The town has interesting attractions, including some fine French buildings one of which is of singularly unusual design. From there, a 2km stroll will take you to the Temple of Literature. Although not on the scale of Hanoi's Van Mieu, it is nevertheless a good example of nineteenth century Vietnamese architecture.

The temple is dedicated to Confucius – unusual in the south of Vietnam. It will probably be locked, so you'll need to ask your guide to find out who has the key.
A bonus is an opportunity to explore some of the tiny back streets on the way to and from the temple. Watch out for some of the traditional Mekong crafts: you might get an explanation over tea with the locals, and maybe a chance to try your hand.

The Vinh Long Cong Than Temple, destroyed by the French, was later rebuilt and is unique in retaining 85 official diplomas bestowed upon local mandarins during the reigns of Kings Thieu Tri and Tu Duc.

The 5,000 troops of the US Army 9th Infantry Division arrived in Vietnam on December 16, 1966, landing on the beaches along the south bank of the Co Chien River at Vinh Long. Little remains of their nine-year presence apart from some rusting remains in front of an unappealing local museum.