1. Top things to do in Mekong Delta

Visit Mekong Delta Floating Markets

The Mekong Delta is renowned for its vibrant floating markets, a captivating aspect of local life. Upon your arrival in the delta, you can embark on a motorized boat adventure to witness the unique spectacle of goods being exchanged on the water. As early as 3:00 in the morning, the markets come alive with the bustling sounds of boats and enthusiastic traders. Everything on sale arrives by boat and transactions take place right on the river's surface, with products suspended on long sticks for visibility. Some notable floating markets include Cai Rang in Can Tho, Cai Be in Tien Giang, Nga Nam in Soc Trang, and Nga Bay/Phung Hiep in Hau Giang. These markets offer a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic trading culture of the Mekong Delta.

Fruit Buffets in Mekong Delta Orchards

Thanks to its fertile alluvial soil and favorable climate, the Mekong Delta is renowned as the largest fruit haven in the region. This makes fruit tasting one of the most delightful activities in the area. Upon arriving at the orchards, you can simply stroll in, pluck the fruits of your choice, and relish them on the spot. It's a must to enjoy the picked fruits immediately to savor their natural sweetness and freshness. You can find a peaceful spot under the shade and indulge in your own garden-fresh, delectable fruit buffet. Some orchards even provide cozy resting areas for enjoying your fruits and sipping on fragrant teas. Additionally, at certain orchards, you can explore a variety of fruit-based drinks and dishes for purchase, including many specialties unique to the Mekong region.

Taste Mekong Delta Local Foods

Vietnamese cuisines are excellent, and that of Mekong Delta is no exception. Therefore, tasting the foods is one of the best things to do in the area.

Try a sampan boat trip

The experience of riding on a sampan boat offers a simpler, more traditional alternative to the Mekong River cruises. As you find your seat aboard the sampan, skillfully navigated by local boatmen, you'll embark on a tranquil journey through mangrove forests, eventually reaching various tourist attractions.

Overnight in a homestay in Mekong Delta

Overnighting in a Mekong Delta homestay offers travelers an authentic immersion into the region's culture and hospitality. Nestled in picturesque landscapes, these stays provide a unique chance to savor local cuisine, enjoy warm hospitality, and engage in sustainable tourism practices while creating lasting memories of this enchanting corner of Vietnam.

Cycling through local villages

During your stay at a homestay you'll have a wonderful opportunity to explore the local villages on a bicycle. The activity can be done in the early morning when the air is fresh and cool. You will be off riding through the idyllic countryside on paved rural roads, past countless paddy fields and vegetable farms. On your way, you can stop anywhere and buy yourself some food, tea, or coffee to fill your empty stomach in the morning. Life is so slow that you can take time to recharge your mind and body before getting back to the roller coaster.

2. Mekong Delta Weather

Mekong Delta weather is hot all year round. In general, there are two seasons in the Mekong Delta: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to early November). Dry season seems to be the peak season in Mekong Delta. And, the best time to visit Mekong Delta is from October to February, when the weather remains mostly pleasant. During this time, the region is beautiful with lush sky, various vegetable types and calm rivers, and most beaches and other places of tourist interest are packed with visitors, and it is easy to see why.

3. Transportation: How to Get to & Around Mekong Delta

1.2. How to get there?

The Mekong Delta is commonly accessed by bus, with departures from Ho Chi Minh City taking approximately 3 to 4 hours. Another convenient option is to save travel time by catching a flight to or from the delta. Can Tho International Airport, situated in the heart of the region, serves as a convenient gateway connecting to various areas within the delta.

1.2. Ways to get around the city:

Boat/ Sampan

Exploring the Mekong Delta is most authentically experienced aboard traditional boats, given its extensive network of winding waterways. As you navigate these narrow canals and rivers, it's as if you're transported to another era, evoking a sense of timelessness and enchantment. This serene and picturesque region, characterized by its stunning landscapes and hospitable locals, has a way of leaving visitors utterly captivated. Boarding these local boats will take you deeper into the heart of the delta, where you'll find yourself enveloped by mangrove forests, swaying palm trees, and lush fruit orchards – a truly breathtaking spectacle to behold.

Bus

It is easy to get a bus ride around the Mekong Delta, as it is in many other parts of Vietnam. There are numerous bus lines that run across the delta, beginning in Can Tho, which is an important stop for any tour in the area. Buses run between Can Tho to Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Chau Doc, and Sa Dec. Depending on the province you’re visiting, the journey time and cost may differ.

By bicycle/ motorcycle

Renting a motorbike or a bicycle to explore the region is the perfect choice for adventure enthusiasts. You'll wind your way through breathtaking landscapes, including expansive rice paddies, lush plantations, bountiful fruit orchards, serene mangrove forests, and much more. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene and unspoiled beauty of Vietnam's countryside, where tranquility and natural splendor abound.