Did you know that over half of Vietnam’s rice exports come from the Mekong Delta? Sometimes referred to as the “rice bowl" of Vietnam, this stunning region is an agricultural powerhouse and ecotourist-adventurer’s paradise. For those interested in combining culture, science, and sustainability, Mekong Research Tours and Mekong Tours are incomparable opportunities to explore this dynamic region’s rich traditions and innovations. On the other hand, the Rice Research Institute at Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute (CLRRI) is the hub of such tours, where one is taken through all the secrets regarding rice production and sustainability, along with the culture that makes the very essence of this Mekong Delta unique. Let’s dive into this unforgettable journey!
Cuu Long Delta Rice (Sours: vietnamagriculture.nongnghiep)
We shall now take this figurative time machine back to the interesting beginning of Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute, CLRRI, placed in Thoi Thanh village, Thoi Lai, Can Tho, a centerpiece of Mekong Research Tours. The institute emerged in 1977 as the primer on agricultural research in the Mekong Delta under a bigger dream of changing rice cultivation in Vietnam. It assumed its present name in 1985, and over the years since then, it has been identified in and outside of Vietnam to be playing a huge role in rice research and development.
Over the years, CLRRI has been at the forefront of developing Vietnam’s agricultural landscape. With its ground-breaking research and technological innovation, it made today’s Mekong Delta the “rice bowl" of the nation, rendering viable alternatives to farmers and giving the nation pride as one of the biggest exporters of rice in the world. Joining Mekong Tours here offers the visitor a chance to touch this legacy firsthand!
What makes CLRRI so important in Mekong Research Tours? Because it contributes to science and society on many fronts:
No Mekong Research Tour would be complete without an appreciation of the role of the Mekong Delta, which is considered the “rice bowl" of Vietnam. This area is supposed to feed millions, with increasingly adverse impacts through climate change, soil salinization, and flooding.
Located in Thoi Thanh, Thoi Lai, Can Tho, CLRRI spearheads the battle against such perils through innovative approaches. Mekong Tours guests will be introduced to how the institute has been working tirelessly to safeguard the agricultural ecosystem of the delta while simultaneously ensuring that its farmers thrive. It is this mix of science along with environmental and cultural concerns that makes CLRRI a location no visitor touring the Mekong Delta should miss!
Mekong (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor)
Where else but at CLRRI does science meet culture most intriguingly? Think about being taken on a walk across Vibrant Rice paddies to understand the journey of rice from farm to table by experts passionate enough to preserve the heritage. Mekong Research Tours at CLRRI delve deep into agricultural innovations, rejoicing in the rich traditions of the Mekong Delta-an ideal scenario for curious minds combined with adventurous spirits.
CLRRI is a treasure trove of engaging activities and sights:
The Mekong Delta is all about agriculture, and the way of life. Rice and tradition in Vietnamese culture are deeply related, and you will learn that at CLRRI. Time your visit to rice farming festivals either in the Red River or the Mekong Delta to first-hand witness the community’s joy and pride. It’s a cultural plunge very few other places can offer.
For photography enthusiasts, CLRRI is a dreamland. Visualize panoramic shots of emerald-green rice paddies, elaborate irrigation schemes, and busy farmers. Such surreal glimpses of daily life in the Mekong Delta will make your Mekong Research Tours truly picture-perfect.
Cai Rang Floating Market (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor)
5:30 AM – Visit Cai Rang Floating Market
Start your day with the colorful and active Cai Rang Floating Market, one of those iconic attractions in the Mekong Delta. Visit it early so you can see it when all the action takes place, with boats moving toward each other carrying fresh fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts in a riot of colors. While the vendors skillfully navigate their moving vessels, enjoy pho or banh mi breakfast classics from a floating kitchen. And, of course, don’t forget to take a picture of the great sunrise over the river, with a view that truly gives the spirit of the delta.
7:30 AM – Travel to Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute (CLRRI)
After getting back to the pier, pay a visit to CLRRI-one among the ‘must-see’ places from any Mekong Research Tour. Here, you go in-depth with the science and culture of rice farming. Take a relaxing walk through the demonstration rice fields and learn about both traditional and modern cultivation techniques. Plant rice yourself with the help of local experts. Understand how this advanced research at CLRRI creates a platform of genetics and sustainability for not just the Mekong Delta but world agriculture as a whole, in a more educational and immersive stop than seen anywhere.
10:30 AM – Traditional Craft Village Exploration
Afternoon: transfer to a local craft village to witness the traditional crafts of the Mekong Delta. From weaved mats, rice paper making, and fired pottery in kilns, there are some very talented artisans continuing with the long history of craftsmen. Interactive Session: During the interactive session, take part in making rice paper or weaving a mat. This session helps you learn more about the regional culture and take home a special handmade souvenir.
12:30 PM – Local Lunch by the River
Enjoy traditional Mekong Delta flavors at a riverside restaurant, with crispy rice pancakes, and caramelized fish in clay pots, blended with four-season tropical fruits. This is the best meal to recharge your energy while viewing the serenity of the river.
2:00 PM – Relaxing Mekong River Cruise
Mekong River Cruise (Sours: https://www.cruisedirect)
Your tour ends with a leisurely Mekong River cruise. You will sail through the area’s tangled web of waterways lined with lush rice paddies, coconut groves, and fishing villages. Along the way, see locals tending their fields and children playing on the riverbanks. Your guide will tell you about the significance of the Mekong to the region’s people in terms of their livelihood and culture. A quiet and contemplative end to your tour.
3:30 PM – Return to Can Tho City
Return to your hotel in Can Tho after a day filled with sightseeing and learning. Think about exceptional experiences that have been gained: the busy market, hands-on activities, and the peaceful beauty of the Mekong Delta.
Can Tho city (Sours: https://www.booking/Vietnam/Hotels)
Timing is everything! The dry months, which generally are from November to April, are the best seasons for Mekong Research Tours since you will not have to face heavy rain and floods. It is in the planting season, roughly June to July, or in the harvest season, around September to October, that you encounter more farming activities. These are the special times of the year for taking dramatic photos and connecting with the vibrant rhythms of life in the Mekong Delta.
From Can Tho City, the Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute, CLRRI, is easily accessible through a combination of the following:
Download offline maps for easy movement around and learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to help in communicating with the locals. Having a local guide join your Mekong Tours means a stress-free journey!
Get ready for an educational and fun day! Most of the Mekong Research Tours organized by CLRRI include:
A visit to Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute (CLRRI) is a gateway to finding the heart of Vietnam regarding agriculture, culture, and sustainability. On these Mekong Research Tours, you will be enticed by the windows of rice paddies, the interactive farming activities, and the vibrant traditions of the Mekong Delta. Make sure not to miss adding CLRRI to your travel agenda! Book your tour with Impress Travel’s Mekong Tours to enjoy the attractions of this wonderful region and support responsible tourism for the conservation of its culture and environment. Book now!
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
