Mekong Delta Tours

Why visit the Mekong Delta

The Mekong River splits into several branches as it reaches the sea, and the land between them is some of the most fertile in Vietnam. Rice paddies, fruit orchards and coconut groves line the waterways, and small boats carry people and produce between villages and markets. Travel here is slow and close to everyday life, which makes the delta a good contrast to the cities and a natural add-on to a stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Top things to do in the Mekong Delta

• Cai Rang floating market: near Can Tho, boats loaded with fruit and vegetables trade from deck to deck. It is busiest around sunrise, so plan an early start.
• Sampan rides in Ben Tre: be rowed along narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms, stopping at small family workshops on the banks.
• Coconut candy and orchards: watch coconut candy being made by hand, then taste seasonal fruit and honey tea in family gardens around My Tho and Ben Tre.
• Cycling village lanes: ride flat paths past rice fields, small bridges and houses facing the water.
• A night in the delta: staying over in Can Tho or a riverside homestay lets you see the waterways at their liveliest in the early morning.

Best time to visit

The dry season from December to April is the most comfortable time, with sunny days and easy travel by road and river. The wet season from May to November brings afternoon showers, and the main fruit season for rambutan, durian and mangosteen usually falls between May and August. From about September to November the river rises and parts of the upper delta flood, which changes the landscape and village routines.

Getting there

Most trips start from Ho Chi Minh City. My Tho and Ben Tre are about 2 hours away by road, which makes them easy day trips, while Can Tho, the largest city in the delta, takes around 3.5 hours and suits an overnight stay. Can Tho also has an airport with domestic flights, including from Hanoi.