Mekong Delta, Vietnam

The Mekong Delta is a vast and fertile region in southern Vietnam, known as the “Rice Bowl” of the country due to its abundant rice paddies. It is a network of rivers, swamps, and islands, where life revolves around water. Visitors are drawn to the Mekong Delta for its floating markets, lush landscapes, traditional villages, and the chance to experience the rural Vietnamese way of life.

 

1. Tourist Attractions

  • Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho)

    • Highlights: One of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang is best visited early in the morning when boats gather to trade fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local goods. You can take a boat tour to experience the bustling commerce on the river.
    • Entrance Fee: Free (boat tours range from 200,000 – 500,000 VND depending on the type and duration).
    • Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM.
    • Getting There: Located in Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, you can take a taxi or boat from the city center to reach the market.

  • Tra Su Cajuput Forest (An Giang)

    • Highlights: A beautiful wetland forest that can be explored by boat. Visitors glide through flooded waterways under a canopy of green, watching for birds and wildlife. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
    • Entrance Fee: 60,000 VND (~2.5 USD) for entrance and boat rides.
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
    • Getting There: About 30 km from Chau Doc, you can take a taxi or join a tour to visit the forest.

  • Vinh Trang Pagoda (My Tho)

    • Highlights: A beautiful Buddhist temple complex blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer architectural styles. It is famous for its large reclining Buddha and serene gardens.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Getting There: Located near My Tho, about 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach the pagoda by bus, taxi, or as part of a day tour.

  • Ben Tre Coconut Groves

    • Highlights: Ben Tre is known for its coconut palms, and visitors can explore the coconut groves, visit local factories producing coconut candies, and cruise along the small canals. It’s a peaceful experience to observe traditional rural life.
    • Entrance Fee: Free, but boat tours and coconut candy factory visits may have small fees.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Getting There: Ben Tre is about 85 km from Ho Chi Minh City, and you can get there by bus or hire a taxi. From the town center, boat tours can be arranged to visit the coconut groves.

  • Sam Mountain (Chau Doc)

    • Highlights: Sam Mountain is a sacred site with temples and pagodas offering panoramic views of the Mekong Delta and into Cambodia. The mountain is an important pilgrimage site, and you can visit various shrines and temples along the way.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: Always open.
    • Getting There: Located 7 km from Chau Doc, you can take a motorbike or taxi to the base of the mountain and hike or drive to the summit.

2. How to Get Around

  • Boat Tours: The best way to explore the Mekong Delta is by boat. Many of the attractions, such as floating markets and river villages, are accessible by water. You can join group tours or hire private boats.
  • Motorbike or Bicycle: Exploring rural areas by motorbike or bicycle allows you to get up close to local life and visit smaller villages and plantations. Many towns offer motorbike and bicycle rentals.
  • Buses: Public buses connect major towns in the Mekong Delta, but for more remote areas, taxis or organized tours may be more practical.
  • Taxis and Motorbike Taxis: For shorter distances or when traveling within towns, taxis and motorbike taxis are available and relatively affordable.

3. Popular Local Food

  • Hu Tieu My Tho: A noodle soup made with rice noodles, pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. It’s a signature dish from My Tho, a city in the Mekong Delta.
  • Ca Kho To (Clay Pot Fish): A famous Mekong Delta dish made with catfish, slow-cooked in a caramelized sauce of fish sauce, sugar, and pepper in a clay pot.
  • Banh Xeo: Crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
  • Nem Nuong (Grilled Pork Sausage): A popular snack made with grilled pork, often served with rice paper, vegetables, and sweet-and-sour dipping sauce.
  • Coconut Candy: Ben Tre is known for its coconut candy factories, where visitors can see the candy being made and sample fresh coconut products.

4. Top Nightlife Spots in Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is more known for its tranquil rural vibe than for nightlife, but some towns like Can Tho offer a range of evening entertainment.

  • Sky Bar (Can Tho)

    • Highlights: A rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the Hau River and Can Tho City. Sky Bar is a popular spot for sunset drinks and has a relaxed vibe.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Happy Hour: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, offering discounts on cocktails and beer.
    • Getting There: Located in central Can Tho, on the rooftop of the Vinpearl Can Tho Hotel.

  • Tây Đô Night Market (Can Tho)

    • Highlights: While not a bar, the night market in Can Tho is a great place to experience the local nightlife. Visitors can try street food, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy live music performances.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
    • Getting There: Located in the center of Can Tho, the night market is easy to reach by foot or taxi.

  • Mekong Breeze Bar (My Tho)

    • Highlights: A quiet riverside bar offering local and international drinks. It’s a good place to unwind after a day of exploring.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Getting There: Located along the river in My Tho town center.

5. How to Get to the Mekong Delta

  • From Ho Chi Minh City: The Mekong Delta is accessible from Ho Chi Minh City, with multiple transportation options:
    • By Bus: Buses depart frequently from Ho Chi Minh City to various towns in the Mekong Delta, including Can Tho, My Tho, and Ben Tre. The trip takes about 2-4 hours depending on the destination.
    • By Car: You can hire a private car or join a day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to explore the Mekong Delta.
    • By Boat: Some river cruises offer multi-day tours from Ho Chi Minh City, combining transportation with sightseeing along the way.

6. Happy Hours in Mekong Delta

  • Sky Bar (Can Tho): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, offering discounted cocktails and beers.
  • Local Restaurants and Bars: Some smaller bars and cafes in Can Tho and My Tho may offer happy hour specials, especially in tourist areas, but these are often informal and may vary by location.

The Mekong Delta offers a unique mix of cultural, natural, and historical experiences, best enjoyed at a slower pace. Visitors can immerse themselves in the river-based life, explore lush landscapes, and discover Vietnam’s rural charm.