My OperaLong Xuyen is no tourist trap but it has its charms
Monday, July 30, 2012 7:12:34 AM
A number of family engagements have lured me down to the capital of An Giang Province in recent times and although Long Xuyen City is not a popular destination of visitors to the Mekong Delta, it has plenty to offer.
It does have some stiff competition right enough, even in its own province with locations like Sam Mountain, with its stunning views and ancient pagoda near the border with Cambodia, and Sap Mountain which is part of the magnificent That Son Mountain Range (Seven Mountains) and has the largest manmade lake in the delta.
Of course, Long Xuyen does not boast anything in that magnitude scenery-wise but it has its moments.
The floating fruit market of Long Xuyen is arguably the best in the delta and is a great way to spend a few hours jostling and bargaining with the canny locals.
My favorite pastime in the city, though, is walking around the picturesque Coffee Lake. On one side of the road is the small canal with the famous Bo Ho cafe located in the corner and on the other is the delta in all its glory for as far as the eye can see. Many Saigonese looking for a weekend break head north but I like to venture south to follow the delta trail. It is something special to me anyway.
And of course sometimes the eyes of the nation focus on a lost forgotten corner of Vietnamese history in My Hoa Hung village when it celebrates one of its most famous sons - Ton Duc Thang, who was Vietnam’s President for over a decade after the death of Ho Chi Minh. The village has a memorial site Di Tich Quoc Gia Dac Biet dedicated to his contribution to the reunification of Vietnam in the village which has been opened daily to visitors since 1988.
It is a magnet for couples who are after something different for the wedding album due to its lush, peaceful green areas which are also popular with local families and tourists for a nice picnic as they take in the nation’s history.
Last week a ceremony was held to certify the site, which includes a number of relics from Vietnam’s revolutionary past and Uncle Ton, as a national historic site. At the ceremony, President Truong Tan Sang praised Uncle Ton’s achievements.
Tours: Ha Noi - Ho Chi Minh - Chau Doc - Long Xuyen, Ben Tre - My Tho - Can Tho - Chau Doc, Chau Doc - Ha Tien
