Đông Xuyên is a rural district (huyện) of An Giang province in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. The district is situated in the southwestern part of the province, bordering Kiên Giang province to the west and the city of Châu Đốc to the south. Its administrative seat is the township of Đông Xuyên.
Geography
The district covers an area of approximately 290 km² (112 sq mi). The terrain is predominantly flat and low‑lying, characteristic of the Mekong Delta, with a network of canals and rivers that support agriculture and aquaculture. The climate is tropical monsoonal, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April.
Administrative divisions
Đông Xuyên district is subdivided into one township (Thị trấn Đông Xuyên) and several rural communes (xã), including:
- Thạnh Phú
- Hòa An
- Hòa Thuận
- Tân Bình
- Thới Long
- Vĩnh Thạnh
- Vĩnh Trường
- Vĩnh Khánh
Demographics
According to the 2009 census, the district had a population of roughly 140,000 inhabitants. The population is ethnically diverse, comprising primarily ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh), with minority communities of Khmer Krom and Cham.
Economy
The local economy is largely based on agriculture, with rice cultivation as the dominant activity. Secondary agricultural products include maize, sweet potatoes, and various fruits. Aquaculture, particularly the farming of fish and shrimp in the district’s extensive canal system, also contributes significantly to livelihoods. Small‑scale manufacturing and trade occur in the district capital and surrounding market towns.
Infrastructure
Đông Xuyên is served by a network of provincial roads that connect it to the provincial capital, Long Xuyên, and to the border crossing at Châu Đốc, facilitating trade and transportation. The district has basic public services, including primary and secondary schools, health clinics, and communal facilities.
History
The district was established as an administrative unit during the reorganization of Vietnam’s provincial boundaries in the mid‑20th century. Its development has been closely tied to the broader economic and infrastructural growth of the Mekong Delta region.
References
- General Statistics Office of Vietnam, “Population and Housing Census 2009.”
- An Giang Provincial Government, “Đông Xuyên District Overview.”
Note: The figures presented are based on the most recent publicly available statistical data; newer census results may modify these numbers.
