Vietnam Things To See & Do

Things to do in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

There’s a curious contradiction of life that occurs every day, just over an hour’s drive southwest of central Ho Chi Minh City. The stretching coconut trees and ambitious ferns that line the languid waters of the Mekong Delta suggest that life here might be a rather reclined affair.[incredible_toc]To saunter up and down the river absorbing the seemingly endless verdant greenery is to experience the Mekong Delta as its most beautiful. However, another hour southwest and you’ll find yourself in a whirlwind of activity, one that sweeps up visitors into the agitation of a floating market and pushes all thoughts of serene backwaters to the back of their memory. Accompany us to find out in this Vietnam travel tips & experiences to the Mekong Delta! A woman rowing the rowboat to pick lotus flowerIndeed, the pace of life in the Mekong Delta can go from a mild stroll to Formula 1 within the space of an hour, and its potential to do so speaks of a deep-rooted history in the very diverse region. This 15,000 square mile expanse makes up the very end of the tail of Vietnam’s rising dragon, a land body stretching from the fertile Mekong Delta to the dragon’s head in the northern provinces of the country. Around 2300 years of habitation has given rise to multiple cultures, various languages, different food, drink, transport and attitudes to life around the 12 provinces that comprise the region in modern Vietnam.So, unsurprisingly, there are many things to do in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, and any exploration of the south should focus at least one day in both the placid canals and the effervescent floating markets. At Incredible Asia Journeys, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to the top attractions in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. 1. Floating Markets in Mekong Delta Thousands of boats once made up the floating market at Cai Rang, but modern Vietnam has less time for genuine business on the river now that bridges carry large-haul trucks straight over it. Still, the sight of hundreds of shop-boats plying the silken waterways is one of Vietnam’s typical scenes and visiting the bubbling floating markets is most certainly one of the top things to do in the Mekong Delta. 1.1. Cai Rang Floating Market Cai Rang Floating Market was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016The most lively, colourful market in the Mekong Delta is, naturally, its most famous. The 300-or-so boats that remain on the waters of the Mekong at Cai Rang continue life unabated; selling produce, cooking food and generally revelling in the vivacity around it. From a sampan boat, a local of Can Tho City, 6km from the market, will row you out, taking you on an unplanned route around the mass of boats, flitting in between gaps and generally greeting all 300 of their friends in endearingly boisterous ways. Vendors at Cai Rang have to hang their wares from the top of a pole that rises above all the water-level bustle. You can see the flags of fruit, clothes and upturned, empty liquor bottles standing high above the boat, adding to the intensely colourful scene from above. Vendors selling food tend to rely on people’s sense of smell rather than nailing a lone noodle to the top of a pole, and far-off boats can be beckoned closer with the help of your very obliging boat rower. 1.2. Cai Be Floating Market If the idea of two hours on a sampan boat amid a maelstrom of activity doesn’t appeal to you, feel free to head to Vinh Long Province, 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. There are a few advantages to heading to Cai Be over Cai Rang, including the much shorter travel time, fewer tourists, less hustling and the fact that Cai Be stays open later for visitors arriving from Ho Chi Minh City. Cai Be sells pretty much the same merchandise as Cai Rang, with the only difference in scenery being a picturesque Catholic cathedral that stands on the riverbanks. Tourists are excited to visit the Cai Be floating market 1.3. Long Xuyen Floating Market A lot of the Mekong Delta’s floating markets are very similar, and a visit to more than one is unnecessary, but if you’re more into local experiences, then Long Xuyen in An Giang Province is the one you should visit. Long Xuyen doesn’t usually make any ‘top things to do in Mekong Delta’ lists, but its exclusion is perfect for travellers looking for hidden gems and a lack of commercialisation. There is still a lively atmosphere but the pressure for buying which is sometimes felt at Cai Rang and Cai Be is much milder here, giving you free reign over a bountiful market operated and visited almost exclusively by locals. Long Xuyen floating market is called by many people as a floating village in An Giang 2. Best Food in Mekong Delta While many people argue between the food cultures of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it should be noted that the deep south of Vietnam has its own traditions and dishes that they are rightly proud of. Steaming bowls of Hu Tieu and Leo are doled out daily from rustic boats across the Mekong Delta’s floating markets, giving tourists a chance to taste a unique, seafood and fruit-based culture that evolved over thousands of years. The region’s tropical fruits account for a staggering 70% of the entire country, and, in a country as obsessed with rice as Vietnam, to have 60% of its overall output of this precious grain must feel like an incredible achievement. Indulge yourself in the food here, it’s certainly one of the best activities in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. 2.1. Hu Tieu A bowl of Hu Tieu As with the rest of the country, the colourful appearance of the food in the Mekong Delta makes up for half of its appeal. Brown fish balls, pink and purple squid, red pepper, green celery, light orange shrimp and white noodles get to know each other in a clear broth of Hu Tieu, one of the deep south’s most beloved specialities. The presence of seafood is felt strongly in Hu Tieu, and you can enjoy its salty flavour while floating serenely on the Mekong. Gordon Ramsay did exactly this and was compelled to deem the broth of Hu Tieu the best he’s ever had. 2.2. Bun Nuoc Leo Bun Nuoc LeoPresented as a small bowl overflowing with vibrant ingredients, Bun Nuoc Leo is one of many Vietnamese dishes that was carried out of the south after the fall of Saigon, finding favour throughout the world where Vietnamese refugees settled. Its origins are actually from the Khmer people of Cambodia, but it was adapted by the chefs of Soc Trang, one of the Mekong Delta’s more southern provinces and now contains a lot of fish stock and pickled fish, along with shrimp and fish balls. It’s a fishy dish, for sure. 2.3. Banh Cong Banh CongBanh Cong is a simple concoction of two things that don’t really sound like they should go together, but it’s fortunate that someone thought to try it; shrimp and cake. These are small ‘shrimp muffins’ containing shrimp, ground pork, onion and shallots baked into a light, fluffy cake. Banh Cong is incredibly moreish and sharing a few with the locals of Soc Trang Province, where they originate, is one of the top highlights of a local experience in the Mekong Delta. 2.4. Mouse Meat Mouse Meat Definitely one for the more adventurous tourists to the Mekong Delta, mouse meat is a bit of a delicacy here and available to try if your stomach can take it. Locals have developed methods for cooking mice to mask the flavour of, well, mouse, over several centuries of trying to eradicate the pest from their coconut trees. Mouse meat really kicked off when locals needed all the food they could get during the French and American wars, justifying their cooking by claiming that the coconuts eaten by the mice must have imbued their flesh with the same flavour. Best tours to Mekong Delta: Mekong Delta Day Trip, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh Discovery, Foody Tour in Ho Chi Minh and Mekong Delta. 3. Birds Watching in Mekong Delta If you are wondering "What to do in Mekong Delta?" Bird watching in the Mekong Delta is a must. The vast swathes of large birds that soar high above the boats are one of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta’s big attractions for bird lovers, who come on bird-watching trips from around the world to witness the majesty of storks, herons, cranes and pelicans as they roost in the trees. 3.1. Tram Chim National Park Undoubtedly the best place to see over 300 species of birds, some of which are incredibly rare, is Tram Chim National Park near the border with Cambodia. The huge variety of birds here find their food within the park and its surrounding rivers, swooping with gigantic wings to scoop up fish and take them back to their nests. There are also a great variety of ducks and grebes paddling around the ponds and lakes, while colourful kingfishers, starlings and bee-eaters flit between them in search of food. Tram Chim National Park 3.2. Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary The vibrating white flecks on the tops of trees at Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary might look like curiously energetic snow from far away, but get closer and you’ll see one of the Mekong Delta’s iconic sights. Thousands of storks return to Vam Ho around sunset every day to roost, which usually sends cameras in sight of the birds into a frenzy of frantic clicks. The protected area is accessible by boat and visitors will be treated to the sights of other large birds like herons and buzzards along with other animals like bats and pythons. Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary 3.3. Bang Lang Bird Sanctuary For getting up close to roosting birds, your best bet is to head to Bang Lang. This sanctuary is sometimes referred to as a ‘stork garden’ because a viewing platform that sits in the canopy gives a wonderful view of the brilliantly white storks as they relax in the trees stretching out in front of you. Aside from every type of stork in the Mekong, you can see egrets, herons, cormorants and many more.Bang Lang Bird Sanctuary 4. Nature in Mekong Delta In a region as naturally blessed as the Mekong Delta, it’s unsurprising that getting into nature is one of the top things to do in the deep South. Aside from Tram Chim National Park mentioned above, there are plenty of places to get up close to the luxuriant greenery birthed by the fertility of the Mekong River. 4.1. Tra Su Forest Indeed, if it’s greenery you’re after, you can’t get more green than a visit to Tra Su Forest, an enchanting collection of canals adorned with water lettuce, so much so that birds can sometimes be seen walking on top of the carpet of green to cross the river. A 15,000 VND ($0.70) trip on a sampan boat will be one of the most relaxing (and cheapest) things you do in the Mekong Delta, drifting through a living mosaic that gently parts as you cut through, looking out for majestic birds, watching the tall cajuput trees sway gently and listening to a soundtrack that nears reflective perfection.  Tra Su Forest 4.2. U-Minh Thuong National Park A mixed site of nature and war, U-Minh’s mangrove forest is the largest one of its kind outside of the Amazon. It was a hiding spot for the Viet Cong during the American War and thus withstood a chemical bombardment in a bid to kill the foliage and reveal the soldiers. U-Minh is slowly returning to its natural state thanks to the expulsion of dioxin in its river system caused by years of heavy rain. The park’s wide canal that cuts through Ken Giang Province provides a different boat experience to that of Tra Su Forest, and the presence of fishing cats and otters inside sets it further apart. U-Minh Thuong National Park 4.3. Ben Tre Aside from the Cai Rang Floating Market, Ben Tre is probably the most popular attraction in the Vietnam Mekong Delta Map. Day tours to Ben Tre from Ho Chi Minh City are the most popular way of visiting this relaxed backwaters, where sampan boats cruise shaded canals below overhanging ferns and palm trees, creating an idyllic ambience and one that should not be missed on a tour of the Mekong Delta. Ben Tre is famous for its coconuts, and all manners of coconut-based food, drink and handicrafts can be tried here for the curious tourist. Boating in Ben Tre 5. Temples in Mekong Delta Religion took off nicely with the early Vietnamese settlers in the Mekong Delta. Their languid pace of life afforded them plenty of time to build some of the country’s most impressive Buddhist temples. The introduction of Christianity via the French, Spanish and Portuguese missionaries arrived particularly strongly in the Mekong Delta due to its proximity to the sea, where missionaries entered the country.  5.1. Vinh Trang It’s a combination of the size, vibrant colours, grandiose architecture and intricate detailing that most tourists remark on when visiting Vinh Trang Temple, just outside of My Tho City. The temple has the feel of a European palace with its straight, golden beams; a direct influence from the French, who were well-integrated into the country by 1849 when Vinh Trang was built. Outside influences can be seen in the Korean characters dotted around, as well as the Japanese tiling and bonsai garden, painted Renaissance-style patterns and grand Romanesque arches and pillars. A gigantic bell and two 20-metre-tall Buddha statues make Vinh Trang truly one of the most impressive things to see in the Mekong Delta. Vinh Trang Temple 5.2. Sam Mountain The views of flat rice fields lie below visitors to Sam Mountain; a bonus on a pilgrimage to the many temples and shrines that are spattered around this 230-metre tall holy mountain, next to the town of Chau Doc on the Cambodian border. On the way up the mountain, pilgrims stop at Tay An Pagoda, a wonderfully ornate religious building with obvious Indian influences, the Ba Chua Xu Pagoda with obvious Chinese influences, and the Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau, which is 100% Vietnamese. Sam Mountain 5.3. The Khmer Temples of Tra Vinh The steeply slanted roofs, elaborate patterns and painted gold of Khmer temples can be found mostly in Cambodia. However, the large Khmer population in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta accounts for the four Khmer Temples in Tra Vinh Province, each of which provides a different flavour to the Mekong. Ang Temple survives from the 10th century, while the impressive architecture of Hang Temple includes a gargantuan temple gate. Vam Ray is the oldest Khmer temple in the country and finally, Co Temple (meaning Stork Temple), houses hundreds of large storks presumably in search of enlightenment. The Khmer Temples of Tra VinhBook your Vietnam tours at Incredible Asia Journeys to get the best deals and exclusive discounts!

Top 10 Best Things to do in Hue

Right in the middle of Hue, Vietnam, on the north side of the river stands a sight as imposing as it is beautiful. The Imperial City of Hue saw much action throughout the Nguyen Dynasty, which ran from 1804 to 1945, starting with the inauguration of the ambitious Emperor Gia Long and ending with the abdication of Emperor Bao Dai, the last of Vietnam’s ruling elite. During that time, Hue saw a meteoric rise to become the capital of Vietnam, and much of the attractions there today are centered around its history and the culture that arose from the emperors’ feudal lifestyles.[incredible_toc]Nowadays, Hue holds none of the power that it once did, but there are several reasons to visit this fantastic, regal city in the geographical center of Vietnam. Here is our list of the top 10 best things to do in Hue brought to you by Incredible Asia Journeys. Ngo Mon Gate to Hue Citadel 1. Visit the Seat of Power in Hue Imperial City Vietnam’s last dynasty ended about eight decades ago, and many like to say that Hue’s seat of power is still warm. The Imperial City is, naturally, Hue’s biggest attraction, and certainly an unmissable stop for history buffs and regular travelers alike. Recent damages sustained from the French War, the occupation by Japan and the American War have rendered the Imperial City a shell of its former self; the 160 buildings that were once here have become about 10 major sites, but even this was enough to earn the Imperial City its UNESCO designation in 1993. The Purple Forbidden City Even with much of the city ravaged by war, there is still a huge amount to see and intensive tours can last about a day. Through its gates, dynastic urns, gardens, pavilions and outer and inner courtyards, visitors can see a breadth of feudal history extending over 200 years. Alongside this, the temples and shrines within its walls tell of Hue’s relevance as a religious center in the country, one where a divine power was seen to govern the acts of the resident Nguyen Dynasty. The Purple Forbidden City within the walls of the Imperial City was its enigmatic center, accessible only to important members of the Nguyen Dynasty but now open to the public for a fee of 150,000 VND ($6.50). 2. Explore Hue along by River  Differing from Beijing’s famous Forbidden City, Hue’s own regal residence faces south-west, directly onto the Perfume River, which is Hue’s lifeblood leading inland from the East Vietnam Sea. The name stems from the perceived fragrance of the river brought about by the water’s passage through aromatic forests before it reaches Hue. You can test out this theory for yourself on a boat tour of Hue; companies such as Experience Travel Group offer 4 to 5-hour tours by boat, soaking up views of the city and the outer-lying hills as well as paying visits to some of the tombs of past emperors throughout Hue's feudal life. There is still much to be seen in modern Hue on the banks of the Perfume River. Walking or cycling along parts of the river is easily done and offers excellent views over the coursing waterway. Paths lead to some hidden gems, including several handicraft villages and small rural enclaves if you follow it for long enough, but the standout attraction, 4km southwest and totally reachable by bicycle is the Thien Mu Pagoda. This regularly tops lists of the top things to do in Hue for its long history and its aesthetic appeal overlooking the fishing boats of the Perfume River. If you eager to visit this place, check out our Hue City Full Day Tour to explore Perfume River and many other Hue tourist attractions! Perfume River and Trang Tien Bridge 3. Visit the Demilitarised Zone Marking Located almost perfectly in the centre of the country, Hue is just 100km south of the Vietnamese DMZ, the demilitarized zone marking the historical divide between North and South Vietnam. Established after the First Indochina War in which North Vietnam’s Viet Minh regime ousted the French, the DMZ separated the communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam from the capitalist Republic of Vietnam. The DMZ lasted until the exiling of the Americans and the Southern Vietnamese after the American War and is now a symbol of rebellion, communism, and for the North Vietnamese, victory. Demilitarize Zone Tours to the DMZ from Hue are best done on an all-day trip, usually leaving at about 6 am and returning at 6 pm. Tours contain many sites of historical interest including the former U.S. military base of Khe San, which features impressive war wreckage and a museum, along with the Vin Moc Tunnels, similar to Saigon’s Cu Chi Tunnels where troops and civilians hid, schemed and lived during the American War. Along with these impressive sites are the typical non-sites, such as the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which is now a paved highway, and the once-fortified Ben Hai River, which is now just a river. Self-organised tours are an option for serious history buffs and a bit of research can help you pinpoint the worthwhile stops with a private driver or by yourself via motorbike. 4. Indulge in the Hue Cuisine Many of the travelers who visit Hue often have no idea of its culinary relevance in ancient and modern Vietnam. The old dynasties residing in Hue prompted the city’s infatuation with food, as more lavish meals weren’t to be had anywhere else in the country. Locals will tell you that over half of the recognized dishes across modern Vietnam come from Hue, invented by feudal lords who had the time and wealth to provide chefs with everything they needed to get creative. Since finding their origins in the palace, these regal dinners have made it down to street level, to the ladies in pajamas selling meals from a glass cabinet by the road. The bridging of the gap between rich and poor with this food is quite remarkable and it has led to the rapid spread of Hue’s specialties throughout the country, which now garners a nationwide perception as some of the best food in Vietnam. Absolutely one of the best things to do in Hue is to join a food tour that will take you through a smorgasbord of meaty Bun Bo Hue, salty Banh Khoai, Sweet Soup, and literally hundreds of others on offer; achievable through a reliable company like Taste of Hue. Banh Beo 5. Hit the Sands on Hue Beaches Despite Danang’s Beach being its biggest draw and the crowds that gather on the beaches of Hoi An leaving sand at a premium, you’ll find a very different atmosphere in their Central Highland neighbor of Hue. Thuan An Beach lies on the Northeast outreaches of Hue, where the Perfume River meets the East Vietnam Sea. It is Hue’s most popular beach, but at over one kilometre long, there is still plenty of space. A lot of this is aided by the complete absence of development, which is an amazing achievement for Hue considering the huge companies that have privatized parts of Danang and Hoi An’s beaches. There is a similar picture to be found at Tam Giang Lagoon, located over the other side of the Perfume River and recipient of three different water systems in the Perfume, O Lau, and Bo Rivers. Boat tours here are exactly how they should be, on humble fishing vessels with locals who will point out the interesting features of Southeast Asia’s largest lagoon as best they can. It’s harder to name a more natural, authentic thing to do around Hue than a visit to these (as of yet), very underdeveloped and incredibly genuine sites. Thuan An Beach 6. Visit the Abandoned Dragon - Thuy Tien Lake 7 km from the center of Hue lies the perfect example of when ambition comes to nothing. Simply going by the name of the ‘abandoned waterpark’, the enormous curved dragon sitting in Thuy Tien Lake is in a state of complete disrepair and is a physical reminder of the need for perseverance in your goals. The banks of the lake, including the lake itself, were designated to become a waterpark, with $3 million and four years of labour being sunk into the project during the late 2000s. By 2011, the company in charge had completely backed out, leaving a massive debt and the Jurassic-like remains of a rapidly rusting amusement park that never opened. Abandoned Dragon Waterfall As of now, Thuy Tien Lake gets more visits by ‘urban explorers’ than it ever did as a waterpark. There is a creepy but amazing atmosphere running throughout the eerie park, even if it has become one of the must-do activities in Hue for backpackers and, thus, does not have the same feeling of discovery that it once did. Visitors can see the initial stages of some amazing designs, as well as fully completed water slides that were never ridden and are now overrun by moss and plants. Hue’s government are concerned about the safety of the park, but not enough to enforce much in the way of security, meaning gaining access should be fairly easy for the adventurous. 7. Take a hike around Bach Ma National Park The theme of French hill stations runs throughout the country, and Hue is no exception. The lofty heights of national parks such as Ba Vi and Tam Dao in the North, along with Hue’s own offering of Bach Ma, historically provided the French with a cooler climate to which they could escape for the sweltering summers. If you have planned the best time to visit Hue Vietnam in mind, then add this site into your bucket list. Bach Ma National Park, as well as being high in altitude, is a stunning example of unblemished nature around Hue and a constant surprise for tourists who come for the history and leave with a view of Hue’s lush greenery stretching up and out for miles in its rural areas. Even so, history can be found in the various French villas and churches, all of which hint at the kind of opulent lives Vietnam’s former colonists enjoyed at Bach Ma. The main draw, however, is the scenery, and the waterfalls in particular that create idyllic images of paradise. At Do Quyen, Tri Sao and Ngu Ho, you can discover exactly why the French wanted to make this their rural home, while from the peak of the amazing Vong Hai Dai mountain, you can look down upon Canh Duong Beach, Cau Hai Lagoon and the beautiful coast that encloses them. The wealth of opportunities here really helps Bach Ma top the list of Hue’s best attractions for nature lovers; with one-fifth of the country’s flora and chances to see the incredibly rare Sao La antelope, only recently discovered in 1992. Bach Ma National Park 8. Visit the Unique Hue Handicraft Villages The fertile banks of the Perfume River and its many run-offs have benefitted more than just the city of Hue. Several villages that settled around the river system have developed in time, but practice traditional crafts in the same manner that they would have tens or even hundreds of years ago. In Vietnam, entire villages can specialize in, and become famous for, one craft; the plethora of villages around Hue have made names for themselves in several different crafts that are exported around the country and even some around Asia. Non Bai Tho The most recognisable of these will be the Non Bai Tho. If it doesn’t sound familiar, it will certainly look familiar, as it is the conical palm leaf hat that has become emblematic of Vietnam throughout its history. The conical hats of Tay Ho Village near Hue are known for the poems and evocative images that are stitched into the sides of them, making them hugely popular for souvenirs and for practicality against the beating sun and lashing rain. The A Luoi District near the Laotian border is known for Zeng textiles; black, white and red patterned cloth worn by members of the Ta Oi minority group, while Thanh Tien Village is famous for its paper flowers, Chuon Village for its beautiful calligraphy and Sinh Village for its folk paintings. There’s plenty of authentic souvenirs to be found around Hue! Sinh Folk Village 9. Shopping at Dong Ba Market Overlooking a split in the Perfume River, Dong Ba Market stands as one long building housing enough stalls to make this the largest commercial center in the province. Markets are intrinsic to Vietnamese culture and a buzzing hive of activity can be found at Dong Ba; this particular one is a standing relic from 1899, completed by the ruling monarch at the time, King Thanh Thai. One of the top things to do in Hue Vietnam for shoppers is to spend an afternoon flitting around the stalls, bargaining for souvenirs, and trying the delicious food on offer. For the more intrepid tourists, you might want to rise early and see the incredible scene of the morning market, beginning at 3 am in low light and with hushed voices. For the average tourist who enjoys a lie-in, you still have until 8 pm to shop around Dong Ba, though about an hour at midday is allotted for vendors to sleep. This is a great place to shop for the famous handicrafts from Hue’s outlying villages, as well as indulge in Hue’s unique food scene, with widely-known and completely unknown dishes offered in its impressive food court, near all manners of fresh fruit, vegetables and sweets. The top floor is reserved for clothing and great deals can be found on the textiles of the region such as Zeng. Dong Ba Market 10. An Hien Garden Houses As with most of Hue’s top attractions, its hidden garden houses are a product of its dynastic history, as many of Vietnam’s wealthy rulers would create quiet gardens for contemplation and study. The many that were once present around Hue have befallen one of three fates: decimation during the American War, being sold by descendants when the price of their land skyrocketed, and falling into total disrepair. Of the few that remain, you can find brilliant examples of ancient architecture in very picturesque settings that are brimming with historical value.  An Hien Garden House An Hien House is one of the best examples, constructed in 1895 for the 18th daughter of Emperor Duc Duc. Though the house has changed hands many times over its history, each owner has been committed to its preservation, resulting in a fantastic specimen of ancient Vietnamese architecture containing the feng shui arrangement of plants and a lily pond in its garden. Along the same spiritual line is Lac Tinh Vien House, the symmetrical layout of which is based on long-held beliefs and superstitions, while Tinh Gia Vien Garden House contains an expansive collection of bonsai trees and even a small, rocky waterfall.From other regions of Vietnam trip to Hue? Check out the blogs below:How to get to Hue from Ho Chi Minh CityHow to get to Hue from HanoiHow to get to Hue from Da Nang