If you want to make your dream tour in Vietnam, you should spend at least 1 or 2 days to visit the Mekong Delta where 9 arms of the Mekong River flowing into the sea 9 path. 9 called Vietnamese arm “Cuu Long” (nine dragons”. This delta is squared by a multitude of villages crisscrossed by billions of small channels, floating markets, orchards, islands, and lush paddy fields. Here our list of top things to do in the Mekong Delta.
1. The charming walks along the water.
It’s easy and pleasant to visit this region. In a small boat or by bike through the villages or small canals and river, you will walk far away from the noisy of big city, far from stress of daily life and immerse into the tranquility of countryside.
2. Visit the best-known floating markets in the Delta.
The famous floating markets in the Delta are Cai Rang, Phong Dien, Cai Be and Phung Hiep. These markets are an interesting destination for those who are passionate about discovering the culture and the daily life of peasant of the South.
The Cai Rang floating market: Located around 39 km from Can Tho city, Cai Rang floating market is the biggest and most tourist market with a myriad of boats sold watermelons, melons, carrots, sweet potatoes, fruits… It’s open all day but is busiest from sunrise to 9am.
The Phong Dien floating market: Located approximately 20 km southwest of Can Tho, Phong Dien is less numerous and much less touristy and crowded than Cai Rang but also one of the finest markets in the Mekong Delta. While getting there, you will find that there is more traditional boats (rowing boat) than modern boats (motor boat). The best time to visit this market is between 6am to 8am
The Cai Be floating market: This market is in the town of Cai Be, connecting with Tien Giang, Vinh Long, and Ben Tre. The market is open from 5am to 17pm but it’s the most beautiful in the morning. Something interesting and different to other floating markets is the huge French cathedral on the waterfront, a popular and fantastic destination for photographs.
The Phung Hiep floating market: This market is considered to the fruit market. When you go to Phung Hiep market, you will see a thousand of small boats which are full of agricultural products. Like other markets, it is advisable to visit early in the morning around 5am, 6 am.
3. The Khmer pagodas in Chau Doc and Tra Vinh.
Tra Vinh and Chau Doc are known by hundred of Khmer pagodas. It’s off the beaten track and you will far from mass of tourist.
The vast coconut plantations in Ben Tre
Located 85km south of Sai Gon, Ben Tre has long been known as the “national capital of the coconut”. The fruit and the tree are used for food, making handicraft, building house…
4. The island in Vinh Long
Arriving to Vinh Long, you can immerse in the rural life with its agriculture tropical fruit in island. You can walks by sampan around the island or spend one night there.
5. Visiting Tra Su forest and its bird sanctuary
Tra Su forest is an exceptional place to visit. This reserve offers a landscape absolutely beautiful to explore by small boats. It’s ideal for your children to visit bird sanctuary in your Vietnam family tour.
6. Ca Mau National Park.
Located at the end of Vietnam, Ca Mau is an iconic destination. There is a site not to be missed when you visit the Mekong Delta, it’s the National Park which is ranked World Biosphere Reserve. It’s home of many rare and valuable species, such as long –tailed monkey or pelican gray legs.
Have a nice trip in the Mekong Delta.
