Long Xuyen

The history of Long Xuyen, located in the heart of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, is closely tied to the cultivation of the country's southern lands, the development of trade, and the region's unique cultural synthesis. Although it only officially received city status in 1999, its roots go back centuries. The first settlements in this area emerged thanks to Vietnamese migrants moving south in search of new fertile lands.

In 1789, a small military outpost named Dong Xuyen was established here to protect against incursions from Siam and Chenla. Soon, a bustling market grew nearby, which took the name Long Xuyen. Over time, the market town became so significant that its name eclipsed the official name of the military post, and by the 1860s, the entire area was known as Long Xuyen.

Several key factors contributed to the city's further growth. Firstly, its strategic position on the banks of the Hau River, one of the main distributaries of the Mekong, made Long Xuyen an important hub for river transport and trade. Its location in the center of the fertile delta defined its role as a leading agricultural center, specializing in the rice trade, as well as fishing and fish processing. Secondly, after the establishment of French colonial rule, Long Xuyen acquired an important administrative status. Today, it is the capital of An Giang Province, cementing its position as a significant political and economic center of the region.

From the very beginning, Long Xuyen developed as a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional city. Due to its proximity to Cambodia, there has historically been a significant community of ethnic Khmer, as well as Cham and Chinese (Hoa) populations. The city is the center of the Hoa Hao syncretic religion, which originated in this very province. Alongside this, Catholic communities have been preserved since the time of French influence. Economically, the city was oriented toward agriculture and trade from its early years, which remains the foundation of its prosperity today.

Key Milestones in the History of Long Xuyen

• 1789 — The Dong Xuyen military outpost is established to protect Vietnam's southern borders from external threats, marking the beginning of the settlement.
• Early 19th Century — A market named Long Xuyen emerges and grows rapidly near the military post, becoming an important regional trade center.
• Mid-1860s — The territory, including the future Long Xuyen, comes under the control of the French administration and becomes part of the Cochinchina colony.
• Late 19th – Early 20th Century — During the French rule, Long Xuyen develops as an administrative center; colonial buildings and roads are constructed, and river trade, especially in rice, flourishes.
• 1939 — The syncretic Buddhist movement of the same name is founded in the neighboring village of Hoa Hao, quickly spreading to Long Xuyen and its surroundings and significantly influencing the region's culture.
• 1945 — Along with the rest of the country, Long Xuyen experiences the August Revolution and the declaration of Vietnam's independence.
• 1954 — Following the Geneva Accords and the division of the country, the city becomes part of South Vietnam.
• 1975 — At the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of the country, the city becomes part of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
• 1976 — Long Xuyen is officially designated as the capital of An Giang Province, cementing its administrative importance.
• March 1, 1999 — The settlement officially receives city status (Thành phố Long Xuyên), marking a new stage in its urban and economic development.
• Early 21st Century — The city undergoes active modernization, becoming one of the key educational (thanks to An Giang University) and economic centers in the Mekong Delta.

Key Stages in the Development of Long Xuyen

The development of Long Xuyen is the story of a small trading settlement transforming into a dynamic economic and cultural center of the Mekong Delta. Key transformations reflect its strategic importance and its adaptation to changing historical conditions.

• Establishment of the Trading Center (Early 19th Century): The emergence of the Long Xuyen market near a military post laid the economic foundation for the future city. Thanks to its location on the Hau River, it quickly became a key point for trading rice, fish, and other agricultural products, defining its role as an agrarian hub for decades to come.
• French Colonial Period (Late 19th – Early 20th Century): During this time, Long Xuyen gained administrative functions and its first urban planning. The construction of roads, administrative buildings, and the development of river infrastructure strengthened its status as an important transport and administrative node in the region.
• Emergence as a Cultural and Religious Center (1939): The founding of the syncretic religion Hoa Hao in the province had a profound impact on the city's cultural identity. Long Xuyen became one of the main centers of this movement, which continues to shape the region's unique social landscape today.
• Gaining Provincial Capital Status (1976): Establishing Long Xuyen as the administrative center of An Giang Province after the reunification of Vietnam provided a powerful boost for its development. This led to a concentration of government institutions, population growth, and an increase in its political significance.
• Attaining City Status (1999): The official recognition of Long Xuyen as a city was a formal confirmation of its growth and importance. This step stimulated new investments in urban infrastructure, housing construction, and social facilities, launching a process of active urbanization.
• Transformation into an Educational Hub (Early 21st Century): The creation and development of An Giang University, founded in 1999, turned Long Xuyen into an important educational and scientific center of the Mekong Delta. The university attracts thousands of students, promotes innovation, and trains skilled professionals for the local economy.
• Modern Economic Diversification: Alongside traditional rice trading and aquaculture, the city's economy has been actively diversifying in recent decades. Large seafood processing enterprises, the service sector, retail, and logistics are developing, making Long Xuyen one of the most dynamically growing cities in the delta.

Architectural Landscape and Urban Planning

The urban structure of Long Xuyen is inextricably linked to the element of water. Stretched along the right bank of the Hau River (Bassac), its layout has historically been dictated by a network of canals and tributaries. The architectural landscape is an eclectic mix of traditional Vietnamese design, French colonial style, and bold modernist solutions from the mid-20th century.

Traditional River Architecture (19th Century — Present)

The foundation of the historical buildings consists of traditional dwellings adapted to the conditions of the Mekong Delta. This is a functional style where protection from flooding and a connection to the river were the top priorities.

• Stilt Houses: Along the shoreline and canals, wooden structures on high supports can still be seen. This vernacular style allows residents to use the river as their main transport artery and marketplace.
• Floating Structures: An integral part of the city's urban planning is the floating market, which is essentially a mobile district where traditional architecture is replaced by houseboats (sampans).

Colonial Style and Indochinese Eclecticism (Late 19th Century — 1945)

The period of the French protectorate left a noticeable mark on the city center. European urban planning standards introduced a regular street grid and permanent stone buildings.

• Shophouses: Characteristic of Southeast Asia, these two-to-three-story buildings combine commercial space on the ground floor with residential quarters above. In Long Xuyen, they often feature elements of French Classicism: arched windows, decorative cornices, and pastel colors (yellow, cream).
• Administrative Villas: A few colonial-style mansions with tiled roofs and wide verandas, designed for ventilation in the tropical climate, have been preserved.

Religious Modernism and Sacred Architecture (Mid-20th Century)

One of the most striking features of the city's architecture is the unique blend of styles in its religious buildings. Here, European canons intertwine with Asian aesthetics.

• Long Xuyen Cathedral (Nhà thờ chính tòa Long Xuyên): Consecrated in 1974, this cathedral is an outstanding example of Brutalism and Modernism in the sacred architecture of Vietnam. Unlike the usual Neo-Gothic style, the building is made of concrete with powerful upward-reaching lines, symbolizing hands folded in prayer. Its 50-meter tower dominates the cityscape.
• Dinh Thanh Hoa Binh Temple (Đình Thần Mỹ Phước): An example of traditional Vietnamese temple architecture from the Nguyen Dynasty, featuring curved roofs, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant mosaics made from broken ceramics.

Modern Development (Late 20th — 21st Century)

After gaining city status in 1999, Long Xuyen has experienced an urbanization boom. The modern stage is characterized by:

• Infrastructure Expansion: The construction of new bridges and embankments, transforming the shoreline into a public space.
• New Residential Districts: The emergence of high-rise buildings and modern campuses, such as An Giang University, which are shaping a new, dynamic face for the city, moving away from the low-rise tradition.

Prominent Figures Associated with Long Xuyen

The city of Long Xuyen and An Giang Province, of which it is the capital, have been the birthplace of several key figures in Vietnam's history, culture, and politics. These individuals have left a deep mark on the development of not only their region but the entire country.

Ton Duc Thang (1888–1980)

Role: Politician, second President of Vietnam.

Significance: Undeniably the most famous person associated with the city. Ton Duc Thang was born on Ong Ho Island, which is now part of Long Xuyen. He was a prominent revolutionary, a comrade-in-arms of Ho Chi Minh, and served as the President of North Vietnam and later the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam. His memorial house on the island is one of the city's main historical attractions.

Huynh Phu So (1920–1947)

Role: Religious leader, founder of the Hoa Hao movement.

Significance: Huynh Phu So was born in Hoa Hao village, located in An Giang Province. In 1939, he founded the Hoa Hao Buddhist reformist movement, which quickly gained millions of followers in the Mekong Delta and became one of the region's most important religions. His teachings, which preach simplified rituals and emphasize a farming lifestyle, have had a massive influence on the cultural and social identity of Long Xuyen and its surroundings.

Nguyen Ngoc Tho (1908–1976)

Role: Politician, Vice President of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam).

Significance: A native of Long Xuyen, Nguyen Ngoc Tho was a prominent political figure in South Vietnam. He served as the country's first Prime Minister in 1963–1964 and later as Vice President under Nguyen Van Thieu. His career reflects the complex political period of Vietnam's history in the mid-20th century.

Chau Van Liem (1902–1930)

Role: Revolutionary, activist in the national liberation movement.

Significance: Originally from the Cho Moi district of An Giang Province, Chau Van Liem was one of the early members of the Communist Party of Vietnam and an active fighter against French colonialism. He played an important role in organizing peasant uprisings in the early 20th century. Streets and schools across Vietnam are named after him in recognition of his contribution to the struggle for independence.

Anh Duc (Born Bùi Đức Ái, 1935–2014)

Role: Writer, recipient of the Ho Chi Minh State Prize.

Significance: Anh Duc was a renowned Vietnamese writer born in An Giang Province. He became famous for his works about the Resistance War in Southern Vietnam. His most celebrated novel, "Hon Dat," became a classic of 20th-century Vietnamese literature, depicting the courage and patriotism of ordinary people during the struggle for independence.