Location & Transportation
Long Khanh Island sits in the middle of the Mekong River in Vietnam’s An Giang Province, near the town of Chau Doc close to the Cambodian border. It’s a stop on Mekong river cruises rather than an ocean port, and most visitors come ashore by tender or a short local boat ride from ships anchored in the river, often on private roundtrip boat tours from Chau Doc. Once you step ashore, you’ll find the village is small enough to explore on foot, though a local guide or a ride by motorbike makes it easy to reach the weaving workshops and quieter lanes. For those flying in, the nearest major airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and from there it’s roughly a five to six-hour drive down into the delta to reach the Chau Doc area.
Sightseeing
I love exploring Long Khanh Island because it offers such an authentic slice of Mekong Delta life. This is a working river village, and its charm comes from its people and traditions rather than any resort polish:
- Wander the village lanes of Long Khanh A and Long Khanh B, where stilt houses line the riverbanks and daily life unfolds right at the water’s edge.
- Watch a traditional silk- and cotton-weaving demonstration—this is what the island is best known for, and the looms have been part of village life for generations.
- Take in the river scenery, with fishing boats, floating homes, and lush greenery in every direction.
- Visit a family home or small workshop to see local crafts being made by hand.
- Enjoy peaceful moments watching the sun sink over the Mekong, one of the most memorable sights in the delta.
Tours & Excursions
There are fantastic tours and excursions that let you experience this stretch of the Mekong at its best:
- Join a private boat tour roundtrip from Chau Doc, the usual way to reach Long Khanh Island.
- Combine your visit with a cruise past the Vĩnh Tế Canal, the historic waterway that runs toward the Cambodian border.
- Add a trip to the nearby Tra Su Cajuput Forest, a flooded melaleuca forest that’s wonderful to explore by sampan.
- Take a guided village walk with a local who can introduce you to the weavers and explain how the community lives and works along the river.
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
Shopping
For a taste of local culture, be sure to seek out the island’s handmade textiles and village stalls:
- Browse for locally woven silk and cotton fabrics—these are the island’s signature product and make a genuinely special souvenir.
- Pick up handmade crafts and small keepsakes directly from the workshops where they’re made.
- Sample fresh tropical fruits and local snacks sold by villagers along the way.
Dining
The dining experience around Long Khanh Island is a true celebration of Mekong Delta flavors:
- Enjoy fresh river fish and delta specialties—dishes here lean on the abundant produce and catch of the Mekong.
- Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes like Phở and fresh spring rolls at simple local eateries.
- Taste seasonal tropical fruits straight from the delta’s orchards.
- Try regional specialties that often feature a fusion of fresh herbs, local spices, and river ingredients.
Culture & Local Events
What makes Long Khanh Island truly special is its warm, welcoming culture:
- Currency & Communication: The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While prices are usually listed in VND, some tourist spots might accept other major currencies. Vietnamese is the official language, though you’ll find that English is spoken in many popular spots. Learning a few local phrases can help you connect with the friendly locals.
- Opening Hours & Holidays: Most local markets and eateries operate on a relaxed schedule, opening in the morning and winding down by the early evening. Keep an eye out for holiday closures during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) and other national celebrations.
- Local Events: Village life here revolves around the river and its crafts, and cruises often time their visits around weaving demonstrations and everyday market activity. These moments are a great way to experience traditional skills, music, and cuisine firsthand.
- Safety & Awareness: Long Khanh Island is generally very safe for tourists. As with any destination, it’s wise to take care of your belongings in busy areas and follow local advice on weather or water conditions.