After traveling more than 3,000 miles (4,830 kilometers) from the Tibetan Plateau to southern Vietnam, the mighty Mekong River divides into ribbon-like tributaries that crisscross the countryside before merging with the sea. A world away from the chaotic streets of nearby Ho Chi Minh City, life in the Mekong Delta revolves around the water—and so do things to do. Ride a boat or a bicycle across the waterways and you’ll find colorful cities and quirky villages fringed with fruit plantations, coconut groves, and plenty of places to feast on freshly-caught fish.
For the majority of travelers, the best time to visit the Mekong Delta is at the end of the rainy season in October, but before the hottest time of year from mid-March to May. However, if you’re a big fan of tropical fruit (and don’t mind the odd late rainy season downpour), visit in September. This is prime fruit harvest time and when the Mekong Delta is at its greenest. The river itself is pretty murky year-round.
Traveling around the Mekong Delta is sometimes a lesson in patience—especially when compared to the rest of Vietnam—but it’s all part of the fun. While you can easily reach the region by bus or car, the best ways to get around are by boat and bicycle. If you prefer something faster paced, opt for tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorbikes, or join a tour. Some of the best include boat trips to floating markets and through hidden waterways.
While you can do a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, it’s well worth giving yourself more time to settle into Delta time. Spending longer lets you go off the beaten path to some further-flung spots. Highlights include Can Tho, Ben Tre, Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets, and the idyllic island of Phu Quoc, which is just off the coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand.
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Yes, it’s absolutely worth visiting the Mekong Delta. While all of Vietnam is beautiful and has its own charms, the Mekong Delta is especially picturesque. Expect to see palm-lined canals, floating markets filled with boats laden with colorful tropical fruit, hammock-fronted floating villages, and historic cities.
...MoreKnown as the “rice bowl of Vietnam”, the Mekong Delta is known for its agricultural prowess—but look beyond the fruit orchards and rice paddies and you’ll find a fascinating multicultural pocket of the world, filled with interesting stories, relaxed, tropical vibes, and picture-postcard scenery.
...MoreYes, you can do a day trip to the Mekong Delta. A lot of people go to My Tho on day trips as it’s only 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. If you’d prefer to head a little further afield, hop on a day tour to Vinh Long and Cai Be floating market.
...More2-3 days is a good length of time to spend exploring the Mekong Delta. While you can either zip through or spend longer soaking up the laid-back way of life, it’s worth giving yourself a couple of days to take a day trip and check out some of the best sights.
...MoreThere are a surprising number of activities you can do in the Mekong Delta, including bicycle and boat trips, visiting floating markets and villages, and fish farms, exploring all the different towns and villages, trying different kinds of fruit, and watching the world go by from a hammock.
...MoreYes, you can get from Cambodia to the Mekong Delta. As well as traveling between Cambodia and Vietnam by bus, taxi, or plane, you can also take a ferry or private boat through the Mekong Delta across the Cambodia-Vietnam border at Chau Doc. Standard visa and immigration requirements apply.
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