The Mekong River ranks as the world's tenth-longest river and Asia's seventh-longest. The fertile Mekong Delta is formed when the River Mekong splits into nine rivers in southern Vietnam. Fisheries flourish during the annual flood, and rice fields are quickly dug when the waters recede, allowing daily life to adapt to the ever-changing waters.
The Mekong Delta, sometimes referred to as "Vietnam's Rice Bowl," covers hundreds of square kilometres of flat ground and is home to numerous rice farms and tributaries. An overnight trip in the Mekong Delta is a worthwhile experience, as waking up surrounded by floating markets and villages creates an unforgettable sensation. Vendors trade fresh goods in towns, and river traffic flows constantly throughout the day. Exploring smaller creeks reveals orchards, Buddhist temples, and family homes clinging to the riverbanks.
The Mekong basin is also home to some of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Over 1200 fish species have been identified, with up to 1700 possible. Fishing provides a vital source of protein in the local diet and plays an important role in the region's economic activity. Estimates suggest that 120 fish species are sold commercially, while the majority of the fishery focuses on 10-20 species.
The Mekong Delta can be reached by bus, which takes approximately 3-4 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, you can opt for a flight to Can Tho International Airport, located in the heart of the region, and easily connect with various areas of the delta.
- Boat/Sampan
The Mekong Delta is best explored by traditional boats, offering a unique experience as you glide down its meandering rivers and canals. This tranquil region, surrounded by mangrove forests, palm trees, and lush fruit farms, will leave you in awe.
- Bus
Getting around the Mekong Delta is easy with numerous bus lines running across the delta. Buses depart from Can Tho to Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Chau Doc, and Sa Dec, with varying journey times and costs depending on the province.
- Bicycle/Motorcycle
Hire a motorbike or bicycle to explore the region's picturesque scenery, vast rice paddies, plantations, fruit orchards, mangrove forests, and more, for an unforgettable adventure through Vietnam's countryside.
The Mekong Delta has a relatively consistent climate with two distinct seasons: dry and wet. You can visit this popular destination at any time of the year, but September to November is ideal due to comfortable weather and high water levels, making it perfect for enjoying fresh fruits and local specialties.
The bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest of the floating markets in the Mekong Delta, is located approximately 6 kilometers from Can Tho. This market represents the distinct culture of the people who live along this tremendous river. They shop and trade on the river, which is more accessible by watercraft than in town. It's fascinating to witness how folks live on the water while taking in the cool wind of the vast river. Take a ride on a local boat, get lost in the crowds, and sample some local fare on one of the wonderful boats.
My Tho, a peaceful riverfront village perched on the north bank of the Mekong River, is located 70 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Due to its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City and its handy location alongside a major tributary of the Mekong River, the town has become a significant regional commerce center. This charming village, which is less than a 2-hour drive from bustling Ho Chi Minh City, often goes unnoticed by visitors but turns out to be a fantastic getaway with various exciting activities. The best way to experience this rich area is to take a boat ride through its winding waterways and canals, explore its lush orchards, farms, and local attractions, and catch a glimpse of the residents' everyday lives.
The largest of the four islands in My Tho region, Thoi Son (Unicorn Island), is where many guided trips departing from Ho Chi Minh City stop for lunch and fruit tasting. Boats may wind through the interior via narrow canals; skimming along these slender waterways, which are overhung by magnificent water-palm fronds that interlock to form a cathedral-like canopy, it's easy to feel like you're navigating new territory. The romanticism is enhanced by swooping electric-blue kingfishers and lavishly colored butterflies. Although local trips do not often include lunch, all tours do include a break for refreshments.
Tan Long (Dragon Island), the least frequented island, has abundant sapodilla, coconut, and banana plantations, as well renowned longan orchards, beyond its disorderly shoreline of stilt houses and boatyards. Tan Long, like the other islands, is sparsely populated, with small farming and boat-building settlements.
Longans, dragon fruit, mango, papaya, pineapple, and jackfruit abound on Con Qui (Turtle Island), the newest of the group, which was formed by river debris and stabilized by mangrove planting. Just opposite here along the Ben Tre beach is a small, family-run coconut candy factory where you can observe the coconut being squeezed and the extracted liquid being blended with sugar and cooked, then dried and sliced into bite-size pieces. You can purchase a box to take home with you.
Ben Tre is a lovely and modest town that provides a wonderful contrast to the tourist-heavy My Tho. The surrounding area is lush and beautiful, despite the lack of specific features. With a bustling market and a new riverbank promenade that provides a lovely location to wander in the morning or evening, it's a relaxing and welcoming area to hole up for a couple of days. You may explore the tangle of trails on both banks of the river on a bicycle or motorcycle. Head out of town on a boat tour along the Ben Tre coastline, where labyrinthine waterways provide wonderful opportunities for exploration and stop at apiaries, rice-wine, and sugar-processing workshops are sometimes included.
This huge pagoda, located in the center of the Mekong Delta region, is one of the Delta's most well-known attractions. Surrounded by lush gardens, this stunning pagoda entices visitors with its serene ambiance and unique construction that merges Japanese and Vietnamese styles flawlessly. This small gem is a perfect escape to delve into the amazing culture of the southern portion of Vietnam, located just one kilometer north of My Tho's downtown.
This marvelously atmospheric mansion is one of the most prominent tourist sites in the Mekong Delta and is thought to be the home of Huynh Thuy Le, a son of the most reputable family in Dong Thap in the past. The mansion was the site of a passionate love affair between Marguerite Duras, a prominent French writer, and Huynh Thuy Le, the son of a wealthy Chinese businessman. This historic mansion is not just known for its heartfelt love story, but it's also a fascinating spot to take in the gorgeous architecture — a stunning blend of French, Chinese, and Southern Vietnamese styles.
The spectacular Tra Su Cajuput Forest is another excellent place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in the Mekong Delta Region's untamed and natural beauty. Tra Su is an 845-hectare mangrove forest ecosystem with a plethora of flora and fauna, including 140 plant species, 11 animal species, and numerous fish species. Its beautiful scenery and diverse resources make it a perfect place for researchers and tourists to come and learn about nature. Visiting this tourist location during flooding season (September and October) allows you to take in the region's magnificent splendor.