Tra Vinh Travel Guide

Explore the best things to do, places to visit, food, culture, and more in Tra Vinh, Vietnam with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Tra Vinh

Located in Southern Vietnam, Tra Vinh is a small city in the Mekong Delta region, known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and delicious local cuisine. With its unique blend of Khmer, Chinese, and Vietnamese cultures, Tra Vinh offers a truly immersive tourist experience that is sure to captivate your heart and soul.

List of Places to Visit in Tra Vinh

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Tra Vinh is home to several important cultural and historical sites that signify the city’s unique heritage. Some of the popular attractions include:

  • Ba Om Pond: A famous place for Khmer people in Tra Vinh, the pond is surrounded by ancient pagodas and trees that add to its scenic beauty.
  • The Khmer Museum: This museum showcases the local customs, architecture, and traditional crafts of the Khmer community of Tra Vinh. It also details the history of the region and the struggles of the Khmer people.
  • The Ang Pagoda: One of the largest pagodas in Tra Vinh, the Ang Pagoda is famous for its architecture and ceremonial practices during Khmer festivals.

Natural Attractions of Tra Vinh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tra Vinh is also blessed with beautiful natural landscapes, including forests, rivers, and beaches. Some of the best natural attractions in Tra Vinh are:

  • The Mangrove Forest: This is a vast mangrove forest that is accessible by boat, and it supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
  • The Con Chim Bird Sanctuary: Located about 50 km from Tra Vinh, this sanctuary is home to various endangered species of birds, such as the painted stork and the woolly-necked stork.
  • The Co Chien River: This river flows through Tra Vinh and offers various activities including boating, fishing and admiring the beautiful scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh is ideal for trekking, walking, and cycling, with plenty of scenic routes to explore. Some recommended routes are:

  • The Ba Om Pond Trail: This trail takes you around Ba Om Pond, with scenic views of the temples and vegetation along the way.
  • The Mekong Delta Trail: This trail follows the course of the mighty Mekong River, taking you through several villages and waterways.
  • The Khmer Village Trail: This trail takes you through some of the traditional Khmer villages around Tra Vinh, where you can see their traditional lifestyle.

Best Things to Do in Tra Vinh: Activities and Tours

When visiting Tra Vinh, make the most of your time by engaging in activities that showcase the local culture and lifestyle. Some of the top things to do include:

  • Joining a Cooking Class: This is the ultimate way to learn about the local Khmer cuisine, with the opportunity to participate in traditional cooking methods as well.
  • Watching a Traditional Apsara Dance Performance: This is a Khmer traditional dance that portrays ancient mythology stories, accompanied by Cambodian music.
  • Exploring the Local Villages: There are many traditional Khmer villages around Tra Vinh that you can visit, where you can witness their unique way of life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tra Vinh

If you’re planning a week-long itinerary to Tra Vinh, here is a sample itinerary that you can use:

Day Activity
1 Arrival in Tra Vinh, check-in to your accommodation, and explore the city center
2 Visit the Khmer Museum, The Ang Pagoda, and Ba Om Pond
3 Take a boat tour around the mangrove forest or the Co Chien River
4 Visit the Con Chim Bird Sanctuary or the local Khmer villages
5 Attend a traditional Apsara dance performance and explore the city’s food scene
6 Take a bike tour around the Mekong Delta Trail, visiting the nearby towns and villages
7 Departure from Tra Vinh or extend your stay to explore more of the region

Food and Drink Scene of Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh is no exception when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, with its traditional Khmer cooking techniques and ingredients that add uniqueness to their dishes. Don’t leave Tra Vinh without trying the following:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nem Chua: This is a type of sour pork sausage that is delicious served as a snack or as part of a main meal.
  • Banh Xeo: A Vietnamese crispy pancake that is filled with beans sprouts, herbs, and either pork or shrimp.
  • Pho: This is an iconic Vietnamese noodle dish which is known worldwide as a Vietnamese specialty.

Local Beverages

  • Sugarcane Juice: This fresh juice is popular in Tra Vinh due to the city’s abundance in sugarcane fields.
  • Tra Duong Suong: Made from jasmine flowers, Tra Duong Suong is a refreshing tea that is sweetened with sugar.

Where to Stay in Tra Vinh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tra Vinh offers plenty of accommodation options for all types of travelers, from 5-star luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels. Some of the popular choices include:

  • The Mekong Lodge: This eco-resort is set in a lush tropical garden and offers traditional Khmer-style bungalows that are equipped with modern amenities.
  • The Tra Vinh Homestay: This unique guest house offers rooms in a traditional Khmer-style house with comfortable amenities and a friendly host to guide you around Tra Vinh.
  • The Thanh Nhan Hotel: This hotel is conveniently located in the city center and offers comfortable and spacious rooms with modern facilities.

What to Buy in Tra Vinh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Make sure you don’t leave Tra Vinh without purchasing a souvenir or two. Some of the unique items that you can find are:

  • Traditional Khmer Cloth: Woven by locals, this cloth is used in traditional Khmer wear and can also be used as a beautiful wall piece or decoration.
  • Palm-leaf Conical Hats: This is a traditional Vietnamese hat that is perfect for keeping the sun off your face and can also serve as a unique souvenir.
  • Scarves and Shawls: Tra Vinh has a rich textile heritage, and you can find a broad range of locally made scarves and shawls in various traditional designs.

Local Culture and Customs of Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh is a cultural melting pot of Khmer, Chinese, and Vietnamese customs. Visitors are recommended to respect the local customs, such as dressing conservatively when visiting religious sites, removing their shoes before entering dwellings, and seeking permission before taking photographs of local people.

Best Time to Visit Tra Vinh

The best time to visit Tra Vinh is from November to May, where the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The rainy season falls between May and October, where you might experience heavy rainfall and flooding.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tra Vinh

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine and drink
  • Visit the local monuments and museums

Don’t:

  • Engage in illegal activities, such as drugs or prostitution
  • Disrespect the local community and avoid inappropriate behavior
  • Take photos without permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh is a safe city to travel to and visit, but you should be cautious of pickpockets and scams. Make sure to secure your belongings and avoid going to isolated areas alone at night.

Health in Tra Vinh

It’s advisable to get proper medical advice before traveling to Tra Vinh. Make sure to carry mosquito repellents and wear protective clothing to avoid mosquito-borne diseases. Also, avoid drinking untreated water and practice good hygiene to prevent food-related illnesses.

Getting to Tra Vinh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tra Vinh

The nearest international airport to Tra Vinh is Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, which is about 140 km away. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Tra Vinh.

Bus Stations Near Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh has a bus station, which serves as the main transport hub for the region. There are regular buses from Ho Chi Minh, Can Tho, and other nearby cities.

Other Options

Another way to get to Tra Vinh is by taking a taxi or car, but expect higher costs, particularly from Ho Chi Minh City.

How to Get Around in Tra Vinh

In Tra Vinh, you can get around by hiring a motorbike taxi, renting a bike, or taking a taxi or bus on longer routes.

Where to Go Next from Tra Vinh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tra Vinh is a great base to explore other beautiful destinations in the Mekong Delta region, such as Can Tho, Ben Tre, and Soc Trang.

Conclusion

With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to Tra Vinh. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food or nature, this city is sure to offer you a unique and immersive travel experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime.