Exploring Vinh Long in a Day

"Different from what many people think, which is ‘What is there to do in Vinh Long?,’ I think this destination has many amazing things to offer for people who have a passion for traveling but do not want to go far,” saysnHenry Duong, a young Vietnamese travel blogger from Sai Gon.

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During the weekend, Henry Duong and his friend embarked on a 24-hour adventure to explore Vinh Long on their motorbikes.

Photo: Henry Duong
Photo: Henry Duong

Vinh Long is a city located approximately 160km away from Saigon. To reach the city center, the two friends opted to take the Saigon – Trung Luong highway, continuing until they reached the bridge over the Vam Co river. From there, they took the entrance leading to Highway 62.

The route taken was as follows: continuing along National Highway 62 until reaching the intersection with National Highway N2. From there, a left turn was made onto TL868 road, which led to the Cai Lay district in Tien Giang province. Moving forward, they proceeded straight to National Highway 1A, crossing over the My Thuan bridge and finally entering Vinh Long city.

Photo: Henry Duong
Photo: Henry Duong

The entire journey by motorbike takes approximately three hours. After reaching their destination, the friends took a break before embarking on an exploration of every captivating location in this scenic area.

Henry Duong’s first stop is Ong Pagoda (Chua Ong), which is situated at 22 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Vinh Long. Constructed between 1892-1909, the temple is alternatively referred to as the Assembly Hall of Fujian, Vinh An Cung, or That Phu Mieu. It showcases remarkable architectural craftsmanship courtesy of a team of skillful artisans hailing from Fujian.

The collection of statues at this location predominantly consists of wooden pieces, although there are also bronze and ceramic works. Over time, this ancient temple has garnered popularity among young individuals seeking solace and joy, as well as those seeking picturesque moments for their Instagram feeds.

Photo: Cai Cuong Old House
Photo: Cai Cuong Old House

Henry recommends arriving early in the morning to capture the perfect lighting for your shots. At this time, there aren’t many tourists, making it easier to find the ideal background without any crowds.

Explore Cai Cuong Ancient House

Discover the fascinating lifestyle of a prominent landowner at Cai Cuong Ancient House. Situated in Binh Hoa Phuoc commune, Long Ho district, this historical residence offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

Located amidst the serene surroundings of Vinh Long’s garden, Cai Cuong Ancient House is a must-visit destination.

Sunset at My Thuan bridge. Photo: Henry Duong
Sunset at My Thuan bridge. Photo: Henry Duong

The historic house was constructed in 1885, making it 135 years old.

The esteemed owner of this remarkable house is Pham Van Bon, also known as Cuong or Cai Cuong.

This extraordinary house boasts a distinctive blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, showcasing a unique and captivating design.

Despite its venerable age of nearly 135 years, the house has remarkably remained in impeccable condition without signs of deterioration.

They then proceeded to the residence of Ba Ho Te, which is a renowned landmark for visitors, as it has been featured in the film “Bac Kim Thang” and the television series “Challenge Me.”

Unfortunately, I was unable to explore the interior of this location as there was nobody present when I arrived. I recommend visiting this place during your trip if you have the opportunity. – Henry Duong.

Photo: Henry Duong
Photo: Henry Duong

During their journey to the Emerald Buddha (Phat Ngoc Xa Loi), Henry Duong and his friend made a pit stop at the base of the renowned My Thuan Bridge. This iconic bridge is the first suspension bridge in Vietnam, serving as a vital link between the provinces of Tien Giang and Vinh Long, approximately 125km away from the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh.

According to Henry Duong, the sunset offers the optimal conditions for capturing stunning photographs. He highly recommends visiting the My Thuan embankment as it provides a picturesque backdrop for capturing the entirety of the bridge in all its splendor.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is situated in the peaceful Tan Ngai commune of Vinh Long. Constructed in 1970 on an expansive 1.7-hectare land, it was built under the guidance of the esteemed monk, Thich Thien Hoa. Unfortunately, the construction faced various setbacks leading to intermittent pauses. However, in 2005, the temple was ultimately completed and went on to become an important cultural hub. The finished temple proudly embodies the rich national cultural heritage and the teachings of Buddhism.

Photo: Henry Duong
Photo: Henry Duong

The pagoda boasts a magnificent centerpiece – a 32-meter tall statue of Duc Quan The Am, accompanied by a towering 45-meter high stupa. Amidst the grandeur of the Buddhist environment, complimented by its distinct architectural masterpieces, visitors cannot help but be awe-inspired by the sheer beauty of this destination.

Charlotte Pho
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