The serene beauty and cultural richness of An Binh Island, a hidden gem in the Mekong Delta known for its lush fruit orchards, traditional Southern Vietnamese charm, and must-visit attractions. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .
An Binh Island is renowned for its expansive fruit orchards and the quintessential Southern Vietnam countryside charm. Beyond its natural beauty, the island is home to culturally significant landmarks that hold deep spiritual meaning for the people of the Mekong Delta. If you ever find yourself traveling to Vinh Long, don’t forget to visit this peaceful oasis.
1. A Brief Introduction to An Binh Island
1.1 Where is An Binh Island?
Image source: Collected
Address: Nestled between the Tien and Co Chien rivers in Long Ho District, Vinh Long
An Binh Island spans an area of approximately 60 square kilometers and comprises four communes: An Binh, Binh Hoa Phuoc, Hoa Ninh, and Dong Phu, all within Long Ho District. This island is a landmass formed by centuries of alluvial deposition. According to historical records, An Binh Island was part of Binh Luong and An Thanh villages. It was once a small fishing community with sparse housing, but over time, the fertile land attracted many settlers who established fruit orchards, transforming the area into a lush green oasis ideal for eco-tourism.
1.2 Geographic Features of An Binh Island
In the early 20th century, An Binh Island was also known as Bich Tran Island or Tien Chau Beach. Over time, the island has drifted further from Vinh Long City due to changes in river flow patterns.
Typical of the Southwestern region of Vietnam, An Binh Island is crisscrossed with a network of rivers and canals. Visitors can explore the island by taking small boats that weave through the lush gardens, offering a glimpse of the tranquil and picturesque everyday life.
2. Directions to An Binh Island
To reach An Binh Island, you first need to travel to Vinh Long City. From there, you can head to An Binh ferry station and take a ferry or rent a motorboat to the island. If you’re traveling with a group, renting a boat can be more cost-effective and allows you to explore the area along the Tien River.
3. Popular Attractions on An Binh Island
Now, let's dive into some of the top attractions that I recommend you visit when exploring An Binh Island.
3.1 Tien Chau Pagoda
Image source: Collected
Tien Chau Pagoda, also known as Tien Chau Tu or Di Da Pagoda, is the oldest pagoda in Vinh Long, with a history spanning over 250 years. Located on Tien Beach along the left bank of the Co Chien River, the pagoda covers an area of approximately 7,500 square meters. The front of the pagoda features a green park with two large Bodhi trees and a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
The pagoda has undergone four renovations to achieve its current grandeur. The Buddha Hall is particularly impressive, with intricate statues of Avalokitesvara, Maitreya Bodhisattva, the Jade Emperor, and the Southern and Northern Stars. Additionally, the pagoda houses many artifacts that reflect the cultural heritage of the region. On December 12, 1994, Tien Chau Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Heritage site.
3.2 6 Tan Fruit Orchard
The 6 Tan Fruit Orchard is one of the largest orchards on An Binh Island. It not only offers a variety of fruit but also provides eco-tourism experiences and activities such as catching fish in the mud, walking on monkey bridges, fishing, and paddling boats.
Image source: Collected
For an entrance fee of about 50,000 VND per person, you can enjoy unlimited fruit tasting. You can also rent traditional "Ao Ba Ba" outfits for about 80,000 VND per set, perfect for taking photos. Additionally, you can pre-order local specialties like fish hotpot, grilled chicken, and crispy rice with braised pork.
3.3 Chin Hoan Rambutan Orchard
Chin Hoan Rambutan Orchard is famous for being one of the largest rambutan farms in Vinh Long Province. The harvest season is around July and August, when the orchard is awash in vibrant red. The rambutans here meet GlobalGAP standards, ensuring that the farming process adheres to safe and quality agricultural practices.
3.4 Tam Loc Fruit Orchard
Tam Loc Orchard primarily grows fruits like Burmese grapes, star apples, rambutans, and Vinh Long sweet oranges. The orchard also features a restaurant serving rustic dishes, a camping area for overnight stays, and small huts for picnics. If you visit An Binh Island, this orchard should be on your list.
3.5 Be Sau Fruit Orchard
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Similar to other orchards on An Binh Island, Be Sau Orchard is an ideal destination for eco-tourism. The orchard grows a wide range of fruits, including rambutan, Hoa Loc mangoes, durians, green-skinned pomelos, and Nam Roi pomelos. The best time to visit is between June and September, during the bustling harvest season when you can buy fresh fruits at discounted prices.
3.6 Cai Cuong Ancient House
Located along Cai Muoi Canal, Cai Cuong Ancient House features a unique architectural style that blends Western influences with classic Eastern elements. Despite several renovations, the house has retained its original grandeur and distinctive charm. The interior is adorned with exquisite wooden carvings, and the space is divided into three large sections, separated by a massive wooden screen.
Today, Cai Cuong Ancient House is managed by Mr. Vo Huynh Long, the third generation of the Pham family. The house is open to visitors every day, and traditional music performances are often held to entertain guests.
Image source: Collected
Another fascinating destination on An Binh Island is Muoi Day Stilt House. Located by the Hoa Ninh Canal, the stilt house is surrounded by a lush fruit orchard. Visitors can tour the house, enjoy fresh fruits, and even stay overnight. The stilt house also serves a variety of local dishes, so be sure to book in advance if you’re traveling with a group.
3.8 Vinh Sang Tourist Area
Vinh Sang Tourist Area is situated along the Co Chien River, about 3 kilometers from An Binh ferry station. Covering an area of approximately 2.2 hectares, the tourist area includes fruit orchards and an ecological conservation zone. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene, peaceful nature, explore diverse bird species, and participate in various fun activities.
In conclusion, these are some of the highlights and attractions on An Binh Island that I highly recommend you explore. I hope you have a memorable experience discovering the tranquil beauty of this quintessential Mekong Delta island.