Top 15 Must-See Attractions in the Mekong Delta for the Upcoming Tet Holidays

Phuong Nam Truc Lam Zen Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist structures in the Southwestern region of Vietnam. Established in July 2013 and officially inaugurated on May 17, 2014, in Phong Dien District, Can Tho City, this monastery sits on a vast plot of land spanning 38,016 square meters. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, balancing buildings and lush gardens. The main gate is grand, featuring a curved, tiled roof with a towering arch, flanked by statues of two imposing generals, Vi Da Ho Phap and Tieu Dien Dai Si, symbolizing the forces of good and evil. Upon passing through the gate, visitors encounter a red-tiled courtyard with two small, two-story pavilions on either side, surrounded by lotus ponds. To reach these pavilions, one must cross a small bridge, with a circular path encircling the water.

In the center of the courtyard stands the majestic main hall, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. This two-story structure with eight curved roofs symbolizes the resilience of the Vietnamese people, designed to face the elements. With over 58 Truc Lam Zen monasteries across Vietnam, Phuong Nam Truc Lam is a prominent representative in the Southwest, embodying a deep connection within the Buddhist community. A visit to Phuong Nam Truc Lam Zen Monastery is a journey into serenity, where the soul is cleansed from the stresses of the world. Here, you will encounter profound, simple Buddhist teachings that offer wisdom. Stepping into this sacred space feels like entering another world, one where the chaos of life fades, and only pure hearts focused on the Buddha remain.

The Bạc Liêu Heir is famous for countless stories of extravagant living and a colorful romantic life. He was a regular at the finest restaurants in Saigon, gambling vast sums of money and even piloting a plane to visit his rice fields. One of his most well-known exploits was burning money to cook sweet soup with Phước Heir, often called the White Heir. The mansion, with two stories, stands out with its luxurious white color and French-inspired architecture. The ground floor features two bedrooms, two grand halls, and a staircase leading to the upper floor. The second floor includes three bedrooms, two grand halls, and the room of the heir, Trần Trinh Huy, equipped with amenities like a double bed, TV, telephone, air conditioning, wardrobe, and a writing desk. When it was completed, this mansion was considered the most impressive house in Southern Vietnam at the time.

Today, the Bạc Liêu Heir's mansion is preserved as a historical site for visitors. Upon entering the house, visitors are immediately captivated by the intricate, refined design that exudes elegance. Golden lights create a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere, while each column is adorned with beautiful carvings. Some sections of the mansion display the heir's personal belongings, including finely inlaid mother-of-pearl furniture and delicate tea sets with dragon and phoenix motifs.

Located in Tan Quy Dong commune, Sa Dec city, Dong Thap province, Tan Quy Dong Flower Village is the largest flower-growing area in the Mekong Delta, supplying flowers across the country. Tan Quy Dong Flower Village cultivates a wide variety of stunning flowers, such as chrysanthemum, tiger chrysanthemum, gerbera daisies, cockscomb, marigold, and the popular 'ten o'clock' flower. Notably, around 50 varieties of roses are grown here for export. Regardless of the time of year, visitors can enjoy a vibrant display of flowers with diverse species, colors, and fragrances. Especially when the swallows flutter, signaling the arrival of spring, the village blooms in a stunning array, welcoming visitors with the soft warmth of spring sunshine.

Tan Quy Dong Flower Village is home to nearly 2,000 types of ornamental flowers. Spanning over 85 hectares, it supports nearly 2,000 households. Initially, only a few households cultivated flowers for the Tet holiday, but as the soil proved ideal for flowers, many farmers shifted from rice farming to flower cultivation. Today, the village has become a vibrant part of Dong Thap's tourism. Visitors not only admire the rich diversity of flowers but also learn from local artisans about the unique qualities, origins, and cultural and economic significance of each flower. Tan Quy Dong Flower Village has truly become a springtime floral haven in the Mekong Delta, especially during the year-end festival.

The windmill fields in Bac Lieu, set against the backdrop of a vibrant blue sky, have become a popular spot for young people to check-in. From several kilometers away, you can already spot the large windmill blades spinning steadily like giant wind vanes against the sky. The fields feature 62 towering wind turbines, all placed by the sea. Each turbine stands 80 meters tall, with a 4-meter diameter and weighs over 200 tons, constructed with stainless steel. The blades are 42 meters long and made from special plastic. In bad weather, the blades can fold up to prevent damage.

Visitors should note that not all areas of the windmill fields are open to the public. While some spots are perfect for photos, other areas are restricted and require permission to access. The best times to visit are early in the morning, at sunrise, or in the late afternoon, during sunset. For the best photos, aim to visit around 4 p.m., when the afternoon light hits the turbines beautifully, providing soft, warm lighting without being too harsh. If you do visit Bac Lieu's windmill fields, don’t forget to share your stunning photos with Mytour!

As visitors follow the winding path into My Khanh Tourism Village, they are greeted by the refreshing breeze flowing through the lush green gardens lining the way. Spanning over 50,000 m2, this eco-tourism area offers a variety of services and recreational spaces for visitors. With its diverse offerings, My Khanh Village attracts many tourists, especially during holidays like April 30th, September 2nd, the Lunar New Year, and even weekends. Guests can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a Southern Vietnamese village, take part in various tours to nearby attractions in Can Tho, or engage in leisure activities such as fishing, boating on the ponds, and participating in traditional folk games. Visitors can also explore a centuries-old Southern Vietnamese house to learn more about the region's unique culture, lifestyle, and architecture.

For those interested in traditional crafts, the village offers a glimpse into the making of rice paper and liquor distilling. At the craft village, tourists can observe the meticulous process of handcrafting rice paper, which results in delicious, uniquely flavored rice paper products. Besides offering recreational tours and entertainment, My Khanh Village also features restaurants like Nam Bo II Restaurant, Thuy Ta Restaurant, and the Riverboat Restaurant, all serving a rich variety of local dishes. With skilled chefs and attentive service, visitors don't need to go far to enjoy the best local meals; the village's restaurants offer the most delicious and authentic flavors of Can Tho cuisine.

Ninh Kieu Wharf is one of the most popular spots for visitors, located on the right bank of the Hau River, near the center of Can Tho city. The wharf is always bustling with boats and ships carrying products from the Mekong Delta. Alongside Ninh Kieu Wharf is the modern Can Tho Port, capable of handling loads of up to 5,000 tons. Nearby is Can Tho Market, a major trading center in the southwestern region of Vietnam.

Standing at Ninh Kieu Wharf, one can look across to Xom Chai and the area of Con Au, where a lush cluster of islands provides a tranquil, picturesque view. On the other side, looking from Xom Chai, visitors can admire the vibrant Ninh Kieu area with city lights shimmering on the river's surface, creating a magical golden glow. The air is fresh, cooled by the gentle breeze from the Hau River. At Ninh Kieu Wharf, tourists can also explore floating markets, dine at riverside restaurants, and enjoy local delicacies while taking in the peaceful beauty of the Hau River.

Trà Sư Melaleuca Forest covers an area of nearly 850 hectares, representing a typical wetland ecosystem of the western Hau River region. It is home to various species of birds, wildlife, and aquatic creatures, and is part of Vietnam’s special-use forest system. The forest hosts a rich variety of fauna, including 70 species of birds, such as the rare sarus crane and yellow-headed heron. The mammal population includes 15 species of bats and 4 species of rodents, including the rare short-eared bat listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. The reptile and amphibian species count 25, featuring cobras and banded kraits. The forest’s flora is equally diverse, with 140 species, including 22 types of trees, 25 shrub species, 10 vine species, 70 types of grasses, and 13 aquatic plants.

The standout features of the forest include the towering melaleuca trees and the vibrant water lilies covering the surface. The scenic path leading to the Trà Sư Melaleuca Forest is bordered by expansive rice fields and tall sugar palm trees, which add a unique charm to the tranquil landscape. Visitors will board traditional boats, gliding gently through the lush lily-covered waters, passing lotus flowers and water lilies, and following the “waterway” deep into the forest.

Can Tho is the most modern and developed city in the Mekong Delta, often referred to as the "city of rivers." From Ninh Kiều Wharf to Cai Rang Floating Market, the river plays a central role in the economic and cultural activities of the local people. The Cai Rang Floating Market lies along the Can Tho River and the Xà No Canal, making it a prime location for trade and commerce with neighboring provinces and the entire Mekong Delta. It is the largest and busiest floating market in the region, with hundreds of boats selling everything from fruit to local goods—Vietnamese fruit boats, Khmer sailing vessels selling dried fish, and Chinese junks offering various goods.

The market operates from early morning until about 9 a.m., with the most bustling time being between 7 and 8 a.m., after which the activity quiets down. Each boat acts as a mobile stall, with goods hanging at the bow for easy display and trade. Although famous for its abundance of fruit orchards, prices at Cai Rang Floating Market are not significantly cheaper than in other cities. What attracts tourists is the unique river culture and the fresh, delicious fruits. What makes Cai Rang Floating Market special? Visitors can enjoy the refreshing breeze, the sound of engines, paddles, the gentle waves of the boats, and the lively atmosphere of vendors calling out as they sell their goods along the river.

Long An, with its intertwining Vam Co Rivers and a network of waterways, along with its rich biodiversity of forest and wildlife, offers great opportunities for eco-tourism. Among its popular destinations is the Tan Lap Floating Village. Located in the heart of the Dong Thap Muoi region, Tan Lap Floating Village sits along National Road 62, in Tan Lap commune, Moc Hoa district, Long An province, just over 15km south of the Cambodian border. From Ho Chi Minh City, take National Road 1A to Tan An city (about 40km), then continue on National Road 62 for about 62km to reach Tan Lap Floating Village.

Tan Lap Floating Village, also known as Tan Lap Tram Forest, is a relatively new destination on the tourist map, yet it draws many visitors seeking tranquility and a chance to immerse themselves in the lush greenery of the tram forest, while escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. At Tan Lap Floating Village, visitors can explore a 5-km long trail through the forest, marvel at the towering tram trees, and enjoy the serene beauty of the swamp region. Visitors can also take a boat tour to enjoy the stunning scenery, capturing beautiful moments with blooming lotus and water lily fields in full bloom.

One of the most notable eco-tourism destinations in Dong Thap is the Tram Chim National Park - a Ramsar site of international significance, ranked 2,000th in the world and 4th in Vietnam. The park attracts many visitors due to its beautiful natural landscape and the rare red-crowned crane, along with many other endangered species listed in the Red Book. Situated in the vast wetland, Tram Chim National Park spans over 7,313 hectares. This area, known for its ‘six months of dry land and six months of flooded fields,’ is home to a diverse range of flora, with more than 130 species. The park’s wildlife is particularly rich in waterfowl, with 233 species across 25 genera and 49 families. Of these, 88% are present during the dry season, making up a quarter of all bird species found in Vietnam.

Some rare species include the White-winged Goose, the Purple Heron, and the remarkable Red-crowned Crane, the largest member of the stork family – a priceless natural treasure of the park. The fish species in the park are also abundant, playing a crucial role in the ecological balance and serving as food for the birds. Some of these fish are also listed in the Vietnam Red Book, such as the Còm fish, Tiger Fish, the South Sea Horsefish, and the White Catfish. Thanks to sustainable management and conservation efforts, Tram Chim National Park continues to attract visitors with its unique beauty and many exciting activities.

Doi Pagoda, also known as Ma Toc Pagoda or Mahatup Pagoda, is located on Van Ngoc Chinh Street, Ward 3, Soc Trang City. It gets its name due to being home to large colonies of bats. The pagoda is the only place of worship for the Buddha in the Khmer community in Soc Trang Province. According to ancient records, the pagoda's construction began in 1569, making it over 440 years old. Initially, the pagoda's main hall was built with bamboo and leaves, but it was later reconstructed with brick and tiled roofs. In 1960, the pagoda underwent significant renovations, and it has since been restored multiple times to its present grandeur.

Doi Pagoda consists of several architectural structures including the main hall, Sala, the monks' and devotees' meeting hall, the monks' living quarters, cremation stupas, guest rooms, and more. These structures are all situated within a spacious 4-hectare compound, surrounded by ancient trees. While the pagoda is dedicated to Buddha, its architecture is strongly influenced by Khmer culture. The pagoda stands out with its distinctive yellow-orange colors amidst the lush greenery. The roof is tiled, with curved eaves adorned with Naga serpent carvings, and a sharp spire atop. Visitors can learn about the life of Buddha through murals depicting his birth, enlightenment, and entry into Nirvana. The pagoda also preserves rare artifacts, including sacred texts written on dried palm leaves and valuable cultural objects related to the beliefs of the Southern Khmer people.

When talking about the Mekong Delta, one can’t forget the famous landmark Cape Ca Mau. Located about 110 km from the center of Ca Mau City, Dat Mui commune in Ngoc Hien district has long been a top attraction for travelers visiting Ca Mau. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich, diverse mangrove ecosystem and touch the national geographic coordinate marker, symbolizing the southernmost point of Vietnam. In the past, tourists could only reach Dat Mui by canoe, but now with the completion of the Ho Chi Minh Highway from Nam Can to Dat Mui, visitors can easily travel by car. The straight, winding road through the lush U Minh Ha forest offers a delightful experience for those coming to Dat Mui for the first time.

Due to the rising sea levels, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact location of Cape Ca Mau, so the coordinates in the shape of a ship’s bow are considered a sacred point. When referring to Vietnam, people often say, “Vietnam stretches from the Nam Quan Pass to Cape Ca Mau.” Thus, alongside the Nam Quan Pass, Cape Ca Mau is a revered, distant yet familiar landmark for the Vietnamese people. One must-see attraction when visiting Dat Mui is the Cape Ca Mau Cultural and Ecological Park, located within the UNESCO-recognized Ca Mau Biosphere Reserve since May 2009. This park features the GPS0001 national coordinate marker, one of the four points that mark Vietnam's sacred territorial sovereignty. Visiting the “growing land” and “moving forests” of Dat Mui, visitors can be enveloped in the lush greenery of the vast mangrove forests. This is the only place in Vietnam where you can witness the sunrise on the East Sea and the sunset on the West coast.

Hang Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Dien Tu, is one of the four cultural-historical sites of Sam Mountain. With its serene beauty, a touch of mysticism, and a peaceful atmosphere, Hang Pagoda is a captivating destination for those who appreciate tranquility. Located about 1 km from the Ba Chua Xu Temple at the foot of Sam Mountain, the pagoda has a history of over 100 years. Its peaceful setting makes Hang Pagoda an unmissable spiritual destination for visitors, especially during the Ba Chua Xu Festival. To reach the pagoda, visitors must ascend 300 steps. Within the pagoda’s gardens, a lotus pond adds to the serene landscape, surrounded by a variety of blooming flowers. The complex also houses a shrine dedicated to the Laughing Buddha. In front of the garden stands a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, with four guardian statues gazing toward the base of the mountain.

According to legend, there was once a deep cave near the temple where a pair of fierce cobras resided. After a monk named Ba Tho moved to the area to meditate, the snakes became peaceful and would lie quietly near her to listen to her prayers. The monk named them Thanh Xa and Bach Xa. After her passing, the snakes mysteriously vanished. Visitors who arrive in the early morning to Hang Pagoda can admire the majestic view of Sam Mountain, inhale the fragrant incense smoke, and listen to the sounds of temple bells and chanting. This peaceful atmosphere makes for an incredibly serene and meditative experience. Today, to ensure safety, the cave has been sealed off, with a small entrance leading a few meters into the mountain, creating a mystical and quiet space. The path to the pagoda, lined with steps, not only provides easy access but also offers a picturesque view of the jagged rocks and expansive plains below.

The best time to visit Nam Du Island is between December and March, when the sea is calm and clear, making it more comfortable for those who are prone to seasickness when traveling by boat. Hon Mau, which spans approximately 200 hectares, is one of the 21 islands in the archipelago and is renowned for its beautiful beaches. There are five beaches on this small island, including Bai Chuong, Bai Nam, Bai Bac, Bai Da Den, and Bai Da Trang. Bai Nam is the main beach and remains quiet year-round, with ships stopping here for trade, making it the most populated area of the island. However, it still maintains its pristine beauty with soft white sands. Hon Ngang offers the calmest harbor in Nam Du. This island is the center of Nam Du commune, with a bustling port filled with thousands of boats and nearly 60 floating fish farms scattered without any clear arrangement. The harbor is lined with stilt houses, made of bamboo and concrete, stretching along a 2 km coastline. There is only a small 1.5-meter-wide path, with no vehicles allowed. Hon Son, located between Hon Tre and the Nam Du archipelago, is about 60 km from the mainland. Visitors to Hon Son are greeted with a picturesque blend of beaches and islands. On clear days, the island resembles a sparkling gem, with its hills rising above the shimmering sea. As you approach, the island’s lush green coconut groves become even more inviting, offering a serene and idyllic atmosphere.

When talking about popular tourist destinations in Can Tho, one cannot overlook Ninh Kiều Pier. A highlight here is the city’s first pedestrian bridge, which connects Ninh Kiều Pier to Cồn Cái Khế. Though it was only completed in 2016, the Ninh Kiều Pedestrian Bridge has quickly become a favorite spot for visitors, offering a great place for a stroll, photo opportunities, and enjoying the cool breeze from the Hau River. The bridge, designed with a modern, flowing S-shape symbolizing Vietnam, is about 200 meters long and 7.2 meters wide.

From this bridge, visitors can view the Can Tho Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in Southeast Asia, and witness the rapid development of the city. The scenic riverside landscape is as poetic as the famous Vietnamese saying “Can Tho, with its clear water and white rice – those who visit, never wish to leave.” At night, the bridge becomes even more magical, illuminated in a soft glow that captivates visitors and leaves them mesmerized by its beauty.