Things to Do in Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta Overview
Welcome to the enchanting world of Vietnam travel with the Mekong Delta - which will take you on a mesmerizing journey through a tapestry of vibrant cultures, lush landscapes, and the timeless beauty of the mighty Mekong River!
Mekong Delta floating market
Situated in the southwestern part of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a captivating and picturesque region that embodies the essence of Southeast Asia. It is a land of meandering waterways, emerald rice paddies, and bustling floating markets that you will experience with the Mekong Delta boat tour!
As you set foot in here, you'll be greeted by a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that awaken your senses. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this breathtaking landscape, where vast networks of canals and rivers crisscross the land, forming a natural labyrinth that beckons you to explore.
Asia Private Travels is honored to companion you on the journey of exploring the beautiful land of Vietnam - the Mekong Delta!
Best Season to Take a Mekong Delta Tour
Mekong Delta floating season
The best time to have a Mekong Delta tour is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. This period offers pleasant weather with lower chances of rainfall, allowing you to explore the region comfortably.
From December to February, the weather is generally cooler, making it a popular time for visitors. As you move into March and April, the temperatures start to rise, and it becomes warmer and more humid. However, this period allowed the Mekong Delta to burst into vibrant colors as flowers, especially the iconic lotus flower. It's a visually stunning time to visit!
It's important to note that the Mekong Delta experiences a wet season from May to November, with the peak rainfall occurring from June to August. While the region is still accessible during this time, heavy rains and occasional flooding can affect travel plans and limit certain activities.
How to get to the Mekong Delta
Boating on the Mekong Delta River
Do not worry about the transportation because below is some useful information for your best Mekong Delta Tours:
By air: If you're traveling from a distant location or prefer a quicker mode of transportation, you can fly to Tan Son Nhat International Airport and move from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Can Tho Airport or Rach Gia Airport and easily arrange transportation to your desired destination within the Mekong Delta.
By bus: Buses are a popular and economical way to reach the Mekong Delta. You can find both public buses and private tour buses departing from the city's bus stations. It generally takes around 2 to 4 hours to reach popular towns like My Tho or Can Tho.
By tour: Joining a guided tour is another convenient option, especially if you prefer a hassle-free travel experience. Asia Private Travels with All About Vietnam 12 Days and Tropical Adventure 10 Days offers multi-day tours to the Mekong Delta, which typically include transportation, guided visits to key attractions, and meals. This option is ideal if you want to maximize your time and have everything arranged for you!
Places in the Mekong Delta you cannot miss out!
Take a Mekong Delta trip full of surprises when exploring all the highlight places that make you impressive!
Can Tho: As the largest city in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is a vibrant hub known for its bustling floating markets, including the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. Don't miss the chance to visit the charming nearby countryside, where you can explore fruit orchards, rice fields, and traditional villages! Here is An A-Z Travel Guide to Cai Rang Floating Market for you!
My Tho: Located near Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho is an ideal starting point for exploring the Mekong Delta! Let’s take a boat trip along the Tien River to visit picturesque islands like Unicorn Island, where you can taste local honey and tropical fruits!
Ben Tre: Known as the "Coconut Kingdom," Ben Tre becomes an integral part of the Mekong Delta itinerary. This will be more exciting when you embark on a boat excursion along the narrow canals of the Ham Luong River, and visit local workshops to witness the traditional production of coconut candies, rice paper, and handicrafts.
Tra Vinh: Known for its diverse ethnic communities, Tra Vinh offers a unique cultural experience in the Mekong Delta. Khmer temples and pagodas are impressive destinations that you should come such as the famous Ang Pagoda. Visit the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, a stunning wetland area home to numerous bird species, and lush greenery will be a good choice!
Chau Doc: Located near the border with Cambodia, Chau Doc is a charming riverside town with a mix of Vietnamese, Cham, and Khmer cultures. Explore Sam Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and pay a visit to the sacred Ba Chua Xu Temple. You can take a boat trip to the floating villages on the Hau River, where you can learn about the unique way of life of the Cham and Khmer communities.
Ba Chua Xu Temple
Best things to do in Mekong Delta
Take a boat tour: Enjoy a boat tour along the intricate network of canals and rivers that crisscross the Mekong Delta will be integral! There are many exciting activities like sailing past lush green rice fields, fruit orchards, and traditional stilt houses; or immersing yourself in the picturesque scenery.
Experience the floating markets: One of the most iconic things to do in Mekong Delta is a floating market tour. You will have a chance to witness the vibrant trading activities as locals in colorful boats gather to buy a variety of fresh produce, fruits, and local products. Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho and Cai Be Floating Market in Tien Giang are popular choices for you!
Sample local cuisine: This is a special opportunity to indulge in the flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with a focus on the delta's regional specialties. Let’s try dishes like Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake), Hu Tieu (noodle soup), fresh seafood delicacies, or visit local markets, and street food stalls and you can savor the diverse foods.
Banh Xeo
Experience homestay: For a more immersive experience, you can consider staying with a local family in a Mekong Delta homestay. This allows you to get a glimpse of daily life in the delta, engage with your hosts, and participate in activities such as fishing, cooking, or farming.
Discover traditional crafts: You should not miss the traditional crafts in the Mekong Delta by visiting coconut candy workshops and discovering pottery-making, silk weaving, and conical hat (nón lá) production. Then you can explore rice paper villages, where you can observe the production of this staple ingredient used in Vietnamese cuisine.
Useful tips before visiting the Mekong Delta
Beautiful Mekong Delta River
Choose the right time: To have the best Vietnam tour to the Mekong Delta, you should consider visiting during the dry season (December to April) when the weather is more pleasant and there are lower chances of rainfall. This weather is better for smoother boat rides and more enjoyable outdoor activities.
Stay hydrated: The Mekong Delta can get hot and humid, so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it whenever possible.
Dress appropriately: The Mekong Delta has a tropical climate, so pack lightweight and breathable clothing. Keep in mind that you may need to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and pagodas. Comfortable footwear is essential for walking and cycling tours!
Learn basic Vietnamese phrases: While many people in tourist areas speak English, learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can go a long way in connecting with locals and showing respect for their culture. Simple greetings like "xin chào" (hello) and "cảm ơn" (thank you) can make a positive impression!
Learn to bargain: It must be a very useful tip when you come to floating markets here! To buy at the best price, you should learn how to bargain in Vietnam and this is literally the funny experience in your travel time. Let’s ask your tour guide or local people to get the best way!
Mekong Delta Market
This article mentions all the things you need to know when traveling to the beautiful Mekong Delta. If you have any questions or wonders about the tours, services, or how to create your own itinerary, please feel free to ask us for more details. Asia Private Travels hopes this can support your holiday, and it will be an honor to serve you soon!
