Tra Vinh

Tra Vinh is a coastal province in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, bordering the provinces of Ben Tre, Vinh Long and Soc Trang. Coming to Tra Vinh, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of different types of tourism such as: Sea tourism, river tourism, exploring coastal islands and unique fruit orchards. 

Ang Pagoda is nearly 1,000 years old in Tra Vinh. Source: Traveloka 

In addition, this is also the land of three ethnic groups: Kinh, Khmer and Chinese. As a result, you can thoroughly investigate the cultures of these three ethnic groups when you visit. In this article, Asia King Travel will provide a lot of useful information for your trip to Tra Vinh.

History

The predecessor of Tra Vinh Province - The land of "Tra Vang", existed before Lord Nguyen established Dinh Vien District and built Long Ho Palace in 1732. In 1802, after ascending the throne, King Gia Long immediately began to rearrange and redefine the boundaries of administrative units nationwide. Southern territory was divided into 4 towns and 1 sub-town, this land now belonged to Vinh Tran Town.

In 1876, the Governor of Cochinchina issued a decree dividing the entire Cochinchina into four major administrative regions. Based on that division, the major administrative region of Vinh Long consisted of four sub-regions: Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, and Sa Dec. The sub-region was the predecessor of Tra Vinh Province later.

Khmer Cultural Museum in Tra Vinh seen from above with a campus covered with many green trees, creating a fresh landscape. Source: Traveloka 

From January 1st, 1900, the name Tra Vinh was officially used until May 1951. Accordingly, Vinh Long Province and Tra Vinh Province were merged into 1 province named Vinh Tra. On May 5th, 1992, the National Assembly decided to split Vinh Tra Province back into two provinces. Currently, the province is one of 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta region, located downstream between the Tien and Hau Rivers, bordering the East Sea.

Read more: Southern Vietnam Tour 10 days: Highlights Exploration

Weather

Wet Season (May to October) 

During the wet season, this location receives a significant amount of rainfall. The monsoon brings heavy rains, high humidity and occasional storms. This period is marked by lush greenery and swollen waterways, contributing to the region's agricultural productivity.

Breathtaking scenery at Ba Dong Beach. Source: Nu cuoi Mekong 

Dry Season (November to April)

The dry season sees lower humidity and less rainfall. The weather is generally more comfortable, with cooler temperatures and clear skies. This season is considered a more favorable time for travel and outdoor activities.

How to get there

There are 2 main routes for you to get there:

• Route 1: To get to My Tho City, use National Highway 1A, which passes via Binh Chanh District and on to Long An. From here, go toward Mo Cay Town - Ben Tre along National Highway 60, crossing the Rach Mieu and Ham Luong bridges. 

After traveling for around 14 kilometers, you will turn right and cross the Co Chien Bridge to arrive at Tra Vinh Province. To go to Tra Vinh City, turn left here and travel another 12 kilometers on National Highway 53.

Tra Vinh is a suitable place for those who want to travel for healing. Source: chothuexecantho

• Route 2: You go in the direction of Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong Expressway. After crossing the expressway, go about 5 kilometers more and you will reach My Tho City. From here, you also go in the direction of National Highway 60 and follow the same route as above to reach Tra Vinh City.

What to eat in Tra Vinh

Mekong Delta rice noodle soup

This is a dish originating from the Khmer people, imbued with the culinary culture of Tra Vinh. Although the dish is simple, it is a combination of ingredients such as roast pork, beef, raw vegetables and broth with a natural sweet taste from fish and shrimp. 

Mekong Delta rice noodle soup makes tourists addicted after just one bite. Source: Travel News 24h 

The fish sauce flavor in the noodle soup does not cause discomfort to first-timers because the broth has been diluted. When enjoying, just add a little lemon to bring a sweet, slightly sour taste, the crunchiness of raw vegetables and the sweet aroma of meat. 

Ben Co thick noodle soup 

A specialty of Tra Vinh, the noodle soup has a more mouth-watering and attractive flavor than ever. Ben Co thick noodle soup has soft, chewy noodles, is opaque white and does not expand when poured into the broth. The broth is cooked from bones simmered for many hours to create sweetness, fresh ingredients and the secret in seasoning creates a unique flavor that only Ben Co noodle soup has.

The attractive appearance of Ben Co thick noodle soup. Source: VnExpress 

For Mekong Delta locals, an indispensable spice is a bowl of pure fish sauce with a few slices of fresh red chili to create a richer flavor. The rich flavor of the dipping sauce combined with the ingredients makes this rustic dish more flavorful and delectable.

Jumping fish stir-fried with lemongrass and chili

Try Jumping fish stir-fried with lemongrass and chili! Jumping fishes usually live in muddy areas along rivers or alluvial flats, newly emerged land. They are usually straight and about 20 centimeters long, round, white. After being caught, fish will be dried and grilled over charcoal to create a crispy, rich dish with an attractive aroma.

Jumping fish stir-fried with lemongrass and chili is a very attractive and unique dish. Source: Traveloka 

Especially when fried with lemongrass and chili, it will bring a characteristic aroma, mixed with the fatty taste of fat and the slight spicy taste of chili, making the dish more attractive and appealing. Visitors can find this dish at many different restaurants in Tra Vinh, especially in Ba Dong Beach (Truong Long Hai, Duyen Hai, Tra Vinh Province)

Conclusion 

If you are looking for a place to start your journey to explore the Mekong Delta, Tra Vinh tourism will be the perfect suggestion with many interesting stories. Contact Asia King Travel to discover new things in this fascinating land.

Read more: Mekong Delta Tour 2 days: Cultural exploration of the Mekong Delta