Long Khánh, Vietnam
Region: Đồng Nai province
Geographic Coordinates: 10.917000, 107.167000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Population: 245040
Language: Vietnamese
Long Khánh is a charming town in Dong Nai province, Vietnam. It is located about 75 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and serves as the provincial capital. The town has a rich cultural heritage, Breathtaking natural scenery, And vibrant markets. One of the most famous attractions in Long Khánh is Cao Dai Temple. The temple was built in 1927 and features a unique blend of architectural styles from different religions like Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, And Christianity. Visitors can witness daily prayer rituals at the temple and learn about Cao Dai beliefs.
Buu Long Pagoda is another must-visit destination in Long Khánh. This ancient pagoda dates back to the 17th century and has been restored several times throughout history. It boasts intricate carvings on its walls and ceilings that depict Buddhist legends. Nature lovers will find several beautiful parks to explore in Long Khánh such as Buu Phong Temple Park or Dong Nai Culture & Nature Reserve that offer visitors opportunities to experience lush greenery while enjoying outdoor activities like hiking or cycling.
The town also has many local markets where visitors can shop for traditional Vietnamese handicrafts like silk embroidery or bamboo baskets made by skilled artisans from nearby villages. One popular market is Binh Thanh Market which sells fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables alongside other goods like clothing items or souvenirs. Food enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse culinary scene found throughout Long Khánh with many restaurants serving up delicious Vietnamese dishes like banh mi sandwiches or pho noodle soup that are sure to satisfy any palate.
Overall, Long Khanh offers an authentic Vietnamese experience with its blend of historical landmarks, Natural beauty spots, And bustling markets making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for something off-the-beaten-path while still being close enough to Ho Chi Minh City for a day trip.
Important Landmarks
- The Long Khanh Pagoda: A beautiful Buddhist temple located in the heart of the town.
- The Dong Nai River: A scenic river that runs through Long Khanh and offers boat rides to tourists.
- The Buu Son Pagoda: A large pagoda complex located on a hilltop near Long Khanh.
- The Tam Quan Gate: An ancient gate that dates back to the 18th century and is located on the outskirts of town.
- The Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve: A protected forest area with hiking trails and waterfalls for nature lovers to explore.
- Local markets: Visitors can also explore local markets like Cho Xanh Market or Cho Lon Market for shopping and trying local food specialties like Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) or Pho (noodle soup).
Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Rice production
- Rubber production
- Fruit production (durian and rambutan)
- Manufacturing
- Textiles
- Furniture production
- Electronics assembly
- Construction
- Growing industry due to city’s expansion
- Services
- Small businesses such as shops and restaurants catering to local population
- Tourism
- Châu Đốc Temple
- Bảo Quang Pagoda
Noteable History
- The Battle of Long Tan: This was a significant battle fought during the Vietnam War on August 18, 1966, near the village of Long Tan in Phước Tuy Province (now Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province). Australian forces fought against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops resulting in a decisive victory for the Australians.
- Nguyen Huu Canh: He was a Vietnamese explorer who played an important role in expanding Vietnamese territory to the south during the 17th century. He established settlements in what is now known as Saigon and helped to establish trade relations with foreign countries.
- Nguyen An Ninh: He was a prominent journalist and writer who lived in Long Khánh during the early 20th century. He is considered one of Vietnam’s greatest journalists and his works were influential in shaping public opinion during that time.
- Cao Van Vien: A general who served as Chief of Staff for South Vietnam’s armed forces from 1965 until its collapse in April 1975.
- Truong Dinh Trien: A military commander who led Viet Minh forces against French colonial rule during World War II.
- Le Hong Phong: A revolutionary leader who played an important role in organizing resistance against French colonial rule during the early part of the 20th century.
- Hoang Dieu: A communist revolutionary leader who worked closely with Ho Chi Minh to organize resistance against French colonial rule.
- Tran Quoc Toan: A famous general from southern Vietnam who led troops against both Chinese invaders and French colonizers throughout his career.
- Pham Van Dong : The Prime Minister of North Vietnam from 1955-1987
- Vo Thi Sau : She was born on December 1933 at Trung Lap Thuong Commune, Binh Gia District. She is a Vietnamese revolutionary heroine who was executed by the French colonial authorities at the age of 19.
Museums and Things To See
- Long Khanh Pagoda: This Buddhist temple is a popular attraction in the area and features beautiful architecture and intricate details.
- Ngọc Đồng Market: This bustling market is a great place to experience local culture and pick up souvenirs or fresh produce.
- Bảo Lâm Lake: A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery where you can go for a relaxing walk or enjoy a picnic.
- Cao Dai Temple: A colorful temple that showcases the unique Cao Dai religion which combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Catholicism.
- Núi Dinh Mountain: A scenic mountain with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Vườn Quốc Gia Cát Tiên (Cat Tien National Park): Located just outside of Long Khánh, this national park is home to diverse wildlife including elephants, gibbons and bears as well as various hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Trang Bang Cave: An underground cave system with stunning stalactites and stalagmites that can be explored on guided tours.
- Thác Giang Điền Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall that cascades down into a natural pool perfect for swimming on hot days.
Note – Due to COVID-19 restrictions some attractions may be closed temporarily or have reduced hours of operation so it’s always best to check before visiting any place mentioned above.
Sports Teams
- Upon research, I couldn’t find any significant sports team or history associated with Long Khánh.
- However, football is a popular sport in Vietnam.
- Many local clubs participate in various leagues and tournaments across the country.
Cultural Events
- Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): This is the most important festival in Vietnam, and it usually takes place in January or February.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: This festival usually falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (around September or October) and is celebrated with lanterns, mooncakes, and dragon dances.
- Hung Kings Temple Festival: This festival honors the Hung Kings who founded Vietnam over 4,000 years ago. It takes place on the 10th day of the third lunar month (around April).
- Buffalo Fighting Festival: This unique festival involves buffalo fighting competitions that take place during Tet Nguyen Dan.
- Ba Den Mountain Festival: This festival celebrates Ba Den Mountain, which is considered a sacred site by many Vietnamese people. It takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month (around February or March).
Cuisine
- Bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake) at Banh Xeo Ba Luu
- Cơm tấm (broken rice) at Quán Cơm Tấm Hồng Ngọc
- Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup) at Quán Bún Bò Huế Ẩm Thực Việt Nam
- Nem nướng (grilled pork sausage) at Nem Nướng Kiên Giang
- Phở (beef noodle soup) at Phở Hùng Long Khánh
Parks and Recreation
- Long Khanh Park: A public park in Long Khanh that is popular among locals and tourists alike. It features walking paths, benches, and a playground for children.
- Hoa An Eco-Tourism Site: This site is perfect for nature lovers as it offers a range of outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and cycling.
- Suoi Tre Cultural Village: Visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional Vietnamese culture by participating in activities like cooking classes and bamboo rafting.
- Dong Nai River: The river is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts or those who want to enjoy boating on the calm waters.
- Dong Nai Golf Resort: Golfers can indulge their passion on this 27-hole golf course surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
- Binh Son Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall that offers hiking trails and picnic areas where visitors can relax amidst nature’s beauty.
- Xuan Dai Bay Beach: A nearby beach where visitors can swim, sunbathe or take part in water sports like jet skiing or windsurfing while enjoying the stunning views of the bay.
- Tram Chim National Park: Located about an hour from Long Khanh, this national park boasts many rare bird species and offers boat tours for visitors to explore the wetlands area with ease.