Long Giang

Chợ MớiVietnam 10° N · 105° E Updated Oct 2026

Nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s verdant Mekong Delta, Long Giang and Chợ Mới districts in An Giang province offer a captivating blend of historical…

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What Long Giang and Chợ Mới Are

Long Giang and Chợ Mới, in Vietnam’s An Giang province, lie in the lush Mekong Delta. The districts are known for their historical legacy, diverse cultures, rural life, traditional crafts, river scenery, and ecotourism. Visitors can explore revolutionary landmarks, attend ceremonies at Long Giang Pagoda, meet artisans, and travel by boat along the delta’s waterways.

Highlights include the Steel Wire Pole in Long Điền Commune, a symbol of the region’s resistance history; Long Giang Pagoda, a spiritual landmark; Cù Lao Giêng, known as the “Kingdom of Mangoes”; and Mỹ Luông Ecotourism Area. Tet and the Boat Racing Festival are among the local celebrations. Visitors can also sample regional specialties at markets and take part in glass-painting and basket-weaving workshops.

History

Long Điền Commune is known as the birthplace of An Giang’s first Communist Party cell, established in April 1930. The Steel Wire Pole (Cột Dây Thép) in Long Điền A is a revolutionary historical relic and a testament to resistance in the region. More information is available from the An Giang Provincial Museum.

Long Giang and Chợ Mới are also shaped by riverine culture, agriculture, and spiritual traditions. Chợ Mới has a population of over 307,000 and includes Kinh, Khmer, Chăm, and Hoa communities (Wikipedia). The district’s religious landscape includes Hòa Hảo Buddhist sites, temples, mosques, and churches.

What to See and Do

Revolutionary Relics in Long Điền

The Steel Wire Pole in Long Điền A is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free admission. Guided tours are available through the An Giang Provincial Museum.

Long Giang Pagoda

Long Giang Pagoda is a spiritual site reflecting the religious diversity of Chợ Mới. It is especially significant for followers of Hòa Hảo Buddhism and is known for its architecture, daily ceremonies, and colorful festivals.

The pagoda hosts Hòa Hảo Buddhist anniversaries. Local celebrations also include Khmer Ooc Om Boc moon festivals and Chăm Ramadan celebrations (Vietflavour). Guided tours are available by request, and special events highlight religious and community traditions.

Traditional Crafts

Long Giang preserves crafts such as glass painting and basket weaving. Visitors can observe artisans, join workshops, and buy handmade souvenirs. Craft villages typically welcome guests from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Ecotourism Sites

  • Cù Lao Giêng (Giêng Islet) Known for its mango orchards and as the “Kingdom of Mangoes,” the islet also has the Gothic-style Cù Lao Giêng Church (angiang.city). Local handicraft villages welcome visitors. The church is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM; entry is free, and donations are appreciated.
  • Cù Lao Ông Chưởng (Ong Chuong Islet) Features rural scenery and Dinh Ông Chưởng temple (anphatravel.com). It is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free entry.
  • Mỹ Luông Ecotourism Area Offers photo spots, water lily ponds, and local cuisine (angiang.city). It is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM; entrance is approximately 50,000 VND, with additional fees for activities.
  • Cồn Én Ecotourism Area Features artificial beaches and eco-accommodation (angiang.city). It is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; entrance is approximately 80,000 VND.
  • Vườn Sung Mỹ (American Fig Garden) Visitors can try fig picking and wine tasting (angiang.city). It is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; fruit tasting costs extra.

Activities in the area include rice farming, orchard visits, and cooking classes (vietnam.travel); sampan rides and floating-market visits (localvietnam.com); and birdwatching during flood season (originvietnam.com). Visitors can also celebrate local festivals, sample regional specialties, and photograph rural life (angiang.city).

Markets, Festivals, and Local Food

Nearby markets sell fresh produce and local delicacies. Haggling is friendly and expected (Ninh Binh Tourist Center). Chợ Mới’s traditional festivals include Tet and the Boat Racing Festival; check local tourism portals for current event schedules.

Regional specialties include:

  • Bún cá Long Xuyên Fish noodle soup (Vietflavour)
  • Xôi phồng Chợ Mới Fried sticky rice with roast chicken (Traveloka)
  • Tung lò mò Halal beef sausage (Vietflavour)
  • Mắm Châu Đốc Fermented fish paste (Traveloka)
  • Thốt nốt desserts Palm sugar treats

Freshwater fish, tropical fruits, and southern Vietnamese dishes are also common. Recommended eateries include Vuon Hanh Phuc, 1.2.3 Dzo, and Kokoro Sushi (Uncover Vietnam). Markets have the best selection early in the morning (Vemekong).

Practical Visiting Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours and admission vary by site:

  • Most sites in Long Giang and Chợ Mới are described as open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Most monuments and craft villages offer free entry; guided activities may have small fees.
  • Another general guide gives 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM for most Long Giang sites and markets. Chợ Mới markets and public areas are free, while some festivals may require tickets.
  • Steel Wire Pole 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily; free entry.
  • Long Giang Pagoda 7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily; free entry, with donations appreciated. Mornings are ideal for observing rituals.
  • Cù Lao Giêng Church 7:00 AM–5:00 PM; free entry, with donations appreciated.
  • Cù Lao Ông Chưởng 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; free entry.
  • Mỹ Luông Ecotourism Area 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; approximately 50,000 VND, with extra charges for activities.
  • Cồn Én Ecotourism Area 7:00 AM–7:00 PM; approximately 80,000 VND.
  • Vườn Sung Mỹ 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; fruit tasting costs extra.

Confirm details with local tourism offices or your accommodation.

Getting There and Getting Around

Provincial Road 942 provides access to the districts and connects with Đồng Tháp and other provinces. Long Giang and Chợ Mới can also be reached by bus, minivan, or private car from Long Xuyên or Châu Đốc. The river network offers scenic boat tours, and local boats provide access to waterways. Rural areas may require a motorbike or bicycle.

Motorbike rental costs 120,000–200,000 VND per day; bicycles, ferries, and boats are also transport options (Vietnam Travel). Bike rental or guided tours are also options for visiting the area (Ninh Binh Tourist Center). Boat tours can be arranged through homestays or local operators (localvietnam.com). Parking is available near main sites.

Bring cash; ATMs are available in Long Xuyên, and mobile coverage is good in towns (The Backpacking Family).

Best Time to Visit

The dry season is given as December–April for sightseeing and river activities and January–April for outdoor activities. The rainy season, May–November, brings lush scenery and dynamic waterways, though it may affect travel (Scooter Saigon Tour; Uncover Vietnam). Flood season is a time for birdwatching and floating-market visits.

Accommodation

Hotels in Long Xuyên offer multiple choices with modern amenities (Booking.com). Homestays offer an immersive local experience, and eco-lodges are also available. Book homestays and eco-lodges in advance (Cungphuot.info). When booking, check for air conditioning and proximity to transport.

Tips

  • Temple etiquette Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes in temples (Ninh Binh Tourist Center). Speak softly, avoid pointing your feet at altars, and do not touch sacred objects. Women should avoid direct contact with monks.
  • Local customs Respectful greetings, communal living, and communal meals are part of local life. Modest attire is recommended, especially at religious sites.
  • Photography Ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies, especially monks or ethnic minorities (The Backpacking Family).
  • Language Vietnamese is predominant; Khmer and Chăm are also spoken. Learning simple Vietnamese phrases can help communication (Ninh Binh Tourist Center).
  • Currency Carry small bills; tipping is appreciated (Bong Backpacker Hostel).
  • Health and safety Consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis (Lonely Planet). Use mosquito repellent and nets. Eat at busy places and stick to bottled water (Vietnam Travel).
  • Public holidays Tet can bring crowds and higher prices (Lonely Planet).
  • Packing and electricity Electricity is 220V; bring an adapter. Pack lightweight clothes, rain gear, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.
  • Responsible tourism Support local crafts, agrotourism, and local businesses, and minimize plastic waste, especially in sensitive river areas (vietnam.travel).

Nearby Places

  • Vàm Nao River A place to see sunrises and sunsets.
  • Delta canals Routes for boat tours and photography.
  • Chợ Mới Market A local market with regional foods.
  • Floating markets Visit during flood season.
  • Nearby Khmer temples.
  • Sam Mountain Temples and views; 30 km away.
  • Núi Cấm Hiking and spiritual sites.
  • Historical museums Places to learn about the region’s past.

FAQ

  • What are the visiting hours for historical sites? Most are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Another general guide lists 7:00 AM–6:00 PM for most Long Giang sites and markets. The pagoda is open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
  • Is there an entrance fee for the Steel Wire Pole? No. Entry is free; guided tours may cost extra.
  • How do I reach Long Giang? Travel via Provincial Road 942, by bus, minivan, or private car from Long Xuyên or Châu Đốc, or use local boat tours.
  • Are guided tours available? Yes. They can be arranged through tourism offices, local agencies, the museum, or by request at the pagoda.
  • When is the best time to visit? The dry season is given as December–April or January–April. Flood season is suitable for birdwatching.
  • What are the Long Giang Pagoda’s hours and entrance fee? It is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry is free; donations are welcome.
  • What is the dress code at the pagoda? Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees.
  • What festivals are celebrated locally? Hòa Hảo Buddhist anniversaries, Khmer Ooc Om Bok, Chăm Ramadan, Tet, and the Boat Racing Festival.
  • What are Cù Lao Giêng Church’s hours and entry fee? It is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free entry.
  • Can I arrange boat tours? Yes. Arrange them through homestays or local operators.
  • What is the entrance fee for Mỹ Luông Ecotourism Area? Approximately 50,000 VND, with extra charges for activities.
  • Is parking available? Yes, near main sites.
  • Are festival tickets required? Some festivals may require tickets, available at event sites or tourism offices.

For current information, consult local tourism offices and the An Giang Provincial Museum. The Audiala mobile app and angiang.city are also listed as travel resources.