The Mekong is the 12th longest river in the world and crosses six Asian countries: Vietnam, Burma, Laos, Thailand, China, and Cambodia. Thus, the Mekong Delta, otherwise nicknamed by the Vietnamese “the delta of the nine dragons,” is one of the largest deltas in the world. This half-aquatic, half-terrestrial place plays a very important role in the national economy as well as in the lives of the local population. Indeed, it is not only the country’s rice bowl but also the largest orchard and vegetable garden in Vietnam.
Cruise on the Mekong Delta
A local boat trip on this mythical river allows you to discover this extremely fertile land, through hundreds of arroyos and rivers, dense mangroves, lush coconut trees and orchards, vast rice fields as far as the eye can see, etc. discover the authentic daily life of the inhabitants living on the banks of the largest river in Southeast Asia.
Can Tho is the largest city and the capital of the Mekong Delta, 170km from Saigon (3h30 drive). This city is easily accessible thanks to its large bus station and its international airport.
The boat ride is the most important attraction in Can Tho. Boat trips allow you to discover its lively and authentic floating markets, the most famous of which is Cai Rang. The market starts early in the morning until 12:00 p.m., the peak time of which is at 8:00 a.m. Here, trade is done from boat to boat on the Mekong River.
On board a local boat, you will have the opportunity to observe the daily activities of the locals, take beautiful animated photos, as well as taste local specialties, including exotic tropical fruits. Also, there is another lesser-known floating market, Phong Dien market, just about 30 minutes from Cai Rang market.
Vinh Long is located in the center of the Mekong Delta. With a beautiful boat ride, you will have the opportunity to explore its lovely islands and islets, visit lush orchards and handicraft workshops such as Long Ho cone hat village, tile village, stone villages, glutinous rice alcohol, rice paper, fish sauce, etc.
Do not miss An Binh Island. Here, you can take a rowing boat ride to taste delicious tropical fruits, participate in local activities (farm work or fishing), as well as discover authentic local life by spending nights with locals.
Tien Giang province is really an ideal destination for 1-2 day trips to the Mekong Delta from Saigon (about 70km from Saigon). It is famous for My Tho, the capital city, and Cai Be floating market.
Cai Be Floating Market
A lovely boat ride to My Tho takes you through lush arroyos and orchards, to discover coconut confectionery workshops and the pretty islet of Thoi Son. The Cai Be market is full of colorful stalls selling fruits, agricultural products, clothes, local delicacies, and more.
About 110km from Saigon (2 hours by road), the province of Ben Tre, nicknamed “the country of coconut palms”, is a little further away than My Tho but more peaceful. A beautiful boat ride will take you through lush arroyos and orchards to the workshops of local artisans. You will have the opportunity to learn about the methods used by local people to make products from all parts of the coconut tree. In addition, you can also taste honey tea and exotic fruits, as well as discover authentic villages living in the slow and relaxed rhythm of the Mekong Delta.
Chau Doc is a pretty border town between Vietnam – Cambodia. You can experience floating fish farms by boat, where locals breed catfish under floating houses. It is one of the important economic activities of the region. There are more than 2,000 floating houses which grow an average of 20,000 tons of fish every year, exported to more than 140 countries, mainly the USA, China, and the EU. Moreover, you can also visit and explore Tra Su Cajeput Tree Forest, a beautiful bird nature reserve with rich biodiversity.
Chau Doc
Sa Dec is a pretty town in Dong Thap province in the Mekong Delta, considered the world of ornamental plants. This charming old town has many colonial monuments and superb villas. It is also famous for having been the residence of the novelist Marguerite Duras and the location of the film “L’Amant”, adapted from the novel of the same name by Marguerite Duras.
Sa Dec
In addition, on board a boat, tourists can visit the former home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, first lover of Marguerite Duras, a Cao Dai temple, and colorful flower villages.
It is possible to visit the Mekong Delta at any time of the year thanks to its beautiful, warm and sunny climate. However, the best time to sail there is from September to November (the flood season). Due to the high water level during this period, a local boat trip is the perfect way to explore this exotic region of southern Vietnam.
In addition, the ripe fruit season (June to August) is suitable for lovers of nature and especially tropical fruits. A trip from December to April is well suited for outdoor activities such as a walk or bike ride to visit local villages.
