things to do in mekong delta include a thrilling variety of boat tours, floating markets, vibrant villages, nature reserves, and cultural sites. This article offers a curated list of must-try experiences for travelers who want to make the most of their journey and avoid missing any iconic highlights, ensuring every moment in the region is worthwhile.
Top Things to Do in the Mekong Delta
Boat Tours
Boat rides are a must in the Mekong Delta, with options such as sunset cruises over the Hau River, speedboat tours from Saigon, and rowing boat journeys beneath coconut palms in Ben Tre.
These boat trips reveal the delta’s rustic beauty and tranquil waterways. Navigating the network of narrow canals by rowboat showcases life on the water.
Floating Markets
Cai Rang Floating Market: The Mekong Delta’s largest and most colorful floating market, situated near Can Tho. Here, early-morning trading brings the rivers alive with boats full of tropical fruit and fresh produce. Sample local coffee and fruit while taking in the sunrise and the lively river market. The best time is in the early morning, when traders display their goods on long poles at boat bows to attract buyers.
Cai Be Floating Market: A quieter, yet authentic, floating market attracting visitors keen to experience traditional river-based commerce. Despite being less busy today, it remains a significant delta attraction.
Cultural and Religious Sites
Vinh Trang Pagoda: Located in My Tho, this pagoda features a French-rococo mansion and beautiful gardens. Its architectural mix combines a variety of styles.
Ancient Khmer Temples: These temples in Tra Vinh provide a window into the delta’s Khmer heritage and civilization.
Lady Temple of Sam Mountain: This Chau Doc sanctuary is adorned with Buddhist pagodas and statues, making it sacred for many visitors.
Binh Thuy Ancient House: Explore this historic residence displaying classical Vietnamese architecture.
Huynh Thuy Le Old House: This attraction is a testament to colonial-era architectural influences in the delta.
Tay An Pagoda: A religious icon offering both spiritual and cultural significance.
Nature and Ecotourism Sites
Tra Su Cajuput Forest: Found in An Giang province, this ecotourism spot is famed for its unique cajuput tree wetlands, birdwatching, and pristine habitats.
Tram Chim National Park: A haven for nature lovers, this vast Dong Thap park is ideal for observing wildlife.
Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary: Visit for peaceful scenery and the chance to spot stork colonies and other wetland birds.
Can Gio Biosphere Reserve: A UNESCO-listed mangrove forest area near Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio makes for an enriching full-day excursion.
Xeo Quyt Forest: Discover a forested landscape that blends nature and wartime history.
Village Experiences
Homestay Experiences: Overnight stays with host families in Vinh Long or Can Tho enable guests to cook with locals, partake in cultural activities, and gain close insight into daily delta living. Homestays are often components of 2-day, 1-night guided tours.
Sa Dec Flower Village: Also called Tan Dong Quy, this site spotlights the region’s vibrant flower cultivation and horticultural traditions.
Traditional Craft Villages: From the clay pot-making village of Hon Dat (Kien Giang) to the fermented pork roll makers of Lai Vung (Dong Thap), these craft villages showcase local expertise and products.
Tan Lap Village: A prime destination for exploring authentic rural life.
My Khanh Tourist Village: This ecotourism-oriented site in the delta offers a blend of cultural activities and relaxed village ambience.
Agricultural Experiences
Fruit Orchards: Orchards brimming with tropical fruits like mango, rambutan, jackfruit, durian, and mangosteen await visitors looking to sample straight from the source. Popular areas include My Khanh, Cai Be, Thoi Son islet, An Binh islet, and Phong Dien. Many feature fruit buffets and tastings.
Coconut Candy Factories: In Ben Tre, guided visits demonstrate traditional and modern coconut candy production, with chances to taste and help make treats firsthand.
Muoi Cuong Cocoa Farm: Witness and sample cocoa growing and chocolate making at this regional farm.
Dong Tam Snake Farm: Based in Tien Giang, the facility is dedicated to a range of snake species and provides educational encounters.
Cycling Tours
Explore the Mekong Delta’s rural scenery by bicycle, passing orchards, peaceful villages, and coconut groves. These tours allow close interaction with local life and landscapes, perfect for those seeking immersive experiences.
Urban Destinations
Can Tho: The region’s largest city blends lively urban culture with traditional delta attractions, including the gateway to the Cai Rang Floating Market.
My Tho: A riverside hub launching boat tours and excursions to neighboring islands, often starting point for trips from Ho Chi Minh City.
Cai Be: Known for its floating market and abundance of fruit orchards.
Unique Attractions
Pirate Island: Delve into Mekong Delta lore with a trip to this historically intriguing island.
Three Wishes Tomb: A culturally significant site with unique local traditions.
Temple Bee: A standout temple destination for curious travelers.
Ong Temple: This spiritual site provides insight into local religious practice.
Can Tho Beach: A relaxing stretch of sand near Can Tho city, perfect for riverfront recreation.
Multi-Day Tour Experiences
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Combination: Devote a full day to exploring the famed Cu Chi tunnel network before a boat journey through the delta, with stops at coconut candy workshops, fruit tastings, Vietnamese folk music shows, fish farms, and canal rowing.
Can Tho 2-Day Tour: Spend the first day reaching Can Tho, visiting craft villages, fruit gardens, and enjoying a homestay and dinner. Day two features a boat ride to Cai Rang Floating Market, a rice noodle shop tour, Vietnamese breakfast, cycling in local villages, and a hands-on Vietnamese pancake cooking session.
Comparing Activities and Attractions in the Mekong Delta
Best Options for First-Time Visitors
First-time travelers will benefit most from classic things to do in mekong delta such as boat tours through intricate canals, exploring Cai Rang Floating Market at sunrise, and visiting Can Tho’s lively riverfront. These experiences deliver a comprehensive introduction to the region’s character and beauty.
Most Family-Friendly Experiences
Traveling with family? The most engaging things to do in mekong delta for all ages include fruit orchard visits where you can taste the freshest tropical produce, watching the making of traditional coconut candy in Ben Tre, and taking guided excursions to homestay villages for interactive cultural immersion.
Adventure and Nature Highlights
For adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts, the best things to do in mekong delta center around Tra Su Cajuput Forest with its birdlife and boat rides, cycling tours through rural backroads, and wildlife discovery at Tram Chim National Park or the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve.
Cultural and Historical Highlights
Those prioritizing heritage should focus on things to do in mekong delta that include visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda, the atmospheric Khmer temples in Tra Vinh, ornate old houses in Sa Dec and Can Tho, as well as Tay An Pagoda and Lady Temple of Sam Mountain.
Planning Your Ideal Mekong Delta Itinerary
Suggested Itineraries by Length of Stay
For a 1-day visit, concentrate on a river boat tour from My Tho or Ben Tre, which can include local islet stops and a short cycling excursion. With 2 days, extend your adventure with a Cai Rang Floating Market sunrise trip, homestay lunch, fruit orchard stop, and city sightseeing. Multi-day journeys allow you to discover rural craft villages, explore nature reserves, and delve into less-visited corners of the delta.
Combining Experiences for Maximum Value
Pairing experiences, such as floating market visits with a nature walk in Tra Su Forest or a My Tho city detour with a homestay in Vinh Long, makes for an enriched Mekong Delta journey. Mixing urban, rural, and ecotourism stops ensures you maximize your trip and see the region’s diverse sides.
Matching Activities to Traveler Interests
Food lovers can center their things to do in mekong delta list on orchard tours, cooking workshops, and coconut candy factories. Adventure lovers should opt for cycling, canal boating, and wildlife experiences. Those after culture or relaxation will appreciate temple visits, homestays, and quiet riverside destinations.
