Things To Do
in Long Xuyên

Long Xuyên sits on the Hau River in the Mekong Delta, serving as a lively gateway to An Giang Province. The city blends bustling markets, river life, and a quiet charm found in nearby villages and temples. Its proximity to Cambodia adds an international flavor to food, crafts, and day trips.

Visitors come for vibrant markets, river scenery, and easy access to nature and cultural experiences in the delta.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Riverside Stroll
morning
:

Touch down at Long Xuyen International Airport or bus station and meet your local guide with a cold drink. Transfer to your riverside hotel and check in while admiring the view of the Hậu River. Relax on the balcony as you acclimate to the warm delta breeze.

afternoon
:

Stroll along the riverbank promenade to the bustling local market and observe daily commerce between vendors and fishermen. Sample seasonal fruits and fresh coconut water while interacting with friendly locals. Wander into hidden alleys to discover traditional wooden shophouses and colorful murals.

evening
:

Return to your hotel for a brief rest and freshen up. Head to a riverfront café for a classic Vietnamese iced coffee as the sun paints the sky pink. Savor your first local dinner at a floating restaurant, sampling grilled fish and braised pork cooked in banana leaf.

day 2
Floating Market on the Hau River
morning
:

Wake before dawn to board a small wooden boat bound for the floating market on the Hậu River. Watch as vendors balance baskets of tropical fruits, vegetables and aromatic spices on their heads, negotiating lively deals. Capture the vibrant scene in photos as mist lifts over the water.

afternoon
:

Browse the floating stalls by boat, selecting fresh produce and catching glimpses of everyday life on the river. Pull alongside a produce vendor to barter for mangoes and pomelo while exchanging friendly banter in Vietnamese. Dock at a nearby riverside café to savor a bowl of hot hủ tiếu noodle soup and sip sweet iced tea.

evening
:

Return to shore and visit a local crêperie serving bánh xèo and bánh khọt under lantern-lit canopies. Mingle with residents and learn their market rituals as a gentle breeze carries river aromas. Head back to your hotel for a relaxing dip in the pool or rooftop terrace stargazing session.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Coffee or tea$0.75-2
🚶Local transit or bus fare$0.25-1
🏨Budget hotel per night$15-30
📶SIM card data plan$5-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Vibrant markets and riverine scenery
  • Accessible nature day trips and nearby rural villages
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Some attractions require travel outside the city for full day experiences
  • "Xin chào" - Hello
  • "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
  • "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
  • "Ở đây có món chay không?" - Do you have vegetarian dishes here?
  • "Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Tôi muốn thanh toán bằng tiền mặt." - I’d like to pay with cash.

Places to Visit in Long Xuyên

Visit one of these nice places.

Hau River waterfront

Golden-hour views along the river with boats, market activity, and reflections on the water.

Chợ Long Xuyên at dawn

Bustling market scenes with vendors, colors, and steam rising from fresh produce.

Long Xuyên Cathedral or local temple precincts

Architectural details and serene courtyards ideal for architecture and portrait photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Long Xuyên

Long Xuyên is set in the Mekong Delta, where river fish, herbs, and light sour notes define the cuisine. Expect fragrant soups, fermented fish sauces, fresh herbs, and abundant tropical fruit with plenty of street food and casual riverside dining.

Long Xuyên Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hủ tiếu

Rice noodle soup served with pork or seafood, herbs, lime, and chili sauce.

Must-Try!

Bún mắm

Fermented fish noodle soup with vegetables and fresh herbs; a flavorful delta classic.

Lẩu mắm

Hot pot with fermented fish, vegetables, and greens cooked at the table.

Cá kho tộ

Braised river fish in a clay pot with caramelized sauce and local aromatics.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Chợ Long Xuyên

Central market offering seafood, produce, and street stalls with oodles, soups, and fresh fruit.

Riverfront night stalls

Casual roadside stalls serving hủ tiếu, bánh xèo, grilled fish, and tropical fruits after dark.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid conditions year-round. The dry season brings more comfortable evenings, while the wet season brings regular rain and higher humidity. Expect temperatures typically in the 25–35°C range, with cooler mornings in winter months and muggy nights throughout the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple and sacred sites

Dress modestly, remove shoes when required, and ask permission before taking photos of people or inside sacred spaces.

Greetings and manners

A polite nod or handshake is common; address elders with appropriate respect and avoid loud public displays of affection in crowded areas.

Public spaces

Maintain a calm demeanor in markets and religious sites; avoid blocking storefronts and keep voices down in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise standard travel safety: keep valuables secure in crowded markets, use reputable transport, be cautious at night in less crowded areas, and stay hydrated. For river trips, wear life jackets and check weather forecasts. Use mosquito repellent to prevent bites and take standard health precautions.

Tipping in Long Xuyên

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service in restaurants, guesthouses, and guides. Round up bills or leave a small extra when satisfied.

Payment Methods

Cash in Vietnamese dong is widely accepted; some urban spots take cards or mobile payments, but carry cash for street vendors and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with sunshine most days; carry water, wear light clothing, and seek shade during peak afternoon hours.

Monsoon/Wet season

Frequent showers and high humidity; best to plan outdoor activities for the mornings and carry a light rain jacket.

Dry season

Less rain and clearer skies, comfortable evenings by the river; great for markets and outdoor sightseeing.

Nightlife Guide

Long Xuyên at Night

Nightlife in Long Xuyên is low-key, with market stalls and riverside cafes staying open into the evening. Expect casual bars and live music at a few venues, plus plenty of street food options well into the night along the riverfront.

Hiking in Long Xuyên

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tra Su Forest (Bird Sanctuary) near Chau Doc

Wetland reserve with boardwalks and canoe rides to see water birds and lotus ponds; a pleasant day trip from Long Xuyên.

Airports

How to reach Long Xuyên by plane.

Can Tho International Airport (VCA)

Primary regional airport serving An Giang and the Mekong Delta; international and domestic flights with road transfer to Long Xuyên.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Major international hub in Ho Chi Minh City; longer drive but several flight connections for further travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central areas around the market and riverfront are compact and walkable, but traffic and heat can be challenging in the outskirts. Renting a bicycle or motorbike is common for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Kinh (Vietic) people

Major ethnic group forming the city’s core population with a rich urban and market culture.

Khmer

Significant minority with distinct traditions and temples in the broader An Giang region.

Hoa (Chinese-Vietnamese)

Visible in commerce and shops with family-run enterprises and markets.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport across the region with informal matches in parks and schools.

Badminton

Common in community centers and clubs; casual courts available for visitors.

Sepak takraw

Traditional Southeast Asian sport enjoyed in schools and community events.

Transportation

Traffic

Expect dense motorbike traffic and crowded markets. Public transport is limited; many locals rely on motorcycles, bicycles, or rideshare options. Driving requires caution during rain and at intersections; river travel is common for some routes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Long Xuyên.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many vegetarian options are available in markets and restaurants; look for chay on the menu, request no fish sauce, and ask for tofu or vegetable dishes without shrimp paste.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in hospitals and clinics in Long Xuyên. Public hospitals provide basic services; private clinics offer faster service. Travel insurance is advised for trips to more remote rural areas.

Discover Vietnam

Read more in our Vietnam 2025 Travel Guide.

Vietnam Travel Guide