Mekong Delta: 12 interesting facts to know!

The Mekong Delta is formed by the alluvium of the Mekong River, one of the most captivating and important rivers in Southeast Asia. This region is often recognized for its peaceful landscapes, with winding canals and tropical fruit orchards. However, many interesting aspects of this region, such as the Mekong River itself, remain largely unknown. In this article, we want to explore this fascinating region in more depth by highlighting 12 interesting facts that you probably don't know. Follow us in this exciting discovery!

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 28-03-2025

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1. Where is the Mekong Delta located?

The Mekong Delta lies in southern Vietnam and is bordered by Cambodia in the north, the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest, and the East Sea in the east. Reaching the delta from Ho Chi Minh City takes about a 2-hour ride. However, keep in mind that the area is a conglomerate of many towns, and therefore, the distance may vary depending on their location.

This area is also said to be the most fertile delta in all of Vietnam. Alluvial soil deposited by the Tiền and Hậu rivers makes fertile land and vast expanses of rice fields. The region has ever-growing orchards full of seasonal fruits. The delta is a network of rivers and canals, which together create rich biodiversity with its virgin forests and wetlands.

2. Which Cities Are Worth Visiting?

The Mekong Delta is the largest delta in the country and, in fact, brings together many cities differing in nature. For your travel reference, we have assembled a list of some of the prettiest cities in the region.

• My Tho: Gateway to the Delta.
• Can Tho: Capital of the Mekong Delta, with the major attraction being the Cai Rang floating market.
• Ben Tre: Described as the "Kingdom of the Coconut Trees."
• Sa Dec: A charming little colonial town in southern Vietnam, famed for being the supplier of flowers to the south.
• Vinh Long and An Binh Island: Famous for fruit orchards and artisanal brick-making.
• Tra Vinh: Center of Khmer culture in Vietnam, home to pagodas and saffron-robed monks...
• Chau Doc: Famous for its green forest of cajeput trees and as the land gateway to Cambodia.

>>> Map of Mekong Delta Cities.
For better visibility, kindly click on "[ ]" on the top right.

3. What to Do in the Mekong Delta?

• Cycling

Cycling, indeed, is the paradise for bicycle riding most suited to explore the glorious region. Pedal your way to fully enjoy the eye-catching scenery of rice fields that stretch almost everywhere. Stop by some nearby orchards and indulge in those delicious tropical fruits that sweeten your palate.

What makes the panorama even more wonderful is the greenery that stretches out in front of you, along with beautiful and warm encounters with the natives, who are famous for their legendary hospitality. During the discovery, among other things, you may visit tiny family-run factories where they shell coconuts, create sweets, and make other handicrafts, including woven rugs.

• Boat Trips in the Arroyos

The Mekong Delta is indeed a river paradise. It is threaded with thousands of canals and arroyos, which together form an enchanting kind of maze. Among the activities considered "must-do" in this delta area is a fabulous boat trip down little canals. The exercise will take you into the heart of this enthralling plant world and towards people who warmly embrace the bounty of nature.

See arroyos, coconut, and rice fields on this ride. Let the sound carry you through these little canals, and take in all you can from the riverside life and the people around. A great experience away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

• Take a Cruise on the Mekong

Another alternative to boat rides is, of course, cruises. Enjoy onboard meals with the views of the busy shore, enjoy aperitifs on the upper deck while watching the sunset, and admire life along the banks of the Mekong River from the comfort of beautifully appointed cabins with gracious service.

>>> Related article: Top Luxury Cruises on the Mekong for Western Travelers

• Discover the Floating Markets of the Mekong Delta

This activity is, without doubt, the most important thing to do in the Mekong Delta region. One floating market that shouldn't be missed is Cai Rang, which is an iconic place in Can Tho city. Every morning, boats gather and engage in lively trade. Therefore, early morning visits are the best time to witness this kind of atmosphere.

However, it is good to keep in mind that, as of the time after Covid, the activities in these markets are not as lively as they once were. This is important to avoid too much disappointment, although the area is beautiful nonetheless.

And to soak up the atmosphere, order a bowl of hu tieu (the wonton noodle soup typical of South Vietnam), prepared for you on the boat.

• Handicraft Factories

When you tour the Mekong Delta, you will encounter the handicrafts and the artisans at work. Famous for its traditional crafts pertaining to mat making, conical hats, and pottery, this place has demonstrated sustainable practices in staying true to its local culture and history.

With its lush nature, this region provides numerous resources that sustain these crafts. Artisanal industries, usually family-run, perpetuate the ancient know-how using these natural resources. One representative among them is the use of coconut, which finds many applications in the region. Coconut is used to make furniture, unique souvenirs, everyday utensils, oil, and cosmetics, and of course, delicious sweets. Learn more about buying unique souvenirs in Vietnam for yourself and your loved ones.

• Moving Under Xich Lo (Motorized Tricycle)

Xe lôi was a symbol of the Mekong Delta in the first years of this decade. Over time and with modernization, the old models have slowly faded into oblivion. It still exists today, but in a new form, much like this... The image of the xe lôi from earlier days remains etched in the memory of many inhabitants.

While you are in the Mekong Delta, don't forget to travel on board a xe lôi, now called a motorized cyclo.

• Staying Overnight with Locals

If you're truly yearning for a genuine and unforgettable travel experience, homestaying in the Mekong Delta could be the way to go. A homestay allows you not only to savor the hospitality of the locals but also to experience firsthand life in their village and partake in some activities with them. Picture this: cooking dinner together and enjoying a friendly meal while savoring the flavors of traditional Vietnamese food. Such cultural interaction is a one-time opportunity that translates into an enriching travel experience that stays in your memory forever. Learn more about sleeping in a homestay.

• Follow the Footsteps of the Colonial Era

As an example, some cities of the Mekong Delta, such as Can Tho or Sa Dec, have much to offer those who appreciate the fine arts of colonial designs. Among them, houses belonging to former owners that were constructed in colonial styles can be found in the best of conditions, not only repaired but also turned into tourist accommodations. These are indeed treasures reminding people of what it was like to live in the past and their opulence, where one can truly experience a step back in time.

The visit is not complete without an exploration of the old house of Binh Thuy, described as one of the most beautiful historical mansions in the entire Mekong Delta. More than a century old, it is a rare example of a seamless architectural integration of East and West. Though it's a tourist attraction nowadays, even more interesting than its ancient beauty is how the film world has piqued interest, as it was used as a setting for the film "The Lover," based on the eponymous novel by writer Marguerite Duras.

• Explore the Cultural and Traditional Blend of the Mekong Delta

Cambodia borders the Mekong Delta provinces, which are true cultural crossroads. Here, different Khmer ethnic groups, rich in their traditions and distinctive dress, as well as many Khmer-style Buddhist temples, bear witness to their histories.

It also has Muslim communities, adding to its cultural diversity. This is evident through a number of mosques and festivals that are part of local life. An Giang province is very peaceful, and it is a place where different cultures live harmoniously.

>>> Related article: Map of Vietnam and Cambodia – A Duo to Explore Without Borders

4. What Local Specialties Should Not Be Missed?

Mekong Delta cuisines are certainly tastier and sweeter than the rest of the Vietnamese culinary traditions. Unlike one of the common aspects seen around the rest of the country, in the Mekong Delta, the love for sweetness is evident, with syrup and sugar generously sprinkled on almost all dishes.

Coconut milk and its variants – for both regular meals and desserts – constitute another culinary feature. Their abundance in coconut groves in places like Ben Tre explains the extensive use of coconut products. Before you leave, be sure to sample some of the must-try specialties:

Some tropical fruits (such as mangosteens, mangoes, longans, and jackfruit)

• Banh xeo, which is a Vietnamese savory pancake with bean sprouts and shrimp as toppings
• Banh tet: a traditional cake eaten mostly at Tet (Vietnamese New Year) but found in southern areas throughout the year
• Bun ca: noodle soup with fish
• Lau mam: a fondue of disintegrated fish
• Lau cua dong: fondue with rice field crab
• Hu tieu: a clear soup with rice noodles
• Lau ca linh bong dien dien: fondue with Siamese mud carp and flowers from the sesbania tree.

5. The Best Time to Travel to the Region

• The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is renowned for its friendly and hospitable residents, always ready to lend a helping hand. This spirit of camaraderie is deeply rooted in the community, shaped by the region's unique challenges and landscapes.
• The culture of the Mekong Delta is intrinsically linked to its agricultural practices. With vast networks of rivers and canals, life here revolves around water. The Delta is famous for its distinctive rice cultivation methods, bustling floating markets, and innovative farming techniques. The lush green landscape is dominated by expansive rice paddies and intricate waterways, where boats and floating houses are a common sight.

6. How to get there

To reach the Mekong Delta, there are several options available to you, allowing you to easily enjoy this picturesque region from different cities.

• From Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach the Mekong Delta by local bus or private car.
• If you are in Hanoi or other cities, there are several daily flights that take you to the Mekong Delta by landing in Can Tho, the capital of the region.

>>> Good to know: From the Mekong Delta, it is very easy to get to Cambodia. Chau Doc, on the border with Cambodia, makes the boat ride along the Mekong River to Phnom Penh very accessible, with a duration of about 5 to 6 hours. If you've already visited the delta and have some extra time, adding Cambodia is a great option!

7. Interesting Facts About the Mekong Delta

• Where does the Mekong River come from?

Nicknamed the world's most beautiful river, it is also one of the longest, stretching over 4,000 kilometers before meeting Vietnam and pouring its fine alluvium into the Mekong Delta. It first crosses the mountains of the Qinghai plateau on the edge of the Himalayas, then the province of Yunnan in China. After that, it flows through five other nations: Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and finally Vietnam, where it flows into the East Sea.

• Do You Know Why the Mekong Delta Is Nicknamed the Delta of the Nine Dragons?

This river travels about 4,000 kilometers before arriving in Vietnam, where it splits into two headstreams: Tien Giang and Hau Giang. From there, it spills into the East Sea through nine mouths constructed like nine dragons: hence its popular name, "River of the Nine Dragons."

Due to its alluvial deposits, the Mekong River formed a very rich plain, giving rise to the region known as the Mekong Delta, also called the River Delta of the Nine Dragons.

• What Modes of Transport Are Available in the Region?

Transportation in the Mekong Delta is much like any other region in Vietnam and comprises motorcycles, bicycles, and cars. However, in more remote areas, daily life is closely tied to river navigation, with commercial activities dependent on boats and ferries.

In the rural areas, the landscape consists of a crowded web of narrow canals, with the roads less developed than those in the city. Therefore, for the people, the predominant means of travel are boats plying along small canals.

• What Is Daily Life Like in This Region?

In the grand cities of the Mekong Delta, life is similar to that in the rest of Vietnam. However, a distinctive feature of the region is the sight of boats transporting rice, sand, fruits, and vegetables, leisurely sailing on rivers and canals.

Such dependence on waterways has fostered a culture of floating markets, where trade occurs between boats. Heading south in the delta, one can discover a tangle of canals. The dwellings are considered unique homes because they are either on rafts or on stilts, elevated high to resist floods.

There is another interesting aspect. These children carry memories of the Mekong Delta, whose past was not as fortunate as it is today. For these children, the supermarket was a boat full of so-called goodies from outside the city. Floating around in these small boats was a source of wonder for the children.

• What Is the Flood Season in the Mekong Delta?

Typically, the flooding period for the Mekong Delta extends from late July until November. During this period, the volume of water flowing through the river increases due to prolonged rainfall. This natural phenomenon contributes to the ecological balance of the region. Even though the floods are not excessive, they are favorable for the people living there. The deposits in the fields result from water flowing over the banks and regenerating the river ecosystem. Everything comes back to life with a surplus of products such as fish, shrimp, and crabs.

• Is the Mekong Delta a Fruit Paradise?

The Mekong Delta is a paradise for fruits due to the deposition of rich alluvium from the river. This fertile strip of land in southern Vietnam has a tropical climate that suits many exotic fruits. Mangoes, rambutans, sapodillas, guavas, pomelos, longans, and many others abound. Corn and other truly exotic crops grow very well due to the fertile soils, which allow for two or even three harvests a year. Learn more about exotic fruits in Vietnam.

• What Is the Traditional Costume Characteristic of This Region?

The traditional costume for the Mekong Delta people is the "bà ba" shirt. It has an aesthetic charm, with a stand-up collar and a front opening with buttons. It is worn by both men and women but is different in style: men have two very large pockets, and women have small pockets. But both are designed for loose comfort.

• What Is the Iconic Artistic and Cultural Treasure of the Mekong Delta?

Đơn ca tài tử, a musical art merging learned and popular influences, is a cultural treasure of the Mekong Delta. It echoes its melody to the living landscapes of the region, and the term "đơn ca tài tử" stresses that this art is open to all who may play it, even amateurs, if you will. Stylistically, there are several instruments included: the moon-shaped lute, with which one can strum and accompany voice; the two-stringed violin, which serves melodic purposes while also serving a complementary rhythmic role; and the sixteen-string zither.

Đơn ca tài tử, listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013, thus became the eighth intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam to receive the honor of international protection.

Our last words,

The Mekong Delta, a very peaceful land for discovery. The inhabitants here are generally regarded as the friendliest in Vietnam. Life is very quiet by the rivers and fruit orchards, with everything awaiting discovery. Since this place is quite near Ho Chi Minh City, it would be wonderful to find the time to visit. For those short on time, one day is enough to whet the appetite, but to do this lovely region justice would probably require a stay of at least three days. For the easy-going tourist who wants to immerse himself in understanding everything about this place, a duration of five to seven days is advisable.

Let us know anytime, and we will arrange any necessary itinerary customization according to your preferences, always staying flexible to your needs during your trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us!

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