Hidden deep in Vietnam’s southern plains, Vi Thanh is a name that rarely appears on glossy travel brochures. Yet, when the flood season arrives, this quiet capital of Hau Giang province transforms into a shimmering world of water, light, and life - a living portrait of the Mekong’s beauty. This Vi Thanh travel guide invites travelers to look beyond the usual tourist routes and uncover one of the most authentic corners of the Delta.
A Town at the Heart of the Mekong’s Rhythm
Vi Thanh lies about 60 kilometers southwest of Can Tho and nearly 190 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The town feels like a pause button in the middle of the Delta’s ceaseless movement - calm canals, quiet bridges, and open skies stretching endlessly above the green wetlands.
The best time to visit is between September and November, when the mua nuoc noi (flood season) slowly sweeps in. Unlike the dramatic floods in the upper Mekong, Hau Giang’s waters rise gently, bringing nutrients that breathe life into every inch of the land. Locals call it “the season when nature gives back.”
Early-Morning Life: The Squatting Market Tradition
Set an early alarm. Around 3 a.m., while the rest of Vietnam sleeps, Vi Thanh’s cho chom hom - literally, “squatting market” - begins to stir. Sellers perch on low stools or squat by their baskets, while buyers crouch to inspect the freshest catches and wild vegetables from the flooded fields.
Chom Hom Market at 6am
It’s a microcosm of Mekong life: humble, efficient, and profoundly human. You’ll find bundles of yellow bong dien dien flowers, tangled vines of rau beo, and buckets of snails, shrimps, and silver fish glistening under fluorescent lights. Bargaining happens with laughter rather than tension, and coffee is served in tiny plastic cups instead of cafés.
Various types of dried fish displayed for sale in the market.
Photographers love the soft dawn glow bouncing off metal bowls and banana leaves - a reminder that sometimes, the richest cultural moments happen before sunrise.
The bustling morning scene of chom hom market in Vi Thanh at dawn.
Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve: The Green Lung of the South
About 40 kilometers east of Vi Thanh, the Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve spreads like an emerald ocean. Locals affectionately call it the “green lung of the Mekong,” a flooded forest that hosts dozens of rare bird species, including storks, herons, and egrets.
Visitors can hop on a narrow wooden boat, known as a "vỏ lãi", gliding quietly through lotus-filled channels. The air is rich with the scent of wildflowers and damp leaves. During flood season, the experience feels almost otherworldly - trees half-submerged in golden water, sun rays piercing through dense canopies, birds circling above in slow rhythm.
Vỏ lãi – a traditional motorized canoe for exploring the Melaleuca and mangrove forests in Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve.
At certain spots, guides might let you try traditional fishing with simple bamboo traps or join locals in collecting edible flowers and wild herbs. It’s part eco-tourism, part cultural immersion, and entirely unforgettable.
Entrance fees are modest (around 100,000 VND), but the reward - tranquility, authenticity, and connection to nature - is priceless.
Afternoon Vibes and Golden Sunsets
Unlike Can Tho or My Tho, Vi Thanh hasn’t yet been overrun by cafés or river cruises. Its magic lies in simplicity. In the late afternoon, locals gather by the Cai Lon River or on bridges leading toward small villages. Kids splash in the water, women wash vegetables by the banks, and fishermen mend nets as the sun dips behind the palm trees.
For travelers, this is the perfect time to rent a bicycle and wander through backstreets lined with fruit gardens and stilt houses. Every turn brings something candid - an old man playing chess, children chasing chickens, or a family drying rice paper on bamboo racks.
As the sun melts into the horizon, the water reflects hues of amber and rose gold, justifying why many describe Vi Thanh as “the town where the flood paints the land.”
Taste the Delta: Local Dishes Worth the Detour
No Vi Thanh travel guide would be complete without mentioning food - that irresistible blend of freshness, creativity, and comfort that defines the Mekong.
Start with Goi tep bong dien dien, a vibrant shrimp salad tossed with wildflowers that bloom only during the flood season. The sweet-and-sour balance captures the soul of southern cooking. Pair it with crispy banh phong rice crackers for the full local experience.
Goi tep bong dien dien
Next, try Canh kho qua ca thac lac, a slightly bitter melon soup filled with hand-rolled fish balls. Locals swear it’s both cooling and symbolic - eating bitterness to embrace happiness.
Canh kho qua ca thac lac
For comfort food, order Ca tre chien gion (crispy catfish), ga tre hap muoi, or thit khia nuoc dua, each dish radiating homestyle warmth. Even the simplest plate of rau luoc kho quet - boiled vegetables with caramelized fish sauce dip - tastes special when paired with a Mekong sunset.
Where to Stay in Vi Thanh
Accommodation options are limited but improving as tourism slowly grows. The standout is Tru by Hilton Hau Giang City Centre, offering clean modern rooms and a panoramic rooftop bar - a rare luxury in such a quiet town. For a more local feel, mid-range guesthouses and boutique hotels near the town center charge between 700,000 – 900,000 VND per night, often including breakfast and motorbike rental.
The sunset view of Vi Thanh from above
Wherever you stay, you’ll notice the same southern hospitality: genuine smiles, home-cooked meals, and curious questions about your country.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Getting there: Vi Thanh is a 1.5-hour drive from Can Tho or a 4-hour journey from Ho Chi Minh City. Buses run frequently, or you can book a private transfer for flexibility.
Best time: September–November (flood season) for scenery; December–April for dry, pleasant weather.
Local etiquette: Smile, greet people with a nod, and don’t hesitate to chat - Mekong locals love a good conversation.
What to bring: Lightweight clothes, insect repellent, a hat, and a camera for those glowing sunrise shots at the market.
Why Vi Thanh Deserves a Spot on Your Map
Many travelers think the Mekong Delta begins and ends with Can Tho’s floating markets. Vi Thanh gently challenges that idea. It offers everything that defines Vietnam’s south - water, warmth, and wonder - but without the rush of tourism.
Here, the rhythm slows down. You eat what grows from the flood, watch sunsets that belong to no one, and listen to a landscape that still speaks its native tongue. For those searching for the real Vietnam, Vi Thanh might just be the quiet answer.
Plan Your Journey
Exploring Vi Thanh fits perfectly into a broader Mekong or southern Vietnam route. You can easily pair it with nearby destinations such as Can Tho, Soc Trang, or Bac Lieu for a deeper look into Delta culture.
For travelers inspired to see more beyond this Vi Thanh travel guide, take a look at our curated Vietnam vacation packages - thoughtfully designed for those who seek authenticity, comfort, and the country’s lesser-known stories.
