Vi Thuy

Vị Thủy is a rural district (huyện) in Hậu Giang province, located in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The district has a population of approximately 90,000 (2019). It is bordered by Phụng Hiệp district to the east, Vị Thanh city and Giồng Riềng district (Kiên Giang province) to the west, Long Mỹ town and Long Mỹ district to the south, and Châu Thành A district to the north.

Vị Thủy is a predominantly agricultural district, characterised by flat terrain criss-crossed by canals and waterways. Rice farming is the primary economic activity, along with fruit orchards, vegetable cultivation, and aquaculture. National Highway 61 runs through the district, connecting it to Vị Thanh and the broader regional road network. The district town is Nàng Mau, now part of the larger Vị Thủy commune following the 2025 administrative reorganisation that merged Hậu Giang province into the expanded Cần Thơ municipality.

The climate is tropical monsoon with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November. The best time to visit is during the dry season when roads are in good condition and the weather is pleasant.

By Plane

Cần Thơ International Airport (VCA IATA) is the nearest airport, approximately 50 km northeast of Vị Thủy district. A taxi costs 400,000–500,000 VND and takes about 1 hour.

By Car / Road

National Highway 61 runs through Vị Thủy district, connecting it to Vị Thanh city (15 km north) and Long Mỹ town (15 km south). Buses from Vị Thanh and Cần Thơ serve the district. From Cần Thơ, the drive takes about 1 hour via Highway 61.

Motorbike taxis (xe ôm) are the main local transport option within the district. Renting a motorbike (150,000 VND/day) is the most practical way to explore. Boats are used for transport along the canals. The district is flat and suitable for cycling.

• Nàng Mau Market — The traditional market of the former Nàng Mau town, a commercial centre for the district.

• National Highway 61 views — The highway runs through classic Mekong Delta scenery with rice paddies, canals, and stilt houses.

• Local craft villages — Vị Thủy has small-scale traditional craft production including rice paper (bánh tráng) and woven products.

• Agricultural landscapes — Expansive rice fields dotted with palm trees and canal-side villages.

• Vị Thủy Communal House — A traditional Vietnamese dinh reflecting local architectural and cultural heritage.

• Cycle through the countryside — The flat, quiet roads are ideal for cycling through rice fields and small villages.

• Canal boat rides — Explore the network of smaller canals away from the main roads.

• Visit rice farms — Observe traditional rice cultivation and harvesting methods.

• Fruit tasting — Sample local fruits at roadside stalls during the harvest season.

• Photography — The rural landscapes and traditional wooden houses offer excellent photo opportunities.

• Bún cá (fish noodle soup) — Freshly prepared at market stalls, 20,000–30,000 VND.
• Lẩu mắm (fermented fish hotpot) — A Mekong Delta classic, available at local eateries.
• Cá kho tộ (caramelised fish in clay pot) — A staple of delta home cooking.
• Cơm tấm sườn (broken rice with grilled pork) — Available at budget eateries.
• Bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) — Often sold at roadside stalls, filled with shrimp and bean sprouts.

• Cà phê sữa đá — Vietnamese iced coffee available at local cafés.
• Nước mía — Fresh sugarcane juice.
• Nước dừa — Fresh coconut water.
• Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Nhà nghỉ Vị Thủy — basic guesthouse, from 100,000–150,000 VND/night.
• Homestay: Farm homestays in the district offer a rural experience with meals, from 200,000 VND/person/night.
• Most visitors choose to stay in Vị Thanh city (15 km north) for more options.

• Nàng Mau Market — Local produce, rice, fruit, and household goods.
• Bánh tráng (rice paper) — Locally produced rice paper is a specialty of the area.
• Seasonal fruit — Available from roadside stalls and at the market.
• Bargaining — Expected at the market for non-food items.

• Vị Thanh (15 km, 20 min) — The capital city of Hậu Giang province, with the Xà No River waterfront and provincial museum.
• Long Mỹ (15 km, 20 min) — District-level town in southern Hậu Giang.
• Phụng Hiệp (20 km, 30 min) — Largest district in Hậu Giang, known for the historic Phụng Hiệp floating market.
• Ngã Bảy (35 km, 45 min) — The largest city in Hậu Giang, at the seven-canal intersection.
• Cần Thơ (50 km, 1 hr) — The largest city in the Mekong Delta, with Cái Răng floating market and Ninh Kiều waterfront.
• Rạch Giá (70 km, 1.5 hr) — Coastal city in Kiên Giang province, gateway to Phú Quốc Island.