Buzz
When you think of the Mekong Delta, what comes to mind? Floating markets? Lush fruit orchards? Or the warm-hearted and friendly people? That's just the beginning. Let's explore the wonders of this watery Mekong Delta with VNTRIP.VN.
Exploring the Waterways of the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam
What do you know about the Southern Mekong Delta?
Few know that the Mekong Delta is referred to by many names, such as: Southern Mekong Delta, Cuu Long River Delta, the Southernmost region of Vietnam, Mekong Delta, Southern Region… Now you know that any of these names mentioned refers to your beloved Mekong Delta!
Exploring the Southern Mekong Delta by Waterways
When you think of the Mekong Delta, you think of meandering canals, dense rivers, vast orchards… and you can't overlook a saying about the people of the Mekong Delta: 'If you're going to work, work until death; if you're going to play, play heartily. When it's time to love, love with all your heart, and when it's time to hate, hate for a lifetime. When you're not pleased, don't say a word, but when things are going well, open your heart and be generous.' That's why you can confidently 'travel like a child' when choosing the Mekong Delta as your destination.
Now it's time to explore the Mekong Delta
Best Time to Visit the Mekong Delta
The Southern Mekong Delta is blessed with mild weather, warm sunshine almost year-round, with each season offering unique and remarkable features. However, the two most beautiful seasons, chosen by many to visit the Mekong Delta, are the summer and the flood season
The Mekong Delta is most beautiful during the flood season
Summer (June, July, August) is the season of lush fruit orchards. This is the perfect time for those who enjoy experiencing and tasting a variety of fresh fruits right in the orchards.
The flood season typically lasts from September to November. During this time in the Mekong Delta, you'll see vast expanses of flooded fields. Don't forget to choose a boat, visit the floating markets, and listen to stories about the rivers and waterways (if you enjoy mysterious tales, you can't miss this activity).
Additionally, if you visit the Mekong Delta from December to February, you'll experience the lively atmosphere of the locals preparing for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). There are many flower villages and unique types of flowers that will surely amaze and delight you, especially if you're from flatlands or mountainous regions.
Transportation Options
By Air
Can Tho International Airport is the largest and only airport in the Mekong Delta. From here, you can travel by bus to various provinces in the Mekong Delta. Don't forget, Can Tho is served by two domestic airlines: Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. There are also two international routes to Can Tho: Taipei - Can Tho and Bangkok - Can Tho.
The largest airport in the Mekong Delta provinces
By Car
From any province, you can find bus services at the Mekong Delta bus station and choose a bus to travel to other provinces in the Mekong Delta.
Explore the Mekong Delta with four-wheeled journeys
Motorbike
This is the ideal mode of transportation if you're traveling from Saigon. You can freely plan your itinerary and stop anywhere to capture beautiful moments. But be prepared for a bit of exhaustion.
What does the Mekong Delta offer?
1. Floating Markets – The Highlight of the Mekong Delta
Cai Rang Floating Market – Can Tho
This is the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta, situated on the Cai Rang River and about 6km from the center of Can Tho city. The market primarily trades famous agricultural products such as Vinh Long pomelo, Vung Lai pink grapefruit, and Cai Mon durian.
Traveling across 6 provinces in the Mekong Delta with Cai Rang Floating Market
Cai Rang Market operates daily from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m., but during Tet holiday, due to increased demand, the market bustles all day long. The market is also a famous tourist spot in Can Tho.
Cai Be Floating Market – Tien Giang
This is the second largest floating market after Cai Rang. Situated on the Tien River, Cai Be district, Tien Giang province, it is bordered by three provinces: Tien Giang, Vinh Long, and Ben Tre.
Exploring the Mekong Delta with a Visit to Cai Be Floating Market – Tien Giang
The market usually operates from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Located at the intersection of three provinces, the market serves as a hub for fruit transportation to neighboring regions.
Nga Bay Floating Market – Hau Giang
Nga Bay Floating Market, also known as Phung Hiep Floating Market, is unique as it is situated at the confluence of 7 rivers.
Traveling to the Mekong Delta with Nga Bay Floating Market
In addition to selling fruits and produce, the market also offers handicrafts and unique items such as snakes, frogs, and turtles.
Tra On Floating Market – Vinh Long
Located at the lower reaches of the Hau River, with a long-standing history, this floating market is considered a major trading hub for commodities like sweet potatoes, taro, dried fruits, and Tan Thanh oranges.
Fruit Delights at Tra On Floating Market – Vinh Long
A distinctive feature of this market is its location along the water. Don't forget to indulge in specialty dishes like fried fish, beef noodle soup with meatballs, and immerse yourself in the profound melody of the Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang.
Specialty Dishes like Fried Fish from the Mekong Delta
In addition to the major floating markets mentioned above, there are also many other floating markets organized according to the needs of each region, such as Nga Nam Floating Market – Soc Trang, Long Xuyen Floating Market – An Giang, Phong Dien Floating Market – Can Tho, etc.
2. Fruit Havens – A Priceless Gift for Food Enthusiasts
Cai Be Orchard – Tien Giang
Situated along the northern bank of the Tien River, in Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province, this is the largest fruit orchard in the Mekong Delta, renowned for its diverse range of fruits such as cat mangoes, pomelos, tangerines, honey oranges, guavas, apples, kumquats, dragon fruits, and more.
This orchard is located along the northern bank of the Tien River
Every year, Cai Be welcomes millions of tourists to visit and experience. With its perennial abundance of fruits, this destination is always on the itinerary of travelers.
Vinh Kim Orchard – Tien Giang
Trái Vú Sữa (Milk Breast Fruit) from Southern Mekong Delta
Undoubtedly, many have heard of the name Milk Breast Fruit from Lo Ren Furnace. Vinh Kim, Tien Giang is where these plump, juicy, and magically fragrant fruits are grown. Moreover, this orchard also offers other delicious and aromatic fruits such as rambutans and durians.
Cai Mon Orchard – Ben Tre
Cai Mon fruit orchard is enriched with fertile humus from the Cổ Chiên and Hàm Luông rivers, coupled with a mild climate, allowing fruit trees to thrive abundantly. When mentioning Cai Mon, one cannot overlook its specialties: Cai Mon durians and Hai Hoa green-skinned pomelos.
Specialty: Cai Mon Durian from the Mekong Delta
As the largest fruit orchard in the South
Located in Vinh Thanh commune, Chợ Lách district, Ben Tre province, Cai Mon is the largest fruit orchard in the South and is recognized by the Vietnam Record Book as having the largest fruit trees in Vietnam.
In addition to the large orchards mentioned above, the Mekong Delta also has orchards with unique characteristics. Tam Binh sweet oranges from Vinh Long orchard offer a combination of sour, sweet, and fragrant flavors. Or My Khanh Orchard in Can Tho, which cultivates over 20 different fruit species, including mangoes, jackfruits, rambutans, and durians.
3. Flower Villages in the Tet Season - The Poetry of the Mekong Delta
Tan Quy Dong Flower Village - Sa Dec
Tan Quy Dong Flower Village stretches across the fertile land between the Tien and Lấp Vò rivers, serving as a focal point for ornamental flowers in the South and attracting not only tourists but also flower traders from all over in the days leading up to Tet.
A corner of Tan Quy Dong Flower Village - Sa Dec
Chrysanthemums, marigolds, and longevity flowers are the main flowers grown here to meet the demand of the locals. Besides, vast fields of dahlia, tuberose, and ornamental peppers are must-visit spots for any photographer.
Phuoc Dinh Bamboo Village - Vinh Long
The mai tree is a traditional cultural feature during Tet in the southern region. This mai village still preserves its primitive charm and traditional mai trees from ancient times. You'll marvel at the golden mai garden, witnessing the purity and brightness of life.
This mai village is only about 3 km from Vinh Long city, attracting locals seeking beautiful mai trees for Tet decorations or photographers capturing the bustling Tet atmosphere.
My Phong Flower Village - My Tho
Visiting this flower village, you'll be dazzled by the red, yellow, and green hues dominating the area. The main flowers here are chrysanthemums: button chrysanthemums, yellow chrysanthemums, Dutch chrysanthemums, along with ornamental plants like bougainvillea and cacti.
Dazzled by the red, yellow, and green hues of My Phong Flower Village
Entering here, you also have the chance to witness gardeners bustling from early morning to care for the first blooming flowers, each pot of plants, avoiding the harsh sunlight that might scorch the flowers.
Chợ Lách Flower Village - Ben Tre
Ben Tre is not only known for its vast fruit orchards, but its flower villages also attract tourists. Chợ Lách Flower Village, with over 100 years of development, has built a long-standing brand and contributed to the local economy through this traditional craft village.
Local residents here meticulously tend to their flower gardens on time and in season. They warmly welcome tourists from afar to visit, explore, and take photos.
4. Flooding Season - Unmissable Destination
Ta Pa Rice Fields - An Giang
Setting foot on the peak of Ta Pa mountain to behold the panoramic view of Ta Pa rice fields, you will be amazed by the majestic and expansive beauty of the golden vast rice fields. Stretching endlessly, it resembles a painting of peaceful and tranquil countryside.
Tà Pạ Rice Fields - A Beautiful Tourist Spot in the Mekong Delta
Trà Sư Melaleuca Forest - An Giang
This is the wetland ecosystem of the Mekong Delta, located about 30 km from Chau Doc City. During the flooding season, you can glide on a green mat of water lilies with tall melaleuca trees on both sides, providing cool shade for passersby.
Bird Sanctuary of Trà Sư Melaleuca Forest
Tràm Chim National Park - Đồng Tháp
True to its name, every year during the flooding season, Tràm Chim becomes bustling and lively with the hunting activities of flocks of birds. To encounter them, you should go in the afternoon to enjoy the most beautiful moments of the natural world.
'The most beautiful lotus in Thap Muoi' is a verse passed down through generations. When mentioning Đồng Tháp, one cannot forget the vast lotus ponds, especially during the flooding season when you can glide amidst the lotus ponds on a small boat.
Specialties of the Mekong Delta
- Sizzling Pancake
Sizzling Pancake is a hallmark of the folk culinary culture in the Southwest region. To make this dish true to its Mekong Delta essence, the cook must select the most fragrant rice, soak it overnight, then grind it and remove impurities. Next, the rice flour is mixed with turmeric powder to give it a yellow color and coconut milk for a creamy texture.
- Linh Fish Hotpot
Linh Fish is famous in the riverine regions. Linh Fish hotpot, flavorful and refreshing, embodies the essence of river life, combining sweet and sour flavors to create an enticing hotpot that appeals to tourists. Additionally, this fish can be prepared in various ways: fried, steamed, stewed,...
Linh Fish Hotpot - a Famous Delicacy in the Mekong Delta
- Grilled Snakehead Fish
Grilled Snakehead Fish is a specialty enjoyed by people across the provinces of the Mekong Delta. The dish is prepared simply by cleaning the fish, skewering it on fresh bamboo sticks, then placing the fish upside down on the ground, covering it with straw, and cooking until done. This method results in aromatic and flavorful grilled snakehead fish.
The Fragrant Aroma of Grilled Snakehead Fish - a Local Specialty
There's much more awaiting your discovery in the Mekong Delta. Especially, travel like a child and you won't be disappointed choosing the Mekong Delta for your adventure.
VNTRIP.VN wishes you a joyful journey exploring the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam!
