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It is not surprising that the Mekong Delta is one of the bullets in visitors' bucket list to Vietnam. Being expansive and rustic, Mekong Delta is a wetland formed with amazing tributaries of the river together flowing to the East Sea. In this article, we will introduce you to the best attractions to visit and top things to do in the Mekong Delta. The abundant wildlife, fragile nature and vibrant morning local life all await you.
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1. General information
The Mekong River Delta is in the south-west of Vietnam, characterized by a highly dense river system. When the famous Mekong River reaches Vietnam, it branches off in 9 ones, and ends up flowing into our East Sea. For this reason, the Vietnamese affectionately call it "The River of Nine Dragons". The delta is generously gifted by nature with abundant resources that are characterized by the variety of flora and fauna, a fascinating river area as well as the cultural quintessence of the Kinh - Hoa - Cham - Khmer ethnic groups. The area is divided into 13 provinces, of which Can Tho is the most significant. It is the fourth most populous city in Vietnam, and is considered to be the capital of the Mekong Delta.
>> See the Mekong Delta from above
2. When to visit the Mekong Delta?
It is suitable to go to the Mekong River Delta all year round. In the dry season from November to April, there is little rain so tourists can make the most of their trips. While in the rainy season from May to October, experiencing boat rides through the canals and tasting the tropical summer fruits are highly recommended. The rainy period with flooding is the most beautiful time for the locals because it enriches the land, favoring the agricultural activity of the area.
>>> To get a total idea about the ideal time to visit Vietnam, please read here as well.
3. Top Mekong Delta Attractions
Ben Tre
A small province of the Mekong river delta, located 86 km from Sai Gon. Being the meeting point of the 4 rivers: Co Chien, Ham Luong, My Tho and Ba Lai, Ben Tre has a very interlaced river system so it is full of small channels - the intensity is about 2.5 km/km2 at half of lateral water palm
Why:
- Coconut country: In Vietnam, we always remember Ben Tre with the title "Coconut Country" because you can see coconut trees almost everywhere. Ben Tre has hundreds of years old coconut gardens, which is the proof of the local coconut growing tradition. Coconut trees and the people have been united for generations. In Ben Tre, coconuts are turned into dishes, drinks, and living objects. Therefore, coconut trees help remove difficulties and stably improve the life of many locals in the countryside .
- Tropical fruit richness: The Cai Mon orchard in Ben Tre is the second largest in southern Vietnam, where it is fed by rich clay absorbed from two rivers Co Chieng and Ham Luong; Along with the mild climate, fruit trees are abundant. Especially if you visit Ben Tre in the summer, there are many types of tropical fruits, from familiar to unfamiliar, to taste, including durian, chom chom (rambutan),...
Cai Be
Lying on the left bank of the Tien Giang River, Cai Be has a rich river soil, it is known as the "fruit kingdom" with over 16,000 hectares of orchards. The Cai Tien River that runs through the territory of Cai Be, splitting into many branches, accumulating in dune-islets, which are very attractive for the typical ecosystem.
Why:
- The very colorful orchards: Coming to Cai Be, visitors can stroll through the green gardens of the Mekong Delta, interact with kind and generous people and enjoy fruit on the spot.
- The old houses: Visitors will be very interested in visiting the old houses built in the first half of the nineteenth century in Dong Hoa Hiep municipality. These old houses were built according to the traditional southern house architecture with carved and decorated motifs.
Can Tho
Can Tho is the "capital" of the Southwestern, which is an important economic center of the Mekong River Delta. The place is not only beautiful for its fascinating life attached to the rivers but also for the coexisting modern life city in the area.
Why:
- Modern beauty: Can Tho has many architectural works that bring modern breath including: the pretty Ninh Kieu pier; the symbol of Can Tho in the center of the city: the Can Tho Bridge - the cable-stayed bridge with the longest main span in Southeast Asia (550 m span); and the Can Tho pedestrian bridge. In the evening, these places are illuminated with many colors which are perfect for photography
- The beauty of local life: in Can Tho, there are two of the most interesting floating markets: Phong Dien Market, Cai Rang Market. Despite the weather, the markets in Can Tho still retain their particularity. Beside, rural villages such as the Hu Tieu village along with the orchards in Can Tho are also fascinating to discover.
- The storks' nest: Bang Lang Stork Garden in Can Tho is one of the most attractive tourist attractions in this area. This place is known by the famous image of thousands of white storks clearing an entire sky, bringing a brand new sense to visitors. But please be careful not to disturb the peace of the wildlife.
Long Xuyen
Long Xuyen is the largest city in An Giang, with rapid development of both economy and tourism.
Why:
- The authentic floating market: with the rapid changes of lifestyle, means of transport, as well as the fast development of the inland markets, there is a significant reduction in the number of floating markets of the Mekong delta. Fortunately, the market in Long Xuyen remains pristine with the animated trade scenarios, appearing in many beautiful photos.
- Historic Sites: In addition to scenic spots, the city of Long Xuyen also converges with famous historical and cultural relics, bearing many great historical values. The particular beauty of Long Xuyen is that you can visit these places in a very "rural" way which helps you learn about the history as well as immerse yourself in local life.
Chau Doc
The city of Chau Doc is located on the banks of the Hau River, about 210 km from Ho Chi Minh City, about 115 km from Can Tho City and about 55 km northwest of Long Xuyen City.
Why:
- The harmony between local religion and natural beauty: you can admire the beauty of nature fusing with religious architecture while walking to the sites such as Hang pagoda, Ba Chua Xu temple, Thoai Ngoc Hau mausoleum at Mount Sam; Van Linh pagoda, Big Buddha pagoda at Mount Cam,...
- The interaction of many cultures: being a bordering province, you can experience so many cultural colors here by visiting the Cham village in Chau Giang, particular villages and floating markets of South Vietnam, Tay An pagoda: representing interaction of Vietnam and India culture.
Xu Lady temple
>> View floating season in An Giang
4. Top things to do in Mekong Delta
The floating markets are the peculiarity of the area that attracts many tourists. Venerating in these special markets, you normally visit the "walking boats" that sell many things: fruits, drinks, flowers, foods,... In these markets, they have a unique way of advertising, goods are hung on a high pole for buyers to see from afar.
>>See more pictures of Cai Rang floating market
The interlaced river system in the Mekong Delta is a very special feature of the area. Tourists can easily be lost in the middle of the shady and cool palm jungles with the rowing boat on hot days. Strangely, who would have thought that getting lost can result in such a wonderful experience!!!
The Mekong Delta is the orchard of Vietnam, where its high productivity can satisfy domestic and export demands. Once you arrive in the area, do not miss the opportunity to visit the orchards and taste the fresh and tasty fruits welcomed right on the spot.
The specialties of the Mekong Delta are based on life on rivers so they include dishes of local fish, fish, flowers, vegetables,... Don't forget to also try many coconut dishes at Ben Tre - the coconut province and the different fish sauces (if you can, because the smell and taste are a different type of strong, but worth it.)
Fried giant gourami
The generosity of the locals of the Mekong Delta is a highlight of the area, you will always be warmly welcomed with great affection.
Both places are home to thousands of species of birds, the ideal time to visit these places is at sunset when the birds and storks "come home" after a long day. Especially in certain period of winter, the largest number of migrating birds from the north travel southward to avoid the cold
Bang Lang stork forest
5. What to buy in the Mekong Delta?
There are many popular local products for those who want to take souvenirs home after a trip to the Mekong Delta.
The Ba Ba T-shirt: the very simple but pretty t-shirt typical of the Mekong area
Coconut products: There are so many products you can buy at home that include soap, coconut candy, rice paper with coconut milk, jewelry made from nuts,...
Paintings: with the theme of local life: orchards, monkey bridge, fishermen's life,...
Non La: the typical cone hat of Vietnam, which is made of palm leaves.
It is tough to choose just a few activities & Mekong Delta attractions from the list, hence you are recommended to spend from 3 - 5 days to experience all the top things to do in Mekong Delta. This part of Vietnam is really worth visiting once in a lifetime. If you need a help to plan Mekong Delta tour, don't hesitate to send us request via this link: Customize Vietnam Trip.
