Location: Vinh Long, Vietnam
What makes a trip to Vinh Long worthwhile is not the town itself but the beautiful small islands in the river. The islands are totally given over to agriculture, especially the growing of tropical fruit, which are shipped to markets in HCMC.
To visit the islands you have to charter a boat through Cuu Long Tourist (see above). Small boats cost around US$10 per person for a three-hour journey (four people). The tours include an English- or French-speaking Vietnamese guide.
One way-to bypass the government monopoly is to take the public ferry (3000d) to one of the islands and then walk around on your own; however, this is not nearly as interesting as a boat tour, since you will not cruise the narrow canals.
Some of the more popular islands to visit include Binh Hoa Phuoc and An Binh Island, but there are many others. This low-lying region is as much water as land and houses are generally built on stilts. Bring plenty of film because there are photo opportunities in every direction.
Mr. Sau Giao’s Flower Garden in Hoa Ninh, with hundreds of various ornamental plants: yellow apricots, chieu thuy plums and jasmine. Llongan and mango tree gardens and fish ponds are all around the garden.
Mr. Muoi Day’s Stilt-House, is made of wood and sits on the Ninh Hoa Canal. Beside it are fruit tree gardens of longans, grapefruits and sapoches. The house can serve tourists lunch, or provide a place to stay for an evening or two.
Mr. Hai Hoang’s Old House was built in the style of the French with a large yard, and behind are rambutan and longan tree gardens. Lunch and evening stays are also provided for tourists.
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