Tra Vinh, Vietnam is a beautiful Southwest province in the Mekong Delta region that is well-known for its unique landscape. In this guide, you will find helpful information about its location, transit means to get to Tra Vinh, and the top 8 spots to visit while you are in this beautiful province.
1. Where is Tra Vinh, Vietnam? What is it famous for?
Tra Vinh, Vietnam is a province located in the Mekong Delta, situated between the Tien and Hau Rivers, and bordering the provinces of Ben Tre, Vinh Long, and Soc Trang. In addition to being nestled between two major rivers, Tra Vinh, Vietnam boasts a 65-kilometer-long coastline that contributes to the fertility of this land, adorned with abundant orchards bearing delicious fruits.
Tourism in Tra Vinh, Vietnam is considered to have great potential for development in various aspects. Visitors to this region can explore the fascinating cultural convergence among three ethnic groups: the Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese. They can also marvel at over 142 pagodas featuring unique Khmer architecture.
Additionally, you would love to indulge in the local cuisine, known for its distinct flavors. The most famous local delicacy here is the Macapuno Coconut, a subspecies of coconut with unique flesh and thick and creamy coconut meat that is softer and fattier than regular coconuts.
2. How to get to Tra Vinh Province?
You can get to Tra Vinh, Vietnam by three means of transportation: bus, private transfer, or plane.
- By bus: It will take about 4-5 hours to reach Trà Vinh by bus. This mode of transportation is convenient, offers multiple options, and requires less effort. You just need to get on the bus, take a nap, and you'll arrive at your destination.
- By private transfers: If you prefer driving and want to have control over your transportation while traveling to Trà Vinh, you can either ride a motorcycle or rent a self-drive car. However, the routes for motorcycles and cars may slightly differ.
- Traveling by motorcycle: follow National Highway 1A, pass through Binh Chanh District, and arrive in Long An to reach My Tho City. From there, take National Highway 60, cross the Rach Mieu Bridge and Ham Luong Bridge to reach Mo Cay - Ben Tre town. Afterward, ride approximately 14 kilometers more, make a right turn, cross the Co Chien Bridge, and you will enter Tra Vinh province. From there, turn left onto National Highway 53 and drive about 12 kilometers more to reach Tra Vinh City.
- Traveling by car: You take the expressway from Ho Chi Minh City to Trung Luong. After passing the expressway, drive for about 5 kilometers, and you will enter the territory of My Tho City. From there, follow National Highway 60 and the same route mentioned above to reach Tra Vinh City.
- By plane: If you are in distant provinces such as Hanoi or the Central Region, you can book a flight ticket to Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho. Then, you can continue your journey to Tra Vinh by bus.
3. When is the best time to visit Tra Vinh, Vietnam?
It is not an exaggeration to say that Tra Vinh, Vietnam is a land favored by nature. The region enjoys a mild climate with rare occurrences of storms, making it perfect for year-round tourism.
In particular, if you wish to wander through bountiful fruit orchards, it is recommended to visit Tra Vinh, Vietnam during the summer season. However, if you prefer a lively festival atmosphere, you can plan your visit between the lunar months of July and October.
4. What to see in Tra Vinh, Vietnam?
4.1. Ba Dong Beach
Ba Dong Beach is a famous tourist destination located in Truong Long Hoa Commune, approximately 50 kilometers southeast of the city center of Tra Vinh.
Being situated in a silted coastal area like most other provinces in the Western region, Ba Dong Beach does not feature pristine white or golden sandy shores, nor does its seawater possess the clarity of renowned coastal cities. However, Ba Dong Beach is still considered quite beautiful in the Southwest region, offering gentle waves and calm waters that can please any visitor.
4.2. Ao Ba Om
The scenic Ao Ba Om, located in Ward 8, Tra Vinh City, is one of the historically and culturally significant sites in Tra Vinh province, as well as the Mekong Delta region as a whole.
Covering an area of approximately 300 hectares, the Ao Ba Om cultural and tourist area features a central freshwater pond that is perfectly square, hence its alternative name "Ao Vuong" (Square Pond). The pond's shoreline stretches around 5 meters wide and extends for about 2 kilometers.
Surrounding the central pond is a relatively intact, preserved primeval forest, home to thousands of unique plant species, including hundreds of ancient Cajeput trees that can live up to a hundred years.
4.3. Ang Pagoda
As a region with a large Khmer ethnic population, it is no wonder that Tra Vinh is home to many famous Khmer pagodas, and among them is Ang Pagoda. The pagoda, also known as Wat Angkor Raig Borei in Khmer, is located in Ward 8 of Tra Vinh City, adjacent to the scenic area of Ao Ba Om.
The main hall of Chua Ang is the central worship hall dedicated to the Buddha. The four walls of the hall are adorned with unique murals depicting the life and spiritual journey of Gautama Buddha.
4.4. Nodol Pagoda
Nodol Pagoda, known as Chua Co or Chua Giong Lon, is situated in Dai An Village within Tra Cu District, around 40 kilometers south of Tra Vinh.
This pagoda bears significant influences from Khmer architectural elements. The surroundings of the pagoda are adorned with bamboo trees and various other types of plants. In the past, the pagoda earned the name Chua Co (Bird Pagoda) due to its role as a sanctuary for thousands of birds, including storks, herons, and pigeons.
4.5. Hang Pagoda
Hang Pagoda, known as Wat Kompong Ch'ray in Khmer, is a Theravada Buddhist temple of the Khmer tradition. The temple is situated in Khom 3, Chau Thanh town, approximately 5 kilometers from the city center of Tra Vinh, Vietnam.
What sets this temple apart is its arched gate in the form of a cave, differentiating it from other Khmer temples in Tra Vinh.
Furthermore, visitors to Hang Pagoda can also admire a woodcarving workshop that has been operating for nearly 30 years, producing renowned artistic products showcased throughout Vietnam.
4.6. Vam Ray Pagoda
Vam Ray Pagoda is conveniently located in Vam Ray Hamlet, Ham Tan Commune, Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh, Vietnam.
Vam Ray Pagoda holds the distinction of being Vietnam's largest Theravada Buddhist temple. It is not only a source of pride for the Khmer community but also the people of Tra Vinh. The architectural design of Vam Ray Pagoda encompasses all the characteristic elements of the Angkor architectural style found in Cambodia. This temple is a remarkable culmination of grandeur and splendor.
4.7. Mangrove Forest Eco-tourism Site
Mangrove Forest eco-tourism site is located in Long Khanh Commune, Duyen Hai District, Tra Vinh, Vietnam.
With a history of over 20 years, the Mangrove Forest Eco-tourism Site has long been a popular destination in Tra Vinh for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to explore the natural wonders. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the majestic trees that have grown for decades and explore the diverse wildlife and plant species in this environment.
4.8. Tan Quy Islet
And last but not least, situated in the middle of the Hau River, which is continuously enriched by alluvial deposits, Tan Quy Islet has become a region specializing in fruit cultivation and is known as the "Kingdom of Fruits."
When visiting this popular spot in Tra Vinh, tourists can indulge in the delicious, fresh fruits grown in orchards and enjoy the refreshing, pristine atmosphere. The picturesque scenery reflecting the essence of the river and water will surely leave lasting memories and fill your photo album when you have the chance to visit this place.
5. Famous specialties of Tra Vinh, Vietnam
- Cau Ke Wax Coconut: If you visit Tra Vinh, you should definitely try the famous wax coconut of this land. The creamy and tender wax coconut flesh, whether eaten directly or blended into a smoothie, offers a distinctive flavor that can be addictive from the first spoonful.
- Tra Cuon Sticky Rice Cake: This soft and smooth sticky rice cake, with its characteristic salted egg flavor, promises to bring many surprises to you. It tastes even better when enjoyed with dried shrimp, pickled vegetables, or salted radish!
- Stir-fried Crab with Tamarind Sauce: The Chu U crab, with its strong and meaty claws, is cooked in a tangy tamarind sauce, creating a delicious and enticing dish for tourists visiting the Ba Dong coastal area.
- Ben Co Thick Noodle Soup: This seemingly simple dish has gained fame for over 20 years and has become a specialty of Tra Vinh province. The thick noodle strands, made from fresh rice flour, are round and chewy, providing a satisfying texture when bitten into.
- Am Rice Porridge: This porridge is cooked with fresh and plump snakehead fish, which is boiled and deboned before being stir-fried with fragrant spring onions. The mashed snakehead fish eggs are added to the pot of fish broth to create a flavorful rice porridge.
Besides Tra Vinh, Vietnam is also famous for other top tourist destinations like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ha Long.
If you plan to visit the spots we mentioned, we highly recommend you book your accommodations at Vinpearl hotels and resorts for rooms with the best views and top-class amenities.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to indulge yourself at Vietnam’s top-rated hotel and resort system
To sum it up, Tra Vinh, Vietnam is a worth-visiting Southwest province in Vietnam with a wide range of attractive tourist destinations and yummy, affordable local delicacies. And we hope you now know where Tra Vinh is, how to get there, when to visit it, and how to enjoy your Tra Vinh trip to the fullest.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long if you plan to visit Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, or Ha Long
>>> Book voucher, combo, tour to Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang to grab you big saves
