Mekong Delta - Travel News & Tips | Incredible Asia Journeys

Mekong Delta: Unique Vietnam Waterways & Floating Markets

The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is known for its delectable cuisine, bustling floating markets, and as one of the world's premier destinations for exploration. The travel page of The Sydney Morning Herald has designated the Mekong Delta as a top global destination for 2023. Considering the increasing popularity of Vietnam as a tourist hotspot, it is advisable to prioritize an expedition to this untamed area. Engage with Incredible Asia Journeys to thoroughly uncover the treasures of this land in preparation for your upcoming Mekong Delta Tours.[incredible_toc]1. Facts about Mekong DeltaEnjoy the Mekong Delta boat tourThe Mekong Delta is an amazing network of rivers, swamps, and islands nestled in the beautiful southwestern region of Vietnam. Covering over 39,000 square kilometers, it's one of the most fertile regions in the country, producing the largest amount of rice in Vietnam. The delta is formed by the Mekong River, which starts in the Tibetan Plateau and winds through 6 countries before flowing into the East Vietnam Sea. This area is famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique way of life centered around the waterways. Now, the Mekong Delta is home to over 17 million people including 1 city and 12 provinces of Vietnam, and is a significant contributor to Vietnam's agricultural output, particularly in rice, fruit, and fish farming. So, is Mekong Delta worth visiting? Of course, read the below info to boost your interest in this region!2. Best Time to Visit Mekong DeltaMekong Delta weather features a tropical climate with 2 main seasons that is dry season and rainy season. Here’s a detailed look at the best time to visit the Mekong Delta!2.1.  Dry Season in Mekong DeltaThe dry season (November to April) in the Mekong Delta sees average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with cooler temperatures in the early mornings and evenings making it ideal for exploring the region’s attractions without the discomfort of excessive heat or rain.Also, this season coincides with several important festivals, such as the Lunar New Year (Tet) in January or February, which is a vibrant time to experience local culture and traditions.Mekong Delta in favorable time2.2. Rainy Season in Mekong DeltaDuring the rainy season (May to October), temperatures in the Mekong Delta remain relatively stable, ranging from 25°C to 33° with high humidity levels, which can make the weather feel warmer. Despite the regular downpours, rains are often short-lived and followed by periods of sunshine.This period is prime for fruit harvesting in the Mekong Delta. Visitors can enjoy a variety of tropical fruits at their freshest, such as mangoes, rambutans, and durians. Many orchards open their doors for tours and tastings.3. Best Places to Visit Mekong DeltaThe travel experience in the Mekong Delta is closely linked with the serene and picturesque Mekong River, which gives rise to a sprawling delta teeming with numerous fruit orchards. Let's discover the top Mekong Delta attractions!3.1.  Can ThoCan Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta and is often referred to as the "Western Capital" (Tay Do). Let's start with the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho. It's one of the most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta and is always buzzing with activity in the early morning. You can find vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and local goods directly from their boats.Next, we have the enchanting Binh Thuy Ancient House. This beautifully preserved French colonial house is a window to the architectural style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the region.Lastly, let's not forget the Ninh Kieu Wharf. Nestled in the heart of Can Tho, this bustling waterfront area is perfect for a leisurely walk. The promenade is lined with charming cafes, fantastic restaurants, and lovely shops. Plus, the sunset views over the Hau River are simply breathtaking.3.2. Ben TreBiking in Ben TreBen Tre, or Vietnam Coconut Kingdom, is famous for its lush coconut groves and serene waterways. First, you've got to check out the coconut candy in Ben Tre! Visiting a local factory is a great way to see how it's made and even try some fresh candy and other coconut treats in Ben Tre.Then, you can take a relaxing boat ride through the beautiful canals and rivers, passing by coconut groves and charming stilt houses. Also, If you're into bird watching and nature, you've got to visit the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary. It's home to lots of different bird species, and the best time to go is in the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active.3.3. My Tho (Tien Giang)My Tho in Tien Giang Province is a gateway to the Mekong Delta and is often the starting point for many tours. Coming here, you can visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, an impressive Buddhist temple that is a blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese architectural styles. After that you can take a short boat ride from My Tho, Unicorn Island is known for its fruit orchards, bee farms, and traditional music performances. Visitors can enjoy fresh fruit, honey tea, and traditional folk songs performed by local musicians.Don’t forget Con Phung (Phoenix Island), this is a popular spot for eco-tours. You can explore fruit orchards, take a sampan ride through narrow canals, and enjoy local delicacies.Vinh Trang Pagoda3.4. Chau DocChau Doc, a cultural melting pot located near the Cambodian border, is a land of ethnic diversity and natural beauty. One of the best places to explore Chau Doc is Tra Su Cajuput Forest. This vast wetland area is a bird watcher’s paradise, home to a variety of water birds and other wildlife. A Mekong Delta day tour through the flooded forest offers an enchanting experience, especially during the high water season.If you’re looking for a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, head to Sam Mountain which is dotted with temples and pagodas. The view from the top offers a panoramic vista of the surrounding countryside and across the border into Cambodia.3.5. Sa DecSa Dec Flower VillageSa Dec is famous for its Sa Dec Flower Village's vibrant flower fields, this village is especially stunning during the Lunar New Year when flowers are in full bloom. It’s a great place for photography and to buy fresh flowers.Coming to Sa Dec, you can also set your food to Huynh Thuy Le Old House. This well-preserved French colonial house was the home of Huynh Thuy Le, the lover of the French writer Marguerite Duras. The house is now a museum and welcomes tourists to visit daily.3.6. Dong ThapDong Thap is truly deserving of the title "Vietnam land of the lotus" .The region is renowned for its natural beauty, especially during the flood season when the entire landscape is transformed into a mesmerizing watery wonderland. One of the highlights is Tram Chim National Park, famous for its wide variety of bird species, including the elusive red-crowned crane. This park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, and the best way to experience it is by taking a boat tour, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wetlands and appreciate the natural beauty up close.4. Best Things to Do in Mekong DeltaMaking your way openly to Mekong Delta with some best ways to see Mekong Delta!4.1. Take a Serene Mekong Delta Boat RideMekong Delta Boat TourOne of the quintessential experiences in the Mekong Delta is a boat ride through its intricate network of rivers, canals, and waterways. These Mekong Delta boat trips offer an intimate look at the daily life of the locals who depend on these waterways for transportation, fishing, and commerce. Plus, you can hop on smaller sampan boats to explore the narrow canals with their beautiful water coconut trees. It's such a peaceful Mekong Delta cruise in contrast to the busy floating markets - you'll love it!4.2. Experience Overnight Mekong River CruisesFor a more immersive Mekong Delta experience, consider an overnight cruise on the Mekong River. These cruises allow you to explore the delta's waterways at a leisurely pace, with stops at various villages and attractions along the way from Sai Gon to My Tho, Can Tho, and Vinh Long. Enjoy the sunset over the river, indulge in delicious local cuisine on board, and wake up to the tranquil sounds of the delta.4.3. Try the Traditional Rice Noodle Factory in Can ThoDuring Mekong Delta tour, tourists will use boat to transferIn Can Tho, you can visit traditional rice noodle factories to learn about the process of making Hu Tieu noodles, a popular dish in the region. Watch as locals skillfully create these delicate noodles from rice flour, and even try your hand at making them yourself. These Mekong Delta activities provides a deeper understanding of the local culinary traditions and offer a tasty reward at the end.4.4. Visit Vinh Long's Traditional Brick KilnsWhen you're in the Mekong Delta, exploring the local villages is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the region's one-of-a-kind culture and traditions. In Vinh Long, you can drop by traditional brick kilns to see how local artisans make bricks using time-honored techniques. The quality of Vinh Long bricks was so renowned that traders from as far away as Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia would come to purchase them. These sought-after bricks were then used to construct beautiful religious structures, featuring original enchanting red rustic bricks.4.5. Experience Unique Mekong Delta Floating MarketHu TieuThe Cai Rang Floating Market near Can Tho is the largest in the area. It starts early at 5 a.m. and is filled with vendors selling their goods from boats. It's a great spot to try delicious local breakfast dishes like Hu Tieu (noodle soup) and Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes).For a more authentic experience, you should check out the Phong Dien Floating Market. It's smaller and less touristy than Cai Rang, making it a great place to observe local traders in action, especially in the early morning.4.6. Take a Mekong Delta Bike TourWhen you hop on a bike and explore the Mekong Delta, you're in for a treat! Ben Tre is the perfect spot for a relaxed cycling tour Mekong Delta, with its flat land and stunning views. Pedal through coconut groves, fruit orchards, and little villages, and don't forget to chat with the locals and try some fresh fruit along the way.Vinh Long and An Binh Island have some awesome cycling paths that take you through beautiful gardens and peaceful backwaters. An Binh Island is famous for its fruit orchards, and if you go on a bike tour here, you might get to taste some unique fruits like durian, mangosteen, and rambutan.4.7. Visit Mekong Delta Historical SitesThe Mekong Delta is packed with history and culture, offering many amazing sites to explore. You can find Vinh Trang Pagoda, an impressive Buddhist temple in My Tho that showcases a beautiful mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer architecture. And there are many other places such as Kien An Cung Temple, Binh Thuy Temple, and Ba Chua Xu Temple that you shouldn’t miss out on the serene gardens and the majestic Buddha statues when you visit!4.8. Enjoy Mekong Delta Fruits and TeaMekong Delta is a land of fruitsOne of the highlights of visiting the Mekong Delta is the opportunity to indulge in its rich and diverse local cuisine in Mekong Delta and floating market tour. The region’s fertile soil and abundant waterways produce an array of fresh ingredients that make their way into delicious and unique dishes. As you explore the floating markets, don't miss the chance to sample fresh tropical fruits like durian, rambutan, mangosteen, and longan, which are often sold directly from boats.In Dong Thap, enjoy a cup of lotus tea, or savor lotus seeds and lotus root salad, which highlight the versatility and cultural significance of the lotus plant in Vietnamese cuisine.5. Best Ways to Visit Mekong DeltaHow to get to the Mekong Delta from major cities in Vietnam? Follow our Mekong Delta travel guide to find your best way!5.1. Mekong Delta Boat CruisesOne of the most iconic ways to explore the Mekong Delta is by taking a boat cruise. These cruises can range from a few hours to several days and offer a unique perspective of the delta's intricate network of rivers, canals, and waterways. You can visit floating markets, and local villages, and even stay overnight on a traditional wooden boat. A popular option is the Mekong Eyes Cruise, which provides a comfortable and immersive experience. Don’t hesitate to contact Incredible Asia Journeys to book the Mekong Delta day trip at best prices and good deals!5.2. Take Buses to Mekong DeltaTourists often take buses to the Mekong Delta departing from Ho Chi Minh City. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho takes about 3-4 hours and costs around 100,000 to 200,000 VND ($4.50 to $9). Meanwhile, travel from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City by train or bus and then continue to the Mekong Delta.5.3. Take Flights to Mekong DeltaThe quickest way to reach the Mekong Delta from Hanoi is by flying to Can Tho. Direct flights are available, taking around 2 hours. Prices vary, but tickets can be found for as low as 2,500,000 VND ($100) if booked in advance.Also, direct flights from Da Nang to Can Tho are available and take about 1.5 hours, with tickets starting from 2,000,000 VND ($90).Mekong Delta Flowers5.4. Ride to Mekong Delta By Car or MotorbikeDriving from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho takes approximately 3 hours via the QL1A highway. Renting a private car offers flexibility and allows for stops along the way.For a more scenic route, take a train from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (a 20-hour journey) followed by a bus from Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta. This option is time-consuming but offers a chance to see more of Vietnam.The Mekong Delta is a vibrant blend of culture, nature, and cuisine. Whether it's exploring floating markets, cycling through lush landscapes, or tasting local dishes, there's something for everyone. Ready for an unforgettable Vietnam journey? Contact Incredible Asia Journeys for the best Mekong Delta tours and tips!

What to Eat in the Mekong Delta

In the deep south of Vietnam, there is an area that the locals like to refer to as the country’s ‘rice bowl’. 60% of Vietnam’s rice comes from the paddies of the Mekong Delta, which is staggering considering how prevalent it is in meals and how much reverence is attached to this staple food across the country. Along with that, the Mekong Delta accounts for 70% of Vietnam’s overall fruit output, another incredible statistic considering the country’s close relationship with natural food.[incredible_toc] The Mekong Delta is a foodie’s paradise, one blessed with natural alluvial soils carried from the Mekong River, deposited along the banks, creating the ideal fertile wonderland. With this being said, the question of what to eat in the Mekong Delta is one with many answers. Aside from rice and fruit, the Mekong is blessed with seafood in its abundant rivers and canals, as well as all other produce that such tropical climates can afford. Here, Incredible Asia Journeys look at the best things to eat in the Mekong Delta to get a real taste of the region through its fabulous specialities and delicacies.1. Bun Ca (“buhn kah”)It’s unsurprising to most travellers to find that the answer to ‘what to eat in the Mekong Delta’ is usually fish. The various snaking waterways of the 40,000 km2 area brim with seafood, and the locals have more than one method to get them out of the water and onto their plates. One seafood dish is Bun Ca, with a very telling translation of ‘fish noodles’, and a favourite of Instagrammers for its mishmash of colourful ingredients. The rice noodle, bun, is accompanied by slices of boiled snakehead fish, some prawns, pork, and various green vegetables and beansprouts, all of which sit in a steaming fishy broth. If this sounds like an overly fishy concoction, then you may want to visit one of the restaurants that uses the roots of an autumn crocus to mask the scent of fish. This is one of Vietnam’s signature dishes, and deservedly so.A bowl of Bun CaWhere to find Bun ca in the Mekong Delta?• This nationally popular dish won’t be hard to find anywhere in the country, let alone in the vast waterways of the Mekong Delta. Many vendors at Cai Be and Cai Rang floating markets will serve up this classic piece of Mekong Delta cuisine from the convenience of their own floating kitchens.2. Hu Tieu My Tho (“hoo tee-oo mee-tar”)Hu Tieu is a dish borrowed from Cambodia and spread throughout the Mekong Delta and beyond, acquiring many regional variations along the way. Hu Tieu My Tho is one such variation, coming from the city of My Tho, which lies on the northern banks of the Mekong River. As with most food in the region, this dish features at least a nod to the Mekong Delta’s strong fishing culture, with prawns set amongst pork and liver, while variations within this regional variation can feature fish balls or squid. Added vegetables like spring onion, shallots and chives are all optional, but they invariably sit in a colourful bowl, swimming in a pork stock soup. Even 70km up the road in Vietnam’s burgeoning metropolis, patrons enjoy a different version of Hu Tieu, and day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta can provide a more conclusive look at the diversity of this flavourful dish.Hu Tieu My ThoWhere to find Hu Tieu My Tho in the Mekong Delta?• The only place to have hu tieu My Tho is in the city itself. Yeltsin Road is a promenade along My Tho’s canal, full of food places where you can find many answers to the question of what to eat in the Mekong Delta, but with a strong focus on the delights of the region’s beloved speciality.3. Banh Xeo (“ban say-oh”)Named for the sizzling sound it makes when the raw ingredients are thrown together into the frying pan, Banh Xeo is not only one of the most effortless things to eat in the Mekong Delta but nationwide as well. Its popularity is born for its ease of construction, ease of eating and powerful flavour with a beautifully crunchy texture. In the Mekong Delta, the ingredients inside the taco-like rice paper shell include pork, shrimp, chicken, beansprouts and mushrooms, all folded and fried to create a crispy pancake that is then dipped into fish sauce and devoured. Despite the dozens of versions of Banh Xeo cooked daily throughout the country, you will have to go a long way to find one bigger than in the Mekong Delta, where one pancake can take the force of two hungry diners.Banh XeoWhere to find Banh Xeo in the Mekong Delta?• The simple nature of Banh Xeo means that it can be made anywhere; on boats, on the streets, at home or in restaurants. The likely places to find it are in the Delta’s various provincial capitals, such as Can Tho, My Tho and Soc Trang. You can find a particular speciality restaurant at Ban Xeo Ca Mau (Le Loi Street, Can Tho).4. Ca Tai Tuong (“kah tie tur-ung”)The giant gourami is nicknamed the ‘elephant ear fish’ for its saggy, grey appearance. While not all that much to look at, the elephant ear fish endures as one of the most popular foods in the Mekong Delta and is included in many southern Vietnam tours as an introduction to the wonderful seafood of the country. Its serving can be a little shocking, as it is usually deep-fried whole, with scales, fins, tail and all, and placed vertically in a stand for diners to pick apart with chopsticks. Although the bones make eating it a fairly labour-intensive experience, the crispy skin and tender meat are the delicious rewards, and the accompanying noodles, rice, vegetables, rice paper or sweet and sour sauce only serve to bring out the punch of this flavourful Mekong fish.Where to find elephant earfish in the Mekong Delta?• The best way to tackle the elephant earfish is with a guide on a South Vietnam tour package, as the nature of the fish requires delicate serving and an experienced hand to dig through the bones. These tours usually stop off in Can Tho, where you can head to a humble restaurant like Lang Tre Phi Ho (118/9/78B Le Loi Street).Ca Tai Tuong5. Lau Ca Keo (“low kah kay-oh”)If the elephant ear fish is too intimidating a meal, then maybe for you, what to eat in the Mekong Delta will be the more innocent-looking goby fish. The long, thin and smooth bodies of the goby fish offer a completely different dining experience, and its serving in hotpot style make it one of the more sociable lunches on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to its southern neighbour. The goby fish are usually eaten whole after receiving a thorough boiling in the broth, bubbling alongside ingredients like tomatoes, dried onions, leafy greens and garlic. These are used to bring out the bitterness of the broth and highlight the flavour of the fish, which can grow to 15cm in length in the rich waters of the Mekong Delta.Where to find Lau Ca Keo in the Mekong Delta?• For a slow and indulgent lunch, head to Lau Ca Keo 86 (86 Mac Thien Tich, Can Tho), where plates of fish and vegetables are piled high, awaiting their introduction into the hotpot.Click on the links to see our best tour of the Mekong Delta:Mekong Delta Day TripBen Tre Mekong Delta Full Day TourMekong Delta Full Day by SpeedboatFoody Tour in Ho Chi Minh and Mekong DeltaLau Ca Keo6. Banh Pia (“ban pee-a”)The strong smell of durian fruit might put a lot of people off the banh pia, but it certainly found a lot of favour in the Chinese community, who emigrated from the Chaoshan region of China to find a new life in and around the old Saigon.  Many settled in Soc Trang, one of the more diverse of the Mekong Delta’s cities, bringing the ‘pia cake’ with them. These are baked buns with green beans, a salted egg and the infamous durian fruit, known for its intense pungency. Savoury flavours can have minced pork and mung bean paste, all covered with a buttery casing that creates a rich appearance and dense flavour – certainly one of the best things to eat in the Mekong Delta.Where to find banh pia in the Mekong Delta?• It would be sacrilege to try the speciality of Soc Trang anywhere other than the city itself, or in Saigon if you’re not joining a Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City. The most famous company to produce Banh Pia are Tan Hue Vien, who sells their products throughout the city of Soc Trang, and even make it up to Hanoi, such in the popularity of this delicious piece of Mekong Delta dessertBanh Pia Soc Trang7. Banh Cong (“ban kong”)Another output of the prolific city of Soc Trang, banh cong is a firm shrimp ‘muffin’, and also a firm favourite food to eat in the Mekong Delta for its many residents. Peeled and salted shrimps are placed into a liquid batter of flour, coconut milk and oil, before the whole thing is placed in the fryer, creating a crispy coating but fluffy interior. Along with the shrimp, minced pork and the ubiquitous onions and shallots are added, making a delicious snack and a great souvenir to take away from your Vietnam holiday package.Where to find Banh Cong in the Mekong Delta?• The ease of Banh Cong’s construction makes it one of the best street foods to eat in the Mekong Delta. You will find it along the streets of many cities, but Can Tho in particular, and can be experienced best on a food tour of the city.8. Duong Dua (“doo-ung zuh-a”)The resourceful Vietnamese have always found a way to make the best of a bad situation. For the residents of Ben Tre and other provinces of the Mekong Delta, the plague of worms eating through their precious coconuts is a constant one, but alleviated somewhat by the tastiness of the worm itself, which is one of the delicacies of the Mekong Delta. These fat grubs are served either grilled or alive and swimming in a small bowl of chilli and lime-infused sauce – most certainly not a dish for the faint-hearted. It’s also not a dish for those strapped for cash, as a kilogram of this costs around 500,000 VND ($22).Where to find Duong Dua in the Mekong Delta?• Naturally, the huge coconut trees of Ben Tre are a prime target for these coconut worms. Restaurants around the province, such as Nha Hang Noi Ben Tre, serve Duong Dua by the bowlful if you can stomach more than one.Duong DuaIf you want to do a Mekong Delta food tour, Incredible Asia Journeys is here to accompany you plan your private trip. Get in touch with us as soon as possible to secure your spots!