Is the Mekong Delta Worth Visiting? A Guide for First-Time Visitors
The Mekong Delta is typically overlooked on Vietnam itineraries, as it is often regarded as a day-trip destination with not much to offer. Nevertheless, there is much more to this region than just temples and floating markets that you could spend weeks exploring and tripping around. Read our introduction to this diverse part to understand why it deserves more than a day in your Vietnam travel.
1. The Mekong Delta Location and Weather
Known as Mien Tay or Tay Nam Bo in Vietnamese, the Mekong Delta is the extensive and lush floodplains of the Mekong River (Cuu Long rivers) in the southern tip of Vietnam with a maze of waterways. There are twelve provinces and one city in this region, including Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Long An, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Tien Giang, An Giang, and Can Tho. With a total size of over 40,500 square kilometers and a long history of rice cultivation, the Mekong Delta is one of Vietnam's most significant agricultural regions.
The Mekong Delta's weather is tropical; therefore, humidity is prevalent all year. The climate has two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season lasts from May to October, whereas the dry season runs from November to April. During the rainy season, abundant rainfall, occasional tempests, and severe storms frequently strike the region, causing considerable damage and widespread flooding.
2. Why should you visit the Mekong Delta?
The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is certainly worth visiting. It's known for its luxuriant landscapes, intricate network of rivers and canals, and distinctive local culture. Here are some reasons why the Mekong Delta is a great travel destination:
Scenic Beauty: The Delta is a vivid area with vast rice paddies, fruit orchards, and coconut groves. The scenery is stunning and offers great photo opportunities.
Floating Markets: One of the unique experiences in the Mekong Delta is discovering the floating markets by boat, such as Cai Rang and Cai Be. These places are bustling with boats selling fruits, vegetables, and other goods, providing a glimpse into the local way of life.
Local Culture: The Mekong Delta is home to diverse ethnic groups, each with their own customs and traditions. Visiting local villages can offer insights into their daily lives, traditional crafts, and cuisine.
River Cruises: Exploring the Delta by river cruise is a must. There are various cruise lines available, from short day trips to multi-day cruises, allowing you to experience the waterways and stop by remote areas.
Delicious Food: The region is renowned for its fresh and delicious food. From tropical fruits to seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes, food lovers will find plenty to enjoy.
Eco-Tourism: The Mekong is rich in biodiversity, with many opportunities for eco-tourism. Birdwatching, exploring national parks, and visiting nature reserves are popular activities.
Historical and Cultural Sites: The Delta has several historical and cultural sites worth visiting, such as the Vinh Trang Pagoda, Khmer temples, and war memorials.
Relaxing Atmosphere: Compared to the big cities of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta offers a more laid-back and tranquil environment, perfect for those looking to relax and unwind.
3. The downsides of a Mekong Delta tour
The scenery may become crowded during the high travel season: During its peak season (November-March), the Mekong Delta will become busy with boats of group tours’ visitors cruising across the waterways. If your budget allows, it’s better to take a smaller group tour or a private trip that offers off-beaten-path stops with authentic experiences rather than following in others’ footsteps.
Some tours take the same route: Some Mekong Delta group tours will follow the same path. Your boat may trail behind or be followed by other boats visiting the same attractions. As a result, some of the rural charm was lost.
The floating markets may not be as what you expect: Though the floating markets in the Mekong Delta nowadays are still vibrant with boats loaded with fruits and agricultural produce, they’re no longer as bustling and colorful as the pictures you see on the internet. The scene will be filled with boats of tourists waking up early to enjoy the unique atmosphere of a floating market and enjoy a local breakfast. It remains an authentic and interesting experience after all.
4. Is it worth visiting the Mekong Delta?
The Mekong Delta is well worth seeing for more than just the floating markets; it also has a gorgeous tropical landscape, a unique riverine culture, and friendly residents. You can easily spend 2-3 nights exploring the Delta and then head to Phu Quoc for a beach vacation for the rest of your time or fly to other cities in Vietnam, depending on your interests.
5. Popular Mekong Delta tour durations
A day trip
A day trip from Ho Chi Minh City frequently visits Cai Be or Cai Rang floating market, or Ben Tre's peaceful backwaters. While this tour option is popular for travelers with a short time of traveling in Vietnam, it may restrict your opportunity to see the delta's great diversity and get you in a rush to join all activities in just one day.
A 2-day river cruise tour
With a two-day tour on a river cruise, you’ll have a great time to discover the serenity and floating-market mayhem in the Mekong Delta. The vessel will navigate through the peaceful backwaters and canals, stopping at bankside villages and local workshops. The trip also provides an overnight stay on board in well-appointed cabins and sumptuous meals in airy dining rooms.
A Mekong river cruise tour and a hotel stay
Many cruise lines will combine an onboard stay and a hotel night in one trip that extends the visit and lets passengers explore further in the vast delta. The tour will last at least three days, with a start and end in Ho Chi Minh City.
A Mekong river cruise tour and a homestay experience
For a mesmerizing immersion amidst the tranquility that surrounds the Mekong Delta, travelers are recommended to experience a local homestay with residents. The accommodations may not be as modern as city hotels, but they remain iconic features of the local culture. You can delve deeper into the traditional life and visit hidden gems away from the touristy paths.
A border-crossing river cruise tour
The longer you stay in the Delta, the more distinctive beauty unfolds. Some big river cruise operators offer longer cruising itineraries in the Lower Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia, lasting from four to eight days. You will not only soak up the rural atmosphere of southern Vietnam but also have a chance to discover the vibrant capital city of Phnom Penh or cruise up the Tonle Sap to the temple town of Siem Reap for a visit to the world-famous Angkor Wat complex.
6. Captivating highlights in the Mekong Delta
Boat rides
Embarking on a boat journey is a must in the Mekong Delta. Whether witnessing a stunning sunset over the Hau River, taking a relaxing speedboat trip from Saigon, or hopping on a rowing boat ride under the shade of coconut palms in Ben Tre, these tours will undoubtedly provide a remarkable experience with the rustic charm and natural splendor of the delta region.
Floating markets
When it comes to the Mekong Delta, the scenery of hectic floating markets will be what tourists think first. Though they are quieter nowadays, Cai Rang Floating Market and Cai Be Floating Market are still the main highlights that appeal to boatloads of tourists crowding the river every day. To see colorful boats loaded with tropical fruits and vegetables, you’ll need to visit in the early morning before group tours arrive and locals finish business at mid-morning. A small tip: look at what's hanging on top of the long upright pole at the boat’s bow to see what's on offer.
Homestay experiences
Overnight tours in the Mekong Delta give you a chance to stay with the locals and gain a true understanding of their traditional way of life. Homestays provide a warm and inviting environment in which you can enjoy cooking meals with the hosts, learn about old traditions, and engage in cultural activities with the inhabitants. These immersive experiences create an intimate connection to the spirit of the Delta, making your trip surely worthwhile.
Ecotourism sites for Mekong Delta tours
Setting off on an eco-tourism adventure through the Mekong is the right choice for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This excursion takes you to some of the most spectacular ecotourism destinations in the region, like the breathtaking Tra Su Cajuput Forest, the serene Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary, the vast Tram Chim National Park, or the quaint My Khanh Tourist Village. For a more in-depth experience, you can take a day trip to the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, listed by UNESCO, to explore its mangrove forests and wetland ecosystems.
Religious sites for Mekong Delta tours
When planning an amazing Mekong Delta vacation, be sure to include some enticing religious attractions that dot the region's landscapes, such as ancient Khmer temples in Tra Vinh providing a glimpse into the Khmer civilization, the sacred Lady Temple of Sam Mountain in Chau Doc with dozens of Buddhist pagodas and statues, and the striking Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho famous for its French-rococo mansion and bougainvillea-laced gardens.
Cycling tours
Another option for adventure seekers to the Mekong Delta is cycling tours around the countryside landscapes. The region is a wonderful destination for cyclists, with rural pathways winding past lush fruit orchards, laid-back villages, and swaying coconut trees. Pedal along the scenic trails, and you’ll feel closely connected to the delta's calm rhythm.
Local traditional villages
A diverse range of traditional villages greets you on your lovely Mekong Delta trip in Vietnam. Each one has its own unique craft and cultural legacy, but all showcase the rich tapestry of local culture and the exceptional abilities of its people. Give it a try and visit some noteworthy sites like the clay pot-making village of Hon Dat in Kien Giang, the flower village of Tan Dong Quy in Sa Dec, the fermented pork roll making village of Lai Vung in Dong Thap, and dried banana villages in Ca Mau.
Fruit orchards
One of the most delightful features included in many Mekong Delta tours is abundant orchards teeming with fresh tropical fruits of mango, rambutan, jackfruit, mangosteen, and durian, where you can sample straight from the trees. This enjoyable experience lets you taste the essence of the delta’s agricultural heritage, calling foodies and nature lovers alike. Some popular names are My Khanh, Cai Be, Thoi Son islet, An Binh islet, and Phong Dien.
Coconut candy factories
A visit to the well-known coconut candy factories will round off any Mekong Delta exploration. Here, you can see local residents use both traditional and modern techniques to make different kinds of coconut candies. Get a taste and take some back home – it’s sweet and delicious. If you wish, you can roll up your sleeves and try to make these treats yourself.
If you're interested in nature, culture, and experiencing a unique part of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is definitely worth a visit. To enjoy most of the highlights mentioned above, you’re advised to join a Mekong River cruise tour that will take you through the heart of the immense delta. Feel free to contact our travel consultants for more information about the weather, schedules, routes, etc on the region and Mekong River cruise.
