Long An / Việt Nam
Long An
Long An: The Gateway to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Long An province serves as the scenic threshold between the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta. With its patchwork of rice paddies, lotus fields, and intricate river systems, Long An offers visitors a serene escape just a short drive from urban energy. The province is laced with canals and rivers, including the Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay, which have long supported its rich agricultural traditions and vibrant local life. Long An is known for its blend of Kinh (Vietnamese), Hoa (Chinese), and Khmer influences, reflected in its culture, festivals, and cuisine. The region’s relaxed pace, traditional floating markets, and preserved natural wetlands make it a perfect introduction to the Delta’s charms. Notably, the Tan Lap Floating Village and the Lang Sen Wetland Reserve offer unique opportunities to experience the area’s biodiversity and rural landscapes.
Safety
Long An is generally considered safe for travelers, with low rates of violent crime. Standard precautions against petty theft are recommended, especially in crowded markets.
Visas
Long An follows Vietnam’s national visa policies; most visitors will require a visa or e-visa obtained in advance or on arrival, depending on nationality.
Customs regulations
Visitors should greet elders first and remove shoes when entering homes or temples. Bargaining is common in local markets but should be done politely. Showing respect for local religious practices and privacy is appreciated.
Prices
Travel costs in Long An are very affordable compared to major cities. Street food meals cost around 20,000–40,000 VND, and budget guesthouses are widely available. Tours to Tan Lap or Lang Sen are reasonably priced, making Long An a great value destination.
People and nationalities
The majority of Long An’s population is ethnic Vietnamese, with small communities of Khmer and Hoa people enriching local traditions. Hospitality and respect for elders are highly valued, and many residents speak only limited English outside urban centers.
Weather
Long An has a tropical monsoon climate with a distinct wet season (May to October) and dry season (November to April). The best time to visit is during the dry months, when rainfall is minimal and the countryside is lush. Temperatures are warm year-round, ranging from 23°C to 34°C (73°F to 93°F).
Health
Medical care is available in Long An’s main towns, with hospitals and pharmacies in Tan An and larger settlements. Carry basic medications and bottled water, and seek treatment in Ho Chi Minh City for serious issues.
Food
Lẩu mắm
A robust hotpot made with fermented fish broth, assorted river fish, shrimp, pork, and a medley of Mekong Delta vegetables. Served bubbling hot with fresh herbs and rice noodles.
Canh chua cá lóc
A tangy, aromatic soup featuring snakehead fish, pineapple, tomatoes, okra, and bean sprouts, flavored with tamarind and often garnished with rice paddy herbs.
Bánh tét Long An
A regional take on the classic cylindrical sticky rice cake, filled with mung bean paste and pork belly, steamed in banana leaves and enjoyed during festivals.
Hủ tiếu Long An
A noodle soup specialty with clear, savory broth, thin rice noodles, pork slices, shrimp, and crunchy fried shallots, reflecting influences from neighboring provinces.
Cháo cua đồng
A hearty rice porridge cooked with local field crabs, often topped with fresh herbs and sometimes quail eggs, showcasing the region’s abundance of river crustaceans.
Transport
Local Bus Network
Buses connect Tan An city with Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding districts, offering an affordable way to travel between towns.
Motorbike Rental
Motorbikes are widely available for rent in Tan An and are ideal for exploring rural roads and wetland areas at your own pace.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and app-based ride services such as Grab operate in larger towns, providing convenient short-distance transport.
Boat Tours
Guided boats and sampans can be hired for trips through Tan Lap and other waterways, offering a unique view of Long An’s aquatic landscapes.
Regions
An Giang
Province
Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu
Province
Bắc Giang
Province
Bắc Kạn
Province
Bạc Liêu
Province
Bắc Ninh
Province
Bến Tre
Province
Bình Định
Province
Bình Dương
Province
Bình Phước
Province
Bình Thuận
Province
Cà Mau
Province
Cần Thơ
Municipality
Cao Bằng
Province
Đà Nẵng
Municipality
Đắk Lắk
Province
Đắk Nông
Province
Điện Biên
Province
Ðồng Nai
Province
Ðồng Tháp
Province
Gia Lai
Province
Hà Giang
Province
Hà Nam
Province
Hà Nội
Municipality
Hà Tĩnh
Province
Hải Dương
Province
Hải Phòng
Municipality
Hậu Giang
Province
Hồ Chí Minh
Municipality
Hòa Bình
Province
Hưng Yên
Province
Khánh Hòa
Province
Kiến Giang
Province
Kon Tum
Province
Lai Châu
Province
Lâm Ðồng
Province
Lạng Sơn
Province
Lào Cai
Province
Long An
Province
Nam Ðịnh
Province
Namyit Island
Nghệ An
Province
Ninh Bình
Province
Ninh Thuận
Province
Phú Thọ
Province
Phú Yên
Province
Quảng Bình
Province
Quảng Nam
Province
Quảng Ngãi
Province
Quảng Ninh
Province
Quảng Trị
Province
Sóc Trăng
Province
Sơn La
Province
Tây Ninh
Province
Thái Bình
Province
Thái Nguyên
Province
Thanh Hóa
Province
Thừa Thiên-Huế
Province
Tiền Giang
Province
Trà Vinh
Province
Tuyên Quang
Province
Vĩnh Long
Province
Vĩnh Phúc
Province
Yên Bái
Province
What to visit?
History
The area that is now Long An was originally settled by the Funan and later Chenla kingdoms, laying the foundation for its early cultural influences.
Vietnamese settlers migrated southward, establishing villages and transforming Long An’s wetlands into rice paddies.
Long An was ceded to the French under the Treaty of Saigon, becoming part of Cochinchina during colonial rule.
Long An played a significant role in the August Revolution, with local uprisings against French colonial authorities.
During the Tet Offensive, Long An was a key site for Viet Cong operations due to its proximity to Saigon and strategic waterways.
After the reunification of Vietnam, Long An province was officially established in its current form.
The Tan Lap Floating Village eco-tourism site was inaugurated, marking Long An’s growing focus on sustainable tourism.
Activities
Explore Tan Lap Floating Village
Wander wooden walkways, paddle small boats through flooded forests, and spot birds in this unique wetland reserve.
Visit Lang Sen Wetland Reserve
Experience biodiversity and birdwatching in this protected Ramsar-listed area, home to rare flora and fauna of the Mekong Delta.
Discover Go Den Wine Village
Tour local rice wine distilleries and sample the famous Go Den liquor, a specialty of Long An’s Ben Luc district.
Shop at Duc Hoa Traditional Market
Immerse yourself in daily life, browse local produce, and try regional snacks at this bustling rural market.
Cycle Through Rice Paddies
Rent a bicycle and explore the tranquil countryside, passing lotus ponds, farmer’s fields, and rustic villages.