mekong delta travel blog

How To Tour The Mekong Delta On Your Own

This post was last updated on 2024 April 30

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When you think of Vietnam, what comes to mind?

I always pictured colorful markets, women in conical hats, and people working and living on the river. So not surprisingly, spending time in the Mekong Delta region was an absolute must-do for me – and it ended up being one of the highlights of my entire 2013 Asia trip .

If you’re heading to Vietnam, I have a 2-part recommendation for you: Be sure to visit the Mekong Delta area, but do NOT book a day trip from Saigon .

I have heard from multiple sources that these Mekong Delta day tours from Vietnam are not so great, that you are rushed through the highlights of the region, and that overall it feels too touristy. This isn’t too surprising when you’re stampeding through a region so rich in culture in such a short amount of time with a bunch of foreigners.

Instead, the best way to experience it is to do the Mekong Delta on your own, which will allow you to fully immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture without feeling rushed or like an outsider. The region merits at least a few days of exploration and is worth way more than just a daytrip from the city.

There is an unfortunate lack of resources on the internet that detail how to structure a Mekong Delta DIY tour, but this post on Travelfish provided enough inspiration for me to piece together my own journey. My main priorities were: 1). Experiencing a floating market, and 2). Doing a homestay.

There are several options for both of these throughout the many towns in the region, but my research told me that *the best* are the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho, and homestays on An Binh island in Vinh Long. And with that, I had a loose structure on which to base my Mekong Delta DIY trip.

Planning a trip to Saigon & the Mekong Delta?

These are the sites I use and recommend for booking travel:

Hotels in Saigon: Booking.com

Flights to Saigon / Vietnam: Skyscanner

Transport in Saigon: 12Go

Activities in Saigon: GetYourGuide or Viator

Travel insurance for Vietnam: Safety Wing or World Nomads

eSIMs & SIM cards for Vietnam: Sims Direct

Table of Contents

Floating Market in Can Tho

Getting to can tho.

In Saigon, I got myself to the Futa bus ticket office, bought a ticket for the next available bus out, and was shuttled with other passengers to the Ben Thanh bus station to catch my bus. I actually made it in time to catch an earlier bus, but had been assigned to a specific seat on a specific bus, so I had to wait.

The bus from Saigon to Can Tho dropped us off at a bus station outside the center of town. I had planned on just wandering to a guesthouse nearby, but since we were far removed from town, I had to take a moto taxi to get anywhere. I gave the driver the name of the only hotel I knew of, Hotel Xoai , which itself is slightly removed from the town center, but had great reviews and was very affordable.

Upon arrival, I booked a floating market tour for the following morning. Hotel Xoai offers 2 boat trips: A short trip (3-4 hours), and a long trip (6-7 hours). The short trip essentially takes you to the Cai Rang floating market and back; since it takes nearly an hour to get there, most of the time is spent getting to and from the market so you don’t get to see much of the surrounding canals. The long trip takes you to *2* markets and also stops along the way to see a rice factory, have lunch, and do a short hike along a canal.

Tours are priced per boat – not so beneficial to the solo traveler, as I had to pay for the entire boat myself! But for a 7-hour private tour, I felt justified in spending the money. It is definitely worth booking a longer tour to the Cai Rang floating market.

Most hotels can arrange a market tour for you, or alternatively you can just show up at the waterfront and wait for a local to approach and try to sell you one.

Cai Rang Floating Market

A taxi driver picked me up from the hotel at 5:30am and dropped me off at the waterfront. I handed my ticket to a lady there, and she motioned to a guy nearby who came and whisked me away to his boat down the way. I can’t help but feel like they’ve got a system in place for these boat tours.

If I’ve learned anything about Vietnam, it’s that the Vietnamese have very structured ways of doing things that aren’t always obvious to you – even when it seems like you’ve been thrown into utter chaos, things always seem to work out seamlessly in the end.

My tour guide was older but vibrant and energetic, which made for a fun ride. He took me straight to the Cai Rang floating market, supposedly the biggest and best one in the area. I think we may have arrived a smidge too early, as boats seemed to be just setting up there.

We proceeded further down the river to the Phong Dien floating market. We timed this one perfectly and nestled our boat smack in the middle of the action. I watched as tiny women paddled their boat up to another boat, set the anchor, and conducted transactions with other sellers. Cash and produce kept exchanging hands right before me. The market was quiet but full of color; I couldn’t get enough of it. And best of all, it felt like I was the only one around – not another tourist in my line of sight!

After the markets, we spent much of the journey meandering the canals, passing by docked wooden boats and huts, and ducking underneath low branches. It felt so other-worldly! We made a few stops along the way, where I got to tour a rice factory and see how rice paper is made, and go for a little hike along the canal past pineapple trees and coconut farms.

I loved every second of my Can Tho floating market boat trip and cannot recommend one highly enough! Remember to book the longer tour, and don’t hold back even if you’re traveling solo!

Homestay in Vinh Long

Getting to vinh long.

There are 2 options for getting from Can Tho to Vinh Long by bus:

• Take a moto/taxi to the bus station, then catch a local bus
• Get picked up at hotel and taken to the bus station, then catch a VIP bus

The local bus is cheaper than the VIP bus, but when you factor in the money and hassle involved in getting to the bus station, the VIP bus may be a better option. The VIP bus is the main tourist bus that goes straight to Saigon, the same one that I took from Saigon to Can Tho; however, it doesn’t stop at every town along the way, so if you want to get off before Saigon you’ll likely be let off on the side of the road somewhere outside of town.

Note: The hotel receptionist told me that the local bus drops off outside of town in Vinh Long as well. If this is true, then you’d have to worry about getting into the town center either way .

I bought my VIP bus ticket to Vinh Long at the bus station and the price was slightly lower than the full fare to Saigon. For some reason, I was given a ticket that was essentially a handwritten note – in other words, not very legit looking. The bus driver asked me to pay after I boarded the bus, so I’m not sure if he understood that the piece of paper I’d handed him was an actual ticket.

Then midway through the ride, the bus attendant asked me where I was going. I told her Vinh Long. She asked me where again, so I said the Vinh Long tourist office. The bewildered look on her face told me she didn’t quite understand, so she said something in Vietnamese to the gentleman sitting next to me, and he translated for me. We went back and forth several times via our translator, and finally he relayed to me that I’d be dropped off at a gas station in five minutes. Brilliant!

The bus pulled over off the highway and the attendant motioned for me to get off the bus. I’d assumed I’d be let off somewhere where I could sit for a minute, maybe grab a snack before plotting my next move. Instead, I found myself at an empty gas station. Like, literally empty – possibly even closed.

Before I even had five seconds to think, I saw someone motioning at me from across the road. A moto driver, excellent! I waved back, and he came galloping across the road to meet me. “Vinh Long tourist office?” I asked, hoping to god he would understand. He grinned and nodded, then took my hand and whisked me across the street to his bike.

My gameplan was to get to the tourist office and book a homestay for 2 nights. I didn’t really care where, as long as it was on An Binh island. The moto driver dropped me off at the waterfront, where I was immediately approached by a Vietnamese lady. “Homestay?” she asked me. “Yes, please!” I told her. We chatted a bit, and soon she was all smiles. “I take you to meet my sister!” she insisted, leading me towards the ferry to An Binh. “Make sure you don’t pay for ferry – my sister will pay!”

I boarded the ferry, clueless as usual. I imagine the lady had phoned her sister and told her to look out for the white girl getting off the next boat – how else would I be able to find her in a sea of locals? Sure enough, I saw a smiley woman waving vigorously at me as I disembarked. She handed me a note, which I used to pay for the ferry ticket. Once I was through, she scooped me up on her scooter and drove me down the road to her family’s homestay, Ngoc Sang.

An Binh Homestay

My An Binh homestay was everything I’d hoped it would be: hammocks on the patio overlooking the canal, children running around the property, adults building, carrying, and cooking things. Unlike many of the homestays on the island, the family actually lived in the same building that they housed guests in. I immediately tucked into a hammock next to the only other person staying there, a young Swiss girl also traveling solo. We quickly bonded.

You can book a boat trip to the Cai Be floating market through the homestay, but I felt like I’d already had the perfect market tour in Can Tho and opted to just chill out on the island instead. It was unbearably hot and humid there, with no breeze and no air conditioned buildings to duck into to cool off. The best way to keep cool is to go for a bike ride and enjoy the slight bike-generated breeze. An Binh seems to be an island partially broken up by several canals and connected by bridges. I had absolutely no idea where I was going, but as always that’s half of the fun!

I loved cycling past all the little kids playing on the streets and in yards in late afternoon. They all looked so happy and carefree. Even more remarkable, their parents never seemed to be too far away, in many cases even playing with their children. Sometimes I could see whole families indoors, sitting around a TV to escape the midday heat. That distance that seems to be in place between private and public life in the western world just doesn’t exist in countries like Vietnam, where life is lived for all to see.

The dinners at this homestay were exceptional. On my first night, they fried me a fish and provided me with all ingredients needed to roll my own spring rolls. It was easy enough to wet the rice paper; fill it with fish bits, noodles, carrots, cucumbers, and herbs; and roll it up. This was one of the best meals I had in Vietnam.

I highly recommend the Ngoc Sang Homestay , but if you’re not able to book ahead it should be easy to arrange a homestay upon arrival at the Vinh Long waterfront or at the tourist office. You could also take the ferry to An Binh island and just follow signs to a nearby homestay.

Check out my other posts about Vietnam:

• Mui Ne: Is This Really Vietnam?
• Motorbiking Around Dalat With A Vietnam Easyrider
• Traveling in Vietnam: 3 Weeks in Review
• Best of Southern Vietnam – Photo Gallery
• My Tailor Fail in Hoi An, Vietnam
• I Should Have Skipped the Cu Chi Tunnel Tour in Vietnam

Frugal Facts

As of May 2013 —

Bus from Saigon to Can Tho: 110,000 VND ($5 US) Small room at Hotel Xoai: 189,000 VND / night ($9 US) Floating Market Boat Trip (7 hours): 630,000 VND per boat ($30 US) Bus from Can Tho to Vinh Long: 60,000 VND ($3 US) Ferry to An Binh island: 5,000 VND ($.25 US) Homestay (includes breakfast, dinner, bike hire): 250,000 VND / night ($12 US) Bus from Vinh Long to Saigon: 90,000 ($4 US) Saigon city bus: 5,000 VND ($.25 US)

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A Mekong Delta Day Tour From Saigon + Travel Tips

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

My recent Mekong Delta day tour from Saigon reminded me how special the Mekong region is. Green, glorious riverbanks groan under the weight of palm trees, while floating villages and markets emphasize how nature and humans can work together. The humming, humid world below the palm tree canopy reminded me of my last visit, three years ago. Then, I’d just escaped the 9-5 (pfft, 9-9 thanks to travel saving) and was on my first solo adventure, rapidly ticking off places on my Southeast Asia bucket list .

HCM ESSENTIALS E-sim data plan Copy of Lonely Planet Vietnam Getting there: flight ( Skyscanner ) / train / bus 12GoAsia Pre-book your airport to city transfer Accommodation: Booking.com // Hostelworld Tours: GetYourGuide Food tours: EatWith

I spent three days in the Mekong Delta region while spending 3 months in Southeast Asia as I travelled on a budget tour that took me from Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia and only cost £30 for the entire time’s accommodation, food, transport and activities. I believe prices have increased now but it’s still a viable option with regular Mekong delta tours from Saigon to Phnom Penh, Cambodia .

Fast forward three years and I jumped at the chance to return during a Mekong Delta day trip from Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh. After a 9am pick-up, we ditched the concrete jungle and  replaced sights of swerving scooters with meandering riverboats. 

Related read: how to spend 2 weeks in Vietnam

Mekong Delta day tours from Saigon

It’s easy to take a Mekong Delta day trip from Saigon as several companies run tours daily, picking you up in the morning and returning to the city by later afternoon. Depending on your Saigon itinerary , you can take a full day excursion to the Mekong Delta or a half-day trip combining a Chu Chi Tunnels tour in the same day.

Leaving Ho Chi Minh

Our tour guide kept us entertained on the 2-hour journey by telling us local facts and explaining a little about the Vietnamese language. He told us that there are six tones of Vietnamese meaning a single word can have six meanings depending on the accent. Indeed, the word ‘ma’ can apparently either mean mother, ghost, rice, guilt or horse depending on the way you pronounce it. As you can imagine, when texting became a thing this caused all kinds of misunderstandings, like people asking for newspapers and getting condoms. Carnage!

Arriving in My Tho & visiting a temple 

Our minibus pulled into My Tho town where we hopped out to explore Vĩnh Tràng Temple . I was expecting it to be one I remembered from last time but it turned out to be a totally different place I’d never been before. It was stunning with an ornate design that looked more like a palace, and some enormous Buddha statues. Half an hour there was plenty of time for the others, but time’s always tight for Where Goes Rose when she’s setting up self-timers and finding things to balance her camera on! Still, I made it back to the bus in time even if I was a little sweaty (in Vietnam this is a common occurrence!).

Boarding our boat & sampling honey tea

From My Tho jetty we climbed aboard a narrowboat which was to be our mode of transport for much of the day. To reach the shady, narrow waterways that the Mekong Delta is famed for, we first had to travel down the enlarged main river. Our first port of call was a honey factory where some members of the group held a rack of sleepy bees, and we all sampled sweet honey tea. The Mekong region is full of flora and fauna, and many local businesses work closely in conjunction with the natural environment. Honey tea was really tasty, though as usual in Vietnam I had a sneaking suspicion my daily sugar intake was going to be off the scale. Luckily we had a more natural sugar break scheduled and stopped for some popular  Asian fruits . Jackfruit is my favourite, and dragon fruit is pretty yum, too.  

Coconut candy and rice wine

Afterwards, we headed to a coconut candy production centre where our guide showed us how to husk coconuts. The process involves a dangerous dance with a sharp spike (note to self: never do this at home!) which apparently experts do up to 1,000 times a day. I think I’d prefer to eat 1,000 pieces of coconut candy which I remembered from my last trip. So gooey and addictive!

Less tasty was the shot of rice wine we were invited to try after. Named after two things I enjoy, there’s absolutely nothing I like about rice wine!

Lunch stop

We hopped on the back of an enlarged tuk-tuk for the highlight of our Mekong Delta day trip… lunch! A woman next to me mused she was already full from the snacks, to which I made a noise of agreement then devoured enough food to end a nationwide famine. Seriously, it was so good especially the sticky ginger chicken. Dessert was watermelon and a giant ball of sticky rice paper. It sounds weird but tasted divine!

The highlight – a Mekong Delta canoe ride!

This was by far the part of the day I was most excited about, and I rushed to get the front seat. While the island where we’d eaten lunch had been busy, the waterways were so peaceful. Our boat glided through so silently that I felt guilty about the clicking sound of my camera!

Sadly, our Mekong Delta day trip was nearly over and we boarded our big boat again – just in time as the heavens were about to open. We wore plastic raincoats and sipped from coconuts on the way back to the mainland. From there, it was back on the minibus and home to Ho Chi Minh.   What a cool day – the Mekong hasn’t changed one bit since my last trip! Book your Mekong day tour:

Thanks for following my Mekong Delta day trip!

If you liked it, please share it 🙂

Check out some of my other Vietnam posts:

• Complete itinerary for Saigon
• Where to eat in Saigon
• The best activities and experiences in Southeast Asia
• The ultimate Vietnam travel guide
• My Hoi An blogs
• Quy Nhon travel guide
• Ninh Binh itinerary
• How to survive a trip to Nha Trang

See you next time for more adventures,

Vietnam quick links Getting around by air – it’s easy to get between cities by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Stay connected with E-sim data plans that don’t require delivery or collection; just span the QR code. In my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Lonely Planet Vietnam . For Vietnam buses and trains , I use 12GoAsia . The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. For activities, I use GetYourGuide as they have a huge range of affordable tours. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ A Mekong Delta Day Tour From Saigon + Travel Tips ”

I think you probably meant “tones” – instead of “tongues”, as in Chinese Mandarin has 4/5 tones, Cantonese has up to 9 tones, and the list goes on with those that are called “tonal languages” (which also makes them a lot harder to learn and practice).

This being said I loved your article and it’s been a great help for my 4 days trip to Saigon so thank you Rose!

Hey Sebastien, thanks for explaining that. I’m always learning so much travelling, it’s hard to keep track of everything! So glad the article has helped and I hope you enjoy Vietnam!

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How to DIY a Trip to the Mekong Delta

Across Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll see ads for Mekong Delta tours splashed across shop-fronts, especially in the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker district. And after hiring a guide for the Cu Chi Tunnels , canyoning and motorbiking , I decided to venture to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s “rice basket”, on my own- no more hand-holding.

Because who needs a $10 guided tour when you can DIY it?

Luckily an Australian guy from the hostel named Luke was also up for a delta-adventure. And let’s be honest- some journeys are just more fun with a fellow Vietnam and beer-loving traveler in tow.

Table of Contents

Getting to My Tho , the gateway to the Mekong Delta

The first hurdle of DIY-ing the trip was simply getting there, which we did by taking a local bus from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho. My After the bumpiest, most uncomfortable bus ride I’ve ever taken in Southeast Asia (sans AC, mind you), we arrived in the quaint riverside town of My Tho.

Try bún riêu cua , pork and crab noodle soup

By the time we had arrived, I had gone a full four hours without phở so I was starting to get cranky. But soon I was sitting in front of a hearty bowl of bún riêu cua – a rice vermicelli soup with unknown meat specimens inside.

While not quite as delicious as my beloved Saigon-style beef phở, it was a good first taste of the Mekong Delta where the dish is very typical.

Spend the afternoon exploring My Tho

My Tho is my favorite kind of Southeast Asian town- one rich in ambiance but not attractions. Without the self-inflicted guilt-trip of the “things you have to do”, we simply strolled the canals, stopping every so often to sip Vietnamese coffee.

Eat all of the seafood at the My Tho Night Market

After a few hours, we retreated from the heat and spent a few hours watching Vietnamese game shows in our swanky, $10 each hotel room. And then we headed out to the night market. 

While My Tho is a town that sees its fair share of tourists, almost all of them are day-trippers; by night we had the town completely to ourselves.

And imagine my delight when we discovered the night market specialized in seafood ; piles and piles of local, dirt-cheap seafood.

When we saw the nearest table had a pile of crabs, I walked over to ask what the dish was called. The guy didn’t understand what I meant so instead offered me crab and a few beers. (Why can’t all strangers do that?)

The group loved when we lifted our beers to, “Một hai ba, yo!” which means “One, two, three, drink!” and is how you cheers in Vietnamese.

As I sat there with my free beer, new friends and a belly full of crab,  I said aloud, “This is possibly the best days of my travels.”

And it really kind of was.

And then on the way home, a shopkeeper invited us into his home for a beer and talked about the Americans guys he met during the war. I love Vietnam.

Take a Private Boat Tour of the Mekong Delta

The next morning we hired a boat-driver to show us the Delta . And after paying way too much, (about 250,000 dong each, or $12) we had ourselves a humble river-boat and a private guide.

On the river, I noticed most of the boats had googly-eyes painted onto the bow.

When I asked our driver for an explanation, he replied, “Is luck.”

With the lush jungle growth and muddy waters, I felt like I was exploring the Amazon.

First, we stopped at a honey farm…

where I held a boa constrictor…

then we stopped at an alligator farm.

The whole exhibition seemed cruel; tourists holding pieces of meat on fishing rods and bonking the alligators on the head repeatedly. Why is that necessary?

We made a few other lame stops but the real joy of the journey was just sailing across the waters.

And as I learned from my EasyRiders tour , sometimes the journey means so much more than the destination.

Have you been to the Mekong Delta? Would you travel to the Mekong Delta independently?

. . . . . . . . . . .

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About Ashley Fleckenstein

Ashley is a travel and lifestyle blogger who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since college she has au paired in Paris, backpacked the world solo, and lived in Uganda. Her work has been featured by Buzzfeed, Forbes, TripAdvisor, and Glamour Magazine.

35 thoughts on “How to DIY a Trip to the Mekong Delta”

This looks like an incredible journey. From the awesome foodie pictures that even at 9 in the morning are making me hungry, to the slightly scary animal shots, to the simplistic water views, just beautiful. Another world indeed.

I totally agree about the journey meaning more than the actual destination. I definitely felt like that on the famous Road to Hana on Maui.

It really was another world- so beautiful. I would love to see the Road to Hana someday :)

Nice blog post! My husband’s sisters were both adopted from two cities in the Delta (Ben Tre and Soc Trang) and we are going to Vietnam in April to hopefully visit these places. How easy was it for you to just pick up a boat driver to take you around? I’m guessing he didn’t speak much English? I’m trying to decide if we should book a private tour to be sure to make it to both those cities or if we should just go exploring and see how far we make it…

It was easy to find a boat driver but he didn´t speak much English. We still managed to communicate though! I had no problems winging it, but it´s whatever you´re most comfortable with :)

Poor Alligators!! But seriously, I cannot believe you held a boa. There was a baby python outside my door the other day and I totally lost it- that means there’s a mama around! I can’t deal with snakes & Goa has lots of pythons :(

Wow that’s seriously scary. I can’t imagine how I’d feel if snakes were just roaming around freely!

The night market looks amazing, all that fresh seafood! I agree with you about the alligators, the whole things smacks of tourist entertainment. Interesting journey though!

I absolutely love seafood so it was such a treat being able to eat so much for so cheap. Highly recommended :)

mmmmmmmm seafood. It’s all about those moments eh? When you’re in awe of the place and time you’re in. Cheers indeed!

That’s a great way of putting it, Shaun. I was definitely in awe! :)

This post makes me miss the Mekong Delta. Love all of the boats and the painted on eyes…. that was one of my absolute favorite parts of my trip there. I got the same response, that it was for luck and to keep the boats/passengers safe (to watch over them). Beautiful photos.

I loved the boats too, they were so cute. And thanks, I had fun taking the photos! :)

I really enjoy that you DIY on this tour. I usually avoid tours while traveling to keep my expenses low. However, sometimes it is possible to miss out on something (like a history lesson). It is awesome how nice and accommodating the Vietnamese were to you. The friendliness and generosity of others can sometimes make the journey way better.

Hi Ashley, what an awesome post and ummmm for pho! I really liked Vietnam when I was there a few years ago and I did go on the Mekong Delta. We hired this long boat and slept in a hostel that had freezing cold water and bathrooms that were a 10 minute walk away. The food was fabulous though!

The great thing about Vietnam is that the food is always fabulous! :)

Awww alligators :( but the rest looks awesome, especially the crab and the googly eyes. It’s nice to see this area from someone doing it DIY style, as I usually read about package tours.

Yeah it was definitely a little bit more of a challenge getting down there DIY-style but it was so worth it in the end.

How did you cope holding the boa? Behind the smile it looks like you’re peeing yourself haha.

I’m like you. No Pho makes Jimmy grumpy

I’m actually not afraid of snakes! But its skin did feel very slippery and weird. And yes, pho is the best! I miss eating it twice a day, haha.

OMG I love that pic of you with the boa! Sometimes DIY trips are so much more rewarding; it’s like you’re discovering it all on your own!

That’s so true! And I loved being able to explore at our own pace- having a tour guide can make you feel like a herd of cattle being led around, haha.

This sounds great! Vietnam is on my list of places to visit in Asia, and reading this just reminded me why!

Still haven’t made it to the Mekong, but I plan to rectify that soon. I didn’t find the thought of the group tours appealing, even if they were cheap, so I definitely think you made the right choice by DIYing it.

Also, it may be controversial, but I actually prefer bun rieu over pho! It’s all about the crab!

To be honest I didn’t even realize there was crab in it… that’s so bad!

Love this post Ashley! Also I wonder how long boas live, as I totally held one at a honey farm in the Mekong too 4 years ago!

That’s so funny! I bet it was the same one :)

Awesome! Vietnamese coffee is amazing. I always ended up drinking a tad too much though and got way too wired. Like…no bueno. haha.

DIY-ing is pretty much always the way to go in my opinion! So much more adventurous…

Haha I think I did too… but it’s so good! And yes, DIY-ing is definitely the way to go :)

I travelled from Saigon to Phnom Penh on a 2 day one night cruise about 6 years ago and it was one of the best experiences of SE Asia. I loved waving at the kids bathing in the river.

Wow, that sounds like an amazing journey! What was the company if you don’t mind me asking?

Vietnamese seafood night markets are the best! I went to one on Phu Quoc and everything was so cheap and delicious and fresh. I ate the biggest and best prawns of my life there.

Lovely photos as always, though the one of you and the snake makes me want to cry a little…

I sadly never made it to Phu Quoc but in retrospect it seems I should’ve. And I didn’t know you were scared of snakes!

Loved this article! I am definitely planning on visiting the Mekong Delta when i make it over to Vietnam. Did you spend a full month there? Also, that brown chunk in your soup of coagulated blood! I have been living in Thailand for 4 months and it still puzzles me, but different strokes for different folks!

Unfortunately no, I only spent two days there! I spent a month in Vietnam though altogether. And actually I’m a big fan of coagulated blood- which sounds weird doesn’t it? One of my favorite foods in France is boudin noir.

Wow it looks so exciting! You even played with a python! Btw, Bún rêu cua is a soup with vermicelli and crab meat if you still concern :)) Also, check out my 2 day itinerary in Mekong Delta too: https://blog.inspitrip.com/5774/itinerary-2-day-mekong-delta-tour/

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Mekong Delta, Vietnam: A travel guide

When planning your Vietnam tours , one destination that should undoubtedly be on your list is the mesmerizing Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta, also known as the Mekong River Delta, is a vast and extraordinary region located in southern Vietnam. This enchanting area is formed by the Mekong River as it approaches the sea and splits into a network of distributaries, forming a delta.

It is one of Vietnam's most significant regions and holds immense cultural, ecological, and economic importance. The delta region encompasses a large portion of the southwestern part of Vietnam, including the Mekong River basin. It is known for its lush rice fields, vibrant floating markets, intricate canal network, and unique mangrove forests.

What is the Mekong Delta?

Exploring the geographical features of the mekong delta.

The Mekong Delta is characterized by its intricate network of distributaries, channels, and rivulets, spreading across the landscape like a web of waterways. This expansive area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, thriving in the fertile soils and complex ecosystem created by the river's flow. The delta's unique topography and rich biodiversity make it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

Understanding the significance of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam

The Mekong Delta plays a pivotal role in Vietnam's economy and agriculture, producing nearly half of Vietnam's total agricultural output. Its vast stretch of agricultural land supports a multitude of crops, including rice, fruits, and aquaculture, making it an indispensable part of Vietnam's food production. Furthermore, the region's natural resources and waterways contribute to the country's fishery industry, supplying millions of tons of seafood annually.

Discovering the unique ecosystem of the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems, from sprawling rice fields to pristine mangrove forests. The region is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, fish, and other aquatic life. However, the delta faces environmental challenges, such as sea level rise and sand mining, which threaten its delicate balance. Efforts like the "Save the Mekong Delta" initiative aim to address these issues and preserve the region's unique natural heritage.

How to Plan an Itinerary for the Mekong River Delta?

Choosing the best time to visit the mekong delta.

When planning a trip to the Mekong Delta, it's essential to consider the best time to visit. The region experiences a tropical climate, with the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. Travelers may prefer the dry season for activities like exploring the waterways and visiting local attractions, while the wet season offers unique experiences such as witnessing the lush greenery and water-based excursions.

Considering transportation options for exploring the Mekong Delta

Exploring the Mekong Delta can be an exciting adventure, and there are various transportation options to consider. From Ho Chi Minh City , travelers can access the delta region by road, taking in the picturesque landscapes along the way. Additionally, boat cruises and sampan excursions offer a chance to navigate the intricate canal network and immerse oneself in the mesmerizing waterways of the delta.

Exploring the various modes of accommodation in the Mekong Delta

There are diverse accommodation options available for visitors exploring the Mekong Delta, ranging from comfortable hotels to unique homestay experiences. Staying in a local homestay provides an opportunity to engage with the local community, experience authentic cultural exchanges, and savor traditional Vietnamese hospitality.

What are the Must-See Destinations in the Mekong Delta?

Exploring the vibrant floating markets of the mekong delta.

The floating markets of the Mekong Delta are an iconic feature of this region, offering a captivating glimpse into the local trade and commerce. Cai Rang and Cai Be, two of the largest floating markets in the delta, bustle with activity as vendors' boats laden with fresh produce and goods create a vibrant and colorful spectacle on the water.

Discovering the serene pagodas nestled in the Mekong Delta

Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of the Mekong Delta are numerous pagodas and temples, showcasing the region's rich religious and cultural heritage. These serene and often ornate spiritual sites are not only places of worship but also offer tranquility and a glimpse into the spiritual traditions of the local inhabitants.

Experiencing the unique homestay opportunities in the Mekong Delta

For a truly immersive experience, staying in a traditional homestay in the Mekong Delta allows visitors to connect with the local way of life. Whether it's participating in daily activities, enjoying home-cooked meals, or simply absorbing the tranquil surroundings, a homestay offers a genuine insight into the local culture and traditions.

How to Experience the Local Culture in the Mekong Delta?

Participating in traditional activities along the mekong river.

Engaging in traditional activities such as basket weaving, fruit picking, or learning about rice cultivation provides an authentic and hands-on experience of the Mekong Delta's cultural heritage. This interactive approach enables visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the daily lives and customs of the local communities.

Immersing in the local lifestyle through sampan excursions

A sampan excursion along the waterways of the Mekong Delta offers a fascinating journey through the heart of local life. From witnessing traditional fishing techniques to exploring narrow water channels and observing riverside villages, a sampan excursion is a window into the daily rhythms and customs of the delta's inhabitants.

Ride a bicycle and explore the hidden gems of the Mekong Delta

Cycling through the tranquil villages and lush countryside of the Mekong Delta provides an ideal opportunity to delve into the local culture and scenic beauty of the region. With its flat terrain and network of rural paths, cycling allows visitors to uncover hidden gems, interact with friendly locals, and gain a deeper appreciation for the delta's rural charms.

What are the Best Ways to Explore the Waterways of the Mekong Delta?

Understanding the significance of the mekong river for transportation.

The Mekong River is not only a lifeline for the delta's inhabitants but also serves as a vital transportation route. Traditionally, boats and ferries have been essential for navigating the waterways, transporting goods, and connecting communities across the region.

Exploring the intricate canal network of the Mekong Delta

The intricate system of canals and water channels crisscrossing the delta offers an enchanting way to explore this unique landscape. From tranquil paddling experiences to scenic boat rides, the canals provide a captivating perspective of the delta's natural beauty and local life along the water's edge.

Discovering the unique mangrove forests of the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is home to diverse mangrove forests, which play a vital role in preserving coastal ecosystems, providing habitats for wildlife, and protecting against erosion. Exploring these lush and biodiverse areas not only showcases the natural wonders of the delta but also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard these valuable habitats.

In conclusion, the Mekong Delta is a land of captivating contrasts, where the intricate waterways, vibrant cultures, and abundant natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. With its diverse attractions, immersive cultural encounters, and scenic wonders, the Mekong Delta beckons travelers to embark on a journey of discovery and make lasting memories along the mystical Mekong River.

FAQs about the Mekong Delta

Q: what is the mekong delta region known for.

A: The Mekong Delta region is known for its rich culture, diverse natural landscapes, and unique way of life. It encompasses various fascinating destinations, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditional customs and daily routines of the local communities.

Q: How can I explore the Mekong Delta region from Ho Chi Minh City?

A: There are several ways to explore the Mekong Delta region from Ho Chi Minh City, including river cruises, day trips, and organized tours. These options provide an opportunity to visit different parts of the region and experience its cultural and natural attractions.

Q: What are some popular activities to do in the Mekong Delta?

A: Visitors to the Mekong Delta region can engage in various activities such as riding a bicycle along scenic paths, experiencing the local way of life, and relaxing in traditional hammocks. These activities offer a unique way to immerse oneself in the beauty and charm of the region.

Q: What are some fascinating destinations to visit in the Mekong Delta region?

A: The Mekong Delta region encompasses several captivating destinations, including Cần Thơ, Ben Tre, Vĩnh Long, Sóc Trăng, and Hà Tiên. Each of these places has its own distinct cultural and natural attractions, providing a diverse and enriching experience for visitors.

Q: How is the Mekong Delta region important to Vietnam?

A: The Mekong Delta region plays a crucial role in Vietnam's agriculture and aquaculture sectors, contributing significantly to the country's economy. It is also an essential part of Vietnam's tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Q: What are some environmental challenges faced by the Mekong Delta region?

A: The Mekong Delta region is facing environmental issues such as coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and subsidence. These challenges, compounded by factors like groundwater exploitation and sedimentation, have a significant impact on the region's ecosystems and livelihoods.

Q: What are the main tributaries of the Mekong River Delta?

A: The Mekong River Delta is fed by several tributaries, including the Bassac, Tiền, and Hậu rivers. These tributaries play a vital role in the region's hydrology, supporting agriculture, transportation, and the livelihoods of local communities.

Q: What is the significance of the Mekong Delta region to the Mekong River?

A: The Mekong Delta region is a critical part of the Mekong River's ecosystem, receiving approximately 160 million tons of sediment and sand annually. This sedimentation is essential for sustaining the delta's wetlands and supporting the region's natural balance.

Q: How does the Mekong Delta region contribute to the cultural diversity of Vietnam?

A: The Mekong Delta region is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including the Khmer, Cham, and Chinese communities. Their unique customs, traditions, and lifestyles enrich the cultural tapestry of Vietnam, offering a glimpse into the country's multicultural heritage.

Q: Is there a link between the Mekong Delta region and Cambodia?

A: Yes, the Mekong Delta region shares a border with Cambodia, and the flow of the Mekong River links the two countries. This connection has historical, cultural, and economic significance, shaping the interactions and relationships between the people of Vietnam and Cambodia.

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10+ Unique Things To Do in Mekong Delta & Tips to beat the crowd

What You’ll Find in this Blog

Some floating markets like Cai Be or Cai Rang is one of the two famous Mekong Delta attractions, so it is slightly more touristy here but still worth visiting. The vibrant colors, bustling sounds, and unique culture of the floating market leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.

However, I want to recommend to you some hidden gems of the Mekong Delta with 10+ unique things to do that go beyond the floating markets. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture as you explore ancient temples, cycle through picturesque countryside, and indulge in authentic local life. From off-the-beaten-path destinations to eco-adventures, our guide unlocks a world of extraordinary experiences in the enchanting Mekong Delta.

Unique things to do in the Mekong Delta

Visit m duras house.

If you are a culture lover, I would like to advise you to visit M Duras House, which is a historical heritage with a timeless love story in the Mekong Delta.

This beautiful mansion was once the home of a wealthy Chinese family. The adult son Huynh Thuy Le had a romantic relationship with a poor French teenage girl. And finally, they didn’t end up together because of racial and class barriers.

After that, the girl became a famous author with her bestselling novel titled “L’Amant” (The Lover, in English, by Marguerite Duras). It is also a movie of the same title. Once you come here, you will be amazed by the way the guide describes, so beautifully, the “Love Story” of the son of the owner.

Upon entering, you will be overwhelmed by the ornate carvings and decoration. The pictures are quite beautiful. Much of the original land around the house has been sold for development, but the original building is intact and is being well cared for. This house is really beautiful especially historic valuation of the home, so you should make sure you have a tour guide to explain this home.

If you have planned to visit the Mekong Delta or Saigon, Huynh Thuy Le ancient house is really worth-well seeing!

Tra Su Mangrove Forest

Jump on a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting Tra Su Mangrove Forest, a natural wonder that will leave you breathless! You will step into a world where emerald-green canals weave through a lush tapestry of towering trees and vibrant foliage.

Glide serenely on a traditional sampan boat as the expert local guides navigate the winding waterways, revealing the secrets of this hidden paradise. Be prepared to encounter a symphony of wildlife, from elegant herons gracefully taking flight to mischievous monkeys playfully swinging through the branches. Tra Su Mangrove Forest is a must-visit destination for those seeking solace in nature’s embrace, photographers seeking that perfect shot, and adventurers yearning for an immersive experience like no other.

Cam Mountain – Forbidden Mountain

Embark on a mesmerizing journey to Forbidden Mountain, where breathtaking landscapes and ancient wonders await intrepid travelers. Here, you can expect to be immersed in a world of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Explore lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and hidden temples tucked away in the mountain’s embrace. As you ascend, you’ll encounter mystical ruins and sacred sites that whisper tales of the past. This hidden gem offers a serene escape from the bustling tourist crowds, allowing you to truly connect with nature and soak in the tranquility of your surroundings.

To get to Forbidden Mountain, make your way to the nearest city or town and arrange transportation to the mountain’s base. From there, embark on a scenic hike or join a guided tour to experience the magic of this extraordinary destination fully. Prepare to be inspired as you climb higher, uncovering the secrets of Forbidden Mountain and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Sam Mountain & Temple

Nestled in the heart of Chau Doc City, An Giang province, this mountain offers you a profound connection to nature, a chance to embrace tranquility, and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. This was a really interesting ride as we saw tons of pagodas and temples all the way up the mountain – some of them quite elaborate. At the top, you will have great views of the rice fields all the way to Cambodia.

To reach this enchanting destination, you can take a taxi or rent a motorbike from Chau Doc town, which is about 6 kilometers away. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, as there are steps to climb, and don’t forget your camera to capture the mesmerizing sunset or sunrise. Let Sam Mountain be your gateway to a transformative experience where nature’s beauty and spiritual serenity intertwine to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Ba Chua Xu Temple

If you are planning to have a 3-day Mekong Delta tour stop here on the way to Sam Mountain. The street outside is a typical Asian “temple street” with many colorful shops selling items to be used as offerings as well as pilgrim souvenirs.

Hang Pagoda

When you are on the way to get to the summit of Sam Mountain, you will find Hang Pagoda. It’s really worth the visit! There is no entrance fee. If you visit there around 5:00 PM, you may be seriously the only tourist around. The views from the surrounding areas are breathtaking, especially at sunset. There is a great cave complex with statues of Buddhas and other characters, which was pleasant to explore. This place is not advertised, so I really recommend you to visit it if you want to avoid the crowds.

Tiger Island

The Tiger Island is a captivating destination where every corner offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history and traditions. You can expect to discover traditional villages showcasing skilled artisans practicing the crafts of carpentry, blacksmithing, and mat weaving.

You can also visit the revered Ong Ho Pagoda, a spiritual sanctuary exuding tranquility and adorned with intricate architecture. Stroll through lush fruit gardens, where you can taste the succulent flavors of tropical fruits straight from the source. Moreover, ancient houses are considered one of the famous attractions of Tiger Island. It is estimated that there are up to 100 ancient houses on the island, over 100 years old. That’s why you can marvel at the beauty of them, each telling a story of the island’s past.

Cross the border by waterway in Chau Doc

Embark on an incredible journey and cross the border by waterway in Chau Doc, Vietnam. Brace yourself for an adventure filled with cultural immersion and stunning landscapes as you navigate the beautiful Mekong River. Hop on a boat and feel the gentle sway as you glide through picturesque scenes and witness the local life on the water.

As you approach the border, excitement builds, offering you the chance to step foot into a new country. Explore the captivating city of Phnom Penh in Cambodia and discover its rich history and cultural treasures. This experience combines exploration, cultural discovery, and the thrill of crossing borders. To get there, simply arrange a boat tour from Chau Doc. Don’t forget your passport, travel documents, and necessary visas for a smooth journey.

Cham Village at Tan Chau, An Giang Province

Cham Village is located in Tan Chau, An Giang Province, where a world of cultural wonders awaits you. Step into the realm of the Cham people, you can explore their traditional houses and soak in the serene atmosphere of their ornate temples.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the art of traditional ethnic brocade weaving, where skilled artisans bring intricate designs to life. This would be one of the highlights of your trip to Cham village. You can experience the warm hospitality of the locals as they share their stories and traditions with you.

To get to Cham Village, you can easily arrange transportation from Tan Chau town. Remember to bring your camera to capture the vibrant moments and unique cultural experiences that await you. Prepare to be inspired as you delve into the enchanting world of the Cham people, where ancient traditions and authentic encounters will leave a lasting impression on your journey.

Motor Cart Ride at Tan Chau, An Giang Province

Get ready for a delightful adventure with a motor cart ride through the charming streets of Tan Chau, An Giang Province. Hop aboard these traditional pedicabs and let the rhythmic sounds of the wheels transport you to a bygone era. As you leisurely explore the town, you can take in the sights and sounds of everyday life.

The motor cart ride offers a unique and immersive way to experience the vibrant culture and rich heritage of this enchanting town. This journey allows you to interact with the locals, soak in the authentic atmosphere, and create cherished memories.

To experience this delightful journey, you can easily find rickshaws available for hire in Tan Chau or Chau Doc. Remember to negotiate the fare beforehand and bring your camera to capture the picturesque scenes along the way.

Tram Chim National Park

Tram Chim National Park is located in Dong Thap province, which is almost 150 km from Ho Chi Minh City and 125 km from Can Tho. This will be a paradise for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. Step into a world of vibrant wetlands and lush landscapes, where an abundance of wildlife awaits your discovery. As you explore the park, keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Sarus Cranes, the park’s iconic species, as well as countless other bird species that call this place home.

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the wetlands as you ride on sampan along the serene waterways and witness the harmonious coexistence of flora and fauna.

Cycling at Tan Phong Island

Cycling in the Mekong Delta along picturesque paths that wind through lush rice paddies, charming villages is a must-do. As you cycle through this idyllic landscape, you have a chance to explore the authentic culture and warm hospitality of the locals. It allows you to truly connect with the region’s natural beauty, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, and create unforgettable memories.

To get this experience, you can easily arrange transportation to Tan Phong Island in Tien Giang province. From there, rent a bicycle or join a guided cycling tour to enjoy the beauty of the region fully.

Learn how to make rice net for spring rolls with local people

If you are foodie then try to unlock the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine and join a journey to learn how to make rice-net for spring rolls with locals. This interactive experience offers a hands-on opportunity to immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Vietnam. From grinding and soaking the rice to perfecting the technique of spreading the batter, you’ll discover the artistry behind creating the delicate rice-net.

Pack your appetite, curiosity, and enthusiasm as you embark on this inspiring journey of cultural exchange and gastronomic delight. You can try this experience after cycling along the paddies at Tan Phong Island.

Tip: Would you like to see a floating market? Because they start early, it is best to be in the area the day before. Check out our Mekong Delta tours to plan a multi-day trip, including a visit to a floating market.

Is the Mekong Delta Worth Visiting?

Yes, because it’s a region of incredible natural beauty with lush rainforests and rich culture with diverse ethnic groups and unique handicrafts.

But what really makes the Mekong Delta special is its people. The locals are warm, welcoming, and incredibly friendly. They’re always happy to share their culture and traditions with travelers. If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, the Mekong Delta is the place for you.

Come to experience the diversified culture, sense people’s friendliness, and the Mekong Delta’s stunning natural beauty. You won’t regret it!

When is the ideal time to visit the Mekong Delta?

The Mekong Delta is a stunning destination that can be enjoyed throughout the year, making it ideal for travelers with varying preferences. The best time to visit depends on your personal style and what you wish to experience.

From December to April: If you prefer dry and sunny weather, these months offer pleasant conditions for exploring the delta’s natural wonders and engaging in outdoor activities. This period is also the harvest season, adding vibrancy to the region.

From May to November: On the other hand, if you’re captivated by the lush greenery and the unique charm of the rainy season, you can visit the Mekong Delta during this time and witness the annual flooding that nourishes the delta and navigate the waterways by boat.

How to get there?

To get to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, you have several options depending on your starting point:

Ho Chi Minh City: The most common starting point is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). From there, you can take a bus or book a guided tour to reach various destinations within the Mekong Delta. Buses depart from the city’s bus stations, and tours can be arranged through travel agencies or online platforms.

Can Tho: If you prefer to head directly to a central city in the Mekong Delta, you can fly or take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho. Can Tho is a major city in the region and serves as a gateway to the delta. From Can Tho, you can explore nearby attractions and take boat trips to floating markets.

Chau Doc: It is located near the Vietnam and Cambodia border and is another entry point to the Mekong Delta. It can be reached by bus from Ho Chi Minh City or by boat from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

How to get around?

Boat: The Mekong Delta is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and canals, making boat travel a popular choice. You can hop on a public ferry, join a guided boat tour, or even hire a private Mekong boat to explore the waterways and reach different destinations.

Motorbike: Renting a motorbike is a popular option for solo travelers who want to explore the Mekong Delta at their own pace. Be sure to have a valid license and wear a helmet.

Bicycle: Cycling is a great way to explore the Mekong Delta’s rural areas. Many guesthouses and hotels offer bicycle rentals so you ask them for the service.

Bus: The Mekong Delta has a well-connected network of buses that link major towns and cities. Public buses are an affordable option, but they may be crowded and have limited schedules. Private tour buses or minivans are also available for more convenience and comfort.

Taxi and Grab: Grab are available in larger towns and cities in the Mekong Delta. They provide an affordable and comfortable way to get around, especially for shorter distances.

Where to go next?

After exploring the Mekong Delta, you can head to Phu Quoc Island for beach relaxation or cross the border into Cambodia and Laos by cruise. It will give you a chance to explore the riches of culture and sense the slow pace of life.

If you are planning to visit Southeast Asia in 17 days, then you can spend 13 days in Vietnam with 2 or 3 days in Mekong Delta and 5 days in Cambodia to visit Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. This itinerary of Vietnam and Cambodia more than 2 weeks will cover all the highlights and local-touch experiences.

In another side, if you have about 3 weeks, then it would be an ideal duration to visit Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. This Far East Discovery in 22 days showcases you the best of all the bests in Indochina travel. It varies from the magnificent temples in Cambodia to exploring the beauty and dynamic Vietnam by starting in Ho Chi Minh City, then heading to the Mekong Delta, and finishing in Hanoi before unveiling the enchanting charms of Laos.

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Best Mekong Delta Itinerary Travel Guide

Most of those travelers who are looking for leisure travel itineraries or short excursions in Vietnam will be interested in the Mekong Delta besides many famous attractions. This vast land itself knows how to attract all tourists by its rusticity, typical idyllic countryside life, attractive delicious specialties, and lyrical beautiful river. Immersing in the Mekong River Delta , you will feel cozy, safe and relaxed because of the local people’s hospitality, which has become a typical cultural feature of the area. Some people wonder how many days to spend in the Mekong Delta. The trip can take many days or a whole week. However, Izitour highly recommends you to spend 1 to 4 days. Let us give you some best suggestions so that you can plan a suitable Mekong Delta itinerary .

Please keep reading the following article for the most general ideas about the  Mekong River Delta in Vietnam : the best things to see, do and how to plan your trip. It only takes 4 minutes to grasp the important information about this land to best prepare for your traveling.

The Best Travel Guide to Mekong Delta Itinerary

1.1. visit the mekong delta in a day, 1.2. visit the mekong delta in 2 days, 1.3 explore the mekong delta in 3 days, 1.4. embark on a 4-day trip to the mekong delta, 2.1. beach stay, 2.2. other tourist spots, 3.1. available mekong voyages, 3.2. mekong river boat quality, 1. some suggestions for organising mekong delta itinerary.

Most travel itineraries to the Mekong Delta begin and end in Ho Chi Minh City. Apart from being an important economic metropolis of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh city has many interesting attractions that should not be missed on your discovery journey. Many international flights from global countries and internal flights operate to land here. There is also the North-South railway station stop, and many large inter-city bus stations. All of which make transportation more convenient than ever. You will not need to be too worried about having to arrange the travel schedule.

Therefore, in this article we will assume that your trip to the Mekong Delta will start and end at Ho Chi Minh City.

You may be interested in:

>> The 15 Best Things to Do In Ho Chi Minh city

>> The 10 Best Unusual Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

If you only have 1 day for the Mekong Delta trip, our advice is to choose destinations which are not too far from Ho Chi Minh City to save transfer time, devoting more time to relaxing and discovering what this land can offer you. In this case, you can choose one of the following itineraries:

• Itinerary 01: Ho Chi Minh - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh

My Tho is located about 71 km from Ho Chi Minh City, which means that with only one and half an hour by car, you can set foot in the Mekong Delta. With the Mekong delta day trip to My Tho, you will visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a famous spiritual tourist site with synthetic architecture that demonstrates an interference between Asian and European architecture such as French, Roman, Thai, Burmese and Cham architecture. Afterwards, you will continue the journey by exploring the islets on the Tien Giang River, particularly Thoi Son island or Phung island and Lan island, where you will visit many workshops with typical traditional handicrafts of the region.

• Itinerary 02: Ho Chi Minh - Cai Be - Ho Chi Minh

Cai Be is about 110 km from Ho Chi Minh city and takes about 2.5 hours to get there. Cai Be is indeed an interesting destination, famous for its lush orchard all year round thanks to the alluvial deposition of the Mekong River. In addition, Cai Be is also famous for the region's typical old houses, Phu Chau pagoda and many traditional handicraft villages. This is a good choice for your one day trip to the Mekong Delta .

• Itinerary 03: Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Ho Chi Minh

The Ben Tre is about 84 km from Ho Chi Minh city, but private tour itineraries in Ben Tre often take you farther into the tranquil local villages of the province. Nicknamed the Coconut capital, you will feel as if you are lost in an immense tropical coconut forest when you arrive in Ben Tre. What makes this land special are visits to family-run factories, workshops, cycling through the rural villages and exploring the canals on rudimentary rowing boats. Stops such as Nhon Thanh village or Tu Lo brick kiln are all interesting places to stop to help you understand more about Mekong Delta's life.

Among these 3 attractions, My Tho is the closest one, so it is also the most touristy. Every day, there are many reasonably priced tours organised here.

Previously, due to the presence of the floating market in Cai Be, Cai Be used to be an ideal place to arrange daily sightseeing tours in the Mekong region. Now, due to the development of roads, bridges and other forms of trade, the Cai Be floating market has been gradually disappearing. However, this is still a very fascinating land, not to be missed!

If you are looking for a more authentic itinerary, Ben Tre is always a good choice.

Click on the following links and check the actual price for the private Mekong Delta day trip on Izitour website! Just enter the number of participants and the date you would like to start your journey, the final quote is always available.

>> Ben Tre

>> Cai Be

2 days in the Mekong Delta is a good duration to visit this area. If the 1-day program can only take you to the Tien Giang River region, exploring the river system and rustic villages, the 2 day Mekong Delta tour will take you to the floating markets, a very special identity of the Mekong River Delta.

In the Mekong Delta there are many famous floating markets such as Cai Rang floating market, Long Xuyen floating market, Nga Nam floating market, Phong Dien floating market, Nam Can floating market... In the past, Mekong Delta people mainly traded on the river, forming these interesting and unique markets. Today, they go to both the floating market and wet market.

>> See more photos of the floating market here: The Bustling Cai Rang Floating Market in Mekong Delta

Normally, tourists often choose Can Tho and Long Xuyen for their Mekong Delta tour for 2 days because of the convenient route and wide selection of accommodations.

• Itinerary 01: Ho Chi Minh - Cai Be - Can Tho (overnight stay) - Ho Chi Minh

The trip to Can Tho , an enchanting land of the Mekong Delta, will open up a picturesque scenery before your eyes. It will be 2 days immersing in so many outdoor activities such as embarking on rowing boats, visiting orchards, floating markets, religious monuments, ancient houses,... You will feel completely satisfied. In Can Tho, in addition to visiting the Cai Rang floating market, you can also visit Binh Thuy ancient house, where the movie based on the famous novel by French writer Marguerite Duras - "The Lover" was filmed.

• Itinerary 02: Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Long Xuyen (overnight stay) - Ho Chi Minh

If the above trip attracts tourists with the radiant beauty, full of vitality of the Mekong Delta, the 2 day itinerary to Ben Tre and Long Xuyen will bring a more rustic atmosphere. On the voyage of discovery to Long Xuyen, you can visit the Long Xuyen floating market, also take a trip on the xe loi, a local rickshaw, to Ong Ho Island, discovering its interesting history as much as the serenity of life.

In addition, some tourists would like to choose more authentic itineraries for their 2-day, 1-night trip to the Mekong Delta such as:

• Itinerary 03: Ho Chi Minh - My Tho - Ben Tre (overnight stay) - Ho Chi Minh
• Itinerary 04: Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Tra Vinh (overnight stay) - Ho Chi Minh

How can you arrange 3 days to visit the Mekong Delta area? We must say that it is a great duration because you can take your time to explore deeper into this land and enjoy most of Mekong’s beauty.

There are some really exciting trips for you:

• Itinerary 01: Not-to-be-missed Mekong Delta Journey

Day 01: Ho Chi Minh city - Cai Be - Can Tho Day 02: Can Tho - Chau Doc Day 03: Chau Doc - Sa Dec - Ho Chi Minh city

Just by reading the names of the destinations, you can imagine that this is a must-do program for the first-time travellers in the Mekong Delta. Continuing the 2-day, 1-night trip as above, you will continue to Chau Doc, a beautiful and peaceful land near the Vietnam - Cambodia border. This is where you can take a sampan trip to the Tra Su melaleuca forest. The scene is really like a fairy tale, especially in the water season from August to November, so never miss Chau Doc during this time! On the way back to Ho Chi Minh City, you can make a stop at the famous flower village of Sa Dec, Kien An Cung Pagoda and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the main character in the novel "The Lover".

• Itinerary 02: Cultural and spiritual journey

Day 01: Ho Chi Minh city - Ben Tre - Tra Vinh Day 02: Tra Vinh - Long Xuyen Day 03: Long Xuyen - Ong Ho Island - Ho Chi Minh city

Tra Vinh may not be a famous name in any tour programs you find on the Internet, but this is really an enchanting land where you can delve into Southwest Vietnam's culture. You can say that this is the land of the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta. Another special feature is that this route is particularly suitable for those looking for a trip off the beaten path. If you like it too, why not start planning the 3 day trip to Mekong Delta now.

• Itinerary 03: Authentic Journey

Day 01: Ho Chi Minh city - Ben Tre - Long Xuyen Day 02: Long Xuyen - Ong Ho Island - Chau Doc Day 03: Chau Doc - Sa Dec - Ho Chi Minh city

This is also one of the most popular Mekong Delta tours for 3 days with tourists, where you can feel the idyllic and lovely pace of life in the region. Don't forget to consider this itinerary when you have 3 days available for your trip.

Do you have 4 days in the Mekong Delta? Maybe you will be a little worried because you will see the same river scene or similar villages for 4 days? Take a look at this itinerary:

Day 01: Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Can Tho Day 02: Can Tho - Long Xuyen Day 03: Long Xuyen - Chau Doc Day 04: Chau Doc - Sa Dec - Ho Chi Minh

In other programs you will visit only one floating market, but with this trip you will visit both the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho and the floating market in Long Xuyen. The difference of this program from the 3-day, 2-night programs is in the second day of Can Tho - Long Xuyen when you have the opportunity to explore both the beauty of Bang Lang stork garden, crocodile breeding area, orchid garden and also the fish market. There are plenty of things to experience!

2. Where to go after visiting the Mekong Delta?

There are many people who wonder where to go after visiting the Mekong Delta if they do not want to go back to Ho Chi Minh City. We will give you some suggestions!

If you want to take a break from the beach right after your Mekong Delta tour , you can travel to Phu Quoc Island or Con Dao Island.

Phu Quoc Island :

• From the Mekong Delta you can go to Phu Quoc by plane or speedboat.
• There are daily direct flights from Can Tho to Phu Quoc, you have to pay attention to the schedule if you want to take advantage of the floating market before going to the airport.
• In addition, you can also take a speedboat from Rach Gia (Can Tho) to Phu Quoc with a 2.5-hour trip.

If you do not want to spend too much time floating on the sea, you can take a speedboat from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc in only 1.5 hours. However, if you travel by speedboat from Ha Tien, consider spending the previous night in Chau Doc. Chau Doc also has many interesting things to explore.

>> See more:  Exploring Picturesque An Giang: Things to See and Do in Chau Doc and Long Xuyen

>> You may be interested in  information about Phu Quoc

Con Dao Island:

From Can Tho airport you can also take a direct flight Con Dao Island, a marine paradise in Vietnam. Even today Con Dao retains its wild look and is not too crowded with tourists. This is a great choice for those seeking an escape to a land surrounded by nature, state forests, coral reefs,...

>> Read all of Con Dao's information

Continue your journey of discovery, you can definitely reach other tourist attractions from the Mekong Delta.

Famous tourist cities in Vietnam : Hanoi, Da Nang

You can fly to other regions of Vietnam from Can Tho airport. However, the number of flights in a day is not many, so you need to plan the time with your travel schedule.

Cambodia : As an area with a geographical location bordering Cambodia to the west, you can thoroughly explore another Southeast Asian country from the Mekong Delta. People usually go to Cambodia from the Mekong Delta by 2 routes:

By river: after staying overnight in Chau Doc, early in the morning you can cruise up the Mekong River and reach Cambodia's capital by speedboat. This trip will take about half a day and you can reach Phnom Penh by noon.

By road: if you go by road, the trip can start from Chau Doc - Ha Tien and will reach Kampot province in Cambodia in about 2 hours. Then, you can explore the countryside of this country. Kampot is considered the land of pepper in Cambodia and is really an interesting choice for the first day in the country.

3. Mekong River Cruises

Taking a cruise on the Mekong River is really a memorable experience. Unlike other tourists who spend most of their time travelling by car, almost all of your time will be spent on the yacht, enjoying the typical river scenery. If you like to spend your time cruising, consider Mekong River Cruises if you plan to spend leisure time in the Mekong Delta.

>> See more:  The Best Time to Go On A Mekong River Cruise

Each cruise will have its own fixed itinerary so based on the overall itinerary of your trip, you can click directly on the following links to find the right itinerary. If you want to know the price of this cruise package, enter your group's number of participants and travel date to know the estimated price.

Mekong River Cruises

Mekong River cruise combined with boat trip to Phu Quoc Island

Mekong River cruise combined with speedboat to Phnom Penh

Currently, Mekong Delta boats usually meet a 3-4 star rating standard. There are only a few 5-star cruises. They are mainly wooden cruises that are not too large with about 2-8-12-14-26 cabins.

Two-cabin cruises usually cater the best for private groups who love a personalized journey with intimacy.

Go to this link and click on the Rating section to choose the appropriate cruise classification. We just have a note that, unlike the Halong Bay cruises, the Mekong ones do not operate every day of the week. So, you should consider and check your schedule before booking.

Above we share with you the how to plan the memorable  Mekong Delta itinerary . If you have other questions or experiences, please share them in the comments down below so that other travelers can get more information. Happy traveling!

To see more travel guides to other regions of Vietnam:

>>  The Best South Vietnam Trip Itinerary Ideas For First-Time Visitors

>>  Exploring the Best of Central Vietnam Itinerary

>>  How to Plan the Best North Vietnam Itinerary?

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02 Comments

• Frank Davies United Kingdom

I will be visiting Can Tho in late March with my children and need to pick a place to stay for my 3 days, 2 nights. We are willing to splurge a little for a nice place and we need help deciding whether to stay in Can Tho Ecolodge.

• Kayla Le Vietnam

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Mekong Delta

Waterways weave through a vibrant region of floating markets and rural communities, offering a glimpse into local life amid ecological wonders and cultural treasures.

“A charming maze of rivers and culture in Southern Vietnam’s Rice Bowl”

Get free trip planning advice from vietnam is awesome, experience mekong delta, attractions.

Explore floating markets like Cai Rang, backwaters, and traditional villages for a unique experience.

Ba Chuc Tomb

Cai Be Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market

Cavern Pagoda

Tra Su Bird Sanctuary

Xeo Quyt Forest

Experience the Mekong Delta’s river life with our guided tours. Interact with locals and check out our tour listings for an unforgettable journey.

Discover Mekong Delta Full Day Tour

Mekong Delta Tour: My Tho & Ben Tre

Cai Be Village Mekong Delta Tour

Experience the rue delta experience and warmth of Mekong hospitality in homestays or select from our curated hotels.

Azerai Can Tho

Mekong Lodge Resort

Explore the taste of the Delta with fresh river produce and authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Grill and Chill Steak & Seafood

Hoa Cau Café

L’Escale

Lua Nep Restaurant

Ma Famille – CAKES, DINNER, COFFEE

Sao Hom Restaurant

Spices Restaurant

Travel inspiration & local legends.

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Mekong Delta Handbook: Essential Travel Tips

When is the best time to visit mekong delta.

The dry season from December to April is ideal, offering easier travel conditions and vibrant local festivals.

Transportation Tips

A. getting to vietnam.

Flying is the most convenient way to reach Vietnam. The two main international airports are Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) for adventures starting in the North and Saigon Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) for trips starting in the South. For a budget adventure, you can also take an overland bus from Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand to Southeast Asia.

B. How to get to Mekong Delta

Flying into Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is the most convenient option to reach the Mekong Delta. For a unique experience, consider a boat journey via the Mekong River from Cambodia. Once in Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel to the Delta by bus or private car, with the journey usually taking about 2-3 hours.

C. How to get around in Mekong Delta

Large cities in the Mekong Delta, like Can Tho or Rach Gia, have bus systems and taxis to get around. They’re less chaotic than huge cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, so you can rent a bicycle or motorbike. Buses are also available to take you between cities.

The Mekong Delta region is much more spread out in rural areas, but it’s one of the most scenic parts of Vietnam and completely flat. For both those reasons, riding a bicycle around is a fantastic option. For long distances, hiring a taxi is the best option.

Before You Go

• Visa: Check visa requirements based on your nationality. Learn more about getting a Vietnam Visa before visiting the Mekong Delta .  
• Timezone: Vietnam is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), UTC+7.
• Voltage: The standard voltage is 220V, and the outlets usually accept three different plugs: A, C, and F. If you are from Europe, Japan, or the Americas, your plugs will work fine. Otherwise, you’ll need an adapter. Note that many Vietnamese outlets do not have a third hole for grounding, and so can only accept two-pronged plugs.
• Internet: Most hotels, cafes, and even restaurants in the Mekong Delta offer free Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi plans are so cheap in Vietnam that almost all businesses have one. But it’s easy, inexpensive, and well worth buying a local SIM card with a data package at the airport upon arrival.
• SIM Cards: You can easily purchase SIM cards for data and calls at the airport or local stores. Note that you’ll need to provide your passport to get a SIM. Viettel, Mobifone, and VinaPhone are the best mobile networks for the Mekong Delta and most parts of Vietnam.
• Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). VND only comes in bills (no coins), and 1 USD equals about 24,000 VND (commonly abbreviated as 24k). Some shops catering to tourists may accept USD, but most only take VND.
• Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at large businesses like hotels, indoor restaurants, or upscale shopping venues in the Mekong Delta’s cities. However, smaller villages between cities usually only have a place accepting cards.
• ATMs: The large cities of the Mekong Delta have some ATMs, most of which accept foreign cards. However, rural areas generally have no ATMs, so you should bring cash out of the urban centers on day trips. Make sure to notify your bank before you travel to Vietnam to avoid blocked ATM transactions.
• Tipping: Vietnam is not a tipping culture, so a tip is not expected. A tip is a good way to bring a smile to someone’s face, though. Note that cab drivers and tour guides often rely on some tipping, so it’s a good idea to tip them.

Understanding Culture & Customs in Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta has the most cheerful and laid-back culture anywhere in Vietnam. Community, respect for nature, and a slower pace of life are valued. You’ll have trouble offending anyone if you keep a smile, a live-and-let-live attitude in your mind, and a genuine compassion for the people around you in your heart. Discover more about Vietnamese etiquette here.

Common questions about Mekong Delta

For luxury resorts, stay at Azerai in Can Tho or The Island Lodge in My Tho. For cozy homestay accommodation, try Mekong Pottery Homestay in Vinh Long or Homestay Nam Ham Luong in Ben Tre. There are many more options depending on the accommodation type you’re looking for and what area you want to stay in. To browse a few, head to our  Mekong  Delta  hotels  page.

Try fine dining at Spices Restaurant in Can Tho or get some local cuisine at Ut Dzach Fine Rice Vermicelli house. The restaurants in rural areas, like Mekong Rest Stop and Le Longanier Restaurant, often use even more authentic Mekong flavors. For a wider selection of eateries in the area, visit our directory of  Mekong Delta restaurants .

Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region is known for its lush green farmland, vibrant floating markets, and unique river-based culture and way of life. Its endless expanses of easy-to-navigate but vibrant farmland and its picturesque waterways and traditions make it beloved by tourists. Visitors to the Mekong Delta can take a  full-day tour  of the area to get a more thorough picture of what makes it unique.

A few ideas for activities in the Mekong Delta include: Take a  Mekong Experience tour  to see some of the Delta’s biggest cities, take a traditional boat down some of its waterways, and get a glimpse of some of its local agricultural businesses. Take a  Mekong Delta bicycle tour  with a company like Grasshopper Tours or Mr Biker Saigon. Visit one of the  floating markets  the area is famous for.

The months of May through October are the cheapest times to visit the Mekong Delta because the weather during that time is generally rainy and humid. If you’re willing to get a little wet and don’t mind ducking into a cafe during the daily rainfall, you might get some killer deals on travel services. Remember your mosquito spray!

In large cities like Can Tho or My Tho, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and buses are the best ways to get around. In more rural parts of the Mekong,  renting a bicycle  or  motorbike  and driving yourself is the best mode of transport.

December and February are the best months to visit Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. During this period, the weather is more comfortable, with lower humidity, less rainfall, and cooler temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. If you’d rather visit at a less crowded time or want to learn more about the weather in the region, check out this guide on  the best time to visit the Mekong Delta .

A day trip on a local tour is enough to catch a glimpse of Mekong Delta culture and cuisine. 3 days is better if you want to stay in one of the region’s cities, like Can Tho, to understand its vibrant urban lifestyle.

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Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

Because of a tragic love tale, my vacation to the west of Vietnam was not as enjoyable as earlier visits. Before I chose to travel the Mekong river delta, commonly known as Vietnam’s west, I was inspired by a legend about a tragic love affair between King Bao Dai and a local girl who was a Christian and known as the last Queen of Vietnam’s feudal system. It was the reign of Queen Nam Phuong. To turn this love story into a blissful wedding, the French petitioned the Vatican for permission to allow both of them to practice their own faith while their children were christened and followed Christianity. Let’s explore Vietnam’s lovely Mekong Delta region together via my Mekong Delta travel blog.

My first trip to western Vietnam left me with a recollection of a distinct region with a combination of many Vietnamese faiths, including the Cham and Khmer communities, to create a multi-colored religious life.

Here in western Vietnam, I could visit the country’s first mosque, see locals worship in front of a wooden figure of a famous priest, and view Buddha sculptures in traditional Khmer pagodas.

Buddhism and Christianity

The Khmer are famous for their pagodas and southern Buddhism. In the Mekong river delta, there are 600 Khmer pagodas. The most well-known is the Doi (Bat) pagoda, also known as Mahatup in Khmer. This pagoda got its name because hundreds of bats hang around in the pagoda’s garden every day. Some of them weigh 1kg and have a 1.5m wingspan.

Doi pagoda is built in the traditional Khmer architectural style. You may see patterns of colored tiles on two rooftops if you remain far enough away from the pagoda. Naga, the serpent deity, is elegantly carved on one side of the ceiling, while fairy stories are created on pillars around the center chamber to reflect the obstacles that Buddhists must overcome on their path to leading a holy life.

After saying my goodbyes to the 400-year-old pagoda, I go to Ca Mau and visit the Tac Say church in Bac Lieu. From the outside, this church impresses visitors with its massive and solid construction, which is built on three levels and has a towering cross. All of the interiors are constructed of wood, and the late-afternoon golden light makes this area appear incredibly religious.

Tac Say church is well-known for its priest, Truong Buu Diep, who was jailed in 1946 along with over 70 Catholics due to sectarian tensions. In order to protect his flock, priest Diep chose to be executed in order to avoid persecution. When I visit his tomb, his sacrifice may make a nonbeliever like me emotional.

Muslim religion of Cham people in An Giang

Catholicism and Buddhism are two of the most popular religions in Vietnam, but not the only ones. There is a small community of Muslim people developing in Chau Doc city of An Giang province with its own traditions.

The mosque in Da Phuoc, Chau Doc, is distinguished by a circular roof that represents the sun and a crescent. A white tiled hall creates the illusion of a big and wide area. Blue and white hues, in particular, may be found in various mosques across the world. The Cham hamlet in Da Phuoc, on the other hand, shows its unique personality through the palmyra and banana trees of this Southwestern area.

I was able to see old historical items from this location in the Cham sculpture museum in Danang, which provided some background. However, it wasn’t until I observed Cham women wearing hijabs weaving expertly that I realized how much work they put into preserving their ancient rituals and practices.

While visiting the Muslim village, I wished I could have had more time enjoying a bowl of Hallal noodles, talking with doctor Mohammed and following local children to their typical Cham stilted houses.

I will definitely come back here to do what I have missed on this journey and to explore the daily life of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Cham ethnic people in southwestern Vietnam again.

Further information

+ Itinerary:  My journey started from Can Tho to Soc Trang, down to Ca Mau and then to Chau Doc.

+ Names:  I was impressed by the regional names, including Cai Rang, Cai Be, Cai Mon, Tac Cau or Chac Ca Dao.

+ Food: Dishes in southwestern Vietnam are often sweet, from the taste of lotus roots, and feature caramelized fish as well as fish hotpot.

+ Hospitality: Southwestern people are very hospitable. If you wander around the village at noontime, you will almost certainly be invited to have meals with local people.

+ Inspiration: If you’re searching for a book to read while you’re here, The Lover by Marguerite Duras is an excellent choice. This tale, set in the environment of the river region in the early twentieth century, tells the narrative of a couple who overcome their constraints and ideals to have a happy ending.

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Tour related

Mekong Delta

The ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the delta is carpeted in a dizzying variety of greens. It's a water world that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets float upon the innumerable rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Phu Quoc Island

With picture-perfect white sand, the delightful curve of beautiful Sao Beach bends out alongside a sea of mineral-water clarity just a few kilometres from…

Hon Son Island

Hon Son, also known after its main village of Lai Son, is a solitary and beautiful mountain island about 50km southwest of Rach Gia on the southern shores…

Cai Rang Floating Market

The biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang is 6km from Can Tho in the direction of Soc Trang. There's a bridge here that serves as a great…

Ba Chuc Tomb

Ba Chuc’s memorial, 40km south of Chau Doc, stands as a ghastly reminder of the horrors perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge. Between 18 April and 30 April 1978…

An Thoi Islands

Just off the southern tip of Phu Quoc, these 15 islands and islets are a paradise of white sand and blue waters. They can be visited by chartered boat for…

Pirate Island

This small speck of an island, covered in lush vegetation and with clear blue waters, has a sordid 500-year history as a pirate haven that only came to an…

Xeo Quyt Forest

Around 35km southeast of Cao Lanh is the magnificent 52-hectare Xeo Quyt Forest near My Hiep village. One vast swamp beneath a beautiful thick canopy of…

Cavern Pagoda

Also known as Phuoc Dien Tu, this temple is halfway up the western (far) side of Sam Mountain, with amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The…

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What to Expect on a Mekong Delta Day Trip

Since Ho Chi Minh City was my first time going somewhere completely solo, I decided to book a Mekong Delta day trip to transition myself into the travel mindset. Here’s what to expect if you visit yourself!

I literally got to my hostel at night and asked about booking the tour for the next day. It pretty much ran from morning until dinner time and was a great way to get acclimated to Vietnam while seeing somewhere beautiful!

I’m not going to lie, I had heard horror stories about Mekong Delta tours going terribly wrong or feeling like a constant ripoff, but I really enjoyed my tour company. I’m not sure if they’re still around, but they’re called the Youth Tourist Joint-Stock Company (YTC). It was just an overall relaxing day where you get to see more of the Delta culture and eat some delicious food.

Tips for a Mekong Delta Day Trip

What is the mekong delta.

The Mekong Delta takes up a big chunk of southwestern Vietnam and comprises of 12 provinces. It has over a thousand animal species as well as a huge variety of plant life. People have inhabited the delta since prehistoric times, and the delta is currently a huge source of agriculture and aquaculture.

Should You Visit with a Tour?

Like I said above, I took a tour. I actually looked for tips about visiting in some travel groups beforehand, and they mentioned how difficult it was to visit alone. I distinctly remember reading about some girls getting a bit stranded because they couldn’t figure out how to get back. Unless you’re super experienced with Vietnam and own your motorbike, a tour is your best bet.

Most trips are either a full day excursion or an overnight experience. If I visit HCMC again, I think I’d like to stay overnight because you get to see so much more and learn more about the local culture.

Here are some tours consider:

• Mekong Rural Life Day Tour – You’ll also visit Cao Dai Temple and have lunch at a local’s home.  Check here for prices + availability
• Full Day Excursion to the Mekong Delta – This is pretty similar to the tour I took — visiting fishing villages, snacking on fruit and tea, sampling some coconut candy.  Check here for prices + availability
• 2D1N Mekong Delta Tour – This tour also includes visiting an early morning floating market, a visit to a fruit plantation, and an overnight stay at  Can Tho .  Check here for prices + availability

What to Wear to the Mekong Delta

Dress appropriately in sleeves and longer pants or skirts. While it can be pretty humid and sunny in that exhausting way, it can also get pretty chilly in the shade. I wore a white shirt, UNIQLO lounge pants , and Birkenstocks.

Overall, I was fine the whole day. One girl wore a really low cut romper with a huge open back, and she was visibly shivering in the shade and wind. Also, if I’m being frank, she looked kind of inappropriate for our surroundings.

My Mekong Delta Day Tour

Getting There

Our guide came to my hostel around 8:00 a.m. to gather anyone who was a part of the tour, walking us to where the bus was located along the main road. It’s about a two-hour ride to  My Tho.  The bus is air-conditioned and super comfortable. You can leave some things on it if you want, but, as always, don’t leave anything you’d be devastated losing!

From My Tho, you’ll board a boat to take you into the Delta. Also, there’s a clean bathroom and a shop to buy hats and sunglasses if you forgot yours!

Into the Mekong Delta

There are four main islands in the Mekong Delta, considered the “holy islands.” I made a map so you can see a layout of the area:

We only visited three of the four islands. The residents on  Dragon Island (Con Tan Long)  don’t want tourism anymore.

Unicorn Island (Thoi Son)

The first island we visited was  Unicorn Island.  You’ll first take a boat ride through its creeks to get to the  Eco Bee Farm.  This is usually the part where you’ll see a lot of photos from the Mekong!

At the farm, you can see some of the bees at work and try honey straight from the slate. Being allergic to bees and not a big fan of honey on its own, I obviously opted out and watched from quite a far ways away.

Afterward, we sat down to try a honey drink and some honey treats where I brought some snacks for the future train rides Michelle and I had.

Turtle Island (Con Quy)

Next, we went to Turtle Island where we snacked on some fresh fruit and listened to some traditional music (and not so traditional when the singers cutely began singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”) We then went to a little factory where they were making coconut products, and we could sample some candy.

Phoenix Island (Con Phung)

Our final stop was at Phoenix Island.  It’s where we had a simple lunch of steamed rice, meat or tofu, and some vegetables. You could order this giant fish for four people, but the memories of food poisoning in Gangwondo we still pretty fresh in my memory, so I wasn’t will to risk it with two and a half weeks of travel ahead.

We had some free time afterward, where I wandered around the resort and explored this abandoned monastery and its interesting sculptures. Apparently, the monastery once belonged to Dao Dua, the Coconut Monk. He had his followers but was also considered crazy by others.

Getting Back

We then made our way back and were dropped off by  Ben Thanh Market  around 5:00 pm. I somehow managed to find my way back to my hostel and passed out!

Have you ever been on a Mekong Delta Day Trip? If I ever go back, I’d love to do a longer stay!

For more Vietnam travel, read these posts next:

I’ve been able to explore a lot of this country, so here are all my other guides:

General Vietnam

• 50 Vietnam Travel Tips
• How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam
• 22 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Vietnam
• How to Plan the Ultimate Leaving Vietnam Trip

Northern Vietnam

• The Best Things to Do in Hanoi
• Hanoi to Halong Bay: How to Get There
• A Day Cruise Along Halong Bay
• Mu Cang Chai Travel Tips
• A Secluded Sapa Itinerary
• Hiking & Herbal Baths with the Red Dzao in Sapa

Central Vietnam

• Historical Things to Do in Hue: Ultimate Guide
• Hue in One Day: A Speedy Itinerary
• Azerai La Residence Hue Review: A Luxury Stay
• A Semi-Relaxing Phong Nha Travel Itinerary
• Quirkiest Things to Do in Dalat
• How to Visit Yok Don National Park
• Top Things to Do in Hoi An
• How to Spend 3 Days in Hoi An
• Hoi An Tailors: Tips for What to Get Made
• The Vietage: A Luxury Train in Vietnam
• Anantara Quy Nhon Villas: A Luxury Review

Southern Vietnam

• Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A Bucket List
• A Guide to 15B Hem Le Than Thon: Little Japan Saigon
• Where to Go in District 5 & Cho Lon of Saigon
• Best Things to Do in District 1, HCMC
• What to Do in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet
• Anantara Mui Ne: Best Resort for a Girls’ Getaway
• Mekong Delta Day Trip: What to Expect
• A Guide to Vinh Long in the Mekong
• Con Dao: An Island Travel Guide
• Azerai Can Tho: A Luxury Stay in the Mekong
• Odys Boutique Hotel Review: A Chic Mid-Range Stay in HCMC

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• Trip Inspiration

My journey to the west of Vietnam was not as happy as other trips because of tragic love story. Before I decided to visit the Mekong river delta, also known as the west of Vietnam, I was impressed by a legend of a sad love story between King Bao Dai and a local girl, who was a Christian and known as the last Queen of the Feudal system in Vietnam. It was Queen Nam Phuong. In order to give this love story into a happy wedding, the French asked the permission of the Vatican to let both of them keep their own religion but that their children would be baptized and follow Christianity. Let’s discover the beautiful region of Vietnam through my Mekong Delta travel blog.

• Mekong Delta travel guide — The fullest guide to Mekong Delta of Vietnam
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• Exploring Hang En Waterfall — A silver strip of silk amid the jungle of Kon Chu Rang

My first journey to western Vietnam left me with a memory about a distinctive region, with a blend of various religions of Vietnamese people, including the Cham and Khmer groups to create a multi-colored religious life.

Here in western Vietnam, I could visit the first mosque of the country; witness local people pray by the wooden statue of a famous priest or see Buddha statues in the typical Khmer pagodas.

Buddhism and Christianity

Khmer are well-known for their pagodas and southern Buddhism. Among 600 pagodas from Khmer people exist in the Mekong river delta. Doi (Bat) pagoda, also known as Mahatup in the Khmer language, is the most popular. This pagoda has its name because every afternoon, hundreds of bats stay in the pagoda’s garden. Some of them weigh 1kg and have a wingspan of 1.5m.

Doi pagoda features the traditional structural style of Khmer. If you stay far from the pagoda you will be able to see patterns of colored tiles on two roofs. Naga, the snake deity, is sophisticatedly carved on one side of the roof while fairy tales, which are believed to represent the challenges that Buddhists have to overcome on the way to leading a religious life, are designed on pillars around the central chamber.

Saying farewell to the 400-year-old pagoda, I travel to Ca Mau, where I visited Tac Say church in Bac Lieu. From the entrance, this church amazes visitors with its huge and stable structure, built on three floors with a high cross. All the interiors are made of wood mixed with yellow light in the late afternoon that makes this place seem very sacred.

Tac Say church is famous thanks to its priest Truong Buu Diep, who was arrested along with over 70 Catholics because of conflicts among sects in 1946. In order to protect his followers, priest Diep opted for his own execution to prevent the persecution of his flock. His sacrifice can make a nonbeliever like me emotional when I visit his grave.

Muslim religion of Cham people in An Giang

Catholicism and Buddhism are two of the most popular religions in Vietnam, but not the only ones. There is a small community of Muslim people developing in Chau Doc city of An Giang province with its own traditions.

The mosque in Da Phuoc, Chau Doc is highlighted with a rounded roof, which symbolizes for the sun and a crescent. A white tiled hall brings the feeling of a long and large space. Especially, blue and white colors in the mosque are also seen in other mosques in the world. However, the Cham village in Da Phuoc expresses its own characters with palmyra and banana trees of this Southwestern region.

I had the opportunity to view ancient historical objects of this region at Cham sculpture museum in Danang which gave me some context. However, not until I saw Cham women wearing hijabs weaving skillfully, that I highly appreciated their efforts of maintaining their traditional customs and habits.

While visiting the Muslim village, I wished I could have had more time enjoying a bowl of Hallal noodles, talking with doctor Mohammed and following local children to their typical Cham stilted houses.

I will definitely come back here to do what I have missed on this journey and to explore the daily life of Vietnamese, Khmer and Cham ethnic people in the southwestern Vietnam again.

Further information

+ Itinerary: My journey started from Can Tho to Soc Trang, down to Ca Mau and then to Chau Doc.

+ Names: I was impressed by the regional names, including Cai Rang, Cai Be, Cai Mon, Tac Cau or Chac Ca Dao.

+ Food: Dishes in the southwestern Vietnam are often sweet, from the taste of lotus roots and feature caramelized fish as well as fish hotpot.

+ Hospitality: Southwestern people are very hospitable. If you wander around the village at noon time, you will almost certainly be invited to have meals with local people.

+ Inspiration: If you are looking for a book to reading during your journey here, The Lover written by Marguerite Duras is a good one for you. Written in the landscape of the river area in early 20th century, this novel describes a love story of a couple, who overcame their limitations and principles to have a happy ending.

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• Drift, cycle, explore: Vietnam's Mekong Delta

All photos by Aaron Joel Santos

The Mekong Delta is one of Vietnam’s most mysterious and fascinating destinations. And there’s no one way to see it. Cruise along mangrove-lined riverways, ride a bicycle through coconut groves or jump headfirst into local life at a rustic homestay — whatever you do, prepare to make memories that last. Here are five favourite ways to go.

Take a daytrip from ho chi minh city.

The most important thing about day trips is choosing the right one. You could spend a whole day cruising serenely on a sampan, or have a non-stop excursion taking in temples, workshops, and floating markets. It’s all up to you.

Many day trips feature the famous Cai Be Floating Market, or go through Ben Tre for a day of kayaking, coconut sweets and shaded hammocks. You may find yourself heading to a factory to learn about local products, such as Ben Tre coconut candy; explore a local brick kiln, or sample Mekong cuisine in a pagoda by the river. A sampan ride through the palm fronds is almost always included, and a must-do photo opportunity. 

TIP: If you’re keen to save time and skip crowds, book a tour by luxury speedboat, or a one-day motorbike trip with a focus on local life.

Sleep in a Mekong Delta homestay

Another way to have a truly local experience in the Mekong Delta is to stay with a Vietnamese family. Depending on the homestay you choose, you might spend your time exploring the village by boat, going fishing with your hosts, or even helping in the rice fields.

Homestays in Vietnam are known for their tasty food and guests are often invited to join in the cooking process. Follow your host to the local market to buy ingredients, then watch how Mekong fare is prepared before sitting down to an amazing meal together. Homestays are often set next to lush riverways, or are farmstays surrounded by rice paddies. 

TIP: If homestays are not your thing, keep an eye out for eco-friendly lodges and low-key resorts nestled in the Mekong Delta.

Go sightseeing by bicycle 

Cycling is one of the most popular, immersive ways to see the Delta. A number of companies offer guided cycling trips to the region, from quick day trips close to Ho Chi Minh City to longer adventures through remote and unexplored provinces. There’s no rush on two wheels. Move slowly through the countryside, weaving through miniature walkways, over bridges just wide enough for one person to cross, and through green fields and coconut groves, perhaps stopping in the shade for a ice-cold ca phe or tropical fruit. 

TIP: Companies offering great cycling tours include SpiceRoads, Mekong Bike Tours, Vietnam Bike Tours and Grasshopper Adventures.

Unwind on a luxury river cruise

Going on a luxury river cruise can be a wonderful way to see the Mekong Delta. Imagine days and nights drifting wide, tropical waterways, with mangroves and palm trees lining the riverbanks, plus a constant stream of passing villages and colourful boats to catch your eye.

Once you’re aboard, all you have to do is kick back for a few days of complete relaxation. Wake up at sunrise and watch the sky turn a soft pink over the palm trees, or enjoy dinner on the water before retiring to a cosy wooden cabin. As you cruise, you may choose to disembark to explore bustling markets and local towns, buy fresh tropical fruit or take a stroll in emerald-green rice paddies before returning to your boat for more relaxation.

TIP: If cruises are your speed, you may like to book connecting cruise all the way to Phu Quoc or across the border into Cambodia. 

Plan a motorbike road trip

The wide flat planes of the Mekong Delta are ideal for motorcycle enthusiasts and pillion riders. Get out your map and visit the Mekong Delta by motorbike. The beauty of this mode of travel is that you can go almost anywhere at your own pace. Take your time driving through scenic backroads, pausing at roadside cafes for a coffee, or digging into hot bowls of hủ tiếu on the street. The Mekong Delta is home to many picturesque pagodas, and the locals will always be happy to point you in the right direction if you need help. 

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From its lofty source in the Tibetan Himalayas, the mighty Mekong River tumbles down through China’s Yunnan province. From there, it squeezes between Thailand and Laos, then slides through Cambodia before reaching Vietnam . The Mekong Delta is a picturesque region in southern Vietnam that offers visitors a unique and immersive experience of the country's culture, food, and natural beauty. 

Travel tips for visiting the Mekong Delta

• Where to stay

How to get to here

How many days do you need here, tips for getting around, the best time to visit the mekong delta, travel ideas for vietnam, created by local experts.

10 days  / from 2150 USD

Vietnam Culinary Discovery

Vietnamese cuisine can be divided into three categories, each pertaining to a specific region, namely the North, Centre and South. You will visit all of these on this culinary tour of Vietnam. Awaken all of your senses to the wonderful sights, sounds and aromas of this fascinating country.

16 days  / from 2150 USD

Very Vietnam

Vietnam is full of surprises, seamlessly mixing both ancient and modern. See rice paddies, traditional villages, markets, temples and pagodas. Discover romantic cities, cruise around mystical Halong Bay, laze on pristine beaches and get out and about in exuberant Ho Chi Minh City.

4 days  / from 550 USD

Cultural Saigon

Southern Vietnam is home to modern Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant southern capital full of historic attraction and old Saigonese charm. Soak up some café culture, enjoy authentic street food, and get a taste of the city’s thriving markets.

If you're planning a trip to the Mekong Delta, there are a few travel tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, be sure to pack light and bring comfortable, breathable clothing as the region can be hot and humid.

Insect repellent is also a must as mosquitoes and other bugs are prevalent. When it comes to transportation, renting a motorbike or bicycle is a great way to explore the area, but make sure to wear a helmet and be cautious of traffic.

Hiring a local guide can also be helpful in navigating the delta's maze of canals and finding hidden gems. Additionally, be prepared for cultural differences, including language barriers and different customs, and be respectful of local traditions.

Mekong Delta in Vietnam © Shutterstock

Phu Quoc island, Sao beach, Vietnam © Pawel Michalowski/Shutterstock

#3 Learn about Vietnamese culture via a homestay

Homestays in the Mekong Delta offer a unique opportunity for travellers to experience the region's daily life, local cuisine, and customs while staying with welcoming families in traditional homes. Spend the night amid rural communities, observing daily aspects of Vietnamese culture and getting to know your hosts.

#4 Spend time in the Chau Doc region

Visit a Cham village and the fish farms on the river, or explore nearby Sam Mountain. Chau Doc offers a bustling market, temples, and waterside activities, making it a popular destination in the Mekong Delta. Visitors can also explore the Cham community, Sam Mountain, bird sanctuary, and historical sites in the surrounding area.

#5 Visit Can Tho — one of the best things to do in the Mekong Delta

The de facto capital of the delta is also its most appealing city, with a charming riverfront, a decent culinary scene, and some good walking opportunities. Chau Doc offers a unique blend of cultures, stunning natural scenery, and fascinating historical sites, making it a worthwhile destination for any traveller.

#6 Take a boat trip

Boat tours are a great way to explore the Mekong Delta, with options for day-trips and multi-day liveaboard trips available from various cities, including HCMC, My Tho, Cai Be, Vinh Long, Can Tho, and Chau Doc. The tours take visitors through the delta's labyrinthine waterways, where they can witness local life and enjoy stunning views of emerald paddy fields, coconut trees, and markets run by colourful boats.

Mekong delta, Vietnam © Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock

#7 Spend time on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island is a must-visit destination for those seeking beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and a relaxed atmosphere. Sprawl through the gorgeous beaches, ride a motorbike through its mountainous interior and dive or snorkel around the coastline. A visit to this region is one of the best things to do in the Mekong Delta.

#8 Visit the infamous floating markets

The floating markets are one of the Mekong Delta's most iconic images, where vendors sell fruits, vegetables, and other goods from their boats. Cai Be and Can Tho are two of the most popular floating markets, but other smaller ones can be found in various parts of the delta.

#9 Explore Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a protected area located in An Giang Province, where visitors can take a boat ride through a maze of channels lined with cajuput trees. The forest is home to various bird species, including storks, herons, and cormorants.

#10 Try local delicacies

The Mekong Delta is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, including dishes such as banh xeo (crispy rice pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts), hu tieu (rice noodles served in a flavorful broth), and ca kho to (caramelized fish in a clay pot). Visitors should also try fresh fruit, coconut candies, and rice wine, which are all local specialities.

The Mekong Delta offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Larger cities like Can Tho and Chau Doc have a good range of hotels , from budget options to higher-end resorts.

Homestays are also a popular choice, offering visitors a chance to experience local life and hospitality. These are available in various villages throughout the delta. For those who prefer a more unique experience, floating homestays and eco-lodges are available in some areas, allowing visitors to stay on the water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

• Bassac Victoria (Chau Doc). Expect imaginative iterations of Western and Asian dishes, such as roast loin of lamb or roasted duck breast, as well as cheaper meals such as pho.
• Phuong Nam (Can Tho). While here, try the snake meat, curried or with satay sauce. Or the crocodile steak with fries. Ostrich in steak or sautéed form is another favourite.
• Chuon Chuon Bistro (Phu Quoc Island). This restaurant features one of the best views on the entire island, and features an international menu.

Floating market in Mekong delta, Vietnam © Shutterstock

The Mekong Delta is easily accessible by road, waterways, and air from various cities in Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City , Can Tho, and Rach Gia. One of the most popular ways to get to the Mekong Delta is by taking a boat tour from Ho Chi Minh City, which allows visitors to explore the picturesque canals and floating markets of the region.

For those who prefer a faster mode of transportation, flights are available from Ho Chi Minh City.

You can cut a fair bit of travel time by taking a flight to or from the delta. Phu Quoc Island has the most connections, with services to the mainland cities of Can Tho, Rach Gia and Ca Mau as well as some from within the delta area itself.

Mekong Delta boat tours

Boat tours provide a great way to explore the Mekong Delta. There are plenty of options for day trips and multi-day liveaboard boat trips available from various cities. However, we recommend choosing just one destination since most day tours follow a similar itinerary.

The number of days needed in the Mekong Delta when travelling there depends on personal preferences and interests, but generally, a 2-3 day trip is recommended to explore the highlights of the region.

This allows for enough time to take a boat tour of the delta's waterways, visit local villages, and sample the region's delicious cuisine. However, for those who want to really immerse themselves in the area's laid-back atmosphere and way of life, a longer stay, perhaps up to a week or more, may be ideal.

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Mekong Delta Vietnam © ImaginativeGifts/Shutterstock

The Mekong Delta offers boat tours, motorbike rentals, public transportation, private cars/drivers, and diverse attractions. Planning ahead is key, especially regarding weather conditions. Heat, humidity, and heavy rain can affect the region. Dressing appropriately and staying hydrated will make your travels more comfortable.

By motorcycle and bike

With the main roads in the Mekong Delta often congested with traffic, it's a great idea to rent a bike or motorbike. This is a fantastic way to fully immerse yourself in the unhurried life of the region.

Locals used to do much of their travelling on the cargo boats that still crawl around the delta’s waterways. However, the increased prevalence of motorbikes has led to many routes being cut, and this is no longer a viable way of getting around for visitors.

There are plenty of bus services to and around the delta, though journeys can be long, and the scenery samey and uninspiring. Traffic has to stop occasionally at the ferries that make road travel in the delta possible, though the completion of some long-awaited bridges has sped up travel times.

Want to know more useful information about Vietnam before your trip? Read our Vietnam travel tips .

The best time to visit the Mekong Delta is during the dry season, which lasts from December to May. During this period, the weather is generally sunny and dry, and the water levels are lower, making it easier to explore the region's waterways.

The wet season, from June to November, can be more challenging for travel due to frequent heavy rain and flooding. However, it's also a great time to witness the vibrant greenery and lush landscapes of the delta, as well as experience the annual floating markets that take place during this time.

RoughGuides Tip : read all about the weather in Vietnam in Best time to Visit Vietnam

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• Guide Mekong Delta Vietnam

A Guide to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Too many tourists think they can see enough of the Mekong Delta on a brief day trip from Ho Chi Minh City – but there’s so much more to it than a pagoda and a floating market. This region is home to unique ecosystems that deserve more than an afternoon in your itinerary. Read our guide to this diverse part of Vietnam to understand why.

What is the mekong delta.

The Mekong Delta is a network of tributaries in southwest Vietnam, between Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia. The river itself starts in the Himalayas and passes through China , Myanmar , Thailand and Cambodia before reaching Vietnam, which partly explains why the waters are so murky.

More than half of Vietnam’s rice and fish comes from the delta region, so you can see how vital it is to the Vietnamese economy, diet and culture. Life in the area revolves around water, from the famous floating markets to vast agricultural industries; a variety of fruits, flowers and livestock grow in the region.

Best Things to See and Do in the Mekong Delta

Architectural Landmark

Hundreds if not thousands of tour groups come to this city every day, making it the most visited city in the Mekong Delta, and an important part of Vietnamese history. Besides their famous floating market, there are also impressive pagodas and local orchards to visit at this city, just two hours from Ho Chi Minh City by bus. Don’t expect to find many off-the-beaten track experiences here, as the destinations are all designed for day trippers – most of the tourism in this city is packaged by the local tourism bureau. Book a guided tour of the city to get the best grasp of Mỹ Tho’s many faces.

Natural Feature

Cần Thơ is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta region and home to the Cái Răng floating market. Here, you’ll see hundreds of boats packed with more varieties of fruits than you ever thought possible. Although Cần Thơ is a large, somewhat industrialised city, it also serves as the cultural centre for the surrounding rural areas. The nice thing about this city is you can get the best of both worlds: comfortable accommodations in the city centre, with easy day trips available to head out and see the picturesque agricultural communities. There aren’t the dance clubs and cocktail bars you find Ho Chi Minh City , but the nightlife is still vibrant. It takes approximately four hours to get to Cần Thơ from Ho Chi Minh City by bus. Be sure to book a tour of the city’s floating markets if you’re in town.

3. Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve

The Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve, protected by UNESCO , is valuable for its rich mangrove forests and wetland ecosystems. This biosphere reserve also helps to protect the region from corrosion – without it, a lot of rich agricultural land would wash out to sea. There are many tours available to the biosphere reserve, and since it’s so near to Ho Chi Minh City , it makes one of the best Vietnamese destinations for a day trip, or a starting point for your trip through the Mekong River Delta.

4. Châu Đốc

For those of you making your way between Vietnam and Cambodia, Châu Đốc is an easy stop along the route. It’s known for its religious and ethnic diversity, which includes Khmer, Chinese, Cham and Vietnamese people. Like most of the Mekong Delta, the surrounding areas are lush with rice paddies and spectacular rural scenes. For a real treat, stay at the Victoria Nui Sam.

5. Sao Beach

Head to Sao Beach on Phú Quốc, a Vietnamese island just off the coast of Cambodia, if you’re looking for a quintessential tropical beach paradise – it has crystal clear waters, white sand and swaying palm trees. The picturesque beach takes its name from the Vietnamese word for “starfish” as the waters used to be full of white starfish at sunset. The south of the beach is often crowded with tourists, but the north is much quieter (and cleaner), and is ideal for snorkelling, swimming and strolling along the shoreline. There are a number of beachside restaurants, as well as the Paradiso Beach Club, which offers showers, massages, a restaurant and a bar.

6. Thoi Son island

This lush island, the largest of four in this part of the Tiền River, with about 1,200ha (3,000 acres), is crisscrossed by canals and waterways. It’s best known for its natural beauty and abundant fruit trees, including rambutan, longan and sapoche that line the shore and supply many of the markets in Tiền Giang province. You can explore the island by boat, before visiting the orchards and spending an afternoon relaxing in hammocks. The island’s historic homes are another attraction: Mr Tam’s house, open to visitors, is an exemplary model of a traditional home, with antique furnishings and a bonsai garden. To reach Thoi Son island, catch the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho, then take a 45-minute boat ride on the Mekong River.

7. Phú Quốc National Park

Natural Feature, Park

The Mekong Delta isn’t just about the rivers – many of the tours also explore the nearby islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Phú Quốc is Vietnam’s largest island and is a relatively unknown tropical paradise where you can immerse yourself in wild nature, deserted palm tree-lined beaches, and forested mountains. More than half of the island’s northern region is protected as a national park and was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2010. Here, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping and bird-watching – and the possibility to see rare wildlife, such as long-tailed macaques, silver langurs, slow lorises and hornbills.

8. Cai Rang Floating Market

Market, Vegetarian

9. Vinh Trang Pagoda

Buddhist Temple

10. Cai Be Floating Market

A decade ago, this beautiful sight in the small town of Cai Be was as big and busy as its counterpart Cai Rang. It’s quieter nowadays and you’ll need to arrive early for the best of the trading as people finish business before mid-morning heats up. For ease, visit from HCM City (an hour’s less travel time than from Cai Rang) and you’ll still get those snaps of locals balancing on barely-there dugouts as they buy bags of baguettes from bobbing barges. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

11. Sampan Cruise

The Mekong Delta delivers an intoxicating mix of drifting serenity and floating-market mayhem, the best way to absorb it all being a two-day cruise aboard a sampan. There are loads of tours to choose from, including plenty that set off from Ho Chi Minh City and drift through the Mekong’s tangled backwaters, canals and floating villages , taking in Cai Be and Cai Ro markets along the way. Cabins and dining rooms, under palm-thatch canopies, are airy and cool at night. Bring plenty of repellent. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

12. Feast on Mekong Delta specialties

There are so many wonderful dishes to try in the region, and even some you would consider weird. 70% of fruits consumed in Vietnam are grown here, so make sure you fill up on as much dragon fruit, pomelo, coconut, mango, rambutan, jackfruit, banana, mangosteen and durian as you can. By the way, you can even eat these fresh from the tree if you pay a visit to a local orchard. Some popular ones include Cai Be Orchard, Phong Dien and My Khanh. A tour of a fruit garden is a great help to support these farmers’ hard work and livelihoods. Recommended by Piumi Rajapaksha .

13. Sóc Trăng

Sóc Trăng is home to the largest population of Khmer people outside of Cambodia , which is why this city has an interesting cultural feel to it that’s different from the Vietnamese cities in the area. The best examples of Khmer culture are the Clay and Bat pagodas, both famous for their intricate designs. This city may not have many flashy things to do, but those who prefer a relaxed experience will enjoy the calm vibes here, especially in the rice paddies that surround the city. If you’re in the area around November or December, be sure to check out the Oc Om Boc festival.

If you plan on visiting Phú Quốc Island , a trip to Rạch Giá is the perfect stop off on route. Several companies operate fast ferries out of Rạch Giá, arriving at various spots around Phú Quốc. Another option is the town of Hà Tiên, which is a little to the northwest from Rạch Giá; ferries leave from there as well, or you can cross into Cambodia. And if boats aren’t your thing, Rạch Giá also has an airport with daily flights.

Ninh Kieu Wharf

In Can Tho city, find peace at this flower-filled park overlooking the Song Hau river. It’s most beautiful at night when the scent of jasmine lingers and walkways sizzle with food stalls. The other eye-catcher is a sinuous pedestrian bridge topped with two giant replica lotus flowers, shimmering green and red on the rippling surface. Couples court strolling arm in arm to Cai Khe, an islet with pretty views of Ninh Kieu and the city skyline. Recommended by Alex Robinson .

Tra Su Mangrove Forest

Packed your binoculars? Not far from Chau Doc city is Tra Su forest, a plantation left to run wild as a reserve in the 1980s. Now it’s a haven for birds, including threatened species such as the painted stork. Between September and November, you’ll see them early morning or late afternoon, when they’re most active and the forest floods. A canoe tour passes along leafy waterways spanned by romantic, rustic wooden bridges. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

Sam Mountain

Above the vast flatness of the Mekong plains, 60km (40mi) or so from the city of Long Xuyen, Sam Mountain (Nui Sam) rises like an isolated blister of rock. It is a sacred site for Buddhists, encircled by a pilgrims’ village and speckled with dozens of pagodas and Buddha statues. Paths take you upwards to a temple at the broad peak. From up here, you can look out over patchworks of paddies cut with ribbons of water and groves of palms. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

Tan Lap Village

Travellers love this rural complex of camps, huts and jetties in the midst of Dong Thap Muoi wetlands close to the Cambodian border; particularly in the wet season, between September and November, when the flower ponds of lotuses are in bloom and locals offer canoe rides. Follow wooden causeways cut among the cajeput trees – known for their essential oils – and climb the observation tower for drone-worthy views over the wilderness. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

Tram Chim National Park

Before they were wrecked by agriculture, reed-bed ecosystems dominated the Mekong Basin. This is why Tram Chin – a government-decreed restoration project – is so internationally important. The nurtured wetland is a crucial habitat for rare species – you may spot the world’s tallest flying bird, the Sarus Crane. It gets busy so arrive early morning – or two hours before sunset on a weekday – when crowds are a trickle and the birds most active. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

Swim in the swamps and try net fishing

Swamps are a lot more fun to swim in than pools, and children in Vietnam love doing it. From September to December is when this activity is at its best because the water levels are higher during this time. Swamp swimming is a particularly favorite play time activity of children in the area, especially on hot afternoons as a great way to cool off. You will also probably come across some locals partaking in net fishing. They will gladly welcome you and let you have a try and your catches will be cooked for dinner. Recommended by Piumi Rajapaksha.

Visit our favorite little coconut candy lady

Many residents of the Mekong Delta specialize in producing goods such as rice paper, coconut candy, bricks, handicrafts and the like. They even open their homes for you to visit, look around and buy items if you wish. One of our favorites is a wonderful lady named Tu Ha who makes the world’s best coconut candy. She is 62 and lives by herself doing what she loves, and part of that is sharing with the rest of the world her delicious sweets. She spends her days making different kinds of candies from coconut and ginger which are packaged and sold off to buyers. She is always open to teach you what the process is like, so go with a local who can help translate. Don’t miss out on the coconut rice wine! Take some back home – it’s delicious, and strong. To get to her, just tell the boat driver “Co Tu Ha” and they will know. An encounter with her will probably be the highlight of your whole adventure. Recommended by Piumi Rajapaksha. Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Mandi Keighran contributed additional reporting to this article.

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Mekong Delta

Known to the Vietnamese as “the River of Nine Dragons”, the Mekong spreads out over the south of Vietnam as an intricate network of tributaries and waterways. The delta is a lush, tropical world of rice paddies, mangrove swamps, and canals with overhanging foliage where boats, stilt houses, and markets float on the life-giving waters of the mighty Mekong.

Blessed with nutrient-rich soils, the Mekong Delta is described as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, and at just ten percent of the country’s landmass it produces almost half of Vietnam’s annual food crops. A cone-hatted farmer working the field with a water buffalo is still a common sight here, the rustic way of life very much in evidence throughout the region. Thrown into the mix are bustling market towns, Khmer temples and remains of Viet Cong bunkers.

Take a sampan trip to a colourful floating market at the crack of dawn and let your oarsman take you on a relaxing ride through a water labyrinth. And if rising early isn’t really your thing, then explore the area on two wheels and experience the legendary hospitality of the local people first-hand.

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How to Spend 2 Days In Mekong Delta? – Suggested Itineraries

Enjoy 2 days in mekong delta with our well-planned itineraries..

• Updated: April 14, 2023 Lina in City Highlights , Beautiful Vietnam , Best of Vietnam , Vietnam Travel Tips 2 comments.

Best Time to Visit Mekong Delta

• Discover the Peaceful Mekong Delta 2 Days
• Discover Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta in 3 Days

Weather in Mekong Delta Vietnam

The Mekong Delta is a year-round destination, with each season offering different pleasures and satisfactions. However, the best time to travel to this region is the floating season which runs from September to December.

• Floating season (September – December): The Mekong Delta has a pleasant climate with little to no rainfall. You can go fishing by traditional wooden boats, discover the pristine nature, and spend time in the orchards.
• Rainy Season (May – October): This is not a bad choice if you are traveling to Cai Be during the rainy seasons, as the rains are short and do not affect your trip.
• Dry season (January – April): It is hot and dry during this period; however, it is the harvesting season so you can join agricultural activities with the locals.

Our advice is to get on Mekong Delta tours in the floating or dry season to fully admire its beauty.

What to Do in 2 Days in Mekong Delta?

Discover a floating market.

Cai Rang floating market

The rushing waters, the plentiful bargains to be had, the incessant haggling, the flourishing stalls of fruit and flowers, and the scents of freshly cooked food that intertwine enticingly, this could be the scene of an ordinary market, but in the Mekong Delta, everything takes place on boats and sampans. Long before becoming a top tourist attraction, floating markets have been a key part of local life and culture for decades.

Floating markets are still central to the economy and livelihoods of many locals, some living in floating houses along the Mekong River. The region currently has five floating markets, including Cai Rang , Cai Be, Phong Dien, Nga Nam, and Long Xuyen. The first two are the most popular, Cai Rang is the largest and busiest, while Cai Be is the only floating market accessible by day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Taste tropical fruits in the orchards

Visit an orchard

Taste the fresh tropical fruits picked directly from the lush orchards of the Mekong Delta. Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise where the trees are laden with ripe fruit, the birds chirp in the background, and the fresh air makes you feel alive. Plan your visit during the summer to taste exotic fruits such as mango, pineapple, papaya, guava, and many more. You will also be able to learn about traditional methods of growing fruits and the local farmers’ passion for their work. Treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime experience of tasting freshly picked fruits and savoring the delicious taste of the tropics on a Mekong Delta tour.

Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, My Tho

Vinh Trang Pagoda, built-in 1849 amidst a lush garden, is the largest pagoda in Tien Giang province. It features a successful fusion of Asian and European architectural styles, giving it a unique beauty. The pagoda houses many precious wooden statues, especially those of 18 Arhats made in 1907 which represent the pinnacle of sculpture in the Mekong Delta. If you are interested in art and history, visiting this pagoda will provide you with an enriching cultural experience and give you an insight into Vietnamese Buddhism.

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Birdwatch at Tra Su Sanctuary, Chau Doc

This bird sanctuary is a true heaven for nature lovers, accessible via a pleasant boat ride that takes you through captivating rivers of lush emerald green, with duckweed, moss, water hyacinths, water lilies, and more. The water channels are lined with melaleuca trees, adding a romantic and dreamlike atmosphere to the experience. More than 70 species of birds inhabit this place, including egrets and herons that you can quietly observe during your walk. Plus, an observation tower offers sweeping views of the vast maze of verdant wetlands.

Birdwatching at Tra Su Sanctuary

Explore Tan Lap Floating Village

The mystical floating forest that rises from swampy rivers in Tan Lap is a highly prized ecological gem across Vietnam. A visit to Tan Lap floating village includes a boat cruise through fascinating wetlands. Water lilies float on the surface of the lakes and if you are lucky, the magnificent lilies can perfume the air. But the highlight of the visit is the walk on the raised walkways between the floating mangrove forest and the imposing cajeput. The intricate network of trees forms a unique microclimate in the Mekong Delta region, and as you walk in the village, you might spot various beautiful animals and birds.

Admire Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House

Visiting the charming town of Sa Dec is a must for lovers of literature and cultural discovery during 2 days in Mekong Delta. This small river town is the birthplace of famous writer Marguerite Duras and the inspiration for her “L’amant” novel. Here, you will have a chance to visit the house of her lover, called Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House – a structure with a good combination of Vietnam and Chinese architecture. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover the charming streets with magnificent colonial buildings in the surroundings.

Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House

Discover the Khmer Empire in Tra Vinh

During your 2 days in Mekong Delta, you should also pay a visit to Tra Vinh province, a fascinating region with a unique cultural identity. Once part of the Khmer Empire, Tra Vinh is famous for being home to more than 300,000 Khmers, constituting about 30% of the region’s population, the highest rate in the Mekong Delta. You will be amazed by the 140 Khmer temples spread across the landscape, whose magnificent golden structures give a unique flavor to the region.

Hang Pagoda in Tra Vinh is also a must-see destination during Mekong Delta tours, known for its 10-hectare grounds filled with trees and birds, as well as its main gate facing the river and its arch-shaped secondary gate. The pagoda is guarded by two statues of Yak, who play an important role in the village by educating virtue and preserving the cultural and artistic tradition. The pagoda also houses a large school for children and small houses on stilts where men offer prayers. Tourists who visit the pagoda at the end of the day can see thousands of storks perched on the tree branches.

Hang Pagoda

Contact with the local people

Coming into contact with the local people of the Mekong Delta is an unforgettable experience. Whether you are looking to experience the local culture or simply hang out with the locals, you will always be warmly welcomed with lots of affection. You can join the local fishermen for a day of fishing, explore the bustling floating markets, or just sit with the locals and listen to their stories. Whichever experience you choose, you’ll be sure to meet welcoming, friendly people who will leave you with long-lasting memories.

Cycle in the countryside

The Mekong Delta, a flat region crossed by many small paths, is ideal for cycling enthusiasts. As you stroll through the paddy fields, tropical orchards, hamlets, and coconut plantations, you can experience rural life in all its simplicity, come into contact with friendly locals, and admire the shades of green in southern Vietnam. By pedaling a little, you can also relieve yourself of guilt before tasting the many culinary specialties of the region. Explore the Mekong Delta by bike for a unique and enriching experience.

>>> Experience more interesting activities in the region with our Mekong Delta Travel Guide .

Suggested Itineraries for 2 Days in Mekong Delta

Itinerary 1: mekong delta 2 days eco tour, day 1: ho chi minh city – my tho – ben tre.

You will be picked up at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and transferred to My Tho, where you visit a bee farm and coconut candy-making villages and experience a lot of interesting activities such as fishing, canoeing, wooden boat rowing, etc.

Day 2: Ben Tre – Ho Chi Minh City

Continue your Mekong Delta tour with a bike ride through the countryside, visiting orchards that cultivate tropical fruits like dragon fruit, grapefruit, oranges, guava, etc., and enjoying the scenic views of rice fields. Then, participate in a cooking class featuring local cuisine.

>>> For the detailed itinerary, please check The Peaceful Mekong Delta 2 Days Tour

Itinerary 2: Mekong Delta Cultural Adventure

Day 1: ho chi minh city – my tho – ben tre – can tho.

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, then take a boat trip to see stilt dwellings and fruit gardens. Proceed to Tortoise Island for lunch. Enjoy rural life, traditional music, and seasonal fruits on a visit to a local family before moving to Can Tho.

Day 2: Cai Rang Floating Market

Embark on a boat trip to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the bustling wholesale market for fruits and vegetables. Explore the town famous for its rice noodle-making by cruising along the canal system.

>>> Consult our detailed itinerary at Tour My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho 2 Days

If you feel like 2 days in Mekong Delta is not enough or you want to relax in peace for a longer duration, you can extend your trip to 3 days or 5 days in Mekong Delta. It doesn’t matter how long you stay here, the region has special things to offer. You can also spend nights on Mekong Delta cruises if your budget allows. Check our list of tours to Mekong Delta or contact us if you need a tailor-made trip.

Unique Local Foods to Try in 2 Days in Mekong Delta

Hu Tieu is ubiquitous in My Tho city of Tien Giang province and many other regions in Southern Vietnam. The noodles made from local rice set this Hu Tieu apart from its counterparts – glassy and tenacious. Typical dressings are pure fish sauce, pork, liver, ground pork, green onions, and chives. A bowl of hot Hu Tieu is perfect for filling the stomach after a long travel day.

The most popular culinary specialty in the Mekong Delta is Lau mam, which features macerated Siamese mud carp or basa fish. This dish is served as a fondue, accompanied by exotic vegetables such as water lilies, common sesban flower, and Sesbania grandiflora flower. These rare vegetables are delicious when dunked in a hot pot with finely cut fish, pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, and squid. A must-do dining experience for anyone visiting the Mekong Delta.

Tropical fruits

As already mentioned, when visiting the Mekong Delta, be sure to visit at least one orchard where there is a variety of fresh tropical fruits. This region is renowned for being a real fruit paradise, offering a multitude of sweet and juicy fruits, such as dragon fruit (thanh long), longan (nhan), rambutan (chom chom), mangosteen (mang cut), and star apple (vu sua). These delicious fruits can be hard to find elsewhere, even in the world’s top foodie destinations. Fresh and ripe fruits await everywhere in the Mekong Delta, providing an unforgettable dining experience for fruit lovers.

Souvenirs to Take Home

The Mekong Delta is rich in local products and souvenirs to take home. The Ba Ba T-shirt is a classic of the region, simple but typical. For coconut lovers, there are many by-products, including soaps, candies, coconut milk rice paper, and even coconut jewelry. Dried fruits are also a popular choice, especially dragon fruit and rambutans, as well as products from sticky rice. You can also find handicrafts, such as wicker baskets and conical hats made by local artisans. Also consider Non La – a typical Vietnamese conical hat, made from palm leaves. Souvenirs from the Mekong Delta allow you to bring home some of the rich and colorful cultures of the region.

With its verdant rice paddies, floating villages, and colorful markets, the Mekong Delta offers a unique and memorable experience. 2 days in Mekong Delta is the perfect time to get a glimpse of the culture and life of local people. If you need help organizing your trip to the Mekong Delta, do not hesitate to  contact us . We’re here to help you make the most of your Mekong Delta tours.

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Hello, everyone. I'm Lina and I'm very passionate about travelling. I've been to almost all the destinations in Vietnam. Therefore, I'm here to provide you exciting informations about my country- Vietnam.

Comments(2)

Which floating market should I visit? Cai Rang, Cai Be, Phong Dien, Nga Nam, or Long Xuyen? Are they the same?

Hi Regina, Floating markets in the Mekong Delta have been a key part of life, where local people buy and sell everything on boats and sampans. You can buy everything, from fruits to flowers, and even sample a hot bowl of “Bun Mam” on boat. Generally speaking, you can enjoy these interesting experiences at any floating markets in Mekong Delta. However, if you want to indulge in the bustling atmosphere, visit Cai Rang floating Market. Long Xuyen and Phong Dien markets are more quiet, where you can go shopping in a tranquil landscape. However, these destinations require you to spend at least 2 days in the Mekong Delta. If you have only 1 day to visit this area from Ho Chi Minh City, just refer to Cai Be floating market. For more detailed information or local support, you can ping us on WhatsApp at (+84)913 000 858. Thank you so much! Best regards, Alice Pham.

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Cycling in the Mekong Delta – Routes, tips & 5 best spots

• Mekong Delta

Cycling in the Mekong Delta is one of the best activities to do. This region is one of the best places for cycling in Vietnam because of the quiet roads, friendly people and beautiful scenery.

• Why cycling

Rent a bike

• Multi-day cycling tours
• Best places for cycling

Why cycling in the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a very flat region, almost the same size as the Netherlands and has 13 provinces. You will find many villages, rice fields and fruit orchards here, which are connected with local quiet roads. The beautiful surroundings, the quiet roads and the flat landscape make cycling in the Mekong Delta extremely popular

While cycling through the Mekong Delta you will meet friendly people. From local school children waving and high-five to the countless shopkeepers and workers in the rice fields and orchards who look up from their work. You can combine cycling in the Mekong Delta with a visit to floating markets, local factories, villages, temples and fruit orchards. Along the way you have a view of the many canals, rivers and the countryside. Because there are not everywhere bridges, there is a good chance that you will have to cross the water with a small pound. It’s all part of a great experience.

Bike tours in the Mekong

There are a number of options for cycling in the Mekong Delta. For example, most homestays have bicycles to borrow for free, with which you can go on your own. Make sure you leave prepared by requesting cycling routes from your accommodation or pinning points in Google Maps / Maps.me .

Another option is to go out with a guide. With a guide you will see more, you will not get lost, you will easily get in touch with the locals and will arrange everything for you along the way. Especially if you like to visit a local factory or orchards while cycling or if you want to combine it with a boat trip, a guide can be useful.

There are several options for cycling through the Mekong Delta with a guide. From Ho Chi Minh City there are organized day or multi-day tours, including cycling. You can also hire a guide from places in the Mekong for a half or full day. What is also becoming increasingly popular are the multi-day cycling tours, where you are on the road in 2, 3 or 4 days or even longer. These are many private tours that are tailor-made. These tours are often a bit more expensive; not only because it is a private tour, but also because there are few good guides who can accompany multi-day cycling tours.

If you want to go without a guide, you have to rent a bicycle yourself. As mentioned above, you can borrow a bicycle for free at most homestays. Just keep in mind that these bikes are not of good quality, making it fine for several hours of use, but not for being on the road all day. For multi-day tours, it is best to rent good quality bicycles, including all the materials you may need on the way for safety and maintenance.

Multi-day cycling tours in the Mekong Delta

Although the speed of a bicycle is not as high as that of a motorcycle or car, its small size or poor visibility may put you at risk on the highway or an intersection. So concentrate while cycling in the Mekong Delta and stop regularly to rest when you are tired. Before you go, you should check the bike and its equipment. Make sure your helmet fits your head properly, does not obstruct your view and that all parts of the bike are working properly. If possible, add the light to the helmet or in front of the steering wheel for a better view and that other drivers can see you at night.

Plan a route

Preparing a specific route before departure is also essential. Hiring a guide may also be necessary. He is the person who shows you the way, how reasonable is the way to take and gives you the necessary information about what you are going through.

What to bring

Things like identification, telephone and money are not only important for you when traveling, but also important in difficult situations. In dangerous situations like missing or life threatening, these things are important to help the authorities rescue and help you. In addition, cycling consumes a lot of energy, maybe hundreds or even thousands of calories. Wear light and healthy snacks to avoid hypoglycemia or energy deficiency. You can bring fruits such as bananas, apples or dried goods, peanut butter, bread during the road break.

Best places for cycling in the Mekong Delta

The best regions for cycling in the Mekong Delta are Can Tho , Ben Tre , Cai Be , An Giang and Vinh Long . Actually every region is good for cycling, only the places mentioned are more developed for tourism. This means that bicycles can be rented and borrowed at more places, marked cycling routes are available and guides are available.

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Local tip! You might like these experiences

Mekong Lodge local experience in Cai Be 2 days

• Explore the Mekong Delta by cycling through the country side
• Enjoy a boat trip over the river and through smaller canals
• Make a visit to the Cai Be Floating Market
• Stay overnight in a stunning resort with swimming pool and bungalow style rooms
• Experience local life at small villages

Local Mekong Delta homestay experience & floating markets

• An authentic and personal Mekong Delta experience
• Stay overnight in a local but modern homestay next to the river
• Go cycling through the countryside and explore local life
• Enjoy a boat tour through the canals and visit 2 floating markets

Deeper into the Mekong Delta tour (Ben Tre)

• Visit the less crowded area of the Mekong Delta.
• Enjoy a boat trip over the Mekong Delta river.
• Visit different local villages and workshops along the river.
• Destination: Mekong Delta
• By: Marnick Schoonderwoerd
• June 23, 2021
• No Comments

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