Things To Do
in Long Thành

Long Thành is a rural district in Dong Nai Province just east of Ho Chi Minh City and serves as a quiet gateway to southern Vietnam's countryside. Its landscape is a patchwork of rice fields, rubber plantations, and rivers that shape a slower pace of life. A future transport hub is taking shape with the Long Thành International Airport planned nearby, while existing markets, temples, and markets offer real insights into local life.

Visitors can easily combine a pastoral escape with convenient access to the city and the wider Dong Nai region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Long Thành
morning
:

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport and take a scenic drive to Long Thành. Enjoy the lush landscapes that characterize the region as you settle into your accommodation. Have a refreshing local breakfast at a nearby café to fuel your adventure.

afternoon
:

Explore the local markets, where the aromas of Vietnamese street food waft through the air. Engage with friendly vendors and sample traditional delicacies. Take some time to rest and prepare for the evening ahead.

evening
:

Visit the vibrant Long Thành night market, where stalls are filled with colorful handicrafts and delicious street food. Enjoy lively performances that reflect the rich culture of the region. Conclude your day with a traditional Vietnamese meal under the stars.

day 2
Explore Long Thành Countryside
morning
:

Wake up early to experience the tranquility of the Long Thành countryside. Join a walking or cycling tour to witness the serene rice paddies and lush green landscapes. Capture beautiful sunrise photos while learning about local farming practices.

afternoon
:

Visit a local organic farm and take part in a workshop about sustainable farming. Taste seasonal fruits and vegetables straight from the garden. Spend some time lounging in a hammock, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

evening
:

Return to the city and dine at a restaurant specializing in Long Thành cuisine. Try local dishes like 'Cơm Tấm' and fresh seafood. After dinner, unwind at a local café where you can interact with residents and learn about their way of life.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-7
🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$12-25
🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel$25-60
🚗Taxi or rides within town$2-8
Coffee or tea at cafe$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, less crowded than big cities
  • Good value for money and easy access to countryside
  • Limited nightlife and international dining options
  • Public transport is less developed; plan for private transport
  • "Xin chào" - Hello
  • "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
  • "Xin lỗi" - Sorry
  • "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
  • "Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Tạm biệt" - Goodbye

Places to Visit in Long Thành

Visit one of these nice places.

Dong Nai River viewpoints near Long Thanh

Sunrise or sunset scenes over the river with boats of local fishermen and soft light across the water.

Tri An Lake overlook

A broad reservoir with calm water reflections, mangrove edges, and distant hills—excellent for landscape photography.

Rural fields and rubber plantations along local lanes

Long straight irrigation ditches, paddies, and rows of rubber trees provide a classic Southern Vietnamese rural vibe.

Local temples in Long Thanh

Architectural details, lanterns, and quiet courtyards offer intimate portraits and detail shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Long Thành

Southern Vietnamese cuisine emphasizes fresh herbs, seafood, and grilled meats, with Dong Nai's markets bringing regional produce into daily meals. Expect vibrant street food, bowlfuls of noodle soups, and hearty rice dishes that pair with generous greens.

Long Thành Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Banh xeo

Crispy turmeric-yellow savory pancakes filled with shrimp and pork, served with fresh herbs and dipped in fish sauce; widely available at street stalls in Bien Hoa and Long Thanh.

Must-Try!

Bun thit nuong

Vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, crunchy peanuts, herbs, and a fish-sauce dressing; a popular lunch option at casual eateries.

Com tam

Broken rice served with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, or egg meatloaf, commonly found in local eateries and markets.

Hu tieu Nam Vang

A clear pork and seafood noodle soup with a fragrant broth, widely available in noodle shops around Bien Hoa.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Bien Hoa Market

A bustling hub for fresh produce, herbs, seafood, and a range of street food stalls.

Long Thanh Market

A local market offering seasonal fruits, vegetables, poultry, and prepared foods—great for a quick bite.

Street stalls along Highway 51

Late-afternoon and evening stalls selling grilled skewers, banh mi, and noodle bowls; ideal for casual meals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Southern Vietnam experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons: a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Temperatures typically range from 25-35°C (77-95°F) year-round, with high humidity and occasional heat waves during the dry season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple etiquette

Dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and avoid touching incense; speak softly in sacred spaces.

Greetings and gestures

A light handshake or bow with both hands for formal greetings; avoid touching someone’s head; place feet flat on the ground and avoid pointing toes at people or temples.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets, traffic injuries on busy roads, and seasonal dengue fever outbreaks. Carry water, use insect repellent, wear helmets on motorbikes, and choose reputable transport options.

Tipping in Long Thành

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam, but small tips for service in hotels, cafes, and guided tours are appreciated; rounding up the bill is common in casual eateries.

Payment Methods

Cash in Vietnamese dong is widely used; many hotels and larger restaurants accept credit/debit cards and mobile payments (e-wallets) in urban centers; always carry cash for rural markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (Mar–May)

Hot days with high humidity; plenty of sun for outdoor photography and markets, but stay hydrated and plan morning activities early.

Rainy Season (Jun–Oct)

Afternoon downpours are common; plan indoor or sheltered activities; dramatic skies and lush greenery make for vibrant photos.

Dry Cool Season (Nov–Feb)

Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity; comfortable for sightseeing and night strolls; evenings can be cooler.

Nightlife Guide

Long Thành at Night

Long Thành's nightlife is quiet compared to Ho Chi Minh City. In Bien Hoa, you’ll find casual cafes, local bars, and late-night street food scenes. For a more vibrant scene, many travelers head to nearby Ho Chi Minh City or Bien Hoa's city centers for live music, night markets, and nightlife hotspots.

Hiking in Long Thành

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tri An Lake and surrounding hills

Approachable hiking and scenic areas around the Tri An Lake reservoir for short day hikes.

Cat Tien National Park (driving distance)

A bit farther away but offers forest treks and wildlife watching for a longer day trip.

Airports

How to reach Long Thành by plane.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Main international airport serving Ho Chi Minh City; about 40–60 km from Long Thành by road, with frequent domestic and international flight options.

Long Thành International Airport (under construction)

A new airport being built in Long Thành District to serve the region; expected to expand regional connectivity once completed.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town centers are modestly walkable, especially Bien Hoa's central areas. However, much of Long Thành's countryside is spread out along rural roads, so visitors often rely on scooters, bicycles, or car hire for longer trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Kinh (ethnic Vietnamese)

The majority ethnic group in Long Thành and Dong Nai.

Hoa (ethnic Chinese) and other communities

Small but established communities contributing to local markets, cuisine, and culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Viet Nam, with local leagues and casual play among youth and adults.

Badminton

Widely played in community centers and schools, especially in the evenings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is a mix of motorbikes, cars, and buses. In Bien Hoa and along major routes, ride-hailing and taxis are common; expect slower travel during peak hours and plan for slower traffic on weekends when markets bustle.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Long Thành.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most Vietnamese dishes can be made vegetarian by omitting meat and fish sauce; request tofu or mushrooms, no fish sauce, and check for meat stock; many vegetable dishes are available in markets and vegetarian-friendly restaurants.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Long Thành is supported by clinics in the district and hospitals in Bien Hoa. For major care, patients typically go to Dong Nai General Hospital in Bien Hoa or to private hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City. Bring essential medications and consider travel insurance.

Discover Vietnam

Read more in our Vietnam 2025 Travel Guide.

Vietnam Travel Guide