Mekong Delta, Vietnam: Top 6 Things To Do
Mekong Delta is a vast region located in the southwestern part of Vietnam, known for its dense network of rivers and fertile land. Rich in natural resources, this area produces hundreds of valuable agricultural products for both domestic consumption and export. For tourists, visiting floating markets and exploring traditional craft villages in the Mekong Delta offers a captivating experience that most travelers wish to include in their itinerary.
Explore a 7-Day Mekong Discovery Tour: Discover Mekong in Style
Introduction to the Mekong Delta Region, Vietnam
The Mekong Delta is part of the Mekong River’s delta as it passes through Vietnam, comprising 13 provinces and cities: An Giang, Ben Tre, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long. Covering an area of approximately 40,000 square kilometers and home to nearly 18 million people, the Mekong Delta in Vietnam boasts a diverse and unique ecosystem, ranging from marine and island ecosystems to river estuaries, wetlands, mangrove forests, and delta islets. The region is home to several biosphere reserves, national parks, and nature reserves of high biodiversity and global rarity, such as: Mui Ca Mau National Park (Ca Mau province), U Minh Thuong Forest (Kien Giang province), U Minh Ha (Ca Mau province), Tram Chim (Dong Thap province), Phu Quoc National Park (Kien Giang province), Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary (Bac Lieu province), and Dong Thap Bird Sanctuary (Dong Thap province). These are invaluable resources for the development of ecotourism.
In addition, the entire Mekong Delta region boasts over 700 kilometers of coastline and more than 145 large and small islands, along with many beautiful, untouched beaches, such as Mui Nai and Hon Chong (Kien Giang province), Hon Khoai (Ca Mau province), and Ba Dong (Tra Vinh province).
The abundant natural resources, combined with rich cultural heritage, history, and the friendliness of its people, are defining characteristics of this southwestern region of Vietnam. One of the Mekong Delta’s key strengths is garden and river tourism, offering visitors travel experiences based on extensive fruit orchards set against the backdrop of picturesque waterways. The provinces most favorable for developing garden tourism include Tien Giang, Vinh Long, and Ben Tre, home to famous destinations like Thoi Son Islet, An Binh Islet, Phung Islet, Tan Phong Islet, and Ngu Hiep Islet. These fertile islets, with fruit trees thriving year-round, extend all the way to the East Sea, while lush garden landscapes embrace both banks of the Tien River.
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The Best Time to Visit the Mekong Delta
Each season in the Mekong Delta has its own unique charm, so you can visit this region at any time of the year. If you want to explore the lush, expansive fruit orchards of the Mekong Delta and enjoy fresh fruits right from the garden, the best time to visit is during the summer, from May to August.
From September to December, the region offers a special appeal for those who wish to witness the beauty of the Mekong Delta during the flood season. During this time, the water levels in the rivers rise, transforming the entire area with a new vibrancy as lotus and water lilies bloom across the water’s surface. The higher water levels also make it an ideal time for boat trips and exploring the floating markets.
The dry season, from December to April, is the best time to fully explore the Mekong Delta. The weather is dry, with little rain and pleasant temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor activities. This is also when locals prepare for the Lunar New Year, offering you a chance to experience the unique cultural traditions and customs of the region through various festive activities leading up to the celebration of Tet.
Top 6 Things To Do in Mekong Delta
Exploring the Floating Markets of Mekong Delta
With its dense network of rivers and canals, life in the Mekong Delta is closely tied to the waterways. Over time, the local people have developed the habit of conducting daily activities, trading, and exchanging goods on boats along the rivers. This has led to the gradual formation of floating markets, which have now become a distinctive symbol of the region. These markets not only serve as vital hubs for trade but also represent a unique cultural feature and a popular tourist attraction, symbolizing the pride of the people of Southern Vietnam and the Mekong Delta.
Read more: Top 8 Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Among the floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Cai Be (in Tien Giang) and Cai Rang (in Can Tho city) are particularly popular among both domestic and international visitors. In recent years, it is estimated that over 70% of tourists visiting Can Tho, both from within Vietnam and abroad, consider a trip to the floating markets an essential part of their journey.
Visiting the Famous Fruit Orchards of Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is known as the “fruit basket” of Vietnam, supplying a wide variety of fruits to cities across the country and for export. Some of the most beloved fruits from this region include rambutan, durian, mango, orange, dragon fruit, and jackfruit.
The reason the Mekong Delta has become such a major fruit-producing region is due to its fertile soil, enriched by nutrients from the Mekong River’s sediment, as well as its year-round temperate climate, ideal for the cultivation of fruit trees.
There are many expansive fruit orchards in the Mekong Delta, with some of the most well-known being the Cai Be Fruit Garden, Cai Mon Garden in Ben Tre, Vinh Kim Fruit Garden in Tien Giang, and the fruit orchards on An Binh Islet.
Many orchard tours offer the opportunity to pick fruit yourself, work in the garden, wade into canals to catch fish, or visit traditional craft villages. You can also cycle along tree-shaded paths or stay overnight with local families to experience firsthand the lifestyle of the riverine region.
Exploring Traditional Craft Villages in Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is home to a rich and diverse network of traditional craft villages, each deeply rooted in the local culture and passed down through generations. These villages not only play a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage of the southwestern region but also contribute to the income of local residents and enrich the overall experience of garden and river tourism in the Mekong Delta.
Read more: Top 6 craft villages in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam
Some of the most famous craft villages include: My A silk weaving village (Tan Chau town), Chau Phong Cham brocade weaving village with over 100 years of history, Phu Le traditional bamboo weaving village in Ben Tre, Thuan Hung rice paper village in Can Tho, which dates back two centuries, and the Thoi Tan A conical hat-making village, with a history of over 70 years.
When visiting these craft villages, you not only get the chance to see the production process and enjoy the picturesque rural scenery, but you can also participate in creating the products yourself. You can even sign the items you help make as a memorable keepsake from your journey. Additionally, visitors can personally select items produced at the workshops. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the artisans, learn about their training, creativity, and the contributions they have made to the development of the craft village.
Visiting Famous Temples in Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is also a place where traditional culture and ancient spirituality converge. Amidst the serene beauty of this region, you will find numerous temples and pagodas, representing a rich cultural heritage and the spiritual practices of the local people. Notable examples include Ong Pagoda in Can Tho, Vinh Trang Pagoda in Tien Giang, and Doi Pagoda in Soc Trang.
Explore the diverse temples and pagodas scattered throughout the Mekong Delta. Ranging from ancient to vibrant, each temple and pagoda carries its own unique history and significance. Discover the architectural masterpieces and intricate designs that reflect the region’s spiritual beliefs and cultural legacy.
Learning about the historical significance of these temples, you’ll find they often hold deep connections with the local community. Uncover fascinating stories of how these sacred sites have endured the test of time, survived wars, and witnessed waves of historical change. Understand how these temples have become pillars of cultural identity for the people of the Mekong Delta.
Exploring the National Parks in the Mekong Delta
For nature-loving travelers, the opportunity to explore the protected national parks of the Mekong Delta offers a unique and unmissable experience.
The Mekong Delta boasts a diverse and distinctive ecosystem, ranging from marine and island ecosystems to river estuaries, wetlands, mangrove forests, and delta islets. It is home to numerous biosphere reserves, national parks, and nature reserves with high biodiversity, such as Mui Ca Mau National Park, U Minh Ha National Park (Ca Mau), U Minh Thuong National Park, Phu Quoc National Park (Kien Giang), Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap), Lang Sen Wetland Nature Reserve (Long An), and Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve (Hau Giang).
Enjoying the Cuisine of the Mekong Delta
The cuisine of the Mekong Delta, though simple and rustic, offers a harmonious blend of flavors. The people here often use a mix of spicy and sweet seasonings, with dishes like kho quet, a distinctive dipping sauce that combines salty, spicy, rich, and sweet flavors, making it a regional favorite.
Local ingredients are often utilized in their dishes. For example, coconuts are widely used in meals, with dishes such as pork braised with fresh coconut, coconut rice, banana simmered in coconut, snakehead fish steamed with coconut milk, and stir-fried snails with coconut.
Another common ingredient in local meals is chao, a fermented tofu used in dishes like stews, grills, and hotpots. Some call chao the “Asian cheese” due to its rich, creamy taste. One standout dish that uses chao is duck hotpot with chao, featuring tender duck meat, soft taro, and a flavorful broth enriched with the creamy taste of chao, balanced by the crispness of water spinach.
When visiting the Mekong Delta, some must-try dishes include: lau ca linh (linh fish hotpot) served with dien dien flowers, fermented fish hotpot, banh bo thot not (palm sugar sponge cake), hu tieu (rice noodle soup), and banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes).
Conclusion
The Mekong Delta has great potential for further tourism development, particularly in ecotourism and river-based tourism. Additionally, visitors should not miss the chance to enjoy the region’s traditional folk arts, such as cai luong (reformed theater), traditional folk songs, or the music and dances of the Khmer people. Notably, the Mekong Delta is home to Don Ca Tai Tu, a form of Southern folk music that has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
