Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is a floating world made up of a vast maze of rivers and fertile, alluvial soil in southern Vietnam. Referred to as Dong Bang Song Cuu Long in Vietnamese, or the river delta of nine dragons, this haven for lush rice paddies, wildlife, and tropical fruits and vegetables is a biological treasure trove of the world. Some of the most famous attractions in the region are Cai Rang, Cai Be floating market, Tram Chim national park, Tra Su Mangrove Forest, Sam Moutain. The shimmering Khmer Pagodas (Vinh Trang pagoda) of the largest city in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho, showcase a proud Vietnamese and Cambodian heritage. In addition, to the natural wonder of the area, the culinary delights abound in regional delicacies such as Lau Mam, a hotpot with fermented fish, and Banh Xeo, a Vietnamese-styled crispy pancake. As much of the lifestyle in the area revolves around the river, many of the villages are often only accessible by canals and boat, creating the atmosphere of land frozen in Cochinchine time.
2024 Mekong Delta travel packages
Best of Cambodia & Vietnam 15 days
Best of Vietnam
Photo gallery
Travel guide
Time to visit
This floating maze is worthy-visited in any season of the year. Ripe rice seasons are in early April, late August and late November.
Accommodation
Accommodation facilities are not as developed in other regions of the country. Most international visitors who choose to stay in the Mekong Delta instead of day-tripping from Ho Chi Minh City spend the night on cruise or in simple homestay. Most hotels cater to domestic guests with prices reflecting the local budget. A few boutique properties exist around My Tho and Can Tho but due to competition, fill-up quickly. If you wish to stay in one of these properties, book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Food
Mekong Delta is lack of international dishes but serves flavorful ones like Hu tieu My Tho (My Tho noodle soup), Lau Mam (fish sauce hot pot), Dua Ben Tre (Ben Tre coconuts).
My Tho noodle soup
Ben Tre coconuts
Transportation
Boat, bicycle.
It is an amazing experience to get on a boat ride along the small channels to admire the wildlife. You can also ride a bike around the smallest villages.
How to get to Mekong Delta
Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta: 193km
Although the Mekong Delta has 12 different provinces, the most common route is to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho, which is home to the well-known Cai Rang floating market. Here are some suggestions for your 169-km-journey.
- Bus: It’s cheap, and there are many departures daily.
- Boat: An interesting way to travel and take a look at the local life on the riverside
- Airplane: Can Tho has an airport, so instead of sitting for 3 hours on the bus, you can shorten the traveling time with a 45-minute flight.
- Motorbike: If you like the feeling of immersing yourself in the scenery around, consider motorbike. It’s cheap and easy to rent one almost anywhere in Vietnam.
Recommended length of stay
If you want a quick look of the floating market and local life, a day trip could be enough. Stay for 3 to 5 days to fully experience more attractions of Mekong Delta.
Our travel specialists
Sreyly Ye
Vivian Nguyen
Cristóbal Duong
Lucas Pham
Travel inspiration
Mundo Asia Tours Wins TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award 2024!
We're thrilled to announce that Mundo Asia Tours has been honored with the prestigious TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award 2024! This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences and outstanding customer service.
View detailHa Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago: A World Natural Heritage Site
UNESCO designated Ha Long Bay as a World Heritage Site twice in 1994 and 2000. In 2004, Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized as a world biosphere reserve. On September 16, 2023, UNESCO officially recognized Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago as the first inter-provincial...
View detailBest places to visit in Cambodia: top 10 destinations
Cambodia is a charming, mystifying kingdom where you can comtemplate the collision of ancient & morden world. UNESCO World Heritage ruins with tropical islands.
View detailWhy travel with Mundo Asia?
Get lost in the hidden charm of Asia
Best price guarantee
We guarantee the best price when booking with us
Responsible travel
Leave nothing but smiles, footprints, and memories
Unique travel experiences
Authentic moments carefully crafted by local experts
Service guarantee
Our customers are the heart of our company