Things To Do
in Long Mỹ
Long Mỹ is a quiet provincial town in the Mekong Delta, surrounded by rice paddies, fruit orchards, and winding canals. It embodies rural Vietnamese life at a relaxed pace, inviting visitors to observe daily rhythms and friendly local hospitality. The town serves as a gateway to the Hau Giang region, with easy access to nearby markets, waterways, and countryside scenery.
Expect flavorful river cuisine, market bustle, and a genuine Delta atmosphere that feels far from the crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the bustling Long Mỹ Market, where the vibrant colors of fresh produce and local delicacies greet you. Engage with local vendors selling everything from tropical fruits to handmade crafts, soaking in the authentic atmosphere. Capture the morning hustle and bustle with your camera as you enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of pho from a nearby stall.
After the market, head to the nearby rice fields for a leisurely bike ride, soaking in the scenic views of lush green paddies and the daily life of farmers. Stop by a local village to observe traditional crafting techniques, such as rice paper making or hand weaving. Enjoy a packed lunch featuring local specialties while overlooking the picturesque landscape.
As the sun sets, return to Long Mỹ to explore the riverside promenade, where the evening light creates a magical ambiance. Sample street food delicacies from vendors along the river, savoring the flavors of banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and grilled seafood. End the day with a peaceful boat ride along the river, watching as the stars begin to twinkle above.
Begin your day with a visit to a nearby traditional village, where you can participate in a local cooking class, learning how to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes. Meet the friendly villagers who will share their secrets and stories, immersing you in the rich culture of the region. Savor the freshly prepared meal alongside your new friends, appreciating the flavors of your labor.
After lunch, take a guided tour of the village, visiting homes that showcase traditional architecture and lifestyle. Engage in hands-on activities like pottery or weaving, giving you a deeper understanding of the local crafts. Capture the essence of village life with photographs of the picturesque surroundings and the smiling faces of the villagers.
Return to Long Mỹ for a leisurely evening stroll through the town, observing the daily life of its residents. Find a cozy local eatery where you can enjoy a bowl of bun rieu (crab noodle soup) while chatting with friendly locals. As night falls, enjoy a cultural performance featuring traditional music and dance, celebrating the heritage of the Mekong Delta.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-6 |
| 🚌Local bus or shared ride | $0.5-2 |
| 🍜Street food snack | $1-3 |
| 🏨1-night budget hotel | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Genuine Delta hospitality and slow pace of life
- Rich market culture and accessible rural scenery
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities in town
- Occasional heat and humidity; plan for shade and water
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
- "Ở đây có món ăn chay không?" - Do you have vegetarian dishes here?
- "Tôi không nói tiếng Việt tốt" - I don’t speak Vietnamese well
- "Ở đây có món chay không?" - Is there vegetarian food available here?
Places to Visit in Long Mỹ
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic stretch along the canal where boats drift by at dawn and dusk, offering golden light and reflections on calm water.
Colorful stalls, traders, and early-rirders provide vibrant, candid street photography opportunities.
Wide open fields and fruit trees create expansive, rural backdrops perfect for landscape shots and seasonal color.
Food in Long Mỹ
Long Mỹ Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fish braised in a clay pot with caramelized sauce, served with steamed rice and a hint of caramel. Common at riverside eateries.
Must-Try!
Savoury yellow pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts; crisp edges and a dipping fish sauce. Popular at local stalls and market eateries.
Fermented fish sauce noodle soup with seafood and vegetables; a Delta staple found in family-run restaurants.
Fragrant broken rice served with marinated pork and pickled vegetables; a comforting Delta classic.
Fresh spring rolls with herbs, shrimp or pork, and a light dipping sauce; a popular fresh option at markets and eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for produce, herbs, river fish, and ready-to-eat snacks; a great place to observe local daily life and taste quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite Vietnamese greeting is 'Xin chào.' Address elders with 'Dạ' or 'Chá' when appropriate. Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites.
Remove hats, speak softly, and avoid touching sacred objects. Ask permission before photographing people inside sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Long Mỹ
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in rural Vietnam. Round up the bill at restaurants or leave small tips for guides or good service, especially in tourist-friendly spots.
Cash (Vietnamese dong) is widely used in markets and small eateries. Cards are accepted in larger hotels or established restaurants; ATMs are common in larger towns nearby, but carry cash for rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hottest and most comfortable months for outdoor exploring with lower humidity; sunny days with occasional cool evenings. Great for canal walks and market photography; bring sun protection.
Higher humidity and frequent showers; river levels rise, creating lush scenery but with muddy paths. Bring a light rain jacket, and plan for indoor photo opportunities during heavy rain.
Long Mỹ at Night
Hiking in Long Mỹ
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle, mostly flat route along the river; best in early morning or late afternoon for shade and wildlife viewing.
Scenic loop through fruit orchards and fields surrounding the town; light to moderate effort with rewarding views of Delta life.
Airports
How to reach Long Mỹ by plane.
Main international and domestic gateway for the region; about a 1.5–2.5 hour drive from Long Mỹ depending on road conditions.
Domestic flights service; farther from Long Mỹ but reachable by road with a longer drive.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant population with rural Delta lifestyles and strong market culture.
Smaller minority groups in parts of Hau Giang province; cultural presence in markets and local temples.
Local families engaged in agriculture and related trades; hospitality often central to community life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime among locals; matches and casual play occur in schoolyards and community fields.
Commonly played in community centers and homes; accessible for casual players.
Occasional demonstrations or classes at cultural centers or temples.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Long Mỹ.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
To navigate as a vegetarian: look for vegetable-forward dishes, explicitly request no fish sauce, and ask for tofu or mushroom options. Vietnamese cuisine happily accommodates vegetables; specify 'không thịt, không cá, không nước mắm' (no meat, no fish, no fish sauce) when ordering.