If you ever feel suffocated in the midst of the city where you live, it’s time to travel to Tra Vinh. Despite not being a large city, this province has gained popularity among many people who visit here.
Indeed, the beauty of Tra Vinh is not extravagant or flashy, nor is it bustling and vibrant like Saigon. Instead, it exudes a serene and charming beauty, characteristic of the Mekong Delta region.
Many people wonder, What makes this region so captivating and memorable? How can one fully explore the beauty of this city? And how can one travel here quickly and conveniently? To shed light on these questions, let’s embark on a journey with us through our Tra Vinh travel guide.
Where is Tra Vinh?
Tra Vinh is a province located in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. It is situated 130 km away from Ho Chi Minh City, 100 km away from Can Tho, and approximately 1816 km away from Hanoi. This province is located between the Tien River and the Hau River, with its eastern border touching the East Sea coast and spanning 65 km. Tra Vinh shares its western border with Vinh Long, has its southern boundary adjacent to Soc Trang, and is located north of Ben Tre.
Tra Vinh is home to three main ethnic groups: Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese. Therefore, visiting this province offers a great opportunity to delve into the rich cultural heritage of these diverse ethnic communities.
When is the best time to visit Tra Vinh?
Seriously, it’s no exaggeration to say that Tra Vinh is a land blessed by nature. With its mild climate and rare occurrences of storms, it’s the perfect destination for year-round travel.
But to be more specific, if you’re into exploring fruitful orchards, then summer is the ideal time to visit this region. And if you’re looking for vibrant festivals, plan your trip around the months of July to October in the lunar calendar. Trust me, there’s always something exciting happening in Tra Vinh, no matter when you decide to go!
How to go to Tra Vinh?
Traveling by plane
Tra Vinh doesn’t have its own airport, so if you’re traveling from Hanoi or the central regions, you’ll need to book a flight to either Can Tho International Airport in Can Tho or Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon, which will take you about 2 hours. From there, you can easily hop on a motorcycle or take a bus to reach Tra Vinh.
Traveling by coach
When it comes to traveling to Tra Vinh, taking a coach is a convenient option. You have a choice of reliable coach companies like Kim Hoang or Tan Thanh Thuy. If you’re starting from Saigon, the journey typically lasts around 4-5 hours. The coach fares are budget-friendly, ranging from 100,000-120,000 VND per trip. To make the most of your time in Tra Vinh, it’s recommended to start your trip early in the morning.
Traveling by motorcycle
Tra Vinh and Saigon are approximately 130 km apart, and the distance is even less if you start from Can Tho, so it’s not too difficult to travel by motorcycle, with an average travel time of 4 to 5 hours. However, before embarking on your journey, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local traffic regulations to ensure a safe and smooth trip. Additionally, you can rely on the guidance of Google Maps to navigate the route effectively.
How to move around Tra Vinh?
Motorcycle
Renting a motorbike in Tra Vinh can be a cost-effective choice, particularly for travelers with limited time and a sense of adventure. Upon arrival at your hotel, you can inquire about motorcycle rental services at the reception desk. It’s worth noting that not all hotels provide this service, so we’ve compiled a list of motorbike rental locations below for your convenience:
| Unit Name | Phone | Address | Manual Bike Rental Price | Scooter Rental Price |
| Vinh Motorbike | 096 477 34 56 | B3/12 Hong Luc Apartment, Ward 1 | 80,000đ – 120,000đ/day | 120,000đ – 150,000đ/day |
| Tuyet Linh Guesthouse | 0742 860 860 | 117 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 7 | 100,000đ/day | 120,000đ/day |
| Minh Nguyet Motel | 0913 137 741 | 42B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Khom 1, Ward 2 | 90,000đ – 120,000đ/day | 140,000đ/day |
Bus
If you’re looking to explore Tra Vinh on a budget, taking the bus is a fantastic option for travelers like us. Not only does it help you save money for other exciting activities, but it also provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. By riding the bus, you can witness the daily life of the people in Tra Vinh, offering a fascinating glimpse into the local community. Here are some bus routes in this province:
- Route: Tra Vinh – Cang Long
- Route: Tra Vinh – Thanh Phu
- Route: Tra Vinh – Cau Quan
- Route: Tra Vinh – My Long
- Route: Tra Vinh – Dinh An
- Route: Tra Vinh – My Quy
Taxi
If you’re traveling with your family, including small children or elderly people, it’s recommended to consider using taxi services for convenient transportation. We found that taxis in Tra Vinh were easily accessible and offered reasonable fares. Here are some reliable taxi companies that you can trust.
| Taxi Company | Phone Number |
| Taxi Mai Linh | 0294.3.57.57.57 |
| Taxi Thanh Thuy | 0294.3.86.86.86 |
| Taxi Tra Vinh | 0294.3.82.82.82 |
| Taxi Song Hy | 1900.62.36 |
| Taxi Cha Rong | 19006236 |
| Grab Taxi | 19001975 |
What to do for the first time in Tra Vinh?
Cave Pagoda (Hang Pagoda)
Cave Pagoda is renowned as the most pristine and mysterious temple in Tra Vinh. The name “Cave Pagoda” is derived from the design of its entrance gate, which resembles the shape of a large cave.
The Cave Pagoda beautifully combines ancient architectural style with meticulous carvings and the surrounding natural vegetation. This creates a unique and enigmatic overall ambiance.
Ba Om Pond
Ba Om Pond is a well-known ecological tourist site in Tra Vinh, featuring cool ponds and lush greenery. It has been recognized as a national scenic and cultural heritage site since 1994.
Visiting this place, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh and pure air of nature, which provides a highly effective soul-relaxing experience.
Moreover, Ba Om Pond is located near the Khmer cultural museum. So, you also have the chance to admire precious artifacts and intricate carvings at the museum and explore the temple complex in this area.
Khmer Cultural Museum
If you’re passionate about exploring the cultures of different ethnic groups, this is a must-visit destination. The Khmer Cultural Museum, covering an area of over 1,700 m2, is built in a combination of traditional and modern Khmer styles. It houses over 800 artifacts, images, and documents showcasing the lives of the Khmer community in Tra Vinh.
Ang Pagoda
Ang Pagoda, which is the oldest pagoda in the city, has been considered the pride of the Khmer people for years. However, its age does not diminish its beauty. In fact, the architectural features of Ang Pagoda exude a sense of ancient charm, showcasing the unique cultural heritage of the Khmer people.
Ba Dong Beach
Located in Truong Long Hoa commune, Duyen Hai district, Ba Dong Beach is approximately 55 km away from the center of Tra Vinh town. Ba Dong Beach has been developed for tourism for a long time. Ba Dong Beach is beautiful because it still maintains its pristine nature with white sand, clear water, fresh air, and tranquility.
Many facilities and infrastructure have been invested to serve the tourism potential of Ba Dong Beach, such as Long Toan Bridge, Kinh Xang, Doan Beach, Lang Chim ferry…
Cau Ke Ancient House
Cau Ke Ancient House, also known as Huynh Ky House, is located in the center of Cau Ke town, Cau Ke district, approximately 30 km from Tra Vinh city. The house was built in 1924 based on the designs of French architects. Like many other traditional houses, Cau Ke Ancient House consists of a main house and several other structures, such as a gate, a back house, and storage.
Cau Ke Ancient House is a testament to the history of Vietnamese architectural development, representing the transitional period from traditional to modern architecture. It is recognized as an architectural heritage site due to its artistic and cultural significance.
Famous and Unique Festivals in Tra Vinh
The Okombok Festival, also known as the Moon Worship Festival, is similar to the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated by the Kinh people. It takes place on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month every year.
The Chol Chnam Thmay Festival, also known as the Khmer New Year Festival, is celebrated in the middle of the 4th lunar month every year.
The Vu Lan Festival at Co Tong Temple is held on the 18th and 19th days of the 7th lunar month.
My Long Sea Worship Festival (Nghinh Ong Festival) has a history of over a hundred years and takes place from the 11th to the 13th day of the 5th lunar month every year in My Long town, Cau Ngang district. It is held to pray for a good fishing season and blessings for the local people.
Tra Vinh is not just about the breathtaking tourist attractions we’ve mentioned before. Believe me, there’s so much more to explore in this incredible destination! Let’s delve into our blog post and uncover the hidden gems of Tra Vinh together.
What to eat in Tra Vinh?
Noodle Soup (Bún nước lèo)
Noodle soup is a signature dish of the Khmer people, made from unique ingredients including roasted pork, prahok, and various fresh vegetables (bitter herbs, water spinach, banana blossoms…).
Chu U
Chu U is a type of marine creature found in the Ba Dong area of Tra Vinh, belonging to the same family as crabs. This is a versatile ingredient with a variety of delicious preparations, such as steamed, grilled, boiled, or stir-fried with tamarind sauce.
Macapuno
Macapuno is a type of coconut that has a thick, soft, and creamy flesh. It has a cool and fragrant taste, making it perfect for refreshing treats during hot summer days. The rich, creamy texture of macapuno brings a distinctive flavor that can be addictive from the first spoonful, whether enjoyed as it is or blended into smoothies.
Ben Co thick noodle soup
Despite its simple appearance, Ben Co thick noodle soup has gained fame for over 20 years and has become a local specialty of Tra Vinh province. To make this dish, the rice noodles are freshly made from rice flour, resulting in round, chewy, and slightly crunchy noodles that provide a satisfying sensation when chewed.
When it comes to exploring the culinary scene in Tra Vinh, it’s not just about the four delicious dishes we mentioned earlier. Trust me, there’s a whole world of flavors and culinary treasures waiting to be discovered in this amazing place! So, if you’re a food lover like us, you won’t want to miss our blog post where we’ll take you on a tasty adventure through the diverse culinary delights of Tra Vinh.
Hotels in Tra Vinh
As a developing tourist destination, finding accommodations in Tra Vinh is not too difficult. You have various options to choose from, including guesthouses and hotels that are conveniently located along your travel itinerary. Below are some suggestions for you; just pick the one that suits your preferences and enjoy your stay in Tra Vinh!
| Hotel Name | Address |
| Bich Ngoan Hotel | 19/22 19-5 Street, Hamlet 2, Ward 1 |
| Cuu Long Hotel | 999 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ward 7 |
| Duy Tung Hotel | 6 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 2, |
| Gia Hoa 1 Hotel | 75 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ward 7 |
| Hoa Anh Dao Hotel | Hamlet 4, Pham Ngu Lao Street, Ward 1, Tra Vinh City |
| Hoang Ngoc Hotel | 5 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ward 2, Tra Vinh City |
| Hoan My Hotel | 105A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ward 7, Tra Vinh City |
How long should you stay in Tra Vinh?
To truly experience the beauty and culture of Tra Vinh, I recommend staying for at least 2 to 3 days. This will give you enough time to visit the major attractions, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, and truly soak up the essence of this wonderful place. Now, if you’re up for some extra adventures and want to explore nearby attractions like Ba Dong Beach or the floating markets, I suggest extending your stay to 4 to 5 days. This will give you ample time to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Tra Vinh and its surroundings.
Remember, my friend, that the best experiences often come from taking it slow and really savoring every moment. So take your time, embrace the tranquility, and let the charm of Tra Vinh work its magic on you
ATM and Money Exchange in Tra Vinh
There are numerous ATMs available in Tra Vinh, providing convenient access to cash. Payment methods in the area are flexible, with some tourist sites accepting card payments. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash for transactions at small stalls or when visiting remote places.
For foreign currency exchange, it’s recommended to approach reputable jewelry shops or major banks such as Vietcombank or Sacombank. Ensure that you choose legitimate and authorized places for currency exchange. To guarantee safety and convenience, it’s best to carry out currency exchange in major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City before traveling to Tra Vinh.
Local Emergency Contact for Tourists in Tra Vinh
Provincial Police: 02946.513.979.
Emergency Rescue: Dial 112
Police: 113
Fire Department: 114
Ambulance and Medical support: 115
Remember to save your hotel/homestays phone number in case of emergency
Other notes to ensure a wonderful trip beside of this Tra Vinh travel guide
- When traveling to Tra Vinh and the Mekong Delta region in general, it is important to prepare comfortable and breathable clothing, as the weather can be hot and humid. Additionally, if you plan to visit Ba Dong Beach, remember to bring your swimsuit
- Check the weather forecast before your trip and plan your activities accordingly.
- Stay connected by getting a local SIM card for convenient communication and internet access.
- Embrace eco-friendly practices during your stay. Support ecotourism initiatives, use reusable water bottles, and be mindful of proper waste management to help preserve the pristine environment.
- Ensure your safety by securing your belongings in a fanny pack or a secure bag. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow safety instructions from tour guides and local authorities.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen, wearing a hat, and using sunglasses.
- Pack some high-calorie snacks to keep your energy levels up during outdoor activities.
