Exploring the Mekong Delta: Your Ultimate Guide

Blessed by nature with its intricate riverine topography, abundant fruit orchards, and expansive rice fields, the Mekong Delta is the perfect destination for travelers seeking refuge in nature after bustling city days.

Exploring the Mekong Delta: Your Ultimate Guide

Devoid of opulent charm found in other thriving regions, the Mekong Delta exudes a serene and peaceful allure, coupled with the warm hospitality of its people, making visitors reluctant to leave.

The Mekong Delta, also referred to as the Cuu Long River Delta, comprises 12 provinces, one centrally-governed city, including An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, and Can Tho.

Transportation

Air Travel: In the Mekong Delta, the largest airport is Can Tho International Airport. From there, you can take a coach to reach other provinces.

By Road: Head to Mien Tay Bus Station (address: 395 Kinh Duong Vuong, An Lac Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City) to purchase tickets for various routes to Mekong Delta provinces.

Motorbike: If starting from Saigon, choosing a motorbike is advantageous for flexibility in the journey, allowing you to stop and explore at your own pace without missing any beautiful spots along the way.

Best Time to Travel to the Mekong Delta

With a warm, year-round climate and mild weather, the Mekong Delta is beautiful in every season. Each season brings its own unique charm and highlights.

Typically, during the summer months (around June, July, August), the Mekong Delta experiences the ripening of fruits. If you enjoy exploring lush fruit orchards, summer is the ideal time to visit.

Around September to November is the flooding season in the Mekong Delta. During this time, the entire landscape is covered with white floodwaters, creating a serene and picturesque scene. Although you may not explore many places, visiting during the flooding days offers unique delights.

From December to January, approaching the Tet holiday, you can visit famous flower villages like Sa Dec, Tan Quy Dong, Vi Thanh in the Mekong Delta.

Must-Visit Destinations in Mekong Delta

As Mekong Delta boasts numerous renowned tourist spots that cannot be fully explored in just a day or two, Mytour suggests standout destinations tailored to your preferences for an easier selection.

Fruit Season

Depending on the season, various fruit orchards offer different fruits. Typically, during the summer months (around June, July, August), the Mekong Delta experiences the ripening of fruits, and visiting famous orchards during this period is a delightful experience.

Cai Be Fruit Orchard, Tien Giang

When talking about Tien Giang's fruit orchards, one cannot ignore Cai Be Fruit Orchard. Located approximately 70 km from Saigon, Cai Be Fruit Orchard stretches along the northern bank of the Tien River, belonging to Cai Be District. Cai Be is not only the largest fruit basket in the Mekong Delta but also a popular stop for many tourists due to its renowned fruits such as cat mangoes, pomelos, longans, honey oranges, oranges, apples, persimmons, tangerines, jackfruits, plums, and more.

Visitors to Cai Be Fruit Orchard not only get to explore the lush and fruitful orchards but also have the opportunity to indulge in the delicious local fruits. Compared to other orchards in the Mekong Delta, Cai Be Fruit Orchard is considered one of the most diverse, offering a rich variety of fruits throughout the year. Regardless of the season, tourists in Cai Be can enjoy an abundance of ripe and flavorful fruits.

Vinh Kim Fruit Orchard, Tien Giang

When mentioning Vinh Kim (a commune in Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province), one immediately thinks of the famous Lò Rèn milk fruit with its round, plump, and fragrant characteristics. Besides the renowned Lò Rèn milk fruit brand, visitors to Vinh Kim also have the opportunity to taste various other delicious fruits such as durians, rambutans, pomelos, and more.

Cai Mon Fruit Orchard, Ben Tre

Cai Mon Fruit Orchard in Vinh Thanh Commune, Cho Lach District, Ben Tre Province, is the largest fruit orchard in the Southern region and is recognized by the Vietnam Record Book as the largest fruit tree nursery in the country. Cai Mon's fruit orchards are surrounded by the four rivers of the Co Chien and Ham Luong streams, providing a mild climate and lush, vibrant foliage throughout the year.

A visit to Cai Mon Fruit Orchard must include a mention of Cai Mon durians, Hai Hoa green-peel pomelos, Chinh Hoa tiny-seed milk durians, and other renowned delicacies in the region.

Vinh Long Fruit Orchard

Vinh Long has long been famous for its sprawling fruit orchards, featuring lush greenery and sweet, ripe fruits all year round. Visitors can explore Vinh Long's fruit orchards during the harvest season of rambutans, typically from May to July. Vinh Long is also renowned for its Tam Binh sweet oranges, which are large and have a refreshing sweetness, as well as specialties like durians, sugar apples, mangoes, and more.

My Khanh Fruit Orchard, Can Tho

From Can Tho city, take National Highway 1 towards Soc Trang. When approaching Cai Rang Bridge, turn right and travel about 6km to reach My Khanh tourist fruit orchard, a well-known orchard in the Southern region.

With over 20 types of trees planted along the paths, such as plum, mango, rambutan, jackfruit, strawberry, durian, always fresh, laden with fruits, and unique, delightful flavors, this place will give visitors a gentle, relaxing sensation. Moreover, various traditional folk games are organized here, such as pig racing, dog racing, monkey circus, and crocodile fishing, providing entertainment for tourists.

Floating Season

Tan Lap Floating Village, Long An

Tan Lap Floating Village, also known as Tan Lap melaleuca forest, located in Moc Hoa district, Long An province, is approximately 100 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, with easily accessible roads. When visiting here, you will feel like entering a fairy tale world with sunlight filtering through the tree branches, the rustling sound of leaves, and the melodious singing of birds. It's recommended to visit Tan Lap in October and November to admire the blooming lotus flowers, inhaling the intoxicating fragrance of this pure flower.

Tram Forest Tra Su, An Giang

Tra Su Melaleuca Forest is located about 30 km from Chau Doc city and is considered the most typical and unique natural landscape conservation area of the submerged ecosystem in the Mekong Delta. The forest is at its most beautiful during the floating season (from September to November each year). Duckweed covers a green carpet on the 'road', and the melaleuca trees provide a refreshing shade with their embracing branches. Occasionally, the sound of paddles, birds, and fish disrupts the tranquil space of the lush green forest.

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Bung Binh Thien, An Giang

Located about 30 km from Chau Doc, Bung Binh Thien, also known as the 'sky lake,' in An Phu district, An Giang province, is situated near the Cambodia border. During the floating season, Bung Binh Thien becomes romantic and poetic with boats hidden in the early morning mist or the twilight glow.

Ta Pa Rice Fields, An Giang

Ta Pa Rice Fields in Tri Ton district, An Giang, during the floating season, resemble a vast carpet with lush green rice fields and rows of majestic palm trees standing proudly against the blue sky. Viewed from above, Ta Pa looks like an endless green carpet of rice, adorned with tall, towering palm trees.

Tram Chim National Park, Dong Thap

Every year, when the water floods in, Tram Chim adorns itself with a new coat of vibrant colors and the dazzling dance of nature. Instead of choosing sunrise like most, you can begin your exploration in the afternoon to enjoy the magnificent scenery fully. Moreover, the floating season is also the time when the lotus fields in Dong Thap blossom everywhere. Navigate through the lotus fields on a small boat to fully experience the beauty amidst the vast lotus fields here.

Thi Tuong Lagoon, Ca Mau

Thi Tuong Lagoon (or Ba Tuong Lagoon) is one of the largest natural lagoons in the Mekong Delta, dubbed as the “sea in the middle of the delta.” Thi Tuong Lagoon is formed from the sedimentation of My Binh River, Ong Doc River, and many canals in Phu Tan, Tran Van Thoi, and Cai Nuoc districts. The lagoon is situated between Phu Tan and Tran Van Thoi districts, in Ca Mau province. This place is described as a picturesque and charming watercolor painting, especially during each morning and evening.

Tet Festival Season

Tan Quy Dong Flower Village, Sa Dec, Dong Thap

As one of the central areas for ornamental flowers in the South – Sa Dec, specifically Tan Quy Dong Flower Village in Sa Dec, is always a destination for tourists when preparing for the Lunar New Year.

During the festive season of Tet, the village of Tân Quy Đông boasts a vibrant array of flowers, including varieties such as peach blossoms, giant dahlias, money plants, and longevity orchids. Alongside these, you'll find an abundance of medicinal herbs like panax notoginseng, longevity leaves, damiana flowers, red sage, and decorative chili plants. Hundreds of rare and valuable plants from the Southern region also grace the landscape. Every Tet season, this place becomes a bustling hub for tourists, offering a perfect blend of flower admiration and photo opportunities.

Mai Village in Phước Định, Vĩnh Long

Situated about 3 km from the center of Vĩnh Long city, Phước Định's Mai Village is renowned nationwide for its exquisite apricot blossoms.

Apricots in Phước Định are typically in their pristine state, well-cared-for, and known for their longevity and substantial value. As Tet approaches, Mai Village becomes a haven for collectors seeking the perfect apricot blooms. Therefore, visiting Phước Định during this time immerses you in the lively atmosphere of blooming orchards in spring.

Flower Village in Mỹ Tho, Tiền Giang

Being the closest flower village to Saigon among the renowned ones in the Mekong Delta (approximately 70 km away), Mỹ Tho attracts many visitors eager to admire and capture the beauty of flowers during the Tet season. Here, you are sure to feel the Tet hustle and bustle as you witness people caring for and transporting flowers for sale.

Bonsai Village in Chợ Lách – Cái Mơn, Bến Tre

In the days leading up to Tet, the atmosphere in the flower village of Chợ Lách – Cái Mơn, hailed as the 'Kingdom of Bonsai and Fruit Trees' nationwide, is bustling day and night. Gardeners are diligently tending to the flower beds in preparation for Tet. The riverboats are also busy transporting flowers far and wide, creating a continuous flow of vibrant blooms.

Thới Nhựt Flower Village, Cần Thơ

While not as famous as Tân Quy Đông or Cái Mơn, Thới Nhựt Flower Village (or Bà Bộ) offers an intriguing flower-watching spot if you find yourself in Cần Thơ during the Tet season. With a history of over 100 years, the village primarily cultivates familiar Western flowers and plants such as apricots, chrysanthemums, medicinal herbs, and sunflowers.

Spiritual tourism

Bà Chúa Xứ Temple, Châu Đốc, An Giang

Bà Chúa Xứ, a legendary figure, is worshipped at Sam Mountain (Châu Đốc, An Giang). Annually, this historical site attracts nearly two million pilgrims and tourists. Pilgrims and travelers come not only from neighboring provinces but also from distant regions like the East and Central, creating a lively festival season that lasts for months on Sam Mountain.

Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, Tiền Giang

Located on Nguyen Trung Truc Street in My Tho City, Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda is a renowned temple in the Southern region, classified as a national historical and cultural monument. It serves as a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination. The pagoda features a fusion of Asian and European architecture while still maintaining the traditional Vietnamese Quoc script design, consisting of four interconnected sections (front yard, main hall, ancestral house, and rear house). The spacious temple grounds, shaded by lush trees, along with miniature landscapes and small ponds, provide a pleasant experience for visitors after Buddhist rituals and sightseeing.

Dơi Pagoda, Sóc Trăng

Dơi Pagoda, also known as Mã Tộc Pagoda or Mahatup Pagoda, represents a distinctive architectural ensemble in the beliefs of the Khmer community. It is situated approximately 3 km southeast of the city center of Sóc Trăng. Visitors not only admire the unique and splendid beauty of this over 400-year-old pagoda but also immerse themselves in the mystical nature with bats hanging from the branches throughout the temple grounds.

Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Zen Monastery, Cần Thơ

Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Zen Monastery is situated in the historical landmark of Lộ Vòng Cung, Mỹ Nhơn hamlet, Mỹ Khánh commune, Phong Điền district, approximately 15 km from the center of Cần Thơ city. A visit to Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Zen Monastery to admire the scenery and seek peace will be a memorable pilgrimage when you have the opportunity to explore the Mekong Delta.

Floating Markets

In the Southern region, where an intricate network of canals and rivers defines life, floating markets stand out as a unique aspect of the Mekong Delta's vibrant culture.

Cái Răng Floating Market, Cần Thơ

A journey of approximately 30 minutes from Ninh Kieu Wharf, cruising along the Hậu River to reach Cái Răng Floating Market in the early morning is a dream every adventurous traveler wishes to fulfill. The market operates from 5 to 9 am, specializing in the trade of agricultural products, various fruits, merchandise, and food items. This cultural highlight in the Mekong Delta attracts numerous international visitors eager to explore the unique charm of the region.

Cái Bè Floating Market, Tiền Giang

Ngã Năm Floating Market is a floating market located in Ward 1, Ngã Năm town, Sóc Trăng province. Ngã Năm Floating Market serves as the intersection of five rivers: Cà Mau, Vĩnh Quới, Long Mỹ, Thạnh Trị, Phụng Hiệp. It is the docking point where traders await goods from various regions, making the market bustling and crowded throughout the day.

Floating Market in Long Xuyên, An Giang

The floating market in Long Xuyên is situated on the Hậu River in the Mỹ Phước ward, Long Xuyên city, An Giang province. Here, hundreds of boats anchor closely along the river, engaging in activities and trading year-round. The main goods here include colorful flowers: vegetables, melons, tomatoes, cabbage, squash, sweet potatoes, and famous snacks of the An Giang region such as fish noodle soup, flat rice dumplings, and pigskin cakes.

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Specialties of the Mekong Delta

In Mekong Delta tourism, you not only get to explore, admire, or experience the beauty of nature and the culture of the local people, but also savor unique and enticing dishes that are exclusive to the Mekong Delta.

Whimsical Crazy Carp Hotpot

In the Mekong Delta, everyone knows about the unique crazy carp, and those who have savored it will forever be impressed by its distinctive flavor. Whether prepared as crispy battered carp, braised carp with fermented shrimp paste, sugarcane-braised carp, khóm-stewed carp, or sour soup with carp, this fish delights in any culinary form. Although just a countryside dish, the Whimsical Crazy Carp Hotpot captivates diners with its vibrant colors, wafting aroma, and the refreshing taste of the broth. While this dish can be found in various regions, Đồng Tháp, Long An, An Giang, and Cần Thơ are particularly renowned for their rendition of the Whimsical Crazy Carp Hotpot.

Fermented Fish Hotpot

The Fermented Fish Hotpot has a long history in Cần Thơ and is hailed as one of the finest dishes in the Mekong Delta that no traveler should miss. The main ingredient is made from fermented anchovy fish or carp fish sauce from Châu Đốc, An Giang. The broth is prepared with fish sauce and either coconut water or pork bone broth.

Field Mouse

The vast fields of the Mekong Delta are ideal for the development of field mice, and their meat is a famous delicacy in this riverine region. At first glance, many may feel hesitant, but after trying dishes made from field mice, some find themselves praising the unique taste. This delicacy is well-known in provinces such as Đồng Tháp, An Giang, and Cần Thơ.

Grilled snakehead fish

Grilled snakehead fish is a specialty enjoyed by people throughout the provinces in the Southwestern region of Vietnam. The dish is easy to prepare; you just need to skewer a fresh bamboo stick along the fish's body, then stick it upside down into the ground, cover it with straw, and ignite. Add a dash of chili salt, a variety of garden herbs, and you're ready to savor the delicious and rich flavor of this dish.

Rice vermicelli with fish broth

Rice vermicelli with fish broth is a popular dish in the provinces of the Southwestern region and especially renowned in Soc Trang. The key to the deliciousness of each bowl of vermicelli lies in the broth made from snakehead fish sauce, flower crab sauce, or mudfish sauce, carefully filtered, clear, and aromatic.

To enhance the flavor, the broth should have a bit of fresh coconut water or banana flower buds. All the simple ingredients like fish sauce, roasted pork, banana blossoms... blend harmoniously in each bowl, creating a unique and captivating taste that satisfies the palates of diners from all corners.

Fish noodle soup

This is a popular dish in the Mekong Delta with various variations such as Chau Doc fish vermicelli, Kien Giang fish vermicelli, Soc Trang fish vermicelli, etc. Unlike the fish vermicelli of people in the Central region, which is made from sea fish, the fish vermicelli in the Mekong Delta is made from plump snakehead fish in the rivers and fields here. Though a simple dish, it encapsulates a picturesque scene of harmony between color and flavor.

Hu Tieu

One of the favorite dishes in the Mekong Delta is Hu Tieu. The clear and fragrant broth of Hu Tieu is infused with the aroma of grilled squid, dried shrimp, fried shallots, and more. The bone marrow, pork leg, and tender ribs are simmered to perfection. The Hu Tieu noodles are small and elastic, just the right texture—neither too chewy nor too soft. The most famous place for Hu Tieu is often associated with My Tho and Sa Dec.

Some remarkable festivals in the Mekong Delta

Land Lady Festival, An Giang

The festival takes place from the night of April 23rd to April 27th in the lunar calendar. It is a religious festival deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Southwestern region, attracting numerous Buddhist followers from across the country to pray for blessings and prosperity.

The festival consists of two parts. The ceremony includes four main rituals: the procession of four offerings from Thoai Ngoc Hau's tomb to the Lady's temple, the Tuc Yet ceremony, the Construction of Altars – Hat Boi singing, and the Main Ceremony. The festival is lively with a blend of cultural and folk art activities such as lion dance, plate balancing dance, cup dance, attracting many tourists.

Ba Chua Xu Festival, An Giang

The Ba Chua Xu Festival is a celebration of the Khmer people, usually held around the 29th of August to the 1st of September in the lunar calendar (if the month is short, then from the 29th of August to the 2nd of September in the lunar calendar). With a rich cultural identity, the buffalo racing festival is a unique cultural activity and sport in the Seven Mountains region, An Giang.

Ok Om Bok Festival, Soc Trang and Tra Vinh

As a festival of the Khmer people, Ok Om Bok means the moon worship ceremony, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for a good harvest. According to the Khmer people's religious beliefs, the Moon is the deity governing weather and crops throughout the year. This festival takes place annually around mid-October in the lunar calendar. It is usually held at the temple grounds of each community in the provinces of Tra Vinh and Soc Trang, where a large number of Khmer people reside.

Chol Chnam Thmay Festival

Chol Chnam Thmay (or Chaul Chnam Thmay) is the traditional New Year celebration of the Khmer people, usually taking place in mid-April and lasting for 3 days. During this time, people clean and decorate their homes beautifully, prepare food, cakes, and often buy new clothes for children. If you have traveled to Can Tho, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, or other provinces in the Mekong Delta in April, you would have the chance to participate in this traditional festival.

By Ha Mi (Compiled)

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide