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The Mekong Delta is home to vibrant cities scattered along the riverbanks. Here are 5 destinations perfect for travelers who enjoy adventure and discovery.
Can Tho
Can Tho is the perfect starting point for your first journey to the Mekong Delta. This major city in Vietnam offers the relaxed atmosphere of the countryside. Ride a motorcycle to explore the nearby small islands. Beneath the shade of banana and guava trees, you’ll pass by fish ponds, fruit orchards, and winding canals.
Can Tho is surrounded by a tranquil network of canals. You can rent a boat for a few hours to explore the waterways, stopping at small workshops to see how traditional rice paper and noodles are made. Some hotels in Can Tho offer rooms with breathtaking views of the river, perfect for unwinding.
Cai Be, Tien Giang
Cai Be doesn't attract many tourists, which is why it feels welcoming and authentic. The star of Cai Be district is Tan Phong Island, surrounded by the Tien River. A short ferry ride will take you to this small island. Tan Phong is bordered by canals and fruit orchards. The best way to explore the island is by boat or cycling along narrow paths. You'll immerse yourself in the lush greenery and witness the daily life of the locals.
The markets in Cai Be town come alive at dawn. You'll see children biking to school, the sun shimmering on the water at the ferry terminal, and church flags waving in the wind. Ride a bike to explore the Cao Dai temple and discover the local market. Don’t miss the traditional food of the Mekong Delta while you're at the markets.
Chau Doc, An Giang
Chau Doc is a border city filled with captivating landscapes and sounds that enchant travelers. The Hau River, or Bassac River, flows right through the city. Boats on the river transport local produce to the Chau Doc market. Outside the market, you'll find the best Chau Doc dumplings. The Chau Doc fish noodle soup, made with garlic, fermented fish, river fish, fresh rice noodles, banana flowers, bean sprouts, and yellow lilies, is a must-try.
If you want an authentic glimpse into life deep within the Mekong Delta, Chau Doc is the perfect example. The Cham, Khmer, Kinh, and Hoa communities coexist harmoniously. The Cham people worship at intricately painted mosques, while the Khmer and Kinh people frequently visit Buddhist temples on Sam Mountain.
The most famous and crowded temple in Chau Doc is the Ba Chua Xu Temple. Every April, a three-day festival attracts thousands of pilgrims to the temple. The peaceful Hang Pagoda, situated on a hill, offers breathtaking views of the rice fields that stretch all the way to the mountains in Cambodia.
Sa Dec, Dong Thap
The name 'Sa Dec' holds a romantic charm for many visitors, as it is the setting for the famous novel 'The Lover.' The home of Duras' lover, Huynh Thuy Le, still stands today. Built in 1895, the house is decorated with antique furniture, stained-glass windows, and painted cement tiles. The story of the Duras family has placed Sa Dec on the literary map.
The market is the heart of Sa Dec. Behind the market, the water stretches all the way to where boats can easily navigate. Just a few kilometers from the city lies another colorful attraction: the Sa Dec flower village. Thousands of flowers are cultivated here, and the village becomes even more vibrant and beautiful every Lunar New Year. The Mekong Delta truly shows its romantic side in Sa Dec.
Ben Tre
Ben Tre is the closest to Ho Chi Minh City, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. Whether you're here for a short vacation or a longer retreat, Ben Tre offers unforgettable experiences. Visitors often enjoy boat rides along the canals shaded by coconut trees. Most boat tours stop at a local coconut candy workshop, where you can taste various coconut sweets and see the entire production and packaging process.
You can also spend time observing the creation of colorful rugs or visit a brick factory to see the process of molding and firing bricks. Treat yourself to a typical Ben Tre lunch, featuring fried catfish, wrapped in cucumber, herbs, and rice noodles, and served with a perfectly seasoned fish sauce.
According to Mytour.vn
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Source: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnSeptember 16, 2024
