Things To Do
in Phước Long
Phước Long is a small city in Bình Phước province in Vietnam’s Southeast region known for its agricultural economy, especially rubber and cashew plantations. The town combines a quiet, provincial atmosphere with reminders of 20th-century history, including sites linked to the 1970s conflicts. Visitors will find a practical regional hub for exploring nearby national parks, fruit orchards and minority communities.
The pace is slow, costs are low, and the surrounding landscape is a mix of low hills, plantations and waterways.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Phước Long and settle into your accommodation, taking a moment to freshen up after your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe, sampling traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho or banh mi. Take a short stroll to get acquainted with the town's charming streets and local culture.
Explore the bustling markets in Phước Long, where you can find a variety of fresh produce, textiles, and handicrafts. Engage with local vendors and try your hand at bargaining while picking up unique souvenirs. Don’t forget to savor some street food for lunch, like bun cha or spring rolls.
As the sun sets, enjoy a scenic walk around the town to witness the daily life of locals winding down. Be captivated by the vibrant colors of the evening sky and the warm glow of lanterns illuminating the streets. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.
Start your day by visiting the local temples and pagodas that showcase the region's rich history. Spend time observing the architecture and rituals, connecting with the spiritual essence of Phước Long. Capture photos of the intricate carvings and beautiful landscapes that surround these sacred sites.
Participate in a traditional cooking class that introduces you to the culinary art of Vietnamese cuisine. Learn about local ingredients and techniques to prepare staple dishes, enjoying the fruits of your labor for lunch. Afterward, visit local artisans to witness traditional crafts such as weaving and wood carving.
After a day of cultural immersion, unwind with a calming boat ride on the river, absorbing the serene atmosphere. As night falls, enjoy a quiet dinner at a riverside restaurant, where you can sample fresh seafood while taking in the view. End your day with a walk along the riverbank, enjoying the gentle sounds of nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee (local cà phê) | $0.80-1.50 |
| 🛌Budget hotel per night | $15-30 |
| 🚕Short taxi/motorbike taxi ride | $1.50-4 |
| 🚌Intercity bus ticket (to HCMC or nearby city) | $6-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, low-cost provincial Vietnamese experience away from tourist crowds
- Good base for exploring national parks, cashew orchards and rural life
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers than major cities
- Fewer nightlife and dining options compared with larger urban centers
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin lỗi" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
- "Tôi ăn chay" - I am vegetarian
- "Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Cho tôi ..." - Please give me ...
Places to Visit in Phước Long
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant scenes of daily commerce, colorful produce, and street-food vendors—excellent for candid market photography and food shots.
Dense forest, waterfalls, wildlife and misty morning light—great for landscape and nature photography (with permits and respect for protected areas).
Photograph rows of rubber trees, workers at harvest times and cashew trees in season; offers a slice of agricultural life.
Monuments and small local museums tied to the Battle of Phước Long provide poignant documentary and historical images.
Food in Phước Long
Phước Long Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A common southern dish of broken rice topped with grilled pork, pickles and a fried egg; widely available at inexpensive eateries around town.
Must-Try!
Fermented fish-based noodle soups or hotpots (influenced by southern flavors) available in regional restaurants; rich, savory and aromatic.
Fresh roasted or caramelized cashews and cashew-based sweets sold at markets and specialty stalls—Bình Phước is a major cashew-producing province.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Busy daytime market where you can try phở, bánh mì, cơm bình dân, local fruits, cashew snacks and fresh produce; good place to sample cheap, authentic food.
Clusters of street vendors near main streets offering grilled meats, skewers, chè dessert and coffee—great for casual dinners and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting temples or rural communities; remove shoes when entering homes and some small temples. Use both hands when giving or receiving items to show respect.
Greeting with a smile and a simple 'xin chào' or 'cảm ơn' goes a long way. Avoid loud confrontations and public displays of anger; saving face is important in Vietnamese culture.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in minority villages or private settings—some communities are sensitive to photos.
Safety
Tipping in Phước Long
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory in small towns; for taxis, cafés and restaurants a small tip or rounding up is appreciated but not expected. For tour guides or exceptional service, 10% or a modest cash tip is fine.
Cash (Vietnamese đồng, VND) is king—carry small notes for markets and small vendors. Larger hotels or restaurants may accept cards; mobile payments (Momo, ZaloPay) are increasingly used but require a Vietnamese phone number and local bank accounts.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The most comfortable time to visit with less rain, lower humidity and cooler mornings—ideal for outdoor activities, hiking and visiting plantations.
Hotter, more humid and with frequent afternoon storms; unpaved trails can become muddy and some rural roads may be difficult after heavy rain. Bring quick-dry clothing and a waterproof layer.
Visit orchards and roadside stalls to sample durian, mangosteen, rambutan and fresh cashews—timing varies by year, so ask locals for current harvests.
Phước Long at Night
Hiking in Phước Long
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails through lowland tropical forest, streams and waterfalls; good for day hikes, birdwatching and seeing diverse flora and fauna—use a guide for best results and safety.
A larger protected area within reasonable driving distance for a longer day trip or overnight stay—offers richer biodiversity, guided night safaris and established trails.
Gentle walks around cashew and rubber plantations and small local villages provide an easy way to experience rural scenery and agricultural life.
Airports
How to reach Phước Long by plane.
Ho Chi Minh City's main international airport, roughly 150–200 km southwest by road depending on route—common arrival point for international travelers; buses or private transfers connect to Phước Long (several hours by car or bus).
Airport serving Đà Lạt region (Lien Khuong), accessible if combining trips to the Central Highlands; road travel from here may take several hours and is less direct than from Ho Chi Minh City.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority group throughout the area, involved in commerce, agriculture and public life.
Indigenous groups in Bình Phước province with distinct languages and cultural practices; present in rural and forested areas around Phước Long.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally—informal football matches and neighborhood pitches are common social activities.
Popular recreational sports in community centers and schools, often played at sunset or in the early evening.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Phước Long.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are simpler than in big cities—look for vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, noodle soups with vegetables and vegetarian chay stalls at markets. Use the phrase 'Tôi ăn chay' to indicate vegetarian; specify no fish sauce ('không nước mắm') to avoid hidden animal products.
Veganism is less common—carry snacks and be specific about avoiding fish sauce, shrimp paste and meat stock. For allergies, bring a translated card stating ingredients to show vendors, as communication at small stalls can be limited.