Long Xuyen
Introduction
Long Xuyên, formally known as Thủ Đông Xuyên, sits in the Mekong Delta region of south-western Vietnam. It was the former capital city of An Giang province, which places it within the delta's network of waterways and provincial towns.
Getting there
Long Xuyen is best reached by bus. From Ho Chi Minh City the journey takes about five hours, while from Can Tho it takes roughly an hour and a half.
Getting around
Long Xuyen is compact, and its centre is small enough to cover largely on foot. If you base yourself centrally, you can reach the markets, the riverside and everyday amenities without needing a vehicle. The city has no rail, metro or tram network, and there is no local bus network described for visitors, so day-to-day movement is handled by informal options.
For anything beyond the centre, you rely on the same flexible transport found across Vietnamese cities. Xe om motorcycle taxis are widely available for short trips, and the xe loi — a bicycle with a cart attached, a Mekong Delta specialty — is good for a slower, more scenic ride. You can also rent a bike from a streetside bike repairman, though most foreign visitors prefer a motorbike for going farther into the province when time permits. Taxis and ride-hailing are not described here, so plan around the xe om and xe loi instead. Long Xuyen has no airport; the nearest are Can Tho and Rach Gia, both roughly the same distance from the centre, and intercity buses are the main practical link to other cities.
Where to stay
Where you stay in Long Xuyen is largely a matter of how close you want to be to the centre. Near the big new church you'll find An Long Hotel, which keeps things simple with fan rooms. The area around Co-op Mart is the other main cluster: Dong Xuyen Hotel is the biggest in town, while Long Xuyen Hotel sits just next to the supermarket, set a little behind it, and has a good restaurant attached. If your budget is tight, look for a nha tro — the general term for a room for rent. These are very cheap, but come with the caveat that you'll be living like a Vietnamese student.Food & drink
Long Xuyen's eating scene ranges from family-run soup shops to polished spots for a crowd. For a proper occasion, Buu Loc serves high-quality food with a specialty in family-style dinners, and it's worth booking ahead if you want a table upstairs in the private room. Hai Lua is on the expensive side but the food is good, and it works well for very large parties; you can also arrange a pre-ordered meal menu and take a night on the river by boat. The owner speaks English and Japanese. Hong Phat offers high quality and good service at a reasonable price for the better meal, while Phong Ky is known for great food even if it isn't too clean and service can be a little slow. For something simpler, Lan Ky is an excellent soup restaurant run by a Chinese family that has been here for generations, and Nam An, near Hai Lua, has a very beautiful setting, good service and a large food menu.
For drinking, Khuc Ban Chieu is a high-quality, quiet place with almost good service. Panda is high quality with good service and a view over the whole city, and you may be able to see Sap Mountain from there. Star is a beautiful place, also high quality.
What to see and do
Long Xuyen is a base for exploring the mountains that rise from the delta plains. Cam Mountain, Sam Mountain and Sap Mountain are the peaks to aim for, each offering a different day out from the city. Tiger Island, the birthplace of the second president of Vietnam, is another site within reach.
The source lists no specific activities for Long Xuyen itself, so plan your time around these excursions rather than expecting a packed schedule in town.
Three days in Long Xuyen
Day one: Arrive in Long Xuyên, the capital of An Giang in the Mekong Delta. From Ho Chi Minh City you can reach it by bus, and from Can Tho or Rach Gia the journey is shorter. Once you are in town, taxis and xe om are the usual ways to get around. Settle into a hotel — options include the An Long Hotel, Dong Xuyen Hotel and Long Xuyen Hotel — then take a first walk to get your bearings. For your first meal, try a local Vietnamese restaurant; Buu Loc, Hai Lua, Hong Phat, Phong Ky, Lan Ky, Nam An, Khuc Ban Chieu and Panda are among the places to eat, with Chinese and Japanese food also available.
Day two: Spend the day exploring Long Xuyên itself. The city sits on the Mekong Delta, and its markets and streets are the heart of daily life here. Co Mart is a convenient stop for supplies. If you want a longer outing, Sap Mountain is within reach of the city. In the evening, return to town for dinner at one of the restaurants you have not yet tried.
Day three: Use your last day to see more of An Giang before you move on. Long Xuyên works well as a base for the wider province, and onward travel to Can Tho, Rach Gia or back to Ho Chi Minh City is straightforward. Fit in a final meal and any last errands near your hotel before departing.