Introduction to Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta acts as a complex of tributaries in southwest Vietnam that connects Ho Chi Minh City with Cambodia. The river reaches VN after flowing through Myanmar, Thailand, and China, which reveals why its water is murky to some extent.

Mekong delta view from above

Mekong delta view from above

The delta region provides more than half of Vietnam's fish and rice, demonstrating its importance to Vietnamese economic development and cuisine. The life of people in the Mekong Delta depends on the water, from the well-known Cai Rang floating market to large agricultural businesses. The region also grows different fruits and flowers and raises various cattle.

Mekong Delta Tourism

Many visitors believe they can see enough of the Mekong Delta in a single-day journey from Ho Chi Minh City, but there's a lot more to it than Can Tho floating market or pagodas. This region is home to diverse ecosystems that warrant more than an afternoon's visit. You can start your Vietnam family tours with the following suggestions: 

Can Tho

The Cai Rang floating market is located in Can Tho (the biggest city in the Mekong Delta region). Thousands of boats are crammed with various types of fruit that you could hardly ever imagine.

The good thing about Can Tho is that you may have the best of both worlds: excellent accommodations in an elegant Mekong Delta hotel in the city center, as well as convenient day, trips to explore charming agricultural settlements.

Cai Rang floating market

Soc Trang

This city may not offer many showy attractions, but those who prefer a more pleasant atmosphere will fall in love with the calm sensations here, particularly in the rice paddies surrounding the city.

If you're on your Mekong Delta Tour, don't miss the Oc Om Boc event around November or December.

Flower farm in Mekong Delta

Flower farm in Mekong Delta

My Tho

Every day, hundreds, if not thousands, of tour groups visit this city, making it the most must-visited city in the Mekong Delta. Not to mention its nationally-acclaimed floating market, there are also stunning pagodas and local orchards to explore in My Tho, just nearly two hours by bus from Ho Chi Minh City.

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Sao Beach

The beach features crystal clear waters, silver sand, and swaying palm trees. The beautiful beach gets its name from the Vietnamese term for "starfish" because the seas used to be teeming with white starfish at sunset.

Mekong Delta Weather

In general, the Mekong Delta has two seasons: dry season and rainy season. We will go into detail on the advantages and disadvantages of visiting the Mekong Delta at each season

Dry Season: December to April

During this time, Vietnam gets a respite from the rain. While there will be some rain throughout this season, you can enjoy a brighter blue sky, vibrant green sceneries, and lower humidity levels. Also, the average temperature in the dry season ranges from around 22oC at night to about 32oC during the day.

This time of year is ideal for outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, and learning about local customs. If you're brave, you can attempt walking between the towns, or you can simply take a relaxing boat trip surrounded by greeneries.

Chatting with the locals

Chatting with the locals

Rainy Season: May to November

During the rainy season, the rain falls in short but heavy showers, usually in the afternoon, and lasts around an hour. This is the perfect time to enjoy fresh fruits grown locally, namely dragon fruit and mango. You will also benefit from low-priced tours.

Have meal in Mekong Delta

Have a meal in Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta Transport

Mekong Delta is effortlessly accessible because it is close to Ho Chi Minh City. Here are some optimal ways suggested by Asia Private Travels to get from HCMC to the Mekong Delta to enjoy your Vietnam tours:

By airplane

You can fly from Tan Son Nhat airport to Can Tho airport, which takes only 45 minutes instead of 4 hours by car. Through the plane's windows, you will most likely see a breathtaking view of the enormous Mekong Delta. 

Fishing in Mekong Delta

Fishing in Mekong Delta

A one-way flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho costs around 600,000 VND (tax included). You can contact Asia Private Travels if you want to book a cruise to start your journey to explore the exotic tourist destinations in this city.

By bus

Mekong Delta is only three hours by bus from Ho Chi Minh City. This is the most common and cost-effective mode of transportation, with numerous bus companies to select from.

Ticket costs range from 60,000 VND to 120,000 VND, based on the seats, facilities, and booking time.

Boating in Mekong Delta

Boating in Mekong Delta

By private car

This acts as the perfect choice for its convenience and comfort. It is easy for you to book a private car from your hotels in Mekong Delta, with prices ranging around 30 dollars depending on the position, service, and car model.

Travelling by a private automobile, while more expensive than other modes of vehicles, allows you to be more proactive with your plan and routes.

If you choose us - Asia Private Travels, as your companion, we will provide you with the latest information.

Mekong Delta accommodation

The Mekong Delta day tour price is within most travellers' budgets. However, if you have more money to spend and a longer stay, here is a short selection of places to stay in the Mekong Delta if you want to enjoy a luxurious night:

Victoria Nui Sam Lodge

Victoria Nui Sam Lodge

Victoria Nui Sam Lodge

The Victoria Nui Sam Lodge is located on Sam Mountain, one of the most well-known spiritual destinations in the Mekong Delta and the site of the Ba Chua Xu Lady Temple.

It has 40 bungalows, each with a private patio or balcony overlooking paddy rice fields and stone-coated walls and tiled roofs.

Cost: ranges from VND1.2 million ($53.13) a night.

Can Tho Ecolodge

Can Tho Ecolodge is located about 7 kilometers from downtown Can Tho and is among the verdant paddy fields. The hotel's furniture is made of native bamboo, palm leaf, and red brick. 
Each room starts at VND2.2 million.

Can Tho Ecolodge

Can Tho Ecolodge

Want to see more of the Mekong Delta, you probably know where to find it. Our local knowledge is the secret key that makes all difference with your Mekong Delta hotel stay.

Contact Asia Private Travels to find out more information on your Vietnam family tours.

Hotels in Mekong Delta

Here are some of our travel designers' favourite options

Restaurants In Mekong Delta

Find the best Mekong Delta restaurant recommendations from our experts

Sao Hom Restaurant
Sao Hom Restaurant
Old market hall, Hai Ba Trung street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho, Vietnam

In Can Tho's old market hall, facing the river, Sao Hom is the ideal restaurant with an "inside garden" style. The restaurant serves both Vietnamese cuisine and Western cuisine, and it is open all day.

Nam Bo Restaurant
01 Ngo Quyen Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho,Vietnam

Nam Bo Restaurant has French architecture & style. The restaurant serves Vietnamese food and French food. This is a superb place for an evening meal. Guests can take tables on the terrace of this converted French villa and choose from a great selection of local and French dishes as well as plenty of other western options.

Nam Bo Restaurant
Lua Nep Restaurant
Lua Nep Restaurant
Le Loi Street, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City

Set under a soaring series of thatched roofs that could be a modernist take on a traditional tribal house, this is the most sophisticated Vietnamese dining experience in Can Tho, set on a private headland jutting into the river. Dishes focus on fresh fish and seafood, but the menu is extensive and includes a good vegetarian selection.

Spices Restaurant
Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District Can Tho City

Go for a table overlooking the river at this fine restaurant that's refined without being stuffy, and opt for the beautifully presented trio of salads (green papaya, banana flower, green mango) or the assorted starter for two, before following up with deep-fried elephant fish or pork-stuffed squid. Lamb shanks and seared duck cater to homesick palates and the desserts are divine.

Spices Restaurant
Hu Tieu Chay Cay Bo De
Hu Tieu Chay Cay Bo De
24 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ward 4, My Tho City, Tien Giang

Here vegetarians can try a completely meat-free version of My Tho's vermicelli-noodle soup specialty, curry My Tho. It's garnished with fresh herbs and served with a broth made from vegetarian stock. It's on a street with places serving meat versions of the dish and a few other vegetarian restaurants.

Things to do & see in Mekong Delta

Things you need to know when travelling to Mekong Delta

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