The Mekong Delta, often called “the West” by locals, stretches across a 35,000-square-kilometer triangle of alluvial plains and tranquil rivers directly west of Ho Chi Minh City. Known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” it produces over 50% of the country’s rice, and it offers travelers a world of fascinating experiences amid lush landscapes, winding waterways, and vibrant culture.
Shop at the Floating Markets
One of the most iconic experiences in the Mekong Delta is visiting its lively floating markets, where trading has flourished on the water since the 1800s. Every morning, rivers transform into bustling floating fairs, filled with boats loaded with fruits, fresh produce, and countless goods.
The markets typically start early—often as early as 3 a.m.—when hundreds of traders paddle out in their small boats (known locally as “three-leaf boats” or sampans). The markets are usually located at river junctions where water levels are just right for easy navigation.
Top floating markets to visit include:
- Cai Rang (the most famous)
- Cai Be
- Phong Dien
- Nga Nam
- Long Xuyen
Beyond shopping, floating markets are a window into the unique riverine lifestyle of the Mekong people. The only challenge? You’ll need to wake up early to catch the markets at their best!
Read more: [Top 10 Places to Visit in Your Mekong Delta Tour]
Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho, Tien Giang
Nestled in My Tho, the 150-year-old Vinh Trang Pagoda is an architectural gem blending Eastern and Western influences. Two grand triple-arched gates greet visitors, built in 1933 and decorated with intricate mosaics depicting dragons, unicorns, phoenixes, turtles, fish, and legendary Buddhist tales.
Inside the main hall, you’ll find over 60 statues carved from bronze and jackfruit wood, their surfaces gleaming with golden lacquer. A particular treasure is the Dai Hong Chung, a bronze bell standing 1.2 meters tall and weighing over 150 kilograms, alongside 20 ancient paintings.
Explore Tan Lap Floating Village, Long An
About 100 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City lies Tan Lap Floating Village, one of Vietnam’s most enchanting ecotourism destinations. You can easily visit on a day trip by car or motorbike—or stay overnight at one of the village’s peaceful homestays.
This hidden gem is surrounded by mysterious flooded forests and meandering rivers. A boat ride through Tan Lap’s wetlands takes you along winding channels beneath thick canopies of mangroves and towering trees, offering a tranquil escape from the Delta’s summer heat.
Discover the Flavors of the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta isn’t famed for lavish feasts, but its cuisine stands out for fresh, natural ingredients and unique local flavors you won’t find elsewhere in Asia. Think rustic dishes prepared from the day’s harvest—simple yet deeply flavorful.
Cruise the Mekong River
Given that the Delta is crisscrossed by rivers, exploring by boat is the best way to immerse yourself in its beauty. A river cruise on the Mekong offers not only scenic views but also a glimpse into daily life along the riverbanks. You’ll watch fishermen casting nets, see stilt houses rise above the water, and pass vibrant villages.
Luxury cruises are available for multi-day journeys, taking you beyond Vietnam into Cambodia, visiting destinations like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for a broader Mekong adventure.
Ride a Traditional Three-Leaf Boat
A quintessential Delta experience is a ride in a three-leaf boat—a narrow wooden boat expertly steered by locals through winding canals and lush mangrove forests. The gentle glide along calm waterways lets you appreciate the serene side of the Mekong.
Notable spots to enjoy a three-leaf boat ride include:
- Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (An Giang)
- Thi Tuong Lake (Ca Mau)
- Thoi Son Island (Ben Tre)
Visit Khmer Pagodas in Tra Vinh
Tra Vinh, home to Vietnam’s largest Khmer community, boasts over 100 beautiful Khmer temples with towering, multi-tiered roofs and intricate decorations. Notable pagodas include:
- Hang Pagoda (Chau Thanh District)
- Ang Pagoda (Tra Vinh City)
- Vam Ray Pagoda
- Co Pagoda (Tra Cu District)
Each temple is adorned with elaborate sculptures of gods, animals, mythical creatures, and carvings that tell the story of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Explore Tra Su Reserve in Chau Doc, An Giang
If you’re visiting during the flooding season, don’t miss Tra Su Forest in An Giang—a biodiverse wetland teeming with wildlife. The 800,000-hectare reserve is home to over 70 species of waterfowl and countless other animals.
Boat trips through Tra Su’s emerald green waterways, lined with melaleuca trees and floating duckweed, are unforgettable. It’s also the prime season for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock here to nest.
Taste the Freshest Fruit in the Orchards
Aside from rice, the Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s biggest fruit-growing region, thanks to its fertile soil and tropical climate. Tien Giang boasts the Delta’s largest fruit plantations, especially famous for Hoa Loc Cat mangoes—a must-try delicacy for mango lovers.
Fruit orchards abound, offering sweet treats straight from the tree, including:
- Mangoes
- Pomelos
- Rambutans
- Durian
- Mangosteens
A visit to these lush orchards promises a delicious, refreshing end to your Mekong adventure.
The Mekong Delta invites travelers into a world of winding rivers, vibrant markets, serene landscapes, and authentic local culture. Whether you’re gliding through mangrove forests, savoring unique dishes, or exploring ancient temples, this region offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of southern Vietnam.
