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The Mekong Delta of Vietnam is truly a unique destination, offering experiences found hardly anywhere else. Many visitors are first drawn by the Mekong Delta tours with floating markets, but there is so much more to it in this wonderful region. So, what exactly can you uncover during three days in the Mekong Delta? Let’s find out.
The Mekong Delta, also known locally as the Western Region, is located in southwestern Vietnam. This is the land where the Mekong River flows into the sea through a vast network of channels and tributaries. Due to its unique attributes, the extent of water coverage in this area varies significantly between the wet and dry seasons.
The Mekong Delta has long been a crossroads of cultures, influenced by Khmer, Vietnamese, Chinese, and even French settlers. Today, the delta is considered the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, feeding the people with its lush rice paddies and abundant fruit orchards.
The Mekong Delta is known for its fertile soil, ideal for fruit orchards - Mekong Delta 3-day tour guide
Life for the locals in this region revolves around agriculture and remains closely tied to the water. Therefore, Mekong Delta tours have that unique sense of tranquility that tends to leave a lasting impression.
For most Mekong Delta tours, your entry point in Vietnam will be Ho Chi Minh City via Tan Son Nhat International Airport. You can arrive either in the morning or the previous night, depending on your flight schedule. We recommend arriving the night before to ensure proper rest for your Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City.
Around 9:00 or 10:00 in the morning, you will depart Ho Chi Minh City for My Tho Commune in Dong Thap Province. This is one of the major hubs of the Mekong Delta region, with most Mekong Delta tours making a stop here.
If you are traveling independently instead of through an operator, the bus ride takes about two hours. However, we recommend booking with a travel agency since navigating this region can be difficult. Even Vietnamese visitors who are not from the Mekong Delta often find it challenging, so it can be even harder for international travelers.
In My Tho Commune, hop on a Mekong Delta boat tour to explore Unicorn Islet (Thoi Son Islet). This islet is home to some of the unique features of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, such as its well-known bee farms. You can stroll through the lush greenery, breathe in the fresh air, and have a sip of locally made organic honey tea.
Here, people’s way of life is closely tied to the waters - Mekong Delta 3-day tour guide
After that, enjoy a rowboat ride along shaded canals lined with coconut palms. Along the way, you’ll visit a coconut candy workshop and a handicraft village, both specialties unique to Mekong Delta tours.
Once your trip brings you to Ben Tre Commune in Vinh Long Province, it should be time for lunch. Sampling some of the Mekong’s signature dishes is among the top things to do in the Mekong Delta.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Can Tho City and check into your hotel, where you will stay for the next day’s trip. After a long and busy day, take the evening to explore the area at a relaxed pace and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
In the early morning of your second day, take a Mekong Delta boat tour to the Cai Rang Floating Market to experience the lively trading scene of the locals. It’s best to arrive at a Vietnamese floating market around 5:00 AM to have enough time to look around and stop by merchant boats to buy fresh fruit. In addition to that, visiting a noodle workshop and a rice processing mill are also among the must-try things to do in the Mekong Delta.
In the Mekong Delta, small boats are the main means of transportation - Mekong Delta 3-day tour guide
At noon, return to the center of Can Tho City for lunch and some rest before setting off on an afternoon trip to Chau Doc Commune. Along the way, you can stop at the Long Xuyen crocodile farm to see how this animal has become a part of daily life in the Mekong Delta.
Once you arrive in Chau Doc Commune, check in at your hotel and spend the evening relaxing.
On the morning of the third and final day, visit the local raft village to see fish farming in action. This is one of the major industries in the Mekong Delta, as the fertile waterways are ideal for aquaculture.
After that, take a Mekong Delta boat tour to the Cham village of Chau Doc. Here you can visit the mosque and traditional Cham houses, enjoy authentic Cham cuisine, and take part in cultural experiences such as grilling banh bo (a local rice cake) and learning how to use a traditional handloom for weaving brocade.
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You should also visit Cave Pagoda (Phuoc Dien Pagoda), a local temple with beautiful architecture. Be prepared for a climb, as it is located on a hillside, but the effort is worth it. From the top, you will enjoy sweeping views of the Mekong Delta’s endless rice paddies stretching toward the mountains and the Cambodian border.
The local culture reflects a distinct blend shaped by centuries of trade and migration - Mekong Delta 3-day tour guide
It is also worth adding a stop at the local market in Chau Doc on Mekong Delta tours. The market here has a very different atmosphere compared to those in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, and discovering exactly how it feels is something best left for you to experience yourself.
Before departing, make sure to grab lunch at a floating restaurant, as this is one true highlight of Mekong Delta tours. Afterward, return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon for your evening flight.
The Mekong Delta might not offer the dramatic and life-changing excitement of the Ha Giang Loop, but its charm lies in the slow pace, the calming river waters, and the traditional village culture. If you have read this far, take it as a sign to look for some Mekong Delta tours or plan one your own. And if you need help with it, don’t look any further! Our team of locals here at Asia King Travel is always ready to help.
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