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Long Xuyên

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Long Xuyên is the capital city of An Giang province. It is located within the Mekong Delta region of south-western Vietnam. The city serves as a vital urban hub in a mostly rural area.

NamKy1863
NamKy1863

This map shows the historical context of the region. Long Xuyên is situated approximately 1,950 km south of Hanoi. It sits 189 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The city is also only 45 km from the Cambodian border. As of April 2019, the population reached 272,365 people. The city covers a total area of about 114.96 square kilometers.

The city is organized into 13 different commune-level subdivisions. These include several wards and two rural communes. The wards are named Mỹ Bình, Mỹ Long, Mỹ Xuyên, Bình Khánh, Mỹ Phước, Đông Xuyên, Mỹ Quý, Mỹ Thạnh, Mỹ Thới, Bình Đức, and Mỹ Hòa. The two rural communes are Mỹ Hòa Hưng and Mỹ Khánh. This structure helps manage the large population and the diverse needs of the residents. The city acts as a central point for the surrounding provinces.

Long Xuyên functions as a major conduit for regional trade. The Hau River dissects the city itself.

Chợ Long Xuyên bên sông Hậu
Chợ Long Xuyên bên sông Hậu

This marketplace image shows the city's connection to the water. A major docking station sits in the middle of the city. This station connects residents from An Giang, Dong Thap, and Kien Giang provinces. Roads and canals link the city to nearby agricultural farms. This network allows for the efficient movement of various commodities. Jasmine rice and basa fish are two of the most well-known products. The proliferation of irrigation canals has boosted the economy. However, these canals also pose risks to community safety and environmental protection.

The history of Long Xuyên began with small beginnings. In 1789, explorers established a small outpost in the Tam Khe canal. They named this original outpost Dong Xuyen. A marketplace soon followed and was named Long Xuyên. By the 1860s, the name of the market was more famous than the outpost. The city's administration grew significantly starting in 1877. This growth occurred as the city took responsibility for more neighborhoods and wards. Long Xuyên was not officially designated as a formal city until 1999.

Education is a significant part of life in Long Xuyên. The city is home to An Giang University and the Long Xuyên Teacher's Training College. An Giang University is the second largest university in the Mekong Delta. In 2021, it had more than 10,000 enrolled students. There are also three main high schools in the city. These are Thoại Ngọc Hầu, Bình Khánh, and Long Xuyên. Thoại Ngọc Hầu high school was formerly known as Long Xuyên high school. It currently serves over 2,000 students. It is a specialized school for subjects like Mathematics, Biology, and Physics.

Cultural and religious diversity defines the city. Because it is near Cambodia, there is a significant Khmer population. The city also features a Cao Dai temple.

Thánh thất Cao Đài Long Xuyên
Thánh thất Cao Đài Long Xuyên

This image shows the unique religious architecture. Long Xuyên is the founding place of the Hòa Hảo Buddhist sect. There are also many Catholic communities in the area. The Long Xuyên Diocese celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020. At that time, it had 230,000 members. Even the local food reflects this variety. The cuisine is influenced by local goods and products passing through the region. A specialty is Bun Ca Long Xuyen, a noodle soup made with snakehead fish and tamarind.

Transportation and sports also connect the city to the wider world. Regular buses run between Long Xuyên and other cities. For air travel, the nearest airports are Can Tho International Airport and Rach Gia Airport. The city is also home to the An Giang Football Club. This team plays in the V.League 2, which is the second tier of professional soccer in Vietnam. Many notable people have lived in or been associated with the city. This includes leaders like Tôn Đức Thắng and various academics and athletes.

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File:Chợ Long Xuyên bên sông Hậu.jpg
Chợ Long Xuyên bên sông Hậu.jpg
File:Thánh thất Cao Đài Long Xuyên.jpg
Thánh thất Cao Đài Long Xuyên.jpg
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