The Mekong Delta is a vast maze of rivers, stilt houses, and rice paddies. Scattered within the giant Delta are plenty of things to see that give you amazing insight into what life may be like in the Vietnamese countryside. Here are the must-visit attractions in the area.
The Mekong Delta provides 70% of the fruit consumed throughout Vietnam, and there are plenty of fruit orchards scattered around the different provinces that make up the Delta. You will be able to find various fruits such as mango, grapefruit, guava, apple, jackfruit, dragon fruit, mangosteen, plums, durian, etc., being cultivated. Cai Be Orchard is the largest fruit orchard in the Mekong Delta. You can take a tour through the premises, pick ripe fruit off the trees and enjoy them right then and there.
Located in the An Giang province of the Mekong Delta, this fascinating ecotourism site is a vibrant forested area that is dry most of the year. However, come end of year during the rainy season, the area turns into a flooded forest, making it ideal for a guided boat tour through the region. Best months to visit are from September to November.
Sam Mountain is near the city of Chau Doc, and climbing it is an adventure. Not only are the views scenic, composed of breathtaking rice fields, stilt villages and beautiful greenery, but you will also pass dozens of shrines, tombs and even a temple on the way to the top. Once you reach the summit you will find a small military outpost with a grand view featuring Cambodia on one side and Vietnam on the other.
Tan Lap Floating Village is an eco-tourism site located in Long An province and is a typical flooded land of the Mekong region. For a mere entrance fee of USD$2.5 (VND$50,000), visitors can walk on elevated paths through a gorgeous cajuput forest or take a boat along the Rung Canal. You can also enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the forests form the observation tower, enjoy local dishes, participate in campfires, barbecues, picnics and other outdoor activities. November is the best time to visit — when the lotuses bloom, adding contrasting colours to all that greenery.
Tân Lập, Mộc Hóa District, Long An Province, Vietnam, +84 272 3968 133
Co Tu Ha is a famous name in the Ben Tre province. When you mention her name to a local taxi or boat driver, they will know who you are referring to and take you to the home of a sweet old lady in her 60’s. By sweet, we literally mean sweet. She makes coconut candies! Co Tu Ha will let you try some of her delicious masterpieces, and also have a go at making some if you wish. Her coconut rice wine is also amazing.
Board a sampan, a small rickety wooden row boat, and paddle your way through small canals of the giant Mekong tributaries. This is the best way to get around in the Mekong and you will come across flower farms, fruit orchards, rice paper factories, temples, river restaurants and all sorts of attractions by the water. Ben Tre and My Tho are the best places to do this and you will be able to avoid boats full of tourists that normally head to Can Tho.