The Mekong Delta is a peaceful riverside land, sharing stories of lush landscapes, special culture, and unique experiences. This part of the region dubbed the “rice bowl" of Vietnam, is a peaceful retreat from the beat of the city. The Mekong Delta hands down is one of the best places for visitors to listen to the heartbeat of Vietnam with its wavy waterways, fertile paddy fields, and vivid floating markets.
Whether you are a nature lover, a lover of history, or a culture vulture; the Mekong Delta has a little something for everyone. Ranging from relaxing boat trips and fruit orchard visits to exploring historic temples and vibrant markets, the tours are diverse and cater to a variety of different tastes. Today we will introduce the top 5 Mekong Delta tours for you, guaranteeing that you do not miss any outstanding experience this charming region has to offer.
Tour 1: Discover the Tranquil Beauty of My Tho and Ben Tre
Thesso My Tho and Ben Tre are two sleepy towns on the banks of the mighty Mekong River and define the very essence of life in the Mekong Delta. The towns act as a launching pad to explore the natural beauty of the delta and the local ways of life.
Tranquil Beauty of My Tho and Ben Tre
Highlights
- Exploration of four islets – Long, Lan, Quy, and Phung, all of which with different terrains and activities
- Experience the life of the locals: Take a walk along the orchards taste the honey tea and enjoy the local music.
- Coconut candy workshops: Learn how legendary Ben Tre coconut candies are created and have a go at making some.
- Go for a cruise on the beautiful canals: Take a ride through the verdant waterways flanked by swaying coconut palms and dense foliage.
Itinerary
- Morning: Leave Ho Chi Minh City by boat in the early morning and arrive at My Tho. A boat tour of 4 islets, each famous for its unique characteristics is a fry to start your day. Savor the convenience and relaxation with fresh fruits of the tropics.
- Afternoon: We take a local rowing tender to visit a local workshop where people can see how to make coconut candies and some handicrafts. Have lunch at a local restaurant with local meals that you have never tried, it could be an elephant ear fish or sticky rice. In the afternoon, visit the fruit gardens and sample some exotic season fruits with honey tea & sample some the local music performances with Traditional songs.
- Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City, reflecting on the day’s experiences and the beauty of the best Mekong Delta tour.
Nature meeting culture and local life in harmony creates the beauty that is the Mekong Delta, and this tour showcases that in perfect balance, making it one of the top tours in the Mekong Delta for those searching for the authentic, organic essence of the region.
Tour 2: Cultural and Historical Insights in Can Tho and Soc Trang
Two of the main cities in the Mekong Delta are Can Tho and Soc Trang, which are full of both cultural and historical places of interest. A tour that takes you on a deep dive into the colorful culture and history of the region.
Two of the main cities in the Mekong Delta are Can Tho and Soc Trang
Highlights
- Visit Cai Rang Floating Market: The most famous floating market and the absolute highlight of your visit – take the motorized boat through the swirling and busy early morning market on boats, where local people trade fresh products right from one boat to another.
- Explore Soc Trang: Experience Som Rong Pagoda and local markets.
- Experience local cuisine and traditional performances: Satisfy your taste buds and feed your soul with local cuisine and traditional performances – so not only do you savor the one-of-a-kind taste of Mekong Delta dishes but you can also enjoy the music and dance that date way back in time.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart Ho Chi Minh City for Can Tho Once settled, enjoy some free time in the city and a calm evening on the river.
- Day 2: Cai Rang Floating Market Sunrise See the traders compete to sell their goods from the convenience of a boat and taste some of the exotic fruits and local dishes. The remaining of the day is to go to the land of Can Tho, to visit the relics of Can Tho including ancient houses, and traditional temples.
- Day 3: Move to Soc Trang, a diverse cultural province. Take a stroll around Som Rong Pagoda, with an amazing structure and is surrounded by tranquil space. Discovering local markets, having a traditional meal, and finally coming back to Ho Chi Minh City.
One of the best Mekong Delta tours in the case you are the one who is not really into kind of adventure and like to explore the cultural and historical parts of Mekong delta.
Tour 3: Nature and Adventure in An Giang and Chau Doc
An Giang and Chau Doc are perfect destinations for those seeking both natural beauty and adventurous experiences. This tour showcases the best landscapes and activities at the Mekong Delta.
Adventure in An Giang and Chau Doc
Highlights
- Visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest: Enjoy a tranquil cruise through a flooded forest that will appeal to birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- Explore Sam Mountain and Lady Xu Temple: Delve into the spiritual history of this iconic site.
- Enjoy a sunset boat ride on the Hau River: The beautiful vibes of the sun setting over the water are pure magic.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City and arrive in Chau Doc. Check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the local area or relaxing by the river.
- Day 2: Start with a trip to the Tra Su Cajuput Forest. Take a boat ride through the smooth waters, amidst the green landscape and the chirping of birds. In the afternoon, you will go to the top of Sam Mountain to enjoy the view of the delta and visit Lady Xu Temple. Finish your day with a sunset boat ride on the Hau River.
- Day 3: In the morning, tour the local market in Chau Doc where you can taste typical products of the area and do some shopping attractions. In the Afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh City.
A perfect mixture of nature and adventure makes this tour fun to die for which is why this should be in our next list of the top 10 Mekong Delta tours.
Tour 4: In-Depth Cultural Experience in Vinh Long and Sa Dec
Guests who want a deeper cultural foray into the enchanting Mekong Delta can explore the historical tapestry of the delta lifestyles and heritage in Vinh Long and Sa Dec.
Experience culture in Vinh Long and Sa Dec
Highlights
- Visit local farms and fruit orchards in Vinh Long: Experience the agricultural heart of the Mekong Delta.
- Explore Sa Dec: Getting lost in the ancient houses, the beautiful flower gardens and the wineries.
- Participate in cooking classes and craft workshops: Get to know local produce and handicrafts firsthand.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Leave Ho Chi Minh City, and arrive in Vinh Long with a welcome cocktail party Spend time at some local farms or visit a few of the many local fruit orchards where you can sample fresh fruit and talk to the pickers. Savor a Local Lunch at a Traditional Farmhouse
- Day 2: Sa Dec town, a town famous for historical relics and traditional culture. Travel through ancient houses, beautiful gardens, and rustic villages. Take a cooking class in the afternoon to prepare some regional dishes… follow it with a craft workshop to create local handicrafts…
- Day 3: Take the morning to visit other cultural sights in Sa Dec before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
This trip offers a real experience of the life of the Mekong Delta, it tells me that it is one of the must-visit Mekong Delta tours to learn something interesting about culture and the local values.
Tour 5: Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration in Ca Mau and Bac Lieu
For those who want to discover more about the fascinating aspects of the Mekong Delta which are still unknown to the world: Ca Mau and Bac Lieu are your last charming destinations.
Exploration in Ca Mau and Bac Lieu
Highlights
- Visit Ca Mau Cape: the southernmost end of Vietnam and visit Ca Mau Nature Reserve.
- Explore Bac Lieu: Discovery of wind farms, ancient houses, and local folklore in Bac Lieu
- Experience local cuisine and markets: Taste the flavors of the area and find the best local products.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City go to Ca Mau Go to the nature reserve and the beach at the Ca Mau Peninsula
- Day 2: Visit Bac Lieu, a typical town with famous historical-cultural destinations. See the wind farms, and historic houses and hear the local folklore. Enjoy a delicious cottage meal and spend the evening exploring the town.
- Day 3: Take a tour of Bac Lieu’s local markets to taste the local specialties and buy souvenirs. In the afternoon back to Ho Chi Minh City.
It is not one of your usual Mekong Delta tours this gives a special off-the-beaten path quality this is why I chose the Private Guided Mekong Delta Tour Personal Tranport type of tour.
Conclusion
All three offer a distinctively different approach to exploring the Mekong Delta, from nature to adrenaline and local customs, respectively. With such a girth and breadth of sights to see, there will no doubt be a tour fit for any taste. The best Mekong Delta tours offer everything from the laid-back aesthetic of My Tho and Ben Tre to the cultural highlights of Can Tho and Soc Trang, the natural wonders of An Giang and Chau Doc, the historical richness of Vinh Long and Sa Dec, and the more remote points of interest at Ca Mau and Bac Lieu.
For more information and to book your tour, visit IMPRESS TRAVEL. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Mekong Delta and create memories that will last a lifetime.