Mekong Delta Tour - Explore Floating Markets

The Mekong Delta, which people often call the "Rice Bowl of Vietnam," is this crazy maze of rivers, green scenery, and super cool cultural experiences. Down in southern Vietnam, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to dive into nature, history, and the one-of-a-kind lives of the folks living by the river. Here’s a solid guide to help you plan the perfect Mekong tour including a Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi minh.

So, what's so special about the Mekong Delta?

The Mekong Delta is this huge maze of rivers, rice fields, and floating villages. It's also very well-known for its extremely rich land and basically feeds most of Vietnam with rice and tropical fruits. 

It's massive, really! The Mekong delta region covers a large portion of Vietnam - around 40,000 square kilometres.

Life here is all about the water, from the busy floating markets to doing everyday things on boats.

Highlights include:

• Floating markets: Cai Rang and Phong Dien are examples.

• Watercourses are beautiful, lined by mangroves and coconut trees.

• Traditional village handicrafts consist of: the production of coconut candies and rice paper.

Bling Bling Ways to See Mekong Delta

Visiting the Mekong Delta can be as short as a day's trip and can last right up to an extended tour. The coolest way to see this place is by boat, bike, or even a mix.

By Boat

Cruising along the Mekong canals is highly recommended - fancy cruises or local boats that barely fit into the small canals, it's your choice. Many Mekong delta boat tours regularly stop at:

• Floating markets.

• Local fruit orchards.

• Small islands like Phoenix, Unicorn, Dragon, and Tortoise.

By Bike

The flat land and beautiful countryside make biking super fun. Bike through coconut farms, rice fields, and chill small villages for a real taste of the locals. If you are on a bike tour of Vietnam covering south to north, then the Mekong delta should be your first stop!

A bike tour of the Mekong delta is perfect if you are doing a solo trip or with a bunch of friends rather than with family.

Top Destinations in the Mekong Delta

• Can Tho

The biggest city in the delta, Can Tho, holds the pride for floating markets, especially Cai Rang. People can also check out its pagodas, local food spots, and the nature reserves around it.

• My Tho and Ben Tre

These two towns south of Ho Chi Minh City are known for their beautiful orchards and coconut candies, respectively. Take sampan rides along canals shaded by palms, and snack on fresh tropical fruits.

• Tra Su Cajuput Forest

The flooded forest at Chau Doc—a nature lover's dream—has boats that will take visitors into its calm, teeming interior.

Cultural Highlights

The rich cultural experiences associated with the Mekong Delta include:

• Traditional Music: Listen to Don Ca Tai Tu, a UNESCO-recognized form of folk music.

• Local Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood, succulent tropical fruits, and all other local delicacies including bánh xèo (crispy pancake) and hủ tiếu (noodle soup).

• Homestays: Homestays among the locals will give hands-on experiences of rural Vietnamese life. And boy oh boy, are they cheap! They can start from anywhere around $10 (USD) per day.

Handy Tips During Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (November to April) offers pleasant weather and easier travel.

• Getting There: Most tours leave from Ho Chi Minh City, which is just around 2-3 hours drive to the delta (approx 170 km). Options include buses, private cars, or flights to Can Tho.

We can recommend this Mekong delta tour from Ho Chi Minh city by Saigon Adventure which is one of the highest rated tours on Tripadvisor which should cost around $20 (USD).

• Tour Types: You can choose between group tours, which are cheap, or private tours for personalization. Private tours would cost you significantly higher but if you are a couple then we would say its the best option if you can afford.

Best Routes for Mekong tour

One Day tour

• Depart Ho Chi Minh City in the morning.

• Visit My Tho and Ben Tre for a boat trip, local music, and village exploration.

• Return by evening.

Two-Day Tour

• Day 1: Take a boat ride around the Vinh Trang Pagoda-My Tho-Ben Tre and homestay at Can Tho.

• Day 2: Early morning, visit Cai Rang Floating Market; visit rural villages and head back to the city.

Must-Do Activities

• Floating Markets: Lively commerce on water at the break of dawn.

• Fruit Orchards: Savor fresh durian, rambutan, and mangosteen fruits.

• Nature Reserves: View the Tram Chim National Park or Bang Lang Stork Garden to witness rare species of birds.

FAQs

Can I visit the Mekong Delta with kids?

Yes, the region's boat rides and cycling paths are suitable for families with kids.

Is it worth visiting the Mekong Delta?

Hell Yeah!, we would say it's a must visit place in southern Vietnam unless you want the typical touristy experience (in that case stick to Ho Chi minh city).
You would enjoy boat tours along beautiful canals, visit insta worthy floating markets, and experience traditional music and homestays.

We are pretty sure you're gonna love it!

How many days do I need to explore the Mekong Delta?

Personally, we think a 2-3 day tour is enough to cover all the main attractions, such as the Cai Rang Floating Market, a boat ride and local workshops. 

If you do not have time constraints, then go for a 4-5 day tour for visits to eco-tourism spots, some chill towns, and even cross-border trips to Cambodia via the Mekong River (you might need a visa based on your passport origin).

Can the Mekong Delta be visited in a day?

Yes, a day tour is possible, particularly for those with limited time. Popular day-tour destinations include My Tho, Ben Tre, and Cai Be Floating Market. However, these tours tend to be rushed, and the more authentic experiences are often missed compared to longer, multi-day visits. 
But hey not everyone got all the time and money in the world so you do you!

Can you swim in the Mekong Delta?

Just don’t, please! Swimming in the Mekong Delta is not recommended due to the muddy water, strong currents, and fishing activities. 

There are way better places to go for a swim in Vietnam given its vast coastline.

Are there snakes in the Mekong Delta?

Yep, there are a lot of snakes in the Mekong Delta, including pythons and some poisonous species. However, they are typically found in the wild or nature preservation parks. You will rarely encounter them, but they may be safely shown on farms or in sanctuaries if you are interested.

How common is malaria in the Mekong Delta?

Malaria is not an issue in the main tourist areas of the Mekong Delta.
But there are still mosquitos so just apply the mosquito/insect repellent sprays and carry it with you to reapply every few hours.

Is the Mekong Delta safe?

We personally never faced any concerns for our safety while being there. As always in any touristic areas, just use basic common sense and you are gonna be fine and dandy in the Mekong delta :)