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Con Quy (Quy Islet), which was created by the Mekong River's abundant alluvial deposits, is a perfect location for tropical fruit tree cultivation. It embodies the spirit of the Mekong Delta with its serene riverbank charm and verdant surroundings. Con Quy is a hidden treasure you won't want to miss if you're considering a trip to Southern Vietnam.
This islet is situated between Tan Thach and Quoi Son communes in Vinh Long Province of the Mekong Delta region.
Shaped like a small turtle, Con Quy is located about 23 km from downtown old Ben Tre by river. To get there, head to the ferry terminal and rent a boat for a scenic 30-minute ride along the Tien River. You won't have to worry about motion sickness because the trip is rather short. To protect yourself from the sun, don't forget to pack a light jacket and a hat.
The ferry is the most common form of transportation in this region
As you travel past verdant, fruit-filled orchards that line both banks of the river, you can take in the clean air and mild river breeze.
According to local elders, Con Quy was originally called “Con Cat” (Sand Islet). Formed hundreds of years ago, the islet gradually expanded as the river’s silt built up over time. Along the banks of the Tien River, Con Quy and Con Phung belong to Vinh Long Province, while Con Long and Con Lan fall within Tien Giang.
Among the four, Con Quy is the smallest, just around 65 hectares, but the land is remarkably fertile. Whether you call it a “cu lao” or a “con,” both refer to islets formed by sediment deposits in rivers over many years.
The Mekong Delta region features a unique landscape and rich ecosystem
At first, Con Quy was just a small sandy stretch covered in dense shrubs. It wasn’t until the 1950s-60s that people from Ben Tre began settling here to reclaim the land and start new lives.
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As you row your boat upstream toward the head of the islet, you’ll come across the remains of a shrine dedicated to Lady Chua Xu, built by the early settlers. In the center of the islet, there's also a Protestant church serving the local community.
From the late 20th century to today, infrastructure has significantly improved, paving the way for tourism development and better living standards.
Thanks to the fertile silt carried by the Mekong River, numerous islets, locally known as “cu lao”, have formed throughout the region. In the region, the four most famous islets, known collectively as the “Four Sacred Animals,” are Long (Dragon), Lan (Unicorn), Quy (Turtle), and Phung (Phoenix).
While Con Phung is best known for its poetic scenery, Con Quy offers its own unique Mekong Delta charm with its quiet, unspoiled natural beauty. The islet is home to long-established fruit orchards, verdant greenery, and fresh, clean air.
Con Quy offers a peaceful, rustic beauty almost untouched by urban development. Its natural charm has been preserved by its separation from the mainland. Though a tourism project has been developed here, it remains less crowded than nearby Con Phung or Thoi Son Islet, making it an ideal destination for an authentic Mekong Delta tour.
A wide range of fruit trees, pomelo, oranges, rambutans, jackfruit, mangoes, coconuts, durians, and more await you as soon as you arrive at the islet. Fruit farming and fishing are the main sources of income for the locals. They are always willing to greet guests and are friendly and welcoming.
Honey, which is made from bees that assist in pollinating the trees, is one distinctive local product. Try the fragrant and subtly sweet longan blossom honey if you're searching for a gift to bring home.
A honey-harvesting beekeeping setup on Con Quy
A highlight of visiting Con Quy is joining an eco-tour on a small wooden boat, known as a "xuong ba la". You’ll float gently down the Tien River, then navigate through a network of Mekong Delta canals lined with dense nipa palm and tropical foliage.
You can also explore local life and traditional crafts like coconut candy making, coconut jam, or coconut wine. These are all handmade in small quantities but with great care and quality. You can taste and buy them as souvenirs for family and friends.
If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, try living like a local farmer, go fishing in mud canals, catch crabs and snails, and row a boat to gather wild vegetables. It’s a tranquil, slow-paced lifestyle that will leave a lasting impression.
Con Quy was originally a sparsely inhabited islet, so tourism infrastructure was minimal. In the past, overnight visitors had to stay with locals or rent simple huts made of bamboo and palm leaves. In recent years, as more tourists have discovered the islet, locals have built additional guesthouses and homestays.
Today, there are enough accommodations to serve visitors who want to stay overnight. While the rooms may not be luxurious, they offer all the basic necessities. For an authentic experience, we recommend staying in a homestay, which is also a very budget-friendly option.
Regarding dining, there are still not many restaurants on the islet, but the ones that are there are of very high quality. The majority of establishments serve rustic, riverside specialties like goby hotpot, caramelized snakehead fish, steamed red tilapia with termite mushrooms, garlic sautéed squash blossoms, coconut stir-fried shrimp, and sour tamarind fish soup.
Enjoy traditional South Vietnamese music during your meal
One of the most popular restaurants here is Thuy Ta, which can accommodate over 100 guests, ideal if you're doing your Mekong Delta tour with a large group.
These are just some of the highlights that we would love to share with you about this destination. This peaceful land offers an authentic countryside experience, untouched landscapes, friendly locals, and bountiful fruit orchards. If you’re a fan of eco-tourism, let Asia King Travel guide you on a Mekong Delta tour to this must-visit destination.
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