What to Do in Mekong Delta? Your Complete Guide

Mekong Delta is a region in southern Vietnam renowned for its gentleness and greenery. Unlike the majestic mountains of the north or the magnificent beaches of the central region, it offers you landscapes of rice fields, fruit orchards, winding rivers, and narrow canals. Join us to explore what to do in the Mekong Delta with a comprehensive guide. 

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 25-11-2024

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1. Mekong Delta, the region of canals and waterways

The Mekong Delta is located in the south of Vietnam. It takes about 2 hours to reach the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. It is important to note that the Mekong Delta encompasses numerous cities, meaning the exact distance between each city may vary depending on their locations.

This region, also known as the Nine Dragons region, is a true haven of fertility, brimming with orchards, vegetable gardens, and rice fields in southern Vietnam. It is woven with a complex network of thousands of canals and waterways, where navigation is often preferred over walking, giving a unique rhythm to the lives of the residents and travelers alike.

2. Which cities are worth visiting?

The Mekong Delta is the largest in the country, encompassing several cities with distinct characteristics. We have compiled a list of the most beautiful cities in the region to consider for your trip.

• My Tho: The starting point to the Mekong Delta.
• Can Tho: The capital city of the Mekong Delta, famous for the renowned Cai Rang floating market.
• Ben Tre: Known as the "Coconut Kingdom."
• Sadec: A charming colonial town in southern Vietnam, renowned for being a major flower supply point in the south.
• Vinh Long and An Binh Island, are famous for their fruit orchards and traditional brick production.
• Chau Doc: Renowned for its lush cajeput forest, it serves as the overland gateway to Cambodia.

>>>Map of cities in the Mekong Delta

Please click on the "[ ]" in the top right corner for better visibility.

3. What to do in Mekong Delta?

• Take a bike ride

Biking is undeniably the ideal way to explore this breathtaking region. You can pedal with joy through the picturesque countryside, where rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Make a few stops in the surrounding orchards to indulge in delicious tropical fruits. Their exquisite flavors will delight your taste buds.

During your journey, you will be dazzled by the lush landscapes and enchanted by the warm encounters with the local population, renowned for their legendary hospitality. Along your exploration, you will have the opportunity to visit small family-run factories, where locals process coconuts, make candies, and create other handmade crafts like woven mats.

• Go on a boat ride in the waterways

The Mekong Delta, a true river paradise, is woven with a multitude of canals and waterways that create a mesmerizing labyrinth. If you don’t know what to do in Mekong Delta Vietnam, a beautiful boat ride along the small canals is a must. This experience will immerse you in the heart of this fascinating vegetal world and introduce you to a warm-hearted population, grateful for the generosity of nature.

During this excursion, you will admire the arroyos, coconut trees, and rice fields. You will be lulled by the tranquility of these small canals and immerse yourself in the river life of the local inhabitants. An ideal experience awaits you, far from the hustle and bustle of urban areas.

• Explore the floating markets

Undoubtedly, visiting the floating markets is a must-do activity when exploring the Mekong Delta region. One of the not-to-be-missed floating markets is Cai Rang, an iconic location in Can Tho. Every morning, numerous boats gather for lively commercial exchanges. It is advisable to visit them early in the morning to fully experience the vibrant atmosphere.

There is one thing to note. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the floating markets may not have the same level of activity and vibrancy as before. It's important to be aware of this to manage expectations and avoid potential disappointment. However, even with some changes, the region still retains its natural beauty and charm, offering a unique experience for visitors.

To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere, why not order a bowl of Hu Tieu, the typical soup of Southern Vietnam, prepared right on a boat for your breakfast? It's a delicious and authentic culinary experience that will enhance your enjoyment of the floating market ambiance. 

>>> Get more attractive information at: Mekong Delta: 12 interesting facts to know!

• Visiting artisanal factories

The Mekong Delta offers many exciting discoveries, and among them, visiting artisanal workshops is a must-do experience. This region is renowned for its traditional crafts such as mat weaving, conical hat making, and pottery.

You will find local artisans who use traditional techniques to create stunning objects that tell their culture and history.

The lush nature of the region provides an abundance of materials used in this flourishing craftsmanship. Artisanal factories, often family-owned, carry on these ancient techniques by utilizing these natural resources. A remarkable example is the transformation of the coconut, which finds a multitude of uses in the region. It is turned into furniture, unique souvenirs, everyday utensils, oil, cosmetic products, and even delicious candies.

During your visit to the Mekong Delta, you will have the opportunity to discover these artisanal workshops and observe the artisans at work. You can also try your hand at some techniques and create your artwork while having the option to purchase unique souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. It's a wonderful way to support local craftsmanship and bring home some souvenirs for your loved ones. 

• Embark on a cruise

Going on a cruise in the Mekong Delta will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable travel memories. Step aboard one of those wooden boats with their beautifully adorned prow and set off to explore this enchanting region at a leisurely pace. The cruises are filled with exciting visits, stops for cycling, walking, and sampan rides, and breaks in fruit orchards. Enjoy meals served on the boat while gazing at the lively life on the riverbanks, have aperitifs on the upper deck at sunset, relax in comfortable cabins, and experience attentive service throughout your journey.

>>> Explore one of the destinations of the Mekong Delta: Chau Doc complete guide in 6 questions for a successful trip

• Getting around on a Xe lôi (motorized cyclo)

During your visit to the Mekong Delta, don't miss the opportunity to take a ride on a Xe lôi, also known as a motorized cyclo. The Xe lôi is an iconic mode of transportation in the region and provides a unique experience for exploring the surroundings. On board your Xe lôi, you will be comfortably seated in the passenger seat, with open spaces surrounding you, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings. It's a leisurely and enjoyable way to soak in the sights and sounds of the Mekong Delta.

• Staying overnight at a local's home

If you're seeking an authentic and memorable travel experience, we highly recommend staying with locals in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. In addition to tasting the legendary hospitality of the locals, you'll be immersed in their daily lives and have the opportunity to participate in their local activities. Imagine cooking dinner with them and sharing a friendly meal, discovering the flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. This cultural immersion provides a unique opportunity to have a rewarding travel experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. 

• Following the footsteps of the colonial era

In certain cities of the Mekong Delta, such as Can Tho and Sa Dec, one can admire buildings and structures of French colonial architecture. Among them, the old private houses built in the colonial style have been carefully preserved and renovated to become tourist accommodations. These residences serve as valuable testimonies to the lifestyle and elegance of the colonial era, providing an authentic immersion into the region's colonial past. 

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Binh Thuy Ancient House, considered one of the most beautiful historical mansions in the Mekong Delta. This house, over 100 years old, is a unique example of harmonious architecture blending Western and Eastern styles. It has become a popular tourist attraction, and its timeless beauty even caught the attention of the film industry, as it was used as a set in the movie "The Lover," based on the novel by Marguerite Duras.

The interior of the house is particularly impressive for visitors, with a classic European-style living room adorned with a set of French Louis XV furniture, and many other wonders to discover await you. By visiting it, you will be transported to the glorious past of the Mekong Delta region, where history and culture blend harmoniously to tell a captivating story.

4. What are the local specialties not to be missed?

Benefiting from extremely fertile lands, the Mekong Delta region is renowned as the rice basket, orchard, and vegetable garden of Southern Vietnam. This region is also famous for its thriving aquaculture. The abundant produce from this land nourishes a fabulous cuisine influenced by Khmer, Thai, and Chinese cultures. The gastronomy of the Mekong Delta stands out for its freshness and originality, drawing directly from the garden and skillfully blending spicy and sweet flavors. During your stay in this region, do not miss the opportunity to taste some of its must-try specialties:

• Tropical fruits (mangosteens, mangoes, longans, jackfruit, etc.)
• Banh xeo: Vietnamese sizzling pancake filled with bean sprouts and shrimp
• Bun ca: Rice noodle soup with fish
• Lau mam: Fermented fish hot pot
• Lau cua dong: Rice field crab hot pot
• Hu tieu: Clear rice noodle soup
• Lau ca linh bong dien dien: Siamese mud carp and sesbania flower hot pot

>>> Let's explore the best Saigon restaurants for all budgets right now!

5. Best time to travel to the region

The Mekong Delta experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. While temperatures can be high, the region enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year.

• The dry season extends from December to April, characterized by low rainfall. Sunny days and mild temperatures provide ideal conditions for exploring the natural beauty of the region.
• The rainy season spans from May to November, and although it is marked by occasional afternoon showers, it adds a special touch to the region. These refreshing rains bring renewed vitality to the surrounding nature, bringing lush rice fields to life and adding a beautiful color palette.

It is possible to visit the Mekong Delta throughout the year, with the dry season considered the preferred period.

6. How to get there and depart?

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

• From Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach the Mekong Delta by car, just a two-hour drive away. As you leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city, you enter a world of tranquility and lush vegetation as far as the eye can see.
• If you are in Hanoi or Da Nang, several daily flights allow you to reach the Mekong Delta by landing in Can Tho, the capital of the region.

>>>Good to know

The Mekong Delta is also accessible from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia if you start your journey from Cambodia. In this case, you can take a speedboat from Phnom Penh, cruising down the Mekong River to Chau Doc. The boat journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Click here if you are thinking about a combination trip: Vietnam-Cambodia Trip

To leave the region, if you arrive by car from Ho Chi Minh City, you can, of course, use the same means of transportation. Please note that there is currently no international airport in the Mekong Delta region. So, if you need to leave the country, you will have to travel to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi for your departure flight.

Our final words,

The Mekong Delta is a serene land to discover. If you are captivated by this region, delve into the following article to explore fascinating facts about the Mekong Delta: "Mekong Delta: 12 Interesting Facts to Know!"

To make your trip easier and customize each itinerary according to your preferences, Kampá Tour would be delighted to assist you in creating a tailor-made journey. Please don't hesitate to contact us!

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