You are drawn here not just for the stunning rice fields and the majestic Mekong Delta. What truly sets the Mekong Delta apart is its vibrant river life. The locals are known for their warmth and hospitality. Besides marveling at the rice fields, visitors can indulge in a plethora of experiences – from sampling colorful fruits and touring orchards or fish farms, to exploring floating markets and villages. You can even try your hand at cooking with locals or opt for a homestay in one of the charming traditional villages.
Best travel time to Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta boasts pleasant weather year-round, offering captivating glimpses into local life even during rainy spells.
For those seeking drier conditions, December through March is ideal. May to August heralds summer in Vietnam, bringing forth an abundance of delicious fruits in the region.
However, if you prefer to steer clear of rainy days, it's best to avoid visiting between September and November, which marks the rainy season, often accompanied by floods.
Best things to do in Mekong Delta
Embark on a mesmerizing Mekong Delta tour, typically commencing from Ho Chi Minh City, and winding through 12 captivating provinces plus one city within the region. Among the standout stops on the Vietnam Mekong Delta map are Can Tho, Ben Tre, Bac Lieu, and Tra Vinh. These destinations are renowned for their distinct charm along the enchanting Mekong River. From bustling floating markets to tranquil backwaters, each place showcases a tapestry of cultural diversity and natural splendor, promising unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
01 Floating markets in Mekong Delta (Cho Noi Dong Bang Song Cuu Long)
Embarking on a Mekong Delta river tour unveils a captivating world of iconic floating markets, including Cai Rang, Cai Be, Long Xuyen, Phong Dien, and Tra On. Here, vibrant boats laden with fresh produce and goods create a mesmerizing spectacle. By immersing yourself in a Mekong Delta trip, you'll have the unique chance to experience the lively ambiance of these bustling markets and witness the enduring trading traditions that have flourished for generations in the Mekong River Delta.
02 Mekong Delta boat trip
The ultimate way to experience the Mekong Delta is by meandering through its intricate network of canals on a boat trip. As you glide along under the shade of coconut trees, you'll be treated to picturesque views of lush orchards, expansive rice fields, and quaint local homes. Along the journey, you can visit vibrant floating markets or make stops at local factories, villages, and fruit orchards.
There are various options for boat trips: on the larger rivers, motorized sloops are used to cover greater distances swiftly. Meanwhile, in the smaller side canals, you can opt for a more traditional experience aboard a sampan rowing boat, propelled by skilled locals using paddles. Whichever route you choose, a boat trip offers an immersive and unforgettable way to explore the Mekong Delta.
03 Cycling tour Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta boasts flat terrain akin to a pancake, crisscrossed by numerous countryside roads connecting villages, local factories, rice fields, and fruit orchards. What's more, these rural roads are blissfully free of traffic, making it the ultimate cycling destination in Vietnam.
Most accommodations in the countryside offer complimentary bicycle rentals, allowing you to explore at your own pace or with a guide. Regardless of your choice, you'll be treated to breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and peaceful roads. Keep in mind that due to the region's many rivers and canals, you may encounter ferries or locally-built bridges along your journey, adding to the adventure and charm of cycling in the Mekong Delta.
04 Ecotourism sites for Mekong Delta tours
Embarking on an eco-friendly adventure through the Mekong Delta is a fantastic choice for nature enthusiasts. This journey leads you to some of the most remarkable ecotourism sites in the region, including the enchanting Tra Su Cajuput Forest, the breathtaking Tram Chim National Park, the charming My Khanh Tourist Village, and the majestic Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary.
Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a unique flooded forest teeming with rare fauna, some of which are endangered. Navigate through this lush forest on a motorboat, capturing beautiful photos and spotting diverse bird species along the way.
Tram Chim National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a quarter of Vietnam's bird population. Located in Dong Thap province, near Chau Doc and Long Xuyen cities, the park offers boat tours through its submerged inland ecosystem, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders up close.
05 Khmer temples
Make your Mekong Delta tour truly unforgettable by exploring the captivating Khmer temples scattered across the region's landscapes, particularly in Tra Vinh Province, where one-third of the population is Khmer. These ancient architectural marvels, steeped in rich history and culture, offer a fascinating glimpse into the flourishing Khmer civilization that once thrived in this area. Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the intriguing stories and legacies preserved within these enchanting temples.
06 Enjoy picking fruit in Mekong Delta
A highlight of any Mekong Delta journey is the abundance of orchards brimming with a tempting variety of fresh tropical fruits. Here, you can indulge in juicy mangoes, succulent rambutans, and aromatic pineapples straight from the trees. This immersive experience offers a taste of the region's rich agricultural heritage and is a must-include in any top-notch Mekong Delta tour itinerary, appealing to food enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
07 Discovery Mekong Delta Local villages
During your captivating Mekong Delta tour in Vietnam, you'll encounter a diverse array of local villages, each with its own unique craft and cultural heritage. From the claypot-making artisans of Hon Dat Village in Kien Giang to the flower growers of Tan Quy Dong Village, and the masters of fermented pork roll in Lai Vung Village, Dong Thap, to the banana-drying communities of Ca Mau, these villages offer a fascinating insight into Vietnam's artisanal traditions. Exploring these cherished Vietnamese villages during your Mekong River Delta tour unveils the rich tapestry of the country's culture and showcases the extraordinary talents of its people.
08 Traditional music performances
Don't forget to immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of "Don ca tai tu" during your Mekong Delta adventure. This traditional music, originating from southern Vietnam, is steeped in cultural heritage and holds profound significance. Its soulful tunes, accompanied by traditional instruments, resonate with the rich history and tales of the Mekong Delta. As you navigate through your Mekong Delta tour, keep an eye out for venues offering live performances of "Don ca tai tu" – it's a captivating experience you won't want to miss!
09 Coconut candy factories
Make sure to include a visit to the renowned coconut candy factories in the picturesque province of Ben Tre on your itinerary. Here, you'll have the chance to observe skilled artisans as they expertly craft delicious coconut candies using a blend of traditional and modern techniques. The enticing aroma of freshly made candies wafts through the air, tempting you to savor the sweet delights of this "land of coconut". During your unforgettable trip to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, don't hesitate to roll up your sleeves and give candy-making a try yourself – it's a hands-on experience you won't want to miss!