Things To Do
in Vị Thanh
Vi Thanh is the provincial capital of Hau Giang in the Mekong Delta, sits on the banks of the Hau River, and serves as a calm gateway to delta life. The city blends bustling markets, riverside scenes, and approachable, family-run eateries that showcase regional flavors. It’s a compact base for exploring fruit orchards, temple complexes, and rural villages just outside the city center.
Expect hot, humid days, a welcoming local vibe, and a pace that invites easy delta exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Vị Thanh and check into a local guesthouse, enjoying the warmth of the hospitality. Take a leisurely stroll along the Mekong River, immersing yourself in the serene surrounding and local vibe. Delight in a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at a nearby café, where the aroma of fresh pho fills the air.
Explore the bustling local market, interacting with vendors as you sample local fruits and snacks. Visit the Vị Thanh Cultural Center to learn about the rich history and traditions of the Mekong Delta region. Take a short boat trip on the river, enjoying the beautiful landscape and watching daily life unfold along the banks.
Savor a delicious dinner at a riverside restaurant, where you can try local specialties such as grilled fish and fresh spring rolls. As night falls, take a peaceful walk along the riverfront, watching the sunset paint the sky with hues of orange and pink. Wind down your day with a traditional tea ceremony at your guesthouse, reflecting on your adventures.
Begin your day with a visit to a nearby village known for its traditional crafts, where you can observe artisans at work. Engage with the locals and perhaps take part in a pottery or weaving workshop. Afterward, enjoy a freshly made breakfast of bánh mì from a street vendor.
Tour the historic sites of Vị Thanh, including ancient temples that showcase unique architectural styles and local spiritual practices. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery, relishing the flavors of regional cuisine. Post-lunch, visit a fruit orchard, where you can sample tropical fruits right from the trees.
Join a cooking class where you'll learn to prepare traditional dishes, guided by a local chef. Enjoy the fruits of your labor by dining on your creations alongside fellow cooking enthusiasts. Conclude your evening by watching a cultural performance that brings the rich heritage of the Mekong Delta to life.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🧃Soft drink or juice | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $15-25 |
| 📱Local SIM card (data) | $5-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly, welcoming locals and low travel costs
- Authentic Mekong Delta experience away from larger tourist hubs
- Easy access to delta scenery, markets, and fruit orchards
- Relatively quiet nightlife with riverside dining
- Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Very hot and humid conditions for much of the year
- Transport options can be slower or less frequent than bigger cities
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
- "Ở đây có món gì ngon?" - What dish is good here?
- "Tôi muốn uống nước mía" - I would like a sugarcane juice
- "Bạn có thể nói tiếng Anh không?" - Can you speak English?
- "Tôi là người ăn chay" - I am a vegetarian
- "Tạm biệt" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Vị Thanh
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour views of the Hau River with boats, fisherman silhouettes, and tree-lined banks.
Colorful stalls, steam, and busy vendors offering vibrant compositions of daily delta life.
Tranquil lanes with traditional architecture, lanterns, and locals performing daily rituals.
Rows of mango, rambutan, and jackfruit trees provide lush, colorful backdrops.
Food in Vị Thanh
Vị Thanh Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice noodle soup with pork, shrimp, herbs, and a light, clear broth; best found at morning stalls near the market.
Must-Try!
Caramelized fish braised slowly in a clay pot with fish sauce, garlic, and sugar; typically served with steamed rice.
Rice vermicelli topped with grilled pork, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce-based dressing.
Three-color layered dessert made with beans, jelly, and coconut milk; a refreshing finish on a warm day.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main market where you can sample breakfast bites, fresh fruit, seafood, and everyday delta fare from local vendors.
Vibrant evening spots offering quick bites, grilled skewers, and refreshing beverages along a lively pedestrian stretch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite hello (Xin chào) with a smile is standard; use formal terms to address elders (ông, bà, cô/chú) and avoid loud public discussions in temples or during ceremonies.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Remove shoes when entering homes or certain temples, and show restraint with public displays of anger or impatience.
Safety
Tipping in Vị Thanh
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, especially with guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Small amounts in local currency are common.
Cash in Vietnamese dong (VND) is widely preferred in markets and small eateries. Many hotels and larger restaurants accept card payments, and mobile wallets are increasingly common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and humid with strong sun. Seek shade, stay hydrated, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Mosquito repellent is helpful near river edges.
May–October brings heavy rains and higher humidity; some outdoor trips may be delayed by rain or flooded roads. Pack a light rain jacket and waterproof bags, and be prepared for incremental river level changes.
November–April offers drier skies and comfortable daytime temperatures; great for sightseeing and cycling, though humidity remains. Good time for river views and photography with clearer light.
Vị Thanh at Night
Hiking in Vị Thanh
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle walking paths through seasonal orchards offering rural scenery and fruit picking when in season.
Relaxed trails and river views with opportunities to spot birds and local flora.
Airports
How to reach Vị Thanh by plane.
Main nearby airport with domestic and limited international connections; accessible by road from Vi Thanh in about 1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic.
Regional airport serving nearby areas; longer drive from Vi Thanh but provides alternative routes to the delta.
Major international gateway; requires a longer onward transfer to Vi Thanh by road or domestic flight + road trip.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The core population, with a strong presence in markets, schools, and business.
A smaller minority community in the delta region, contributing to cultural and temple diversity.
A historic minority with family businesses and groceries visible in some neighborhoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local clubs and youth teams are common around town.
Popular in community centers and schools; casual courts can be found in neighborhoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Vị Thanh.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian diners can enjoy tofu, vegetables, and bean-based dishes; ask for fish sauce alternatives and vegetable-based broths when available.