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19 Best Places To Visit In The Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, tributaries, stilt houses, and rice fields 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. Scattered within the giant Delta are numerous places to visit that give you amazing insight into what life may be like in the Vietnamese countryside.

The colorful collection of towns sprinkled along the banks of the Mekong River are blessed with dazzling blue skies, brimming with exotic fruits, and dotted with markets, temples and colonial-era mansions. Many Mekong Delta attractions are visited on a Mekong Cruise , to others you need to get on your own. The mangroves, the bird sanctuaries, networks of canals are some of the ideas for the adventure holiday in Vietnam .  Here are the best places to visit in Mekong Delta

Ben Tre is one of the towns closest to Ho Chi Minh City, and therefore an easy place to see on a day tour from Saigon . However, like every Mekong Delta province, Ben Tre has its own share of secret spots where you can easily hide away in a riverfront homestay for several days. Whether you’re coming for a quick trip or a longer retreat, Ben Tre delivers an abundance of treasures.

A boat ride along the nipa palm-fringed canals is a great way to go. Most boat tours stop at a coconut candy workshop, where you can taste as much coconut candy as you like while you watch the process from harvesting to packaging.

Hon Son Island

Hon Son, also known as Lai Son, is a solitary and beautiful mountain island about 30 miles southwest of Rach Gia. It is very undeveloped and has some pretty coastline, with a single road circling the island and connecting a handful of communities and remote beaches. The island is ringed by some large rock formations making for good photo opportunities. In the north, Bai Bac and Bai Bo are the best beaches, but Bai Bang, in the east, is also popular thanks to a horizontal coconut palm and lots of strategically placed swings.

Phu Quoc National Park

The Mekong Delta isn’t just about the rivers, it’s also about the nearby islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Phu Quoc 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 birdwatching, as well as the possibility of seeing rare wildlife, such as long-tailed macaques, silver langurs, slow lorises and hornbills.

With picture-perfect white sand and swaying palm trees, the delightful Sao Beach, on Phu Quoc Island, presents a quintessential tropical paradise, alongside a crystal-clear sea near An Thoi, the main shipping port at the southern tip of the island. 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 quiet north side is ideal for snorkeling, swimming and strolling along the shoreline.

Long Beach on Phu Quoc Island is draped invitingly along the west coast from Duong Dong to An Thoi. With its west-facing aspect, the sunsets here can be astonishing. A motorbike or bicycle is necessary to reach some of the beach’s remote stretches towards the southern end of the island.

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 chartering a boat for an awesome day of sightseeing, fishing, swimming and snorkeling. Hon Thom (Pineapple Island) is about two miles in length and is the largest island in the group; it’s now connected to Phu Quoc by the Hon Thom Cable Car, the world’s longest over-sea ride.

Thoi Son Island

This lush island, located in the lower part of Tien River, covers about 3,000 acres, crisscrossed by canals and waterways. It’s best known for its natural beauty and abundant fruit trees, including rambutan, longan and sapoche, which line the shore and supply many of the markets in Tien 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.

Tra Su Bird Sanctuary

Tra Su Bird Sanctuary is a place for nature lovers, well known for its ecological richness as well as its wild beauty and is one of the Mekong Delta best places to see if you are in Chau Doc. This immense forest is home to an astounding number of wading birds. Much of the wetland is off-limits to visitors so that the birds’ breeding grounds are not disturbed, but visits include a short speedboat ride and a tranquil 20-minute paddle along narrow channels through the gnarled and green sunken forest. The best time to visit is December to January, when the chicks hatch.

Tra Su Mangrove Forest

This fascinating ecotourism site is a vibrant forested area that is dry most of the year. However, at the end of the year during the rainy season, the area turns into a flooded forest, making it ideal for a guided boat tour through the region. Best months to visit are from September to November.

Bang Lang Stork Garden

On the road between Can Tho and Long Xuyen, this magnificent bird sanctuary is home to thousands of storks and snowy egrets. There is a tall viewing platform to see the birds filling the branches, but the best times to view this incredible sight are around dawn and dusk.

Tram Chim National Park

Tram Chim National Park of Dong Thap province is also called the kingdom of birds in Vietnam, home to more than 220 species of birds, many of which are endangered and rare. March or April are the best months to go birdwatching in this part of the region. It is particularly notable for its rare red-headed cranes which nest here from about December to May; from June to November they migrate to northwest Cambodia.

Mui Nai Beach

The best of the Gulf of Thailand beaches, the water here is incredibly warm and becalmed, and therefore perfect for taking a dip, while the beach is much improved thanks to the sand imported from Phu Quoc Island, all set beneath a canopy of lofty palms.

Sam Mountain

At 750ft high, this is the tallest mountain in Mekong Delta, located in the west of Chau Doc Town. It features one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam with endless rice fields. From the top of the mountain, is a great view of the surrounding countryside looking towards Cambodia. For the Vietnamese, it’s also an important place of Buddhist pilgrimage.

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 lower part of the pagoda includes monks’ quarters and two hexagonal tombs in which the founder of the pagoda, a female tailor named Le Thi Tho, and a former head monk, Thich Hue Thien, are buried. The upper section has two parts: the main sanctuary, and an astounding complex of caverns and grottoes.

Xeo Quyt Forest

The magnificent Xeo Quyt Forest near My Hiep village is one vast swamp beneath a beautiful thick canopy of tall trees and vines. It hides the remains of Viet Cong bunkers, which can be seen on a canoe tour inside the forest and on foot along the walking trails.

U Minh Ha Mangrove Forests, Ca Mau

Ca Mau is one of the provinces in the Mekong Delta that owns a golden treasure of coastal mangrove ecosystems. The forest is filled with seawater and the water surfaces are green due to the presence of water ferns.

Home to the largest population of Khmer people outside of Cambodia, the city of Soc Trang presents an interesting cultural feel that’s different from the other cities in the area. The best examples of Khmer culture are the Clay and Bat pagodas, both famous for their intricate designs. For a relaxing experience, visit the rice fields which surround the city. If you’re in the area around November or December, be sure to check out the Oc Om Boc festival.

Can Gio Biosphere Reserve

Protected by UNESCO, this reserve is valuable for its rich mangrove forests and wetland ecosystems, while also helping to protect the region from corrosion. As it’s near to Ho Chi Minh City, it makes for a great day trip, or a starting point for your journey through the Mekong River Delta.

The city of Chau Doc is 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 fields and spectacular rural scenes. For a real treat, stay at the Victoria Nui Sam.

While Rainforest Cruises aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein or found by following any link on this site. Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

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The Mekong Delta, Vietnam

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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

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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.

Looking for inspiration ? Check our Vietnam itineraries

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.

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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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 21.09.2023

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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.

Mekong Experience: My Tho & Ben Tre

Cai Be Village Mekong Delta Tour

Discover Mekong Delta Full Day 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

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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, Currency, Timezone, Voltage, ATMs, Credit Cards, Internet, SIM Cards, Tips

• 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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Top Things to See & Do in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Is it any surprise that this natural wonder features on practically every Vietnam visitor’s bucket list? Fecund and atmospheric, the Mekong Delta is one of the most expansive wetlands in Asia, formed by the vein-like tributaries of the river, where it idles into the Gulf of Thailand. This is an ecologically fragile place where humans have made huge inroads, yet beauty hangs on in there. Rare wildlife, abundant forests and low-level yet vibrant floating markets all await.

1. enjoy a romantic evening at ninh kieu wharf.

2. Browse Cai Rang Floating Market

Market, Vegetarian

3. Stroll the brilliant Vinh Trang Pagoda

Buddhist Temple

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5. Relax in Phu Quoc National Park

Natural Feature, Park

Phu Quoc, across from the Delta in the Gulf of Thailand, is a popular resort island. Its forests – protected as a National Park – are a refuge for hornbills, nocturnal lorises and long-tailed macaques. A lot of it is off-limits but visitors can wildlife-spot in the Khu Rung Nguyen Sinh Forest – or hike to the peak at Mount Heaven.

6. Disappear into Tra Su Mangrove Forest

Natural Feature

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.

7. 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.

8. Tan Lap Village

Architectural Landmark

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.

9. Tram Chim National Park

10. 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. Most tours leave 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.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Piumi Rajapaksha .

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Mekong Delta best things to do & travel guide

Many tourists think they can see enough of the Mekong Delta during a short day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. However, there is so much more than a pagoda and a floating market. This region is home to unique ecosystems and various unique communities.

5 reasons to visit Mekong Delta

• Take a boat trip through the small waterways of the Mekong
• Visit a floating market
• Discover the unique life of the local population
• Visit a National Park to spot more than 100 different birds
• Cycle through the rice fields and local villages

What is in this Mekong Delta travel guide

Practical information, best time to visit.

• 10 best things to do
• Best hotels & hostels

How to get there

How to get around, book your local mekong delta experience, recommended days to stay.

The Mekong Delta is a huge area that many travelers visit in a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. But especially if you want to see the floating markets early morning, it is recommended to at least go for two fulls days.

ATM's & money exchange

ATMs are mainly found in the cities. Cash is preferred, but debit and credit cards can be used in many hotels.

Local events and holidays

• Oc Bom Boc Festival : Once a year the Khmer community from all over Vietnam and even Cambodia appears for this festival, with boat racing on the Soc Trang River. Races are held according to the lunar calendar on the 15th day of the 10th moon (approximately in November)
• Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year):  Around February every year you can see how the locals prepare their festivities. They decorate their houses with flowers and prepare special dishes that are made only during this time.
• Best travel time : The weather is pleasant all year round. Even when it rains, you still see interesting aspects of local life.
• If you want to avoid the rain, visit the Mekong Delta between December and March.
• May to August: Summer in Vietnam and this is the season that a lot of fruit grows in the area.
• Rainy season: September to November is the rainy season with many floods.

10 best things to do in Mekong Delta

Tourists not only come here for the beautiful rice fields and the mighty Mekong Delta. What the Mekong Delta is mainly known for is the life around the river. The residents in the region are friendly and open. And in addition to viewing the rice fields, you can taste colorful fruits, visit orchards or fish farms, visit floating markets and villages, cook at the locals or do a homestay in one of the many traditional villages.

Here is the complete list of best things to do in the Mekong Delta.

1. Boat trip

• Tip: If you fancy a wonderful boat trip, check out our Mekong Delta tours . As an alternative to these boat trips, you can also take a look at our Mekong Delta cruise , where you spend the night on a luxury boat while cruising through the Mekong.

2. Floating markets

• 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.

3. Explore the Mekong by bicycle

The Mekong Delta is as flat as a pancake. In addition, there are countless roads through the countryside connecting all the villages, small local factories, rice fields and fruit orchards. In addition, you will hardly find any traffic on these rural roads. This complete combination makes this area the best place for cycling in Vietnam .

Bicycles can be borrowed for free at most accommodations located in the countryside. You can go on your own or with a guide. Either way, you will enjoy the beautiful landscapes, friendly people and quiet roads. Because of the many rivers and canals, it can happen that you have to sail with a pound or have to use bridges made by the local population.

4. Tra Su Indigo Forest

In addition to the villages and countryside, you will also find vegetation and nature that are unique to this region. The Tra Su Indigo Forest is one of these places. Here you will find a forest that is completely flooded, with many rare species of faunas, some of which are on the endangered list. A motor boat makes it possible to sail through this forest. Along the way you can take beautiful photos and spot birds.

5. Stay in a homestay

Spending a day in a homestay in the Mekong Delta is the best option to relax and enjoy a peaceful life, and you will also learn more about the local culture.

The big advantage of a homestay is that it is a more personal experience. Stay with a local family where you learn more or their culture. You do not have to worry about the lack of comfort, because some homestays have a lot of luxury and sometimes even a swimming pool.

6. Tram Chim National Park

Tram Chim National Park is a biological treasure house with no less than a quarter of the bird population in Vietnam. This makes it one of the best national parks in Vietnam . 

Bird spotting in general is already one of the best things to do in the Mekong Delta, because you find a lot of rare birds here and there are huge areas of reserves for them to live. The park is located in Dong Thap province, close to the cities of Chau Doc and Long Xuyen. The area is a submerged in-land ecosystem that you explore by boat. 

7. Picking fruit

The Mekong Delta provides 70% of the fruit consumed in all of Vietnam, and there are numerous fruit orchards spread across the various provinces that make up the Delta. When exploring the area by bike or boat, you can stop at a fruit orchard and pick your own fruit to eat.

8. Climb Sam Mountain

Sam Mountain is more of a hill than a mountain, with dozens of pagodas, tombs and even a temple on the way to the top. The views from the hill are beautiful, with rice fields, pole villages and beautiful greenery. This pilgrimage site is located in An Giang province near Chau Doc and the Cambodian border.

9. Bang Lang stork garden

The Bang Lang stork garden is one of the best stork sanctuaries in the Mekong Delta. It is surrounded by immense rice fields and the Can Tho canals. Again, a boat trip through the nature reserve is the best way to spot the birds and explore the reserve.

10. Vinh Trang Pagoda

One of the best things to do in the Mekong Delta is to visit the many different temples and pagodas. The Vinh Trang Pagoda is the most famous in this region, built in 1849. The pagoda brings together Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer and European architecture and features various Buddha statues. The temple is located in Tien Giang province, only 5 km from My Tho.

Best hotels & hostels in Mekong Delta

Where to stay.

an important market town in the Mekong region. Because it is a local trade center, this city is quite busy compared to some of the quieter destinations in the area. This makes it an interesting place to visit and see the daily bustle of the many local shops and stalls. It is also a great place to start if you want to see the famous floating markets on the way to Can Tho.

Just a short drive past the busy My Tho, you’ll find quiet Ben Tre, a picturesque province. Stay here for the tranquility of this area and enjoy the beautiful natural environment full of tropical flowers and green foliage waterways. Boat trips are the center of a visit to Ben Tre.

The largest city of the Mekong Delta, is also one of the most popular destinations in the Delta region, mainly due to the famous floating markets. It is a good place to observe life in the river. It is an important transport hub for the surrounding towns and villages. Great photo spots in the area – small villages, cycle paths, green countryside intersected by local canals and floating markets.

Flights to Mekong Delta

Buses to mekong delta.

Although there are 12 provinces that are part of the Mekong Delta, the usual route for most tourists to reach this destination is from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho. It takes approximately three hours to reach the Mekong Delta by bus.

The most popular way to discover the Mekong Delta is by tour. This is a good option if you don’t have much time.

Private cars to Mekong Delta

Nowadays many families consider renting a car because of the comfort and convenience, this service is also offered by many hotels. You always rent a car with a driver, because you cannot drive without a valid Vietnamese driver’s license.

Boat – Some delta cities have boat connections between them, although road improvement and building bridges reduce water travel. It is still the best way to explore the small waterways and floating markets in the Mekong.

Bus – It is easy to travel by public transport and the bus connections are excellent. Every city has a main bus station for both buses and minibuses.

Bicycle, motorcycle and car – The most flexible transport option is a private car, a bicycle or a rented motorcycle. Riding a bike or motorbike around the delta is fun, especially along the maze of country roads. The delta is fairly flat, but be prepared for toll roads and ferries, although these are gradually being replaced by new bridges. Ferries are cheap and frequent.

Itinerary 2 days in Mekong Delta

• Take a bus or car to Can Tho and stay outside the city on the countryside
• Jump on a bike to start exploring the area with orchards, canals, rice fields and pagodas. 
• Very early in the morning you go by boat to the Cai Rang floating market and the Phong Dien Floating Market.
• After that you explore the rivers and smaller canals. Enjoy local life and visit some factories, villages and orchards.

More tips for traveling in Mekong Delta

Where to go next.

From the Mekong Delta you can travel by fast ferry to Phu Quoc (which is officially also part of the Mekong). You can also take a bus into Cambodia.

Going up north you will always first need to travel to Ho Chi Minh City first. You can also take flights from Can Tho to Da Nang and Hanoi .

Mekong Delta with kids

The Mekong Delta is the perfect place to bring children. Make fun boat trips and cycle with them through the peaceful countryside. It is recommended to book an accommodation with a pool, like our Mekong Lodge experience .

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Ultimate Travel Guide to Mekong Delta Vietnam

Mekong Delta or ‘Mien Tay’ – the endearing name Vietnamese people often call the land – has always been the most unique destination in Vietnam. With most of the land covered and divided by wetlands and rivers, Mekong Delta has developed a unique way of life and culture adapting to its geographical characteristics. There’re a lot of things to do in Mekong Delta Vietnam – the region that includes 13 provinces/cities with immense beauties and cultural charms.

Table of Contents

• 1 Where is Mekong Delta
• 2 Mekong River
• 3.1.1 Cai Rang Floating Market – Can Tho
• 3.1.2 Nga Bay/Phung Hiep Floating Market
• 3.1.3 Cai Be Floating Market – Tien Giang
• 3.1.4 Nga Nam Floating Market – Soc Trang
• 3.2 Discover Tan Chau Silk Village – An Giang
• 3.3 Discover Tra Su Cajuput Forest – An Giang
• 3.4 Taste the freshness of fruits in Cai Be Fruit Orchard – Tien Giang
• 3.5 Bird Watching at Tram Chim National Park – Dong Thap
• 3.6 Sampan Cruise in My Tho
• 3.7.1 Vinh Trang Temple, My Tho
• 3.7.2 Bat Pagoda (Mahatup Pagoda)
• 4.1 Cruises’ Amenities
• 4.2 Cruise Itinerary
• 5.1 Duong Dua (Coconut Larvae)
• 6 How to Get to Mekong Delta

Where is Mekong Delta

Mekong River

Things to Do in Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta is a large region with a lot of sites to check out and it’s understandable if you feel a bit overwhelmed. We list here all the must-have things to do and see in Mekong Delta for a trip under 9 days.

Visit floating markets to enjoy the daily life on the Mekong River

Cai rang floating market – can tho.

Nga Bay/Phung Hiep Floating Market

Cai Be Floating Market – Tien Giang

Cai Be province is located 80km away from HCMC through the 1A highway. You can there by booking a private tour or getting a taxi. Once you’re in the province, ask the local people for directions to the market.

Boat rental is available for a 2-hour tour with a tour guide costing $2/person. Private boat for a group of 10 costs $25/boat.

Nga Nam Floating Market – Soc Trang

• Things that are hung but not for sale: a large number of residents in the Mekong Delta live on a boat so they might hang their clothes for drying which can sometimes be mistaken for merchandise.
• Things that are for sale but not hung: mostly foods and drinks which are very difficult to hang up a stick.
• Hang one but sell another: when traders hang coconut leaf on the lateral bar, it says that they want to sell the boat.

Discover Tan Chau Silk Village – An Giang

Discover tra su cajuput forest – an giang.

Taste the freshness of fruits in Cai Be Fruit Orchard – Tien Giang

Bird Watching at Tram Chim National Park – Dong Thap

Sampan Cruise in My Tho

Visit the Temples in Mekong Delta Vietnam

Vinh trang temple, my tho.

Bat Pagoda (Mahatup Pagoda)

Mekong delta tour – river cruises, cruises’ amenities.

Cruise Itinerary

What to eat in mekong delta, duong dua (coconut larvae).

How to Get to Mekong Delta

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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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Visit Mekong Delta, Vietnam

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In Southern Vietnam, the River Mekong unravels into nine sprawling rivers, forming the fertile Mekong Delta. It’s here the river rules. Daily life flows with the ever-changing waters, fisheries thrive during the annual flood and rice fields are quickly dug as the waters recede.

The towns bustle with vendors trading their fresh produce, an endless flow of river traffic passing through daily. Veer off into a smaller stream and you’ll find orchards, Buddhist temples and family homes clinging to the banks of the river.

Completely focused around the water, the Mekong Delta shows you a way of life that has continued unchanged for hundreds of years. You’ll see fruit orchards, rice paddies and floating markets — every inch is filled with life.

Things to see and do on the Mekong Delta

Paddle through the floating markets of cai rang.

Nicknamed ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’, the Mekong Delta yields a large proportion of the country’s fresh produce. You can see the region’s flourishing agricultural trade at one of the many floating markets where stalls take the form of boats that converge at trading posts on the water in large numbers.

Cai Rang is one of the biggest. Boats are filled with teetering piles of fruit and vegetables, from carefully balanced watermelons, to bright flowers. From a nearby bridge it’s possible to see right across the market, the throng of boats making it difficult to glimpse the water. For the best vantage point, you can travel in a traditional boat through the market, watching buyers carefully examine the produce and deals being brokered.

Stay with a local family in Vinh Long

A major transit hub, Vinh Long has good connections to Vietnam’s outer islands and its mainland. Tucked down the surrounding network of streams and canals are many family homes, which take advantage of the flow of traffic to trade. Many families now welcome visitors as guests, giving you the opportunity to experience daily life on the Mekong.

The homes sit on the riverbank, surrounded by gardens that nearly always include a small tropical fruit orchard. You'll have your own (basic, but spotlessly clean) room to stay in. Sitting down to enjoy home-cooked meals with your host family, you’ll find them keen to share more about their culture.

Take a walk through the sleepy port of Sa Dec

Once simply a stopping point for longer cruises and the site of a former US patrol base, Sa Dec is now a thriving river trading port. It still only gets a trickle of visitors and, because of this, has managed to keep its laid-back, local feel.

The city’s tree-lined streets hide French colonial terraced houses with pastel stuccoed frontages. The most impressive is the Huynh Thuy Le Old House, once the residence of a rich Chinese family. Huynh Thuy Le was the son of the family, and it’s his affair with the French writer Marguerite Duras that inspired her semi-autobiographical novel, The Lover .

Squeeze through the closely packed umbrella stalls of Nguyen Hué Street and you’ll find Sa Dec’s riverside market. Clinging to the side of a busy river passage, piles of fruit and vegetables are sold while children play alongside and old women prepare fish ready for lunch.

View the delta from Sam Mountain

Chau Doc, a busy delta town close to the Cambodian border, is defined by Sam Mountain poking up from its paddy fields. Only 182 m (597 ft) high, this pinnacle still manages to dominate the flat landscape. Climbing up to the peak affords you views right across the delta to Cambodia.

A sacred site for Buddhists, prepare to explore many of the mountain’s brightly painted temples and tombs on your climb. You also follow a bizarre trail of ceramic dinosaurs to the summit. The tin hut at the top acts as a lookout tower and is manned by the Vietnamese military to monitor the Cambodian border.

The path is lit, making it possible to climb at dawn and watch the sunrise from the mountain top. As cafés and shops are crammed into every available space, it’s easy to find a spot for breakfast afterwards.

Cruise the Mekong Delta on a converted rice barge

Converted rice barges, such as the Bassac fleet, carry passengers on one- or two-night cruises along the Mekong Delta . From your vantage point on the water, it’s easy to watch local life drift past.

The vessels are beautifully crafted and retain their original hand-carved charm. The cabins are well sized and furnished with local textiles. As you explore the local villages and floating markets, your on-board guide will recount the history of the rice barges that used to frequent the route.

Best time to visit the Mekong Delta

It’s best to visit the Mekong Delta between October and March when the water levels are high enough for boat markets, sailing trips and to watch the busiest river life. January to March offers the best overall weather throughout Vietnam, although prices can rise dramatically around Tet time, when shops and restaurants also tend to close for a few days. For good-value hotels, try visiting in late September when the monsoon rains have left lush foliage and the harvest will be in full swing.

Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit

• In late November, Vietnam’s Khmer ethnic people celebrate the Ok Om Bok Festival on the day of the full moon. Celebrating the harvest, they show their gratitude to the moon goddess with boat races, dance performances and games. Each village hosts its own small festival, gathering around the local pagoda.
• The lunar New Year, known as Tet, tends to fall in late January or early February. Towns and cities are covered in bright flags and lights of yellow, which is considered lucky. It’s also the flower season for the Mekong Delta and you might see boats completely filled with yellow flowers as part of the celebrations.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Mekong Delta by contacting one of our Vietnam specialists

• 617-223-4521 617-223-4120
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Places to visit in Mekong Delta

Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Mekong Delta, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.

Suggested itineraries featuring Mekong Delta

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Mekong Delta, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Vietnam's Mekong Delta

10 days from $4,140pp

Exploring the Mekong & Angkor Wat

12 days from $5,425pp

Following the Mekong: Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

20 days from $10,615pp

Family adventure to Vietnam

16 days from $8,180pp

Highlights of Vietnam

14 days from $6,980pp

Grand tour of Indochina: Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia

22 days from $22,310pp

Luxury tour of Vietnam

14 days from $12,995pp

Classic Vietnam tour

17 days from $7,375pp

Map of Mekong Delta

Places & hotels on the map, places in and around mekong delta.

• Cai Be Mekong Delta
• Can Tho Mekong Delta
• Chau Doc Mekong Delta
• Ho Chi Minh City 81 miles away
• Con Dao Islands 107 miles away
• Phu Quoc 124 miles away
• Cat Tien National Park 141 miles away
• Mui Ne & Phan Thiet 170 miles away
• Dalat 224 miles away
• Central Highlands 239 miles away
• Buon Ma Thuot 239 miles away
• Nha Trang 278 miles away

Photos of Mekong Delta

Our expert guides to exploring Mekong Delta

Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Mekong Delta, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Mekong Delta at its best.

Way down south — why you should journey deeper into Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

There’s so much to the Mekong Delta, you could spend an entire trip exploring it, trying everything from cycle tours to sampan cruises. Craig from our Vietnam team has curated a tour through the region based on his own experience.

Accommodation choices for Mekong Delta

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Mekong Delta. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Victoria Can Tho Resort

Victoria Chau Doc

Ut Trinh Homestay

Mekong Lodge

Ideas for experiencing mekong delta.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Mekong Delta, and which use the best local guides.

Cruising the Mekong

A beautifully crafted wooden boat, the R/V Bassac offers comfortable twin cabins with en suite bathrooms, a sun deck and a superb restaurant with bar.

RV Mekong Cruise Boat

This fine replica of an original 1920s river steamer has teak-lined twin cabins, all with air-conditioning, en suite shower and bathroom.

Cai Rang Floating Market

Board the Victoria hotel’s 'junk' for a luxurious breakfast cruising down the Mekong to the Cai Rang floating market where a mass of boats converge to trade.

The Delta by Bike

Riding mostly down narrow lanes along the river and away from the bustle of daily traffic, you experience real Vietnamese rural life, still unspoilt by modern day living — people working in the river, friendly waving children.

• Customized Tour

Things to do in Mekong Delta

It is not exaggerated to say that a trip to Mekong Delta (locally called “Mien Tay”) is a must when visiting Vietnam, especially for those who love nature, rural life and local culture. Due to its special geography characteristics, the local people have created a unique way of life attached to rivers, which appeals a lot of travelers. A day tour from Saigon to Mekong Delta is enough for you to get a glimpse of this region but it offers much more if you have time to experience all things to do in Mekong Delta listed below in your journey to Vietnam. Let’s check them out:

Table of Contents

What is Mekong Delta?

1. visit mekong delta floating markets, 2. take a traditional sampan tour, 3. cycle around the villages, 4. explore tra su cajuput forest, 5. try fresh tropical fruits in mekong delta orchards, 6. go bird-watching, 7. overnight on mekong delta cruise.

Mekong Delta is a southwestern region of Vietnam. The total area of the whole region is about 39,000 square kilometers. It is famous for a massive rice basket and a heaven for tropical fruits of the country . 70% of tropical fruits and 60% of exported rice are from Mekong Delta. Besides, this region is considered as the biological treasure trove with over 1,000 different species.

Fruits and vegetables are loaded in the boats for trading in floating markets

There are 12 provinces and 1 city in Mekong Delta with the immense beauties and cultural charms. Local people depend mostly on agriculture and water to make living so floating markets and floating houses are built to adapt with rising water in flood season. This floating lifestyle makes Mekong Delta more unique and special. Motorboat and sampan are two convenient means of transportations for locals to travel around.

What to do in Mekong Delta

Enjoy our list of Top 7 Things to Do in Mekong Delta below.

Your trip to Mekong Delta will not complete without a visit to vibrant floating markets. Markets are organized on the river and goods are transported by the local sampans and motorized boats. To attract and let buyers know about their products, sellers hang samples of product on the top of a bamboo pole, called “cay beo”. This is a unique characteristic in Mekong Delta that you cannot find in anywhere else.

Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho with a lot of sampans and motorized boats

There is nothing more than sitting on a narrow boat, called sampan and go inside to the markets, try some local foods and buy some fruits… to learn more about the way of life, daily activities and culture of local people. The floating markets is open very early in the morning, usually from 3 or 4 am. You should start your tour to floating markets around 6-7am to see the most dynamic and best scenes with crowded people and boats gathering to exchange products, mainly tropical fruits and vegetables. The most famous floating markets in Mekong Delta are Cai Be (in Tien Giang) and Cai Rang (in Can Tho). It will take you normally 2 days to explore these two markets from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). There are also other interesting floating markets in the region such as Phong Dien , Tra On , Long Xuyen…

For further details, keep reading at: 7 Amazing Floating Markets in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

A foreign tourist take a traditional sampan to explore Mekong Delta region

A boat trip is available for tourists in Mekong Delta region, especially in Cai Be and Ben Tre with only 2-hour drive from Saigon. You can take a day tour to one of these two places or continue further to Can Tho and Chau Doc. Traveling by a traditional sampan through zigzag small canals under shades of water coconuts trees is truly a wonderful way to discover the beauty and uniqueness of Mekong Delta. Along the journey, tourists will make some numerous stops to visit a local fruit orchard, coconut candy factory or brick kiln… to interact with local people as well as understand more their daily life.

Cycling around small villages in Mekong Delta is an exciting activity

Another way to explore Vietnam’s “rice bowl” is to cycle through the lush countryside and sleepy villages of the Mekong Delta, which takes you deep into the agricultural heart of the country. The quiet back roads, friendly local people, peaceful space and stunning sceneries are what you will encounter on your ride. It is absolutely a chance to take a deep breath, stay calm and relax.

The only way to go deeply inside Tra Su Forest is by boat with local tour guide

Tra Su cajuput forest is a great place to explore the wild nature with diverse flora and fauna. It has long been a tourist attraction in Chau Doc particularly and Mekong Delta region generally. The best time to visit Tra Su cajuput forest is in rainy season (flood season) when the forest is dressed up with the appealing look of the green duckweed carpet covering the whole large area.

To go inside and explore the forest, tourists will take a boat trip with local guide, paddling along small canals. While immersing yourself in a peaceful and airy atmosphere, you will be in awe of seeing many kinds of birds, storks… finding food around or local farmers on their paddies and orchards. Besides, trying some specialties in the middle of forest at the end of the trip is absolutely interesting.

Take a look at Tra Su Cajuput Forest for more information about best time to visit and how to get there.

Tourists can try many kinds of fruits right in orchards in Mekong Delta (Photo by Đinh Văn Linh)

Mekong Delta provides almost 70% of the fruit consumed throughout Vietnam and this is definitely a fruit paradise with a dozen different tropical fruits such as coconut, durian, mango, mangosteen, pineapple, jackfruit, dragon fruit, pomelo, grapefruit, orange…, just to name a few. Especially, you can visit the fruit orchards in the region, pick the ripe fruit right off the trees and enjoy its freshness. It is the best experience ever.

Thousands of storks and birds flying back their nests at sunset

For bird watching and bird photography, Mekong Delta is an ideal location to go with a collection of wildlife sanctuaries. About 350 species of birds have been recorded in this region which mainly water birds. However, many of them are endangered or threatened such as Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Bengal Florican. Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap (more than 3-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City) is home to 200 bird species while Tra Su holds a plenty of winged wildlife in its flooded forests. Besides, Bang Lang Stork Garden is a great place to see thousands of storks, which are mainly white storks and blue storks.

Tourists enjoy stunning sunset on a Mekong Cruise – an interesting experience

If you are familiar with an overnight cruise on Halong Bay – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mekong Delta overnight cruise will give you a definitely different experience. This is the best way to escape from the crowded city life and truly immerse in the nature, on waterways of Mekong Delta. There are many types of cruises, length of the trip and activities for you to choose the best suitable option. During the journey, you will stop at some key sites of the region to get more close touch and interact with local people.

Let’s check out our Mekong Cruises to get more ideas.

Related Posts

Mekong Delta Floating Markets – A Unique Cultural Experience

Top Luxury Mekong River Cruises

The Most Delicious Tropical Fruits of Vietnam

Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Overview Of Chau Doc

Cai Rang Floating Market

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Mekong Delta Transportation Guide: How to Get to & Getting around

Getting to and around Delta is such a great experience due to beautiful scenery, hospital and friendly people, unique culture and convenient transportation.

The way to get to and around the Mekong River Delta is now easier thanks to the development of the modern system of the roadway and waterway. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose the most suitable transportation type to get there and get around the delta.

Below we introduce a quick guide to Mekong Delta transportation, helping you know how to get to Mekong delta and getting around there with ease. Let’s see!

Overview of Mekong Delta Transportation

To get to Mekong Delta, you follow National Highway 1, connecting Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho (Tien Giang), Vinh Long and ending in Can Tho. There are several other highways connecting the main cities of the whole region. Roads in Can Tho, Chau Doc, Rach Gia and My Tho are generally easy to go, while in local villages, there are narrow footpaths with very peaceful surroundings.

When traveling to Mekong River delta, you will see many long cable-stayed bridges, which were built not long ago to help people travel more conveniently. My Thuan Bridge connects Cai Be (Tien Giang) with Vinh Long. Rach Gia Bridge connects My Tho and Ben Tre, making this no longer an isolated land. Can Tho Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Southeast Asia. The ferry (also known as river taxi) is still a popular means of transportation in some other provinces. Taxis, public, and motorbike taxis (also called Xe Om in Vietnamese) are everywhere and quite efficient.

How to Get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

Located quite near Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta is easily accessible. Here are the best ways on how to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh city:

1. By Airplane

Ho Chi Minh City is quite close to the Mekong Delta. The fastest and easiest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta is by plane. There are two airports in the Mekong, one in Can Tho and the other in Phu Quoc island, Kien Giang province.

From Tan Son Nhat airport, you can take a flight to the airport at Can Tho which takes just 45 minutes instead of 4 hours if traveling by road. Chances are, you will have a panoramic view of the vast Mekong Delta from above. One-way flight ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho is about 600,000 VND (tax included).

From Can Tho, a suggestion for you is to book a cruise to start exploring the beauty of neighboring provinces in the Mekong River region.

It only takes 3 hours by bus to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. This is the most popular and economical means of transport with many bus companies for you to choose from, such as Futa (Phuong Trang), Mai Linh, or The Sinh Tourists.

It is recommended to choose Futa if you want to book a ticket by yourself. Compared to other brands, Futa is the leader speaking of quality and charisma. 

Ticket prices range from 60,000 VND to 120,000 VND depending on seating position, amenities and time of booking. There are many flights with different departure times to make it easy for you to choose; however, it is best to book tickets in advance so as to choose your desired seats and avoid being sold out during peak season.

If you use a bus to get to Mekong Delta, you need to pay attention to:

• Destination
• Schedule (find information on the garage homepage)
• Pick up point (where you need to stand to pick up the car)

3. By Private Car

If you want to travel the Mekong Delta with friends or relatives, choose a private car as the main means of transportation. This is considered the best option because it is convenient and comfortable. You can easily rent a private car at the hotels in the area with prices from 600,000 VND depending on the seat location, service quality, and car model. Although more expensive than other means of transportation, using a private car will help you be more proactive with your itinerary and routes.

Here is the detailed price table of renting a private car:

4. By Motorbike

For those who want to find thrills and experience the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong in their own way, a motorbike is the best choice of Mekong Delta transportation. As the most popular means of transport in Vietnam, motorbikes help tourists have the most “real” experience about the places, people, and cuisine where they are about to pass. The motorbike trip takes less than 4 hours, which makes it easy, fast and cheap. With just a motorbike, you can travel like a local, visit every nook and cranny, and experience an exciting adventure that you will remember for a lifetime. 

The cost of renting a motorbike is 20USD/day. If you are not familiar with the roads here, find a local or use Google Map as a companion on your trip. You can refer to car rental at:

• Tigit Motorbikes Hanoi
• Hiep Motorbike Rental
• Gia Hưng Motorbike Rental
• Vietnam Motorbike Tours & Rentals

If you decide to ride a motorbike to Mekong Delta, you should pay attention to the following:

• You need a driver’s license
• Vietnamese drive on the right hand side
• Traffic in Vietnam is quite chaotic, most people drive in the wrong lane. If you do not pay attention, it is easy to have an accident.
• Traffic jams happen quite often, especially during rush hour, with thousands of vehicles on the road.

5. By Cruise or Boat

From Ho Chi Minh City, you can take advantage of the waterway on the Saigon River to access the gigantic and popular Mekong Delta. Taking a cruise as a means of transportation is a good idea since it offers high-class experiences; however, the price is quite high (about 1,500,000 VND/person).

Alternatively, you can also go to the Mekong Delta by boat and witness the fascinating bustle of small villages along the way. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience in a very special rural area of Vietnam. 

There are some companies providing Mekong Delta boat tours from Saigon by speed boat. You will wait to be picked up at the pier in Saigon center and then head to Mekong Delta by waterway. After a day of visiting the Mekong Delta, the operator will bring you back to Saigon by boat. 

The price for a boat tour to Mekong Delta from Saigon is not cheap at all, which costs from US$110/person for a full-day tour consisting of boat transfer, tour guide, ticket, and lunch. Yet, the experiences are really worth it. 

6. On Mekong Delta Tour

It can be said that booking a tour is probably the best way for you to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta. You do not need to spend time looking for vehicles, finding places to pick up and drop off. Most Mekong Delta tours offer free pick up and drop off from/to Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on your time budget, you can book a 1-day, 2-day tour or a long-term tour to Mekong Delta.

However, if you choose bus tours from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, keep in mind that many of them are usually cheap and touristy. In the itinerary, you will stop at places where they ask you to spend money on souvenirs so that the guide can make extra commission. So, it is better to do your research in advance and understand what type of experience you wish for the amount of money you would like to spend.

A Quick Guide to Getting around Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta River has a slow pace of life, with floating markets, palm trees, colonial towns crisscrossed by meandering rivers and streams. You can spend several days, weeks or even months exploring all of the towns and villages in the region. So how to get around Mekong Delta easily and rewardingly? The following is a detailed guide on getting around Mekong Delta. Let’s see!

When arriving in the Mekong Delta, the best way to travel the region is by boat. 

For boats, the water level fluctuates by season but is still ideal for traveling by boat. Nonetheless, it is not easy for you to go on your own because many boat owners cannot communicate fluently in English, so you should find a tour guide as a companion.  

Pros: 

• Watch the scenic villages along the waterway
• Exclusive local experiences
• Discover destination off the beaten track
• Cost effective
• Environmental
• Slower than other transportation
• Affected by bad weather
• Inflexible routes and timetables
• Perhaps need a tour guide as a companion

2. By Bicycle

Cycling is one of the most immerise, popular ways to see the delta. There are many companies that offer guided cycling tours to and around the region, from quick day trips to longer adventures through remote and unpopular provinces. 

With the two wheels, there is no rush. Move slowly through the rural, weaving through footpaths, over bridges just small enough for one to cross and through the wide paddy fields and coconut groves, maybe stopping in the shade for an iced tropical fruit. 

• Travel in your own pace
• Off the beaten path
• A great form to exercise
• Travel in a short distance 
• Not suitable for the one with insufficient health
• Extensive planning required

3. By River Cruise

To get around the Mekong Delta, you can go on a luxury river cruise. River cruises have certainly become a relaxing and immersive form of travel. You just have to unpack once, so you can spend your extra time exploring the ship and making friends.  Just imagine days and nights, you drift wide, tropical waterways, with palm trees and mangroves lining along the riverbanks, see a constant stream passing villages and colorful boats to catch your eyes. 

Wake up at sunrise, watch the sky transform into a soft pink over the palm trees, or enjoy a dinner on the water prior to taking a rest in a cozy wooden cabin.

When cruising, you might choose to disembark to wander around local towns, buy fresh tropical fruit or take a stroll in emerald-green rice paddies before coming back to your boat for extra relaxation.

• See a lot in a short space of time
• Not have much time in each location
• No flexibility

The lanes in Mekong Delta are wide and flat, which are ideal for motorbike enthusiasts and pillion riders. Get the map and visit the Mekong Delta by motorbike. The beauty of this transportation type is that you can actively go anywhere at your own pace. Drive through the scenic roads or stop at cafes along the way or dig into a bowl of Hu Tieu My Tho on the street. Mekong Delta is amazing for anyone who loves to get around on motorcycles. 

• Freedom and flexibility
• Great views
• Getting off beaten track
• Meet the locals
• Adventurous

Cons: 

Hope that this article has helped you navigate the best types of means when it comes to Mekong Delta transportation.

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Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta: A Complete Guide

by Thang Nguyen | Feb 16, 2023 | Mekong Delta , Travel Guides

Exploring the Mekong Delta is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Vietnam . The lush green landscape, quaint villages, and bustling markets make for an unforgettable journey. If you’re staying in Ho Chi Minh City , it’s easy to make a day trip or even a longer stay to explore the Delta. Here’s a guide on how to make the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta .

The journey to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City takes about two hours by car , and it’s best to start early in the morning to make the most of your time there. You can book a tour or arrange for a private car to take you there. If you choose the latter, be sure to negotiate the price before you start the journey.

When you arrive, take a boat ride along the winding canals to explore the floating markets. These markets are an incredible sight to behold, with boats piled high with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other produce. You can even try some of the delicious local street food from the vendors on the boats.

If you have more time, consider staying in one of the traditional homestays in the area. You’ll get a chance to experience the local culture and way of life, and also get to see the beautiful scenery of the Delta up close.

At the end of the day, head back to Ho Chi Minh City with plenty of memories to cherish. If you’re looking for a hassle-free and informative trip, consider taking one of the Mekong Delta tours with VN Discovery . Our knowledgeable guides will ensure that you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Vietnam .

Check out some of our incredible   tours of the Mekong Delta   below!

4 Days Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta Itinerary

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If you have any questions related to traveling to Vietnam in general or The Mekong Delta in particular, kindly let us know. We are more than happy to help!

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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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Best Time to Visit Mekong Delta in Vietnam

Where is the mekong delta, the weather in the mekong delta, tips for packing, what to do in the mekong delta.

More than perhaps any other destination in Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is heavily affected by the weather because boating is the main form of transportation there. The best time to travel to the region is between November and January when it is cool and the water level is at its highest.

The Mekong Delta is a river delta that covers over 35,000 square kilometers and lies directly west and south of Ho Chi Minh City . It is named after the river that carved it, the Mekong, which stretches over 4,500 kilometers, making it one of the 10 longest rivers in the world.

The Mekong Delta region consists of small, island-like segments of land interconnected by winding waterways. When you stand on one of these islands it is difficult to remember that you are surrounded by a river and not a lake or ocean.

The river itself plays an instrumental role in the lives of many Vietnamese people. It not only provides water for agriculture but also a means of transportation and support for the local fishing and farming communities. It is one of the most important and symbolic natural features in all of Vietnam.

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Boats are the primary means of transportation in the Mekong Delta so traveling during a season when the water level is high and the temperature is cool is highly recommended.

There are two main seasons in the Mekong Delta: a rainy season and a dry season. The temperature in both seasons is generally comfortable, although some months (November to January) are considered more comfortable for traveling.

Dry Season: December to April

From December to the end of April, Vietnam gets a break from all the rain. During this season, while occasional rains still occur, you can expect clearer blue skies, brilliant green landscapes, and lower levels of humidity.

The average temperature from December to February in the Mekong Delta ranges from about 22ºC at night to about 32ºC in the daytime.

It starts to get hot in March with a temperature of about 34ºC in the daytime and it reaches its highest temperatures in April and May (about 35–38ºC in the daytime).

This season is excellent for outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and experiencing the local culture. On nice days local musicians will often sit outside and play their instruments. If you are feeling adventurous you can try walking between the villages or simply take a relaxing boat ride in the shade of the trees.

Rainy Season: May to November

The rainy season begins in May and continues through most of November. While rainy, this is also the hottest time of the year and the humidity is often uncomfortably high. The heaviest rainfall occurs in June and July.

This period is considered to be the low season for traveling in the Mekong Delta. What is the advantage of traveling in the low season?

• Summer is the best time to eat fresh fruits that have been grown locally, such as dragon fruits and mangoes. Fishing is also said to be better during these months.
• You will enjoy lower prices for tours.

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Temperatures in both seasons stay warm enough that a light jacket is adequate. It is always recommended to take a waterproof layer and clothes that will dry quickly. Much of the Mekong Delta is easily accessed by boat and the heavy rains mean that things are often damp or wet.

Shorts are acceptable, and will not draw scorn from locals, as are sandals, although if you plan to do lots of walking a pair of well-soled shoes might be more comfortable. Do not forget to bring bug repellent and sunscreen!

The Mekong Delta region offers numerous activities suitable to all kinds of travelers.

Be Like the Vietnamese at a Floating Market

The winding waterways of the Mekong Delta make land travel difficult. To overcome this problem, the area has become a hotbed for floating markets. Cai Rang is one of the most famous and best floating markets in the area.

Expect an intimate atmosphere with vendors selling fruit, vegetables, and gift items from stand-up rowboats. Here you can truly see how important owning a boat is if you live in the Mekong Delta.

Do you know why each boat has a pole with a type of fruit or something else attached to it? Join us at Cai Rang Floating Market to find out the answer. It is the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Although you will see some travelers there, it is still used as the main trading place for the local people.

Try the Local Delicacy and Taste the Fresh Tropical Fruits in Orchard

The Mekong Delta is considered to be the granary of Vietnam because of its fertile soil and abundant sunshine. The fruits are extremely sweet. Take the opportunity to visit a local family and feel refreshed with a jackfruit, a mango, or some durians.

At lunchtime, you must try the nem nuong. This is a delicious rice roll filled with pork and vegetables. No trip to the Mekong Delta would be complete without trying at least a few. When traveling with us, your travel advisor will recommend the best place to have an enjoyable lunch.

Take a Sampan Ride Through the Narrow Canals with Fruit Trees Lining the Sides

You will feel so relaxed sitting in a sampan with a local villager steering it. You can try to steer it yourself for some nice photos. Remember to take plenty of sunscreen as there is no shade when you're in the boat. A bamboo hat will be offered to you as well.

Wander Around the Local Villages and Trek in the Nearby Forest

Xeo Quyt Forest is a magnificent sprawl of swamp and forest. It's located 35 kilometers southeast of Cao Lanh. You can explore the park's trails on foot or by boat.

The overgrown channels conceal what is left of the Viet Cong headquarters that this forest once kept hidden from US forces. You can come here to enjoy beautiful scenery and first-hand history.

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Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Vietnam. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodations and activities that best suit your requirements.

Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning your hassle-free vacation today!

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It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)

From the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.

The tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history

We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,

Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.

We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.

We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.

Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!

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Traveling and Exploring in Northern Vietnam

Weather + Best Time to Visit Mekong Delta ☀️

☀️ Weather + Seasons 👍 When to go there 🔎 Weather in Months ❓ Questions + Answers 🎫 Excursion + Tickets 🎫 Book Tickets Online

What is the weather in Mekong Delta in Vietnam?

The Mekong Delta region in Southern Vietnam has a tropical climate characterized by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season typically runs from December to April, while the rainy season lasts from May to November. During the dry season, the weather in the Mekong Delta is generally hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The humidity is lower during this time, making it a more comfortable time to visit. However, visitors should be aware that the air quality can be poor due to dust and smoke from burning fields.

The rainy season in the Mekong Delta brings frequent heavy downpours and occasional flooding. Temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), but the high humidity can make it feel hotter. The rain can cause travel disruptions and make outdoor activities challenging, but it also brings lush greenery and vibrant landscapes, making it a beautiful time to visit for nature enthusiasts. One of the most visited cities in Mekong Delta is Can Tho .

What is the best time to visit Mekong Delta?

The best time to visit the Mekong Delta in Vietnam is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, with relatively low humidity and temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This is the perfect time for outdoor activities, such as exploring the floating markets , cycling along the countryside, and visiting the many temples and pagodas. In addition to the pleasant weather, the dry season is also a great time to experience local festivals and events, such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and the Chol Chnam Thmay Festival (Khmer New Year). These festivals offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant cultural traditions of the Mekong Delta region. However, it is worth noting that the dry season is also the peak tourist season, which means that popular attractions can be crowded and prices can be higher. For those looking to avoid the crowds, the shoulder months of November and May can also be a good time to visit, as the weather is still relatively dry and the tourist crowds are thinner. What is the current weather in Mekong Delta? ➜ Current weather in Mekong Delta

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Mekong ➜

Weather in Mekong Delta throughout the year:

The current weather in mekong delta:, max, min and average temperature in mekong delta:.

The Mekong Delta experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Here’s some information on the max, min, and average temperatures in the region: Max Temperature: The highest temperatures in Mekong Delta occur in April and May, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C or even higher in some areas. The temperature gradually starts to decrease from June onwards. Min Temperature: The lowest temperatures in Mekong Delta occur in December and January, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 21°C in some areas. However, the temperature does not drop significantly and can still feel quite warm. Average Temperature: The average temperature in Mekong Delta ranges from 26°C to 28°C throughout the year, making it a warm and humid region.

Rainfall and Rainy Days in Mekong Delta:

The Mekong Delta has a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The region receives an average of 1,500 to 2,500 millimeters of rainfall annually, with the majority falling during the rainy season from May to November. On average, there are around 150 to 200 rainy days per year, which can sometimes cause flooding in low-lying areas. The dry season from December to April is characterized by lower rainfall and fewer rainy days. The rainfall is essential for the region’s agriculture, while the floods and wetlands provide important habitats for various plant and animal species.

Cloud and Humidity in Mekong Delta:

Cloud cover and humidity in the Mekong Delta are generally high throughout the year, with the wet season experiencing more cloud cover and higher humidity levels. The cloud cover and humidity help regulate the temperature and prevent excessive heat during the day. However, it can also contribute to muggy conditions, especially during the wet season. Despite the high humidity, the region enjoys pleasant breezes from the nearby ocean, providing some relief from the heat and humidity.

Sun Hours and Sun Days in Mekong Delta:

The Mekong Delta receives abundant sunshine throughout the year, with the dry season enjoying the most sun hours and sun days. On average, the region experiences around 7-9 hours of sunshine per day during the dry season, while the wet season experiences around 5-7 hours per day. The number of sun days varies from month to month, with the dry season experiencing more sun days than the wet season. Despite the high level of sun exposure, the region is prone to sudden rain showers, so it is always a good idea to be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Visibility in Mekong Delta:

Visibility in Mekong Delta is generally good throughout the year. The region experiences a fairly low amount of air pollution and haze, which helps to maintain good visibility. However, during the rainy season, especially in the months of May to October, visibility may be reduced due to heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. Additionally, fog and mist may occur during the early morning hours, particularly in the winter months. Overall, though, visibility in Mekong Delta is typically not a major concern for visitors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Weather in Mekong Delta:

1. what is the best time to visit mekong delta.

• The best time to visit Mekong Delta is from December to May when the weather is dry and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

2. Is it safe to travel to Mekong Delta during the rainy season?

• It is generally safe to travel to Mekong Delta during the rainy season , but you should be prepared for occasional flooding and heavy rainfall. It is advisable to check the weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly.

3. What is the average temperature in Mekong Delta?

• The average temperature in Mekong Delta ranges from 25°C to 30°C throughout the year, with the highest temperatures usually in April and May.

4. Does Mekong Delta experience typhoons or hurricanes?

• Yes, Mekong Delta is susceptible to typhoons, which are tropical cyclones that typically form over the western Pacific Ocean and move towards Southeast Asia. These storms can bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges that can cause significant damage to the region. Typhoon season in Mekong Delta typically runs from June to November, with the peak period from August to October.

5. How much rainfall you should expect in Mekong Delta?

• The amount of rainfall in Mekong Delta varies depending on the season. The rainy season, which runs from May to November, typically experiences the highest amount of rainfall, with an average of around 200-300mm per month. The dry season, which runs from December to April, generally has much less rainfall, with an average of around 20-50mm per month.

6. Does Mekong Delta experience droughts?

• Yes, Mekong Delta can experience droughts, especially during the dry season from December to April. However, it is less common compared to other regions in Vietnam.

7. What is the humidity like in Mekong Delta?

• Mekong Delta has a humid tropical climate with high levels of humidity throughout the year. Humidity levels tend to be higher during the rainy season, with an average relative humidity of around 80-85%. During the dry season, humidity levels are somewhat lower, with an average relative humidity of around 60-70%. However, it is important to note that humidity levels can vary widely depending on the location within the region, the time of day, and the prevailing weather conditions.

8. How many sunny days can I expect in Mekong Delta?

• Mekong Delta experiences around 2,000 to 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, with the highest number of sunny days usually from December to April.

9. What is the average visibility in Mekong Delta?

• The average visibility in Mekong Delta ranges from 5km to 10km throughout the year, but it can be reduced during heavy rainfall or foggy conditions.

10. Can I swim in the rivers or canals in Mekong Delta?

• While there are many beautiful rivers and canals in Mekong Delta, swimming in them is generally not recommended. The water quality in these waterways can be poor, with high levels of pollutants and bacteria, and there may be strong currents or hidden hazards beneath the surface. Additionally, some of the rivers and canals are used for transportation or irrigation purposes, which can lead to heavy boat traffic and other safety concerns.

11. What kind of clothing should I bring to Mekong Delta?

• When packing for a trip to Mekong Delta, it is important to consider the region’s hot and humid tropical climate. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable materials like cotton or linen is recommended, along with comfortable walking shoes or sandals. Be sure to also bring a hat or other head covering to protect against the strong sun, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent. Read this article: What you should pack to Vietnam .

12. Are there any mosquitoes or other insects in Mekong Delta?

• Yes, there are mosquitoes and other insects in Mekong Delta, especially during the rainy season. It is recommended to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to avoid bites.

13. What kind of outdoor activities are available in Mekong Delta?

• Popular outdoor activities in Mekong Delta include boat tours, cycling, walking tours, fishing, and visiting local villages and markets. It is important to check the weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly.

14. What you can visit in Mekong Delta?

• There are various interesting and popular sites or towns for visit in Mekong Delta. The most visited is Can Tho and other popular sites are in Soc Trang or Chau Doc and Ben Tre.

15. What are the popular beaches in southern Vietnam?

• Southern Vietnam is known for various nice coastline and beautiful beaches. The best places for visit these beaches are in Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Vung Tau or Mui Ne. Read this article: The Best Beaches in Southern Vietnam .

BOOK your HOTEL in Vietnam ➜

Weather in Can Tho ｜ Weather in Pleiku ｜ Weather in Quy Nhon ｜ Weather in Dong Hoi ｜ Weather in PhongNha ｜ Weather in Cat Ba ｜ Weather in P.Quoc

Weather in Saigon ➔

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In Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, the lure of moving to the city grows even stronger amid climate shocks

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CAN THO, Vietnam (AP) — Dao Bao Tran and her brother Do Hoang Trung, 11-year-old twins growing up on a rickety houseboat in the Mekong Delta, have dreams. Tran loves K-pop, watches videos at night to learn Korean and would love to visit Seoul. Trung wants to be a singer.

But their hopes are “unrealistic,” said Trung: “I know I’ll end up going to the city to try and make a living.”

Such dreams have a way of dissipating in southern Vietnam’s Mekong, one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world.

For the poor, the future is especially uncertain. A U.N. climate change report in 2022 warned there will be more floods in the wet season and drought in the dry season. Unsustainable extraction of groundwater and sand for construction have made matters worse. And with rising seas gnawing away at its southern edge and dams hemming the Mekong River upstream, farming in the fertile delta is getting harder. Its contribution to Vietnam’s GDP has dropped from 27% in 1990 to less than 18% in 2019, according to a 2020 report by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The call of the city, where factory jobs promise better salaries, is often too hard to resist for the region’s 17 million inhabitants.

Nguyen Thi Thuy, a vendor selling steamed buns on a floating market, ignites a fire on her boat while getting ready for her day’s work in Can Tho, Vietnam, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Do Hoang Trung briefly wakes up to the sounds of his grandmother preparing for a day’s work on their houseboat in Can Tho, Vietnam, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The twins’ single mother, Do Thi Son Ca, left to seek work in Ho Chi Minh City soon after her children were born. She left them with her mother, 59-year-old Nguyen Thi Thuy. Unable to afford rent on land, the small family has lived on a small houseboat ever since.

Thuy rents a smaller boat to sell meat and bean buns at the Cai Rang floating market, the largest of its kind in the Mekong Delta. She rises well before dawn to steam the buns in a metal urn over glowing coals nestled in the middle of the boat, standing in the bow to pull a massive pair of oars to make her way to the market.

Nguyen Thi Thuy, a vendor selling steamed buns, navigates her boat through a river to reach the floating market before sunrise in Can Tho, Vietnam, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

On good days she makes about $4 — hardly enough to put food on the table. The twins have already missed two years of school when their grandmother couldn’t pay the fees and their mother, struggling in the city, couldn’t help either. Now their houseboat on the Hau River, their only refuge, is in urgent need of expensive repairs and Thuy is wondering how she’ll find $170 before the rainy season.

“The storms are becoming more violent,” said Thuy. In the rainy season, heavy rains can mean pumping water furiously so her houseboat doesn’t sink. Flooding forces Thuy to move the boat to a bigger canal to avoid a battering if she were to remain anchored at shore, but the larger canal comes with its own risks in the form of bigger waves.

Nguyen Thi Thuy, a vendor who sells steamed buns on a floating market, lifts the lid of her steamer to attract tourists in Can Tho, Vietnam, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

With the lid of her steamer off, Nguyen Thi Thuy, a vendor selling buns, rushes to a passing tourist boat past another bun vendor on a floating market in Can Tho, Vietnam, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Moving away from the Mekong to bigger cities or even abroad for better prospects isn’t new. But the net outmigration — the difference between people moving out of the delta and those moving in — more than tripled after 1999. Experts caution that the reasons people move are complex, and it’s difficult to know how great a role climate change plays.

“Climate change is both a catalyst and accelerant for migration,” said Mimi Vu, a trafficking and migration specialist based in Ho Chi Minh City. It has hurt livelihoods and worsens inequities in a region that is still less developed than other parts of Vietnam, she said. The region lacks solid development foundations such as high rates of students finishing high school, consistent access to clean water and adequate health care.

“Every generation still struggles,” she said.

And moving to the city doesn’t guarantee anything.

Do Hoang Trung walks along a weathered bridge built with bamboo poles and wooden planks to reach a houseboat he shares with his twin sister and their grandmother in Can Tho, Vietnam, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Do Bao Tran, who lives on a houseboat with her twin brother and their grandmother, grabs a cup in the kitchen in Can Tho, Vietnam, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The twins’ mother had a new beginning when she moved to Ho Chi Minh City, finding a job in a clothing factory, marrying and having a baby. But both she and her husband were eventually laid off — among the thousands of workers in Vietnam to lose their jobs because of low overseas orders. They have since moved back to his home village. Ca, 34, never finished school and she is looking for work but does not know what they’ll do next.

“My family is poor. So I don’t think too far ahead. I just hope my children can receive a full education,” she said.

For now she won’t be able to help her family with the school fees or boat repairs and also didn’t see the kids for Tet, the lunar new year festival in Vietnam.

Vu, the migration specialist, said older workers who return to their villages after layoffs often don’t want to go back to a city where they “had their rose-colored glasses pulled off” by the daily struggle.

Nguyen Thi Thuy, a vendor selling steamed buns on a floating market to make ends meet, sits on her houseboat along a river prone to frequent flooding in Can Tho, Vietnam, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Nguyen Thi Thuy, a vendor who sells steamed buns at a floating market, pauses her paddle briefly on her way to the market before sunrise in Can Tho, Vietnam, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

That includes Pham Van Sang, 50, who left his native Bac Lieu province for Ho Chi Minh City in his 20s after unpredictable weather made growing rice and shrimp no longer viable.

Today, he and his wife, Luong Thi Ut, 51, live in a room that’s about 100 square feet (9.2 meters), crammed with what they need to operate a food stall for factory workers in the city. Their main offering is a Mekong-style intense fish noodle dish that, he says, brings homesick factory workers “comfort” with a taste of their old lives.

Sang said he’s haunted by memories of home, being young in the countryside, of raising shrimp with his family. “I’m sad for the generation of children and grandchildren who have no future,” he said.

Pham Van Sang, a food vendor who migrated from the Mekong Delta, prepares a noodle dish at his food stall in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Pham Van Sang, a street food vendor and migrant from the Mekong Delta, prepares vegetables for the next day’s business as his wife, Luong Thi Ut, chats via video with their daughter in their apartment in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Vietnam’s government has approved a plan to strengthen the Mekong region’s agricultural economy, which produces about half the country’s rice and is critical to feed other countries, like Indonesia and Philippines, too. The plan includes trying new technologies to reduce emissions from rice while increasing yields and profits, creating more fisheries and fruit orchards, and building airports and highways to lure foreign investment.

But the allure of Ho Chi Minh City — a bustling metropolis of 9.3 million people, Vietnam’s financial engine — is hard to resist for many, especially the young. Even those in the countryside see moving to the city, or better yet moving abroad, as the fastest way out of poverty, said Trung Hieu, 23.

Hieu lives in a dormitory that he shares with another young man from the delta. He works two jobs — a 12-hour shift in a factory that makes pharmaceutical parts followed by hours spent riding his motorcycle for a Vietnamese ride-hailing company. He enjoyed school and wanted to be a literature teacher, but his family’s farm income in Dong Thap province in the Mekong had been decimated over the years. When he finished school, his family had to choose whether to send him to college or allow his younger sister to finish school.

He chose to move to the city so that he could send money back home. “My sister is doing well in school, I’m very happy,” he said.

Hieu initially found the city bewildering and felt homesick, but slowly the city grew on him. ‘You gradually adapt, you survive,” he said. He is learning how to thrive in the city: hard work, but also networking and communicating.

Still, he hopes to someday go to college and fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher, and work in a school in the delta like the ones he and his sister studied in. He said it would make him feel closer to home.

“Everyone wants to go back to where they were born and raised,” he said.

Pham Van Sang, a street food vendor who moved from the Mekong Delta, carries his cookware and other equipment to his apartment after wrapping up for the day in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .

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hi, we would like to do a day trip to mekong delta from hmc, we are in our sixties, and not fit!

would like to have a relaxing trip [no biking!!!] - any recommendations? thanks for any help

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Mekong Delta Hotels and Places to Stay

How is Vietnam’s Mekong Delta adapting to a changing climate?

Benoît bosquet, carolyn turk.

In the floodplains of the upper Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, the regular seasonal monsoon floods, lasting from late July until November, are replenishing the soil, rejuvenating the river ecosystems, and allowing farmers like Nguyen Van Khen to boost incomes through flood-based agriculture.

But floods could quickly turn into a problem if they get stronger than expected or go off cycle. Heavy flooding could wipe out farming areas overnight.

In the upper Mekong Delta, such irregularity comes in more often, prompting farmers to rethink their livelihood strategy. This is predicted to get worse with climate change.

During a recent trip to the Mekong Delta, we witnessed how a World Bank-financed project has significantly strengthened farmers’ ability to cope with the new reality. Embankments supported by the project help a large farming area withstand the floods while capturing the rich floodwater to nourish the crop.

The urgency of scaling up similar initiatives is undeniable as the Mekong Delta is beset by a host of environmental challenges. 

First, it’s sinking, on average of about 1.1 centimeters per year, due to excessive groundwater extraction, sand mining, and reduced sediment deposition. This very threat to the Mekong Delta’s existence is compounded by sea level rise.

A conservative estimate from our Vietnam’s Country Climate and Development Report warns that almost half of the delta could be submerged if sea level rose by 75–100 centimeters, relative to 1980–1999 levels.

Second, it’s facing intense weather fluctuations.

Around the delta, the sea encroaches, carrying saltwater inland through its myriad of waterways. In better days, the Mekong River surged through the lower river basin, washing the salinity back out to sea. More recently the reduced river flow in the dry season has accelerated saline intrusion, a trend accentuated by droughts, as in 2020.

It’s not just wet and dry seasons. Extreme droughts and floods strike more often, with greater intensity. When Mother Nature goes off balance, the farmers bear most of the brunt. For example, saltwater can destroy an orchard worth several years of farmers’ investment and push them into bankruptcy.

Added to the challenge is the degradation of the environment due to many years of resource-intensive and unsustainable farming practices.

In 2017, the Government of Vietnam passed a much-needed resolution that embraces a new thinking – “ actively living with nature .” With that, the development trajectory of the Mekong Delta has shifted. But what exactly does “ actively living with nature ” mean?

In the upper delta, local people used to divert the floodwater with dikes so that farmers could grow rice all year round. But this model is no longer economically profitable or ecologically sustainable.

As our project has proven, farmers can work with floodwater, instead of against it. During the flooding season, they can let water inundate their fields, turning them into the perfect setting for aquaculture. These aquatic resources have proven to bring in higher incomes than the third-crop rice. When the water recedes in the dry season, fish excreta and alluvium enrich the soil, making it fertile for growing the next crop.

Down in the Ca Mau peninsula, “actively living with nature” also means integrating mangrove forests as part of the solution. Previously, only sea dikes or wave breakers were used to prevent coastal erosion. Mangroves have proven to offer the flexibility that hard infrastructure often lacks when dealing with unpredictable coastal dynamics.

 Such renewed appreciation for the benefits of mangrove forests helps slow down their clearance for shrimp farming. Instead, shrimp farmers find ways to raise shrimp under the mangrove cover, producing higher-value, eco-certified products that are in high demand in the international market.

Throughout the Mekong River delta, we’ve seen many examples of farmers who are adapting to a changing climate with the right practices.   We could not be more thrilled to know that many of the sustainable livelihood models have been supported by our pioneering project .

We are also excited about the future. It’s obvious that scaling up solutions that protect communities from environmental threats and help them thrive economically is not without challenges. Just as the problems they are designed to solve, policies and actions must be interprovincial and multidisciplinary.

In February this year, the Mekong Delta—with all its complex challenges—finally received a long-term integrated master plan . The master plan emphasizes the importance of a regional approach and the need to collaborate – rather than compete – among provinces and sectors over scarce resources. This point was echoed during our recent dialogue with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and provincial leaders in Can Tho City – the Mekong Delta’s heart.

We hope that upcoming actions and investments will match the regional master plan in scope and scale. Getting a clearer sense of how the region will move forward will help other stakeholders who also care about the future of the Mekong Delta like us come up with impactful programs. 

Despite all the hardships many farmers might endure, everyone we talked with was brimmed with hope. They are perfect examples of resilience in the face of adversity. We are hopeful, too, that their future and the Mekong Delta’s future will be bright.  And we are trying our best, in partnership with the Government of Vietnam, to turn promises into actions for the nearly 20 million people living in the delta.

• Agriculture and Food
• Climate Change
• East Asia and Pacific

Director for Sustainable Development for Latin America and Caribbean

Country Director for Vietnam

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