Getting Around Long Xuyen
Long Xuyen is a compact Mekong Delta city, and its centre is small enough that much of it can be covered on foot. For anything beyond the centre, visitors generally rely on the same informal, flexible transport that keeps most Vietnamese cities moving: motorcycle taxis, cycle rickshaws, and rented two-wheelers.
On Foot
The city is not as large as its close neighbour Can Tho, and the centre of town is easily walkable. If you are staying centrally, you can expect to reach markets, riverside areas, and everyday amenities without needing a vehicle.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Long Xuyen has no rail, metro, or tram network. There is no train station or urban rail service to plan around, so these modes simply are not part of getting around the city.
Buses and Public Transport
Regular buses run between Long Xuyen and other cities, making intercity bus the main form of public transport connected to the city. Long Xuyen can be best reached by bus, which takes about five hours from Ho Chi Minh City or about an hour and a half from Can Tho. Within the city itself, there is no described local bus network for visitors to use, so day-to-day movement is handled by the informal options below.
Motorcycle Taxis and Cycle Rickshaws
Like any other Vietnamese city, Long Xuyen has plenty of xe om motorcycle drivers. You will also find the xe loi, a bicycle with a cart attached, which is a specialty of the Mekong region. These are convenient for short hops around town and for reaching places slightly beyond comfortable walking distance.
- Xe om — motorcycle taxis, widely available for short trips.
- Xe loi — a bicycle with a cart attached, a Mekong Delta specialty, good for a slower, more scenic ride.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
In practice, the readily available alternatives are the xe om and xe loi noted above, so plan around those rather than assuming an app-based car service will be on hand.
Renting a Bicycle or Motorbike
Another easy mode of transportation is renting a bike from a streetside bike repairman. Most foreign visitors, however, prefer a motorbike when they want to go farther into the province and time permits. Renting gives you the most freedom for exploring the surrounding area at your own pace.
Getting There from the Airport
Long Xuyen does not have its own airport. The nearest airports are Can Tho International Airport, located about 45 km west of the city centre, and Rach Gia Airport, located about 45 km south. From either airport, you will need to arrange onward ground transport into Long Xuyen; the intercity bus connections described above are the main practical link between Long Xuyen and other cities in the region.
Practical Tips
- Base yourself centrally if you want to walk — the town centre is the most pedestrian-friendly part of the city.
- For longer trips into An Giang province, a rented motorbike is the preferred option for most foreign visitors.
- Use the xe om and xe loi for short, quick trips when walking is impractical.
- If arriving by air, fly into Can Tho or Rach Gia and continue by road; both airports sit roughly the same distance from the city centre.