Discover all the best: Top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta

• September 08,2023
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The Mekong Delta is one of Vietnam's most attractive destinations with unique and unforgettable travel experiences. This land has attracted millions of visitors yearly for its beautiful natural landscape, diverse culture, and rustic people. Let us introduce the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta, so you can have an overview of the beautiful things about this land.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE MEKONG DELTA?

The Mekong Delta is located in the South of Vietnam and is an important part of the Mekong River system. This region borders Cambodia to the West, to the Southwest is the Gulf of Thailand, and to the Southeast is the East Sea.

The Mekong Delta includes 13 provinces and a centrally-run city. Which includes Can Tho, An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh and Vinh Long.

This delta is one of the fastest-growing economic regions in Vietnam. The economy of this region is mainly based on agriculture, rice, fruit, and fish farming. In addition, tourism also plays an important role in the region's economy. Visitors can visit floating markets, join riverboat tours, sample local cuisine, and explore traditional culture. In addition, each province will have its own unique type of tourism.

The most prominent type of tourism in the Mekong Delta is boating on the river to sightsee

Besides, outstanding features of the Mekong Delta include the Mekong River system, vast rice fields, vast melaleuca forests, and rich aquatic life. This region is also a major fruit production center in Vietnam.

Not over yet, the Mekong Delta has a rich and diverse culture. This region has many ethnic minority communities which include Khmer, Chinese, Cham, and Kinh. This creates a unique cultural identity with many unique traditional festivals and rituals.

If you are a river travel enthusiast, then why not come here to perform the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta right away? We believe that our sharing below will help to make your trip memorable!

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HOW TO TRAVEL TO THE MEKONG DELTA?

The Mekong Delta will give each visitor a unique experience and the opportunity to immerse themselves in natural beauty. But before starting your journey to carry out the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta, let us list for you all the means to get here.

FROM HO CHI MINH TO THE MEKONG DELTA

The distance from Ho Chi Minh to the Mekong Delta in general or specifically the provinces is from 80km to 300km. Because the distance is quite far, there are many vehicles. 

You can choose to travel by motorbike with a driving time of 4 to 10 hours. And the scenery along the way will not disappoint you with your effort. Or to be more proactive and not afraid of the sun or rain, you can rent or drive by car. Arrival time will be about 2 hours earlier than by motorbike.

In addition, you can choose to go by coach to the provinces of the Mekong Delta. There are countless brands such as Thanh Buoi, Phuong Trang, Tam Quoc, and Lien Hung,… that you can choose from. Ticket prices are quite reasonable from only 100,000 (4.34 USD) to 250,000 (10.8 USD) with lots of flexible departure times no matter what time of day.

Besides, some provinces in the Mekong Delta also have airports. Specifically, there are Can Tho, Ca Mau, Rach Gia, and Phu Quoc airports. Ticket prices range from only 1,200,000 VND (52.1 USD) to 2,500,000 VND (108,7 USD) round trip, depending on class.

FROM HANOI AND DA NANG TO THE MEKONG DELTA

The distance from Hanoi and Da Nang to the Mekong Delta provinces is very long. Therefore, the fastest way for you to come here to discover the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta is probably by the airline.

Flight times will vary from 1 hour to 2 hours and 15 minutes depending on the location. The airlines that you can choose on the Mekong tour are Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, or Bamboo Airways. The fare ranges from 1,5000,000 VND (65.2 USD) one way to 3,500,000 (152.1 USD) for a round trip. 

DISCOVER THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE MEKONG DELTA

The Mekong Delta is a vast land known for its vast rice fields and winding rivers. Let's find out what interesting experiences will be in the Mekong Delta itinerary with us!

GET UP EARLY TO GO TO CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET IN CAN THO

Cai Rang floating market is a unique and typical market type of the Mekong Delta in general and Can Tho province in particular. This is also the busiest and most famous market in the Western region. For the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta this time, don’t miss the chance to come here!

The Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho was formed in the early 20th century and was recognized as A national intangible cultural heritage in 2016. The market mainly sells agricultural products, fruits, and specialties of the Mekong Delta. 

Coming here, you will be overwhelmed by the sight of dozens of boats parked close together and filling the entire river along with bustling trading activities. The entire stretch of the river is filled with an extremely bustling, cheerful atmosphere of trading activities and the sound of chatter.

The bustling scene of trading creates a picture of dynamic river life

Cai Rang market usually starts at dawn, around 4:30 a.m., and by about 7 a.m., the market has gradually closed. Therefore, if you want to experience the full scene during the bustling market, you should get up early. 

If you wake up early and don’t have time to eat breakfast, don't worry, arriving at Cai Rang floating market you will have countless choices for your meal. There are breakfast dishes on the boat such as porridge, Com Tam, Hu Tieu, Banh Canh, and stir-fried vermicelli… and drinks such as tea, coffee, coconut water, and soy milk.

Additionally, The Cai Rang Floating Market festival is held annually in early July. The festival will include musical performances, traditional booths, fairs, book exhibitions, and Can Tho travel photos… You will have the opportunity to learn more about the floating market culture as well as the lives of the people here.

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE MEKONG DELTA – EXPLORE THE TRA SU MELALEUCA FOREST IN AN GIANG

If you still wonder: Is the Mekong Delta worth visiting or not, just come to Tra Su Melaleuca forest once, and you will get the answer. And especially for those who love the beauty of wild nature, this forest is an ideal choice.

Tra Su Melaleuca forest is planted according to the typical ecosystem model of the flooded area west of Hau River. Visitors coming here will feel overwhelmed by the vast cajuput forest with a cool "green patch".

Your tour during the Tra Su Melaleuca forest will take place on the main means of transportation, which is a dinghy. The women who row the dinghy will take you along the forest as well as introduce interesting spots of this region. 

Dinghy riding in Tra Su Melaleuca forest takes you immersed in the vast green melaleuca forest, with the songs of birds

Moreover, you also get close contact with a variety of water birds or rare wildlife. This place has been developed to become a conservation area for many classes of tropical creatures living in the Mekong Delta.

Try to imagine yourself sitting on a dinghy, gently gliding through the peaceful natural landscape. Leave behind the noisy city life and join in with the sounds of birds echoing from the cajuput domes on both sides, and the sound of oars gently splashing the water surface. All those scenes make you feel relaxed and like you've drifted into a fairyland

Besides, deep inside the Tra Su Melaleuca forest, there is a high tower built for visitors to easily see the panoramic view from above of this eco-tourism area. There is a telescope with a visibility of 25 km, visitors are free to admire the vastness of the Melaleuca forest and even the unknown birds. 

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DISCOVER ALL THE INTERESTING THINGS AT CON PHUNG IN BEN TRE

Con Phung is an eco-tourism destination in Ben Tre province, this is an island located in the middle of the Tien River, which is extremely cool and peaceful. Don’t miss this destination while making the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta!

With charming river scenery, well-off gardens, and many attractive services, Con Phung annually welcomes thousands of visitors to explore and experience. Coming here, the Dao Dua relic site is definitely the place you will want to visit first. This place now preserves many cultural and religious values of the local people. Although it has been 50 years of construction, the relic still retains its beauty.

Come to Con Phung to find the immense coconut fields and water-filled canals

Next, arriving at the Coconut Museum, you can admire the sophisticated, eye-catching, and artistic handicraft products made from coconut. In addition, visitors can also witness the whole process of making extremely delicious coconut candies in Con Phung. 

If you are planning to explore the whole of Con Phung, bicycles and dinghies are the ideal means of transportation. Excursions by bicycle will help visitors see the beautiful natural scenery to the fullest. If you want to go deep to explore the small canals in Con Phung, try taking a dinghy. 

Additionally, tourists can also turn into a farmer and go fishing in the ditch and experience crocodile fishing. Don't forget to enjoy the performances of Don Ca Tai Tu in Western-style thatched-roof houses. 

ADMIRE ALL THE BEAUTY OF SA DEC FLOWER VILLAGE IN DONG THAP

One of the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta that we recommend is coming to Sa Dec Flower village. As the largest flower village in the West, this flower village has long been a familiar place for tourists every spring.

Coming to Sa Dec flower village, in any month of the year, you are able to feel like you are lost in the world of magical colors and fragrances. Each season has a unique flower that shines.

Sa Dec flower garden grows many beautiful flowers such as raspberry chrysanthemum, gerbera, evening primrose, auspicious, marigold, ten o'clock flower, and so on. In particular, there are approximately 50 different rose varieties available for international export.

Sa Dec flower village every occasion near the Lunar New Year will be filled with beautiful yellow color of chrysanthemums

This village is also famous for its ornamental plants which include rare trees that are nearly a hundred years old. Besides, there are familiar trees such as starfruit, areca nut, fig, apricot, and so on meticulously pruned to become ornamental trees with beautiful and strange shapes.

The most noticeable difference between Sa Dec Flower Village compared to others is that the flower beds are planted on high trellises and the bottom is flooded. All the flower growers have to wear boots or use small boats to care for or pick flowers.

In addition to admiring the flowers and taking photos, you can easily interact and chat with the friendly farmers here. People are always willing to help you learn about the details of growing and caring for different types of flowers.

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE MEKONG DELTA – RELAX ON “PEARL ISLAND” PHU QUOC OF KIEN GIANG

Phu Quoc is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mekong Delta and is located off the Southwest coast of Vietnam. Famous for its beautiful natural landscapes and stunning beaches, this island attracts millions of visitors every year.

Phu Quoc is known for a series of beautiful beaches such as Bai Sao, Bai Dai and Bai Khem, Ganh Dau,… Fine white sand and clear blue sea water create a beautiful landscape that makes anyone who comes here never want to return home. 

In addition, small islands around Phu Quoc such as Hon Thom, Hon Dam, and Hon May,… provide opportunities for visitors to experience wonderful snorkeling and diving. Visitors can also explore colorful coral reefs and rich marine flora and fauna when trying "sea walking".

When sunset comes, the sky in Phu Quoc turns warm and magical colors that create a romantic and poetic scenery

One of the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta is to explore Phu Quoc National Park. It is a nature reserve with tropical forests, waterfalls, and rare species of flora and fauna. Visitors can participate in trekking trips to explore the natural beauty of this natural forest.

In addition, you can visit fishing villages on the island to understand more about the lives of local people and the process of catching seafood. Phu Quoc is also famous for its excellent cuisine. You definitely have to try the fresh seafood dishes when coming here as well as dishes like Bun Quay, Bun Ken,…

Moreover, this "Peal Island" – Phu Quoc is also deemed the best place to stay in the Mekong Delta for its resort systems. Thousands of resorts from high-end to affordable with reasonable prices are always ready to welcome guests from all over the world.

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IMMERSE IN NATURE AT TRAM CHIM VI THUY FOREST ECOLOGY AREA IN HAU GIANG

Tram Chim Vi Thuy ecology area is one of the most prominent destinations in the Mekong Delta in general and in Hau Giang in particular. This place is not simply a tourist attraction but also contains the cultural beauty of the people and rivers of the Mekong River.

The highlight of the Tram Chim Vi Thuy ecology is the 10-hectare natural bird garden with birds and storks typical of the Western River region. Such as buffalo storks, ivory storks, cauldrons, teal, gongs, wild ducks,… or a wild animal breeding area with wild boars, pythons, and bees for honey,…

There are a variety of birds living in the Tram Chim Vi Thuy ecology area

In addition, many types of fish are stocked in the canals such as snakehead fish, catfish, tilapia, and so on. This is a source of fish for visitors to experience fishing activities, cast nets as well and admire fish living in the natural environment.

One of the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta when coming here is to take a boat down the canals under the deep green trees in the forest. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire the surrounding scenery. In that quiet space, flocks of chirping birds fly around as if inviting visitors.

The appropriate time to visit the Tram Chim Vi Thuy ecology area is early morning or late afternoon. At this time you can encounter more birds as they prepare to forage and fly back to their nests. In particular, in the breeding season, there are birds from four corners of the earth to nest. If you are lucky, you can see many rare bird species on the Red List.

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE MEKONG DELTA – HAVE A GOOD TIME AT RIO WATER PARK OF LONG AN

In your top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta, there are not only journeys to explore beautiful nature but also entertainment places. One of the most prominent among them is Rio Water Park in Long An.

Rio is a water park designed in a resort-style. There is a large swimming pool of Olympic standards and a modern mineral salt pool system that harmoniously combines the garden and the fresh atmosphere. There is an entertainment area and swimming pool for children and adults as well as combined with a coffee bar at the pool.

Children can freely participate in countless activities at Rio Water Park

If you come here with your family, do not miss interesting activities such as transforming into a rice farmer, and catching fish in the ditch,… In addition, Rio Park is also an ideal destination for families and schools to organize picnics. 

When coming to Rio Park, the children also have the opportunity to participate in folk games. On the large lawns at Rio Water Park, the kids are able to take part in games such as capture the flag, cockfighting, can throwing, blind man’s buff,…

Furthermore, the children can also unleash their creativity to make objects from natural materials. Such as making pinwheels with coconut leaves, modeling buffaloes out of clay, and so on. This activity is an opportunity for them to show their ingenuity, and promote their own creativity as well as aesthetic aptitude.

WANDER THROUGH THE WINDMILL FIELDS IN BAC LIEU

Bac Lieu Windmill Fields is part of the largest renewable energy project in Vietnam. If you wonder where to go to carry out the next top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta, just come here and you will surely be overwhelmed.

The road to the wind power farm is paved, so it is very easy to go. During the trip, you will see the pristine mangrove forests or the goby fish cages of people on the coast. The Mekong Delta Tourism Association has decided to recognize Bac Lieu Windmill Fields as A typical tourist destination of the Mekong Delta.

Bac Lieu Windmill Fields is where visitors can see a series of giant blades of wind turbines standing tall against the blue sky. They are going strong to generate clean electricity and protect the environment.

Bac Lieu wind power field under the blue sky creates harmony between technology and nature

With the grandeur and beautiful scenery, from afar, this wind farm is no different in Europe. Therefore, this place has quickly become a tourist destination that attracts a large number of tourists, especially young people who come to take pictures to check-in.

In addition, in this area, there are also shiny mud fields and alluvial soil biota. In the distance are fish sauce trees and mangrove trees rooted deep into the ground.

Because it is built on the sea, the most appropriate time to visit the Bac Lieu Windmill Fields is in the early morning and late afternoon. At these times, visitors can enjoy watching the stunning sunrise and sunset on the sea.

CONQUERING THE SOUTHERN POLE POINT OF VIETNAM – CA MAU CAPE

Ca Mau Cape is one of the most important geographical points in Vietnam and is located in the Southernmost part of the country. The symbol of Ca Mau Cape is a sail with the wind, the image symbolizes the sea, where Ca Mau people often go out to sea to catch seafood.

Arriving here, tourists can visit and take pictures of the typical symbols of Ca Mau Cape – GPS 0001 coordinate landmark. In addition, there is the Hanoi Flag Tower, which simulates the flagpole architecture of the capital. Inside, there are exhibits, paintings, and photos about the nature, history, culture, and people of Ca Mau through many different periods.

Besides, your top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta should also include checking in at the Ho Chi Minh Trail end marker or Lac Long Quan Temple and Mother Au Co Statue. There is also a system of breakwaters that embrace all Ca Mau Cape. It has the effect of preventing landslides, protecting forests, and creating a coastal walking space for you to immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery and cool breeze of the Southern sky.

Hanoi Flag Tower, which simulates the flagpole architecture of the capital

Furthermore, Ca Mau Cape is the only place in the Mekong River region to fully observe the sunrise from the East Sea in the morning and the sunset in the West in the afternoon. When the first rays of dawn gradually dawned with red light and the green of the forest that make the whole sky lit up. And when dusk falls, the whole sky is brilliant, the sun shines into the sea as beautifully as a ball of fire.

Besides, you should not miss the chance to discover deep inside the mangrove forests here in the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta. There are many species of birds hunting for food, or seeing mudskippers climbing ashore and crabs crawling on the mud,… How amazing!

ENJOY THE CUISINE OF THE MEKONG RIVER REGION

The Mekong Delta is a land famous not only for its beautiful natural landscape but also for the richness and diversity of local cuisine. Here, you will encounter delicious and unique dishes with a rich flavor.

Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is a delicious and unique traditional dish of the Mekong Delta region, where it originated. Banh Xeo tastes great and is made with simple ingredients.

Banh Xeo in the West or Mekong River region is thinner and larger than Banh Xeo in other regions. Western Banh Xeo has yellow skin and a rich coconut milk aroma. Inside the cake are shrimp, meat, and green beans. Additionally, in some areas, there are also bean sprouts or coconut tubers.

Banh Xeo has a crispy crust and a golden color that makes diners fall in love

In addition, Banh Xeo here is often eaten with vegetables such as mustard leaves, toadstool leaves, ming aralia leaves, fish mint, mango leaves, and perilla. Banh Xeo will be dipped with extremely delicious sweet and sour garlic chili sauce.

Hu Tieu Sa Dec (Sa Dec’s noodles)

Hu Tieu Sa Dec is considered a specialty dish of Dong Thap province with a unique delicious flavor and is widely known in Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoying a hot bowl of Hu Tieu Sa Dec while making the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta is a wise decision.

Hu Tieu Sa Dec is not only delicious in appearance but also in its unmistakable flavor. That flavor is created by the blend of two main ingredients: noodles and rich broth. Noodles made from Sa Dec rice flour are white, smooth, and soft but not crumbly or sour. The broth is made from bones and seasoned according to traditional flavors. 

A bowl of Hu Tiec Sa Dec will energize you on your journey to explore the Mekong Delta

In each bowl of Hu Tieu Sa Dec, there are toppings such as char siu, pork liver, minced meat, fresh shrimp, and quail eggs,… that are arranged generously. It is served with herbs such as celery, chives, bean sprouts, and a few stalks of lettuce. Sometimes diners can add garlic and chili soaked in vinegar to make the dish more flavorful.

Fried Giant Gourami

During your journey discover the Mekong Delta itinerary, if you don't try Fried Giant Gourami once, it must be a big mistake. This is a typical dish of people who live in the Mekong River region.

The Giant Gourami resembles the shape of a big ear and the body is flat but the meat is sweet, tender, and delicious. After being cleaned, the fish will be dropped into a pan of boiling oil. The amount of oil in the pan must cover the fish so that the outer skin can be beautifully ruffled.

Fried Giant Gourami has a beautiful appearance along with an unforgettable taste

After frying, the fish is presented on a large, eye-catching plate. On the plate, there are also fresh vermicelli and more than 20 typical Western vegetables. In addition, Fried Giant Gourami is also served with rice paper. Take a piece of fish, roll it with vegetables, and dip it in sweet and sour fish sauce. What could be more wonderful?

Banh Canh Ben Co

A unique dish to enjoy in the journey to carry out the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta is probably Banh Canh Ben Co. As a Tra Vinh specialty, Banh Canh Ben Co has a delicious flavor and attracts diners from all over the world. 

Banh Canh Ben Co has soft, chewy, and milky white kind of noodles. The broth is cooked from the bones of the stew for many hours to create sweetness with the secret of seasoning.

To fully enjoy a bowl of Banh Canh Ben Co, it is indispensable to have accompanying ingredients. There are lean meat, pig’s trotter, pork intestines including kidneys, liver, heart,… and some vegetables.

Ca Mau’s crab

Ca Mau’s crab is a wonderful specialty, a gift from the nature of the Mekong Delta brought to the people here. Ca Mau’s crab is also considered the best crab in Vietnam.

Crab meat is both fragrant and sweet, fleshy and firm while the crab-roe is greasy. The delicious crab is thanks to living in a saltwater environment, where the saltier the water, the firmer the crab meat.

When cooked, Ca Mau's crab will have a beautiful orange color, so it is very stimulating for hungry diners

Delicious dishes made from this special seafood can be boiled, steamed, roasted with salt, or cooked in a hot pot. Each dish helps visitors feel its unique and tasty flavor.

Ca Mau people are proud to have the specialty of sea crab to welcome distinguished guests, or as gifts when visiting relatives in other provinces and cities. When carrying the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta, you can choose to buy some and bring them home. 

Ben Tre’s coconut candy

Ben Tre coconut candy is one of the specialty gifts of the Mekong River region. Not only popular domestically, coconut candy is exported to many countries around the world such as Korea, America, and Thailand,…

Ben Tre coconut candy is a snack that everyone loves because of its sweetness

Original coconut candy only includes coconut milk, granulated sugar, and malt, with a little vanilla added to enhance the aroma. In addition, there are many other ingredients to increase diversity such as durian, peanuts, taro, cocoa,…

Ben Tre’s coconut candy is not only a dish to prepare for family entertainment, but it is also a friendly gift for friends and relatives. When you have a chance to visit Ben Tre, remember to buy some of this sweet gift. 

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Mekong Delta is a land that gives you impressive travel experiences with unique culture and beautiful nature. With our sharing about the top 10 things to do in the Mekong Delta above, you surely feel more understanding about the beauty and uniqueness of South Vietnam. Plan an exciting journey to the Mekong Delta and discover the wonderful things this place offers you now.

Before you begin packing your bags and preparing to depart, please ensure that your visa status is eligible for entry into Vietnam without the need for an application. Alternatively, you can access the Vietnamese Visa Application website, where we can assist you with the necessary information.

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