Long Xuyên: The Riverside Capital

The Hậu River (Bassac River) is the southern distributary of the Mekong, and Long Xuyên stretches along its banks. The river is the city’s lifeblood — it brings the fish that feed the province, the silt that enriches the fields, and the boats that connect Long Xuyên to the wider delta. The Long Xuyên waterfront is the city’s social heart, with a broad promenade that fills with walkers and cyclists in the early morning and evening. From here, you can watch the fishing boats return, the ferries cross to the islands, and the sun set over the water in shades of orange and pink.

Less famous than Cái Răng in Cần Thơ, the Long Xuyên Floating Market is no less authentic. Gathering on the river just north of the city, it operates from the early hours until mid‑morning. Boats are loaded with fruit, vegetables, and the daily catch; vendors hang samples from bamboo poles — a silent language understood by all. Here, you can buy a bundle of mangoes or a basket of cá linh, then drift to a breakfast boat for a bowl of hủ tiếu served from a floating kitchen. The market is smaller and more local than its better‑known counterparts, offering a glimpse of the delta’s commerce that has remained unchanged for generations.

One of Long Xuyên’s most distinctive sights is the rows of bamboo stilt houses that line the riverbanks. Built on stilts of bamboo or wood, these homes rise above the high‑water mark — a practical response to the annual flood season. The best place to see them is from the river itself, on a boat tour that takes you through the narrow channels behind the main waterfront. The houses are often connected by walkways, with children playing on the decks and laundry drying in the breeze. It is a way of life that has been practiced for centuries, and one that defines the character of the delta.

Just outside Long Xuyên, in the plain of Óc Eo, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a civilization that flourished from the 1st to the 6th centuries. The Óc Eo culture was a trading empire that connected India, China, and Southeast Asia, its influence spreading across the region. The site includes ancient temples, canals, and artifacts that reveal a sophisticated society. The Óc Eo Archaeological Site is a place of quiet significance — a reminder that long before the French, before the Khmer, this land was a crossroads of civilizations. A visit here adds a profound historical dimension to any delta journey.

The Huỳnh Thị Hồng House is one of Long Xuyên’s most treasured historic sites. Built in 1902, this wooden house is a masterpiece of traditional Southern Vietnamese architecture, with intricate carvings, a central courtyard, and a collection of antique furniture. The house has been preserved by the same family for generations, and it offers a glimpse into the life of the prosperous merchant class during the colonial era. A visit here is like stepping back in time — a quiet interlude in the heart of the modern city.

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang: Long Xuyên is famous for this noodle soup, a Cambodian‑influenced dish with clear broth, pork, seafood, and fresh herbs. The version here is considered among the best in the delta.
Bánh Tằm Bì: A dish of thick rice noodles topped with shredded pork, coconut, and a sweet‑sour dressing — a specialty of the region.
Fresh Fish: The Hậu River provides an abundance of fish, served steamed, grilled, or in a sour soup (canh chua). The cá lóc (snakehead fish) is a local favorite.
Long Xuyên Market: The city’s central market is a sensory overload of sights and smells — the best place to sample street food and buy local specialties like dried fish and tropical fruit.

Floating Market & Stilt Houses: An early morning boat tour to the floating market, followed by a cruise through the canals to see the bamboo stilt houses.
Óc Eo Archaeological Tour: A journey to the ancient site, with insights into the civilization that once ruled the delta.
City Heritage Walk: Explore Long Xuyên’s central market, the waterfront promenade, and the Huỳnh Thị Hồng House.
Mekong Delta Multi‑Day: Combine Long Xuyên with Cần Thơ, Châu Đốc, and the Tràm Chim National Park for a comprehensive delta itinerary.