Mekong Delta is a unique destination in South Vietnam which has charms so different from the big hub Ho Chi Minh City nearby. Often called as “Vietnam’s Rice Bowl”, but not just rice, the region offers an abundance of flora system with coconut palms, fruit orchards, sugar-cane… thriving on the rich soil nurtured by the great Mekong.

The 9-tributaries river, “Nine Dragon” (Cuu Long) or the Mekong brings life to 13 provinces and city across a total area of 40.458,2 sq km. One specialty of the region is the floating markets where local farmers sell their fruits and vegetables, such as Cai Rang (Can Tho), Cai Be (Tien Giang), Nga Nam (Soc Trang)…. Many handicraft villages, workshop, and factories give a closer view of the life of local people – their way of life, culture and traditional music.

The alluvial wetlands grow the lush, maze-like systems of mangrove which are home to several birds and aquatic life. Take a boat deep into Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and Tram Chim National Park to enjoy the richness of wildlife.

Paddle down the Mekong Delta

The best way to explore the beauty and uniqueness of the Mekong Delta is padding through zigzag canals under the shadow of water coconut trees. It is a great time for you to feast your eyes on the stunning sights of lush orchards, paddy fields, and local houses. Besides, you can also see the brick factory and coconut candy factory along the river. 

While immersing in an interesting boat trip through this delta, you will not only have a wonderful time to enjoy the colorful scenery but also discover local’s traditional lifestyle. You can see locals go to the market or go to school on boats which is different from other areas in Vietnam.

Visit the Floating Markets

Visit the Floating Markets will bring a unique and fascinating experience in things to do in Mekong Delta. Here, a wide range of products such as tropical fruits, dried foods, lively animals is sold on hundreds of boats, canals, and rowboats. The floating markets also offer some coffee shop where you can enjoy tea, coffee or even fruit juice. And don’t forget to try tasty dishes like Hu Tieu ( Vietnamese clear rice noodle soup), Xoi ( Steamed sticky rice), Bun Ca ( Rice noodle soup with fish) and so on. 

The most incredible floating markets are Cai Rang in Can Tho province and Cai Be in Tien Giang province because of the various products and friendly locals.

Cycle around the quiet villages 

Riding a bike is one of the most interesting experiences that you should try when you visit the Mekong Delta. The reasons make this place become an ideal location for cycling are the quiet back roads, friendly people and stunning scenery. You will have a great chance to explore the picturesque villages through the canal trails and orchard paths.

Get Unique Experience at Homestay in Mekong Delta

What do you attend to do on your holiday after hard-working days? I would say that spending a day at the homestay is the best option for you to relax and enjoy a tranquil life. Far from a busy and noisy city, a quiet and peaceful atmosphere in a rural village will definitely make you feel comfortable.

Visit and taste fresh fruits in local gardens

Mekong Delta is not only famous for stunning rice paddies but also for tropical fruits such as plump, orange, dragon fruit, coconut, etc. Blessed with climate and natural conditions, these fruits grow and develop well over the years. You can stop by a fruit garden, listen to the story of the garden's host and enjoy the freshest fruits.

Experience fishing techniques in Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta is a perfect natural environment for many kinds of freshwater fishes to live and give birth. Coming to a fish farm, you can choose between feed the fish with the farmer's help and go fishing. Catching fish in the area is different from catching fish in the lake or ocean. You will need a fishing rod with bamboo material to catch catfish, carp and snakehead fish. Then, you can enjoy your achievement by tasting delicious dishes using fresh ingredients. 

Stroll around Tram Chim National Park

Being known as the kingdom of birds in Vietnam, Tram Chim national park covers an area of 7 villages and Tram Chim town in Tam Nong district. Coming to Tram Chim, you will have a chance to see and learn more about rare birds in this reserve. It is home to 200 types of birds including many rare and precious water birds. Among them, nearly 60 percent of red-headed cranes – one of the most endangered cranes in the world reside in Tram Chim National Park.

Listen to traditional Vietnamese music

Listening to traditional Vietnamese music is a great way to relax after a day full of activities /busy sightseeing day. The traditional Vietnamese song called “ Don Ca Tai Tu” is one of the special kind of musical arts. It reflects the lifestyle of the locals, helps them to express feelings and encourages them to overcome obstacles in life.   

Cave Pagoda

If you want to explore the characteristics of Buddhism in Vietnam, Cave pagoda is a sacred place that you should visit to worship and explore its legend. Here, you will have a great time to enjoy the beautiful sights, delicate architecture, statues of Budha. Furthermore, you can discover the beauty of this place by visiting surrounding sites such as Ba Chua Xu Temple, Tay An pagoda and Tra Su Bird Sanctuary.   

Explore The Beauty Of Phu Quoc Island

You can expand your Mekong Delta tour by visiting Phu Quoc island. It is known as “The Pearl Island” which has beautiful beaches with lines of coconut palms, soft sand, yellow sunlight and crystal water. Besides admiring the pristine and attractive beauty of natural sights like Da Ban Stream, the Cape of Ganh Dau, etc, you can also visit Ham Ninh old fishing village, pepper garden and fish sauce factory to learn more about the life of people on the island. And don’t miss a wonderful chance to relish fresh seafood and specialties such as ocean crab, herring salad and sea urchin.

What to eat and drink in the Mekong Delta?

Mekong Delta’s cuisine is amazingly various. Each province of Mekong Delta has several specialties. Generally, it can be said that fruits are a specialty of Mekong Delta as there are a lot of fruits in Mekong Delta such as mangoes, bananas, watermelons, durian, custard apple, dragon fruit, etc.

Thanks to the great number of fruits, Mekong Delta people created sweet and soft Pia Cake (a kind of cake made from durian and flour) in Soc Trang. Another specialty of Mekong Delta is Coconut Candy of Ben Tre, which made from coconut water, malt syrup, and sugar.

Moreover, there are a lot of tasty dishes such as Sa Dec Noodle Soup, Hoi Cake eaten with baked rolls, Cho Moi’s sticky rice, Chau Doc’s palm sugar steamed rice cake, Bot Loc Cake, etc.

When to visit Mekong Delta?

The best time to visit Mekong Delta is from December to May as the sky is crystal clear, the land is lush and the water is calm. From June to August is not the good tie to visit Mekong Delta as the rainy season begins.