The Mekong Delta is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich regions in Vietnam. Known for its lush landscapes, bustling floating markets, and intricate network of rivers and canals, the Mekong Delta offers a unique travel experience. Exploring the Delta is not just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing yourself in the local way of life. In this article, we will guide you through the best things for Mekong tours, ensuring you make the most out of your journey.
Deciding when to visit is important when planning your Mekong Tours. The Delta experiences a tropical climate marked, quite dramatically, by a long dry season and a flood season.
The dry season is regarded as the ideal time for Mekong tours. The weather at this time is suitable, with temperatures ranging from 25°C- 30°C (77°F-86°F) Clear skies are ideal for a day out on the boats and outdoor fun.
Dry Season Key Events and Festivals
Ooc Om Boc Festival
During the flood season, also referred to as the high-water season, it takes on a different appeal. The entire Delta was green and luxuriant, the rivers running large. It is the best season for travelers who wish to witness the Delta at its thriving best.
Chol Chnam Thmay
Chol Chnam Thmay (Khmer New Year): Held in April, this festival features traditional dances and ceremonial practices.
Ngo Boat Race: This exhilarating event takes place during the October festival of Ok Om Bok and offers a spectacle of rowing skills by locals.
One of the best things for Mekong tours is visiting the floating markets, which are a quintessential part of the Delta’s culture.
Vividly located near Can Tho is the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang. This, is a busy floating market where boats are piled high with fresh fruit, vegetables, and other goods. You can enjoy breakfast on a boat by a variety of vendors, and also live in the atmosphere full of life and color.
Phong Dien Floating Market
Phong Dien is small and less busy than Cai Rang, which means you can get up close with the traders and sample a variety of local produce. It is a great place for tourists who want to lose the crowd and feel more local presumably.
There are many ancient houses in the Mekong Delta, the stalwart witness of the newcomer’s life, reflecting the culture of the local people.
Binh Thuy Ancient House
Binh Thuy Ancient House (which was built in the 1900s) at Can Tho with a French architectural style in harmony with traditional Vietnamese design. It is a remarkable preserved example of the grand lifestyle of some of the wealthiest families in the area.
This house in Sa Dec is known for appearing in Marguerite Duras’ novel “The Lover." It is a mix of French colonial and Chinese traditional structures that served as a window to the affluence lifestyle of the Vietnamese rich families back in the 20th century.
Life of Spirituality in the Mekong Delta You can spend weeks willingly with the godly places of worship that scatter across the rich cultural and religious life of the Mekong Delta.
Vinh Trang Pagoda – My ThoLocated in My Tho, the Vinh Trang Pagoda is a beautiful mix of Asian and European architecture The giant pagoda, its extensive gardens and statues are a peaceful yet wonderful place to explore.
Cao Dai Temple
Cao Dai Temple is the major site of the religion of Cao Dai in Tay Ninh, Vietnam that place embraces Buddhist, Christian, Taoist, and Confucianist ideals. This temple has beautiful colors throughout that make the temple distinctive as well as the architecture.
So, one of the best things about Mekong tours is the unique experiences that Manna focuses on gives you a closer experience with the local culture and natural beauty of the Mekong. Whether you love easy boat rides or homestay adventures with local people, the Mekong Delta has it all.
Boat tours through the Mekong Delta are a classic experience. Cruises on the river out through the weaving waterways of rivers and canals the maze of flowing waters that makes up the landscapes of the region. They stop at markets, floating villages, and fruit orchards to offer a good insight into daily life along the Mekong.
Another great way to explore the location is by biking through the scenic routes of the Mekong Delta. The flat land and the beautiful environment ensure the biking experience here will be perfect.
Participating in traditional farming and fishing activities is one of the best things for Mekong tours if you’re interested in hands-on experiences.
Don Ca Tai Tu
The Mekong Delta is also famous for its traditional music – the very specific type it is known for is called Don Ca Tai Tu. The musical approach has become synonymous with the Southern Vietnamese cultural essence
It is not wrong when they say that these special experiences will make your Mekong tours memorable, moreover, they give you chances to try the century-old traditional values of the Mekong Delta culture.
Undoubtedly, Among the very best things for Mekong tours is to go out and explore the culinary landscape. This is an important area not only for the quality of the food but for the variety!
Hu Tieu My Tho
A traditional noodle soup popular in the south, Hu Tieu My Tho is a must try with all the colorful toppings of shrimp, squid, pork, and many types of herbs. It is the superior dive into the flavor of the Mekong Delta.
Some of the Vietnamese pancakes, or banh xeo. They come along with a variety of herbs and a sauce dip. Eating banh xeo with your hands, and rolling them in rice paper with greens is an experience.
Fermented fish noodle soup, is one of the strongest and pungently flavorful, spicy fermented fish noodle soups in Vietnam. It can be an acquired taste for some, but locals adore this dish as the flavors are rich and can be quite intricate. It is usually accompanied by an assortment of raw veggies and spices.
The Mekong Delta is the place to be if you are a fruit freak. A tropical climate means all the weird fruits people think I eat are quite simple.
You can experience the great food that fills the area by taking a cooking class or participating in a food tour. It is an opportunity for you to learn the traditional dishes, the ingredients, and the recipes of Mekong Delta cuisine.
There is something for everyone, even the nature seekers in the Mekong Delta. The rich variety of spheres in the region accommodates a variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for ecotourism.
Tram Chim National Park has been a bird-watchers paradise ever since – home to the rare red-crowned crane. Where the park absorbs stormwater in wetlands and open space – providing an oasis among the city – over 200 bird species, and countless fish and plant species have found a home.
U Minh Ha Forest
U Minh Ha Forest, the largest mangrove forest in Vietnam A great place to go by boat, to access a large part of the diverse flora and fauna. The forest is also a habitat to many species of birds and allows for eco-tourism as well as a delight for photographers interested in local wildlife.
Tra Su Cajuput Forest in An Giang province is one of the most beautiful cajuput forests in Vietnam, with beautiful natural scenery and diversified fauna. It is an excellent place to watch water birds living in the pools.
It is a great place for bird lovers who come here. A few kilometers from town in a small wetland, several thousands of storks breed – a tremendous sight, especially during the breeding season.
In the Mekong Delta, eco-tourism is part of a wave toward sustainable tourism that helps with sustainability and wildlife and supports local development.
One of the best things for Mekong tours is getting an insight into the cultural fabric of the Mekong Delta. The itinerary allows for more cultural exploration and activities that resonate with history and tradition.
Kim Son Village Kim Son Village is known for its traditional pottery. Guests can observe the craft of artisans at the pottery wheel and even throw their forces in to form their pottery works.
Catch the silk weaving in Tan Chau Village. A visit to the village will reveal the many steps involved in silk production, done entirely by hand, using methods developed centuries ago, when this silk stood out as some of the best in all of Vietnam.
For the Khmer people, it is an important festival as it honors the moon god. The festival includes some traditional dances, boat races, and making offerings to the moon to appreciate it for the good harvest.
Chol Chnam Thmay is the Khmer New Year celebration that takes place in April.
Khmer New Year is characterized by religious blessing ceremonies, traditional games, and dances. It is a great chance to experience the lively Khmer culture.
Get involved in the way of life: take part in daily practices and rituals. They could range from assisting on the farm to participating in family festivals. Knowing these traditions gives a rich perspective into the lives of the people dwelling in the Mekong Delta.
Check out some of these wonderful things to do on Mekong tours to unveil some particular experiences, food, and cultural insight! For an adventurer, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, Mekong has something that one may call a treasure-men. Don’t forget to regularly follow IMPRESS TRAVEL for more interesting information about traveling Mekong to and to book Mekong Tours at the best prices.
The Mekong River, the ‘Mother of Waters’, is the heart and soul of mainland South-East Asia. Millions of people depend on its waters. It’s a way of life, a home for the spirits, the defining element in the everlasting battle for survival, and the foundation and boundaries of cultures and kingdoms across eons. The river speaks of the past and the future, of the eternally recurring cycles of nature, of the people living upstream and downstream, of survival, beauty and danger.
Foreigners can’t appreciate the role of the river in the lives of those who live in the Mekong basin. It influences every aspect of their daily existence, shaping not only the land, but also the people themselves.
The Mekong Basin extends over 795,000km2. More than 70 million people, 55 million of which inhabit the watershed area lying within Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam, depend on the river and its tributaries for food, water and transport. At 4,350km, the Mekong is the longest river in Southeast Asia and the 12th longest in the world.
The river runs from its source deep in China’s Tsinghai Province through the eastern part of Tibet. From Yunnan province, it becomes the border between Myanmar and Laos, and between Laos and Thailand. From there it surges across Cambodia to Phnom Penh, where the Bassac River branches off. The two rivers continue to divide into nine outlets, the Cuu Long (Nine Dragons) of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, and finally discharge into the East Sea. The river is navigable from the delta to Southern Laos, where massive waterfalls near the Cambodian border prevent boats from travelling further.
About nine-tenths of the people in the Lower Mekong Basin are engaged in agriculture, mostly rice production on a massive scale, for which irrigation from the Mekong River is essential. A substantial proportion is exported, thus providing the staple diet of a far greater number than just those living in the area.
The Mekong River is also very rich in fish, the single most important source of animal protein in the diet of people living in the Lower Mekong Basin.
What is included: Transfer, tour guide, hotel in Can Tho, lunch, entrance fee(s), boat trip in Cai Be
What is included: Transfer, tour guide, hotel breakfast, lunch, entrance fee(s), boat trip in Can Tho
| Hotels in Can Tho | ||
| Star | Hotel | Room Type |
| 3-Star hotel in Can Tho | Hau Giang Hotel | Superior |
| 4-Star hotel in Can Tho | Muong Thanh Hotel | Superior |
| 5-Star hotel in Can Tho | Victoria Hotel | Superior |
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
