In Southern Vietnam, the Mekong River splits into nine branches, forming the fertile Mekong Delta. Life here revolves around the river, with daily activities adjusting to its changing waters, fisheries thriving during floods, and rice fields planted as waters recede.
Towns buzz with vendors selling fresh produce, and river traffic is constant. Smaller streams reveal orchards, Buddhist temples, and family homes along the banks.
The Mekong Delta, centered on water, showcases a timeless lifestyle. You’ll encounter orchards, rice paddies, and lively floating markets.
Top Things to Do in the Mekong Delta:
- Explore Cai Rang Floating Market
The Mekong Delta, called the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam,’ produces much of the country’s fresh produce. Cai Rang is one of the biggest floating markets, where boats filled with fruits and vegetables gather to trade. For a close view, ride a traditional boat through the market.
- Stay with a Local Family in Vinh Long
Vinh Long is a key transit hub with many family homes along its streams. These families now welcome visitors, offering simple yet clean guest rooms and home-cooked meals, giving you insight into their way of life.
- Walk Through Sa Dec
Sa Dec, once a stopover and a former US patrol base, is a quiet trading port with French colonial houses. Visit the Huynh Thuy Le Old House, which inspired Marguerite Duras’s novel “The Lover.” Walk through the riverside market and see stalls selling fruits and vegetables.
- View from Sam Mountain
In Chau Doc, near the Cambodian border, Sam Mountain offers great views of the delta. Climb the mountain to see colorful temples, a trail of ceramic dinosaurs, and sunrise views. Cafés and shops along the path make for a pleasant breakfast stop.
- Cruise on a Converted Rice Barge
Take a one- or two-night cruise on a converted rice barge like the Bassac fleet to see life along the Mekong Delta. These barges are charming and well-furnished, with guides sharing their history as you visit local villages and markets.
- Best Time to Visit:
Visit between October and March for high water levels, enabling boat markets and river trips. January to March offers the best overall weather but can be more expensive around Tet (Vietnamese New Year). For lower hotel rates, consider late September when the monsoon has ended, and the harvest begins.
Speak to one of our Concierge specialists
Our travel plans show you what you can do when you visit the Mekong Delta. They suggest routes that we know are great. Think of them as ideas to inspire you because our specialist will create a unique trip just for you.
Vietnam ⟩ Phan Thiet & Mui Ne
Vietnam ⟩ Dalat
Vietnam ⟩ Quy Nhon
Vietnam ⟩ Central Highlands
Vietnam ⟩ Hoa Binh
Vietnam ⟩ Nam Cat Tien National Park
Vietnam ⟩ Cuc Phuong National Park
Vietnam ⟩ Chau Doc
Vietnam ⟩ Can Tho
Vietnam ⟩ Con Dao Island
Photos of Mekong Delta
Ideas for how to explore Vietnam
Our travel guides share our specialists’ passion and knowledge for Vietnam. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.
In this Vietnam travel guide, courtesy of My Way Travel, I’ll take you through the captivating beaches that adorn…
Asia is a vast and diverse continent, with something to offer every type of traveler. From the ancient temples of Angkor Wat to the bustling streets of Tokyo, there are countless places to explore. Here are some of the best places for American tourists to visit in Asia: #1 Best Places to Visit in Tokyo […]
Explore the Himalayas from India to Nepal with our Bhutan Travel guide. Plan your journey with My Way Travel for an epic adventure. Book now!
Embark on an extraordinary journey through uncharted Laos with My Way Travel. Discover hidden wonders, ancient caves, and serene landscapes. Your adventure awaits. Book now!
Discover the best luxury holidays in Laos, a hidden gem of Indochina. Experience the culture, nature and history of this beautiful country.
Nestled within majestic mountains and serene valleys, Bhutan beckons the wanderer’s heart with its enchanting landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. As you step into this mystical realm, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of dzongs, Buddhist chortens, and quaint villages, where traditions hold steadfast against the currents of time. My Way Travel invites you to embark on a journey to this extraordinary Himalayan Kingdom, where every corner reveals a new facet of its allure.
