The Mekong Delta Travel Guide
Explore Vietnam’s Ricebowl
- Ratings:
- 5 out of 5 (2 votes)
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
The Mekong River Delta is unique in Vietnam, beautiful and fertile it’s the ‘rice bowl’ of the country. For the traveller the network of rivers, streams and canals provide a unusual way of exploring, enabling those that come here to discover tropical fruit orchards, bonsai gardens, floating markets and homestays with local people.
At 4880km the Mekong is the world’s 11th longest river, rising in Tibet and travelling south through China, forming the boundary between Thailand and Laos before entering Cambodia and finally Vietnam. Its rich silt-laden waters make the region the most fertile in Vietnam – fish farms too are common.
The gateway city is My Tho, which is the focus for many day trips from Saigon, but head further into the delta to the main draw – the quiet backwaters and the small villages that can be found scattered throughout the delta.
Attractions in The Mekong Delta
Ben Tre is little visited and is as good a place as any to start your Mekong discovery whilst Vinh Long is a place from which to base yourself if wanting to see Cai Be floating market and the islands which are wonderful to explore.
The Mekong Delta is rich in Khmer culture, especially around Tra Vinh province where there are many Khmer temples: visit Ong Met Pagoda, Ba Om Pond and Ang Pagoda in Tra Vinh.
Can Tho is the region’s largest town and it attracts large numbers of visitors who come to explore its interesting backstreets and floating markets.
Activities in The Mekong Delta
Most people haven’t the time that is necessary to travel independently and so opt for a tour: choose carefully or tailor make your own for what will be a rewarding experience. Allow 2 or 3 days to get a flavour of what Delta life is about.
Relaxing
Sitting down enjoying a meal with your homestay host is always a great way to relax at the end of the day.
Getting Around
Travel in the Delta is difficult unless you have the time to spare. It would be wisest to let a Vietnamese specialist know what you’d like to see – some themes – and leave an itinerary up to them. This way you’ll enjoy your trip and see what you want to. Independent travel certainly is possible and indeed preferable if you have the time, however involves buses and boats with the inevitable delays that can occur.
The Mekong Delta Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
