Overview
Vĩnh Long in the Mekong Deltas has established itself as an eco-tourist destination and its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City has made it a popular day trip. It is 130 km south west of the City and its capital has the same name as the Province. The majority of the inhabitants are Kinh, Vietnamese, but there are small pockets of Chinese speaking Cantonese and Cambodian Khmer.

Little of its history has been accurately documented though the influence of the French can be seen in its architecture within the Capital. There are Chinese temples as well as Buddhist sites. However it is the natural environment that most of those on Vietnam travel packages come to see and this Vinh Long travel guide will tell you more about it.

How to get there
The bus services from Ho Chi Minh City and back are regular throughout the day. Overseas visitors can fly directly into and out of the City. The rail system is good from there to the rest of the country. Those on Vietnam tour packages will have everything arranged for them.

Best time to visit
There are several months in the year when the Mekong is regarded as having a rainy season and flooding does occur. However the rain may well come in the form of an afternoon shower, albeit heavy, with the rest of the day being dry. The driest months go from October around to May and this is regarded as high season. However many undertake Vietnam travel right around the year and as long as you are prepared for some rain it is no real problem.

Things to see and do
Our Vinh Long travel guide has identified some interesting things to see and do while you are in Vinh Long.

• A Mekong Boat Tour is first and foremost the main thing to enjoy. Vietnam family tours will include this within any itinerary and the typical tour will include:
- An Binh Island
- Cai Be floating market where you can buy fresh produce, fruit, vegetables and fish very cheaply indeed, even as a tourist.
- A visit to a coconut candy factory where everything is handmade
- A bonsai garden
• Chùa Thiên Hậu (Thien Hau Temple) on An Binh Island is a Chinese temple and has been designated as a national historic landmark.
• Văn Thánh Miếu (Temple of Literature) is just outside the town of Vinh Long.
• Cù lao An Bình (An Binh Island) is a must see within the Province. There are numerous waterways, orchards as well as narrow cycle lanes. The island is geared for tourists within the constraints of the environment and has become a popular place for homestays.

Accommodation
A home stay on An Binh Island does not necessarily mean staying with locals. It is more about the accommodation being similar to that in which the locals live, if sometimes a little better quality.

There are hotels, primarily in Hung Vuong close to the bus station.Organised tour parties on holiday in Vietnam will have all their arrangements done for them.