Vietnam - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 315

Vinh Long
070 / POP 133,000
It may not be the largest town in the Mekong Delta, but as a major transit hub Vinh Long
can be noisy and chaotic nonetheless. Escape to the riverfront, where there are plenty of
cafes and restaurants. Vinh Long is the gateway to island life and some worthwhile sites,
including the Cai Be floating market, abundant orchards and atmospheric homestays,
which can be a highlight of a Mekong journey.
What makes a trip to Vinh Long worthwhile are the beautiful islands in the river.
Charter a boat through Cuu Long Tourist ( 070-382 3616; www.cuulongtourist.com ; 2 Ɖ Phan B
Chau; 7am-5pm) for around US$14 per person.
The bustling Cai Be floating market ( 5am-5pm) is worth including on a boat tour from
Vinh Long. It's best to arrive early in the morning. Wholesalers on big boats moor here,
each specialising in one or a few types of fruit or vegetable.
We suggest you don't stay in town; instead opt for a homestay. Dong Khanh (49 Ð 2 Thang
9; mains from 30,000d; 6am-6pm) offers lots of hotpots and rice dishes.
Frequent buses go between Vinh Long and HCMC (90,000d, three hours), from the ter-
minal in the middle of town. Buses to other locations, including Can Tho (40,000d), leave
from a provincial bus station 3km south of town.