is rich in other traditional Vietnamese treats. At local markets and in street cafes, you will find the famous spring rolls with fresh vegetables and shrimp, as well as various rice cakes with meat and vegetable fillings. Rice is the staple here, and it is served in many variations, from a simple side dish to complex recipes with coconut milk and tropical fruits. One of the favorite dishes is com tam (cơm tấm)—broken rice, often served with grilled pork, egg, and vegetables. To appreciate this popular dish, you can visit, for example, Dieu — Smoky Rice (com tam).

The food culture in Long Xuyen is very casual. Locals and tourists enjoy eating at small family-run restaurants as well as right at bustling street markets where food is prepared before your eyes. The Long Xuyen floating market offers a special charm, where you can not only buy fresh produce but also have a snack right from a boat. This is a unique experience that allows you to touch the authentic life of the region. The city also has larger restaurants offering both traditional and tourist-adapted dishes.

Regarding drinks, fresh juices from exotic fruits are popular in Long Xuyen and are perfect for quenching thirst on a hot day. Of course, you cannot miss the famous Vietnamese coffee—strong and aromatic, served both hot and with ice. Beer lovers can try local brands, and among more traditional drinks, it is worth looking out for rice wine, though it is not as common for daily consumption as tea or coffee.

The culinary scene in Long Xuyen attracts tourists with its authenticity, fresh ingredients, and variety of flavors. Here, you can taste both simple but incredibly delicious street snacks and more complex restaurant dishes, each reflecting the bounty of the Mekong. The city often hosts gastronomic festivals and fairs where you can get acquainted with the region's best culinary traditions and discover new facets of Vietnamese cuisine.

Planning a trip to Long Xuyen, the lively city in the heart of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam? To ensure your journey goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have prepared several practical tips to help you better navigate on-site.

1. Clothing and Essentials:

   Long Xuyen has a tropical monsoon climate, so choose light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen). Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and a high SPF sunscreen for sun protection. Comfortable shoes, such as sandals or light sneakers, are essential for walking. During the rainy season (usually from May to November), a raincoat or umbrella will come in handy. For visiting temples and pagodas, such as Ong Bac Pagoda, choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. An outlet adapter (Vietnam uses types A, C, and D) and insect repellent will also be useful, especially for evening walks.

2. City Transport:

   The most popular and authentic way to travel short distances is the motorbike taxi (xe om). Agree on the price in advance. Regular taxis are also available; it is recommended to use well-known companies (e.g., Mai Linh) or order through apps like Grab, which is widely available here and offers both motorbikes and cars. Public buses run through the city, but their routes can be difficult to understand without knowing the language. Scooter rental is possible but requires experience driving in Asian conditions and appropriate licenses.

3. Finances and Payments:

   The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). You can exchange currency at banks or official exchange offices; rates at hotels are usually less favorable. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in large hotels, some restaurants, and shops, but cash remains the preferred payment method, especially in markets and small establishments. ATMs are quite common. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service (usually 5-10% in restaurants).

4. Health and Safety:

   Long Xuyen is considered a relatively safe city. Nevertheless, always observe basic precautions: keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets, and do not wear expensive jewelry openly. There are pharmacies in the city, but not all are open 24/7; it is recommended to carry a small first-aid kit with basic medications. Be sure to get travel medical insurance before your trip. Drinking tap water is not recommended; buy bottled water instead.

5. Communication and Language:

   The official language is Vietnamese. English is common in the tourism sector (hotels, large restaurants), but overall, the proficiency level among the local population is low. Learning a few basic phrases in Vietnamese, such as "Xin chào" (Sin chow) — Hello, "Cảm ơn" (Kam un) — Thank you, and "Bao nhiêu tiền?" (Bow nyew tyen?) — How much is it?, will be appreciated by locals. A SIM card with internet access can be easily bought upon arrival in Vietnam or at local phone shops. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes.

6. Local Etiquette and Customs:

   Vietnamese people are friendly and hospitable. Greet people with a smile and a slight nod of the head. When entering a private home or a temple, it is customary to remove your shoes. It is considered impolite to touch another person's head or point at someone with your foot. Show respect to elders. If you want to take photos of locals, especially in rural areas or of monks, always ask for permission.

7. Things to Avoid:

   Try not to raise your voice or show excessive emotion in public places, as this can be perceived as aggression. Never leave chopsticks sticking vertically into a bowl of rice—this is associated with funeral rituals and is considered a bad omen. Also, avoid public criticism of local customs or the government.

8. Special Tip for Long Xuyen:

   Be sure to visit the Long Xuyen floating market. To catch it at its peak, go there by boat early in the morning, around 5-6 AM. This is a unique opportunity to see the authentic life of the Mekong Delta, try fresh fruits, and taste local dishes right from the boats. This market is less touristy than some others in the region, which adds to its charm.

We hope these tips help you better prepare for your trip and enjoy every moment of your stay in colorful Long Xuyen. We wish you an unforgettable journey through this amazing corner of Vietnam!

Evening Long Xuyen offers its guests a chance to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of Vietnamese provincial life, where the focus is on delicious food, socializing, and quiet relaxation. While it may not have the bustling districts with neon signs of night clubs found in major metropolises, the city comes alive in its own way as dusk falls.

Most evening activity in Long Xuyen centers around the numerous cafes and restaurants offering local cuisine. Establishments along the waterfront and in the central districts are especially popular. Here, you can enjoy dinner in a relaxed setting while watching the slow pace of life. Many restaurants stay open until late evening, serving fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese delicacies. For example, you can try local specialties at places like Dieu — Smoky Rice (com tam) or sample a hearty soup at Hieu Mien Fish Sauce Hotpot (Lau mam). The atmosphere in such places is usually friendly and casual, and there is no dress code.

Regarding bars and clubs in the classic sense, the selection in Long Xuyen may be limited. However, you can find local beer gardens or karaoke bars where local youth and tourists gather to socialize and have a good time. Night markets, when operating, can also be an interesting place for an evening stroll, where you can try street food and buy souvenirs. The best time to visit evening venues is after 7:00 PM. Prices are generally moderate.

For getting around the city at night, it is recommended to use taxis or motorbike taxis (xe om). Agree on the fare in advance or ensure the driver turns on the meter. Overall, Long Xuyen is considered quite a safe city; however, as anywhere else, standard precautions should be taken, especially after dark, and secluded streets should be avoided.

During the day, Long Xuyen also offers various leisure options. You can visit local attractions such as the Ton Duc Thang Monument or the Long Xuyen Cathedral. For family fun, Sao Vang Water Park is a great place to cool off. Shopping enthusiasts can visit Long Xuyen Plaza or Mega Market Long Xuyen.

Thus, evening Long Xuyen is more about cozy dinners, exploring local gastronomy, and peaceful walks than loud parties until dawn. It is a great opportunity to feel the genuine rhythm of Vietnamese life away from the tourist crowds.

Long Xuyen, nestled in the Mekong Delta, offers its guests not only picturesque river landscapes but also the opportunity to experience local culture through its attractions and recreation areas. The city can surprise you with pleasant corners for walking and interesting sites reflecting its history and modern life.

While Long Xuyen may not have many classic urban parks, there are places where you can enjoy nature and active recreation. One such place is Sao Vang Water Park, which is an excellent choice for family leisure and escaping the heat. Here you can have fun on water slides and in pools. Additionally, the embankments of the Hau Giang River and the numerous canals around the city provide wonderful opportunities for leisurely walks, where you can observe authentic life on the water—an integral part of the Mekong Delta culture.

Regarding cultural heritage, although Long Xuyen may not have many traditional museums, its history and spirit are clearly manifested in iconic monuments and architectural structures. To gain a deeper understanding of the city's past and present, look at the Ton Duc Thang Monument. This monument is dedicated to the second president of Vietnam, who was a native of these parts, and is an important symbol of national history and pride.

Another outstanding architectural and cultural landmark is the Long Xuyen Cathedral. This beautiful structure catches the eye with its appearance and is an important spiritual center for the local Christian community. A visit here allows you to appreciate the city's architectural diversity.

For a more authentic experience of Long Xuyen, do not limit yourself to well-known attractions. Stroll through local markets, such as Mega Market Long Xuyen or Long Xuyen Plaza, to observe the daily lives of citizens and perhaps find interesting souvenirs. Also, look for small pagodas and temples often hidden on quiet streets—they can tell as much about the spiritual life of the region as the large monuments.

Public transport in Long Xuyen is represented by several main types that allow tourists to move around the city and its surroundings. Although there are no subways or trams, the existing system is quite convenient for exploring this charming city in the Mekong Delta.

The backbone of public transport consists of buses. They run on the main city routes and connect Long Xuyen with nearby settlements. The bus network is well-developed for travel between key points. Fares are usually paid in cash directly to the conductor or driver upon entry. The cost is generally low. It is recommended to have small denominations of Vietnamese Dong for convenience. Buses usually start running early in the morning and finish towards the evening.

A very popular and flexible way to get around is the motorbike taxi, known locally as "xe om." They are easy to find on almost every corner. It is a fast way to reach your destination, especially for short distances or through narrow streets. The price of the trip should be negotiated in advance before getting on the motorbike. Traditional taxis are also available in the city and can be hailed on the street or ordered by phone. Increasingly, cars and motorbikes ordered through mobile ride-hailing apps (such as Grab) are becoming more common, providing transparent fares and convenient booking.

Given Long Xuyen's location in the Mekong Delta, boats and ferries play a vital role in the transport system. They are used for crossing numerous rivers and canals, as well as for water excursions. This is not just a means of transport, but also an opportunity to see the city and its surroundings from an unusual angle. For tourists, this can be an interesting local experience.

Among alternative ways to get around, consider renting a bicycle or motorbike if you feel confident on the roads. This gives you more freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Walking is also pleasant, especially in the central part of Long Xuyen and along the embankments. When using ride-hailing apps, make sure you have internet access via a local SIM card or Wi-Fi.

In the city of Long Xuyen, travelers will find various accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The city offers everything from affordable guesthouses and small hotels to more comfortable mid-range hotels. You can also consider renting apartments or rooms, which is particularly convenient for long stays or family trips.

When choosing a place to stay, it is worth paying attention to areas located near the city center or main transport arteries. This will ensure easy access to local attractions, such as the Ton Duc Thang Monument or Long Xuyen Cathedral, as well as shopping spots like Long Xuyen Plaza. Staying in the central part will also make it easier to explore local cuisine at places like Dieu — Smoky Rice (com tam).

While there may not be any large international hotel chains in Long Xuyen, local hotels offer a decent level of service. In general, price ranges vary from budget-friendly options to mid-level. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially if your trip coincides with peak tourist seasons or local holidays. For searching and booking, it is convenient to use popular online platforms or, in some cases, contact hotels directly.

For those who want to explore the surroundings, Long Xuyen serves as an excellent starting point for day trips to several interesting nearby locations:

These nearby destinations offer insight into the diverse culture and landscapes of the region. Each of these cities offers its own unique attractions, from lively markets and ancient pagodas to the picturesque river scenery of the Mekong Delta.

Shopping in Long Xuyen offers tourists the chance to immerse themselves in the local trade culture and find interesting goods. The city is not famous for exclusive boutiques of global brands, but here you can purchase authentic Vietnamese products, fresh food, and household items. The main focus is on local markets and a few modern shopping centers.

Although Long Xuyen does not have clearly defined pedestrian shopping streets like major metropolises, lively trade can be found in the central part of the city, especially near markets and main transport arteries. Here, small shops, stalls, and street vendors offer a variety of goods.

For a more civilized shopping experience, Long Xuyen has several shopping centers. These include Long Xuyen Plaza, where you can find clothing stores, electronics, and a food court. Another popular spot is Mega Market Long Xuyen, which is a large hypermarket with a wide range of goods, from groceries to household appliances and clothing.

Markets are the heart of trade in Long Xuyen and an integral part of local life. The most famous is the Long Xuyen floating market, where trade is conducted directly from boats. Here you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and seafood, as well as try local delicacies. In addition to the floating market, the city has land markets selling clothes, souvenirs, household goods, and, of course, a variety of food.

For souvenirs from Long Xuyen, it is worth bringing back products from local artisans, perhaps silk items, traditional Vietnamese non la hats, coffee or tea, spices, and various exotic fruits or sweets. Special attention can be paid to products characteristic of the Mekong Delta region.

Shops in Long Xuyen are usually open in the morning (around 8:00-9:00) and work until evening (19:00-21:00). Some small stalls and markets may close for a lunch break. In shopping centers, opening hours are generally longer. The primary method of payment, especially in markets and small shops, is cash (Vietnamese Dong). Large shopping centers and some stores accept credit cards.

The possibility of a tax refund (Tax Free) exists in Vietnam, but it is most often available at major international airports and for purchases in specialized stores participating in this program. In Long Xuyen, finding such stores can be difficult, but when making large purchases, it is worth checking this information with the seller.