Tourism in the Mekong Delta evokes nostalgia for many travelers with its serene beauty, carrying a unique vitality of its own. Not only does it showcase rich natural beauty, but the Mekong Delta is also a convergence of historical values with a plethora of distinctive cultural elements.
Exploring the Mekong Delta, visitors are captivated by the picturesque simplicity of daily life, filled with the vibrant essence of cheerful existence, characterized by thick clusters of water hyacinths, weaving through the lively “dances” of nature’s allure. This is why tourists flock to this area in large numbers throughout the year.
I. LOCATION OF MEKONG DELTA
The geographical location and natural conditions of the Mekong Delta play a significant role in the exploitation and development of its economy as well as culture. Thanks to these natural conditions, the Mekong Delta has thrived in food processing and tourism, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
Situated in the Southern Vietnam, bordering the western region of the Southeast region, the area encompasses numerous islands and islets, with a coastline stretching 73.2km. This geographical location is highly favorable for economic development, especially in cultivating industrial crops such as rice, sugarcane, coffee, rubber, and various fruits.
II. HOW TO GET MEKONG DELTA FROM HO CHI MINH CITY
Traveling to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City or neighboring provinces such as Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, or Vung Tau, offers various transportation options, including motorcycles, self-driving cars, and buses, as the distances are not considerable.
Opting for buses, you simply need to purchase tickets for your desired route to the provinces in the Mekong Delta. Nowadays, hundreds of bus trips commute daily from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta provinces, making it convenient to buy tickets and choose suitable travel times. Correspondingly, the bus schedules are quite flexible, operating from 3:00 am to 12:00 am daily.
III. PEOPLE OF MEKONG DELTA
Inheriting the essence of national culture and flourishing in the struggle against natural disasters and adversities, the people of the Mekong Delta have cultivated many precious virtues.
Firstly, they exhibit compassion, resilience, overcoming the unpredictable vicissitudes of life; they are autonomous, self-reliant, dynamic, creative, persevering, and indomitable.
Secondly, they uphold the spirit of valuing integrity over material wealth, sacrificing for noble causes, always cherishing relationships between individuals; they possess a practical, transparent, open, and liberal demeanor; they are affectionate, righteous, communal, and altruistic.
Thirdly, they embrace simplicity and sincerity in their lifestyles and love for the scenery, vegetation, and waters deeply ingrained in the people of the Mekong Delta.
IV. CULTURE OF MEKONG DELTA
With a population of over 17 million people, the Mekong Delta is a melting pot of cultures from four main ethnic communities: Vietnamese culture of the Kinh people, Indian culture of the Khmer of Southern Vietnam, Chinese culture of the Hoa people, and Islamic culture of the Cham people. This diversity contributes to a plethora of religious beliefs, valuable architectural ensembles, and unique traditional craft villages.
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1. Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta
Arising from the need for trading goods among the people of the riverine regions, the floating markets in the Mekong Delta are now not only places for trading goods and agricultural products but also distinctive cultural features, impressive tourist products that need to be maintained and developed for sustainable growth.
Visiting the floating markets in the Mekong Delta, many feel as if they are witnessing a vibrant, colorful canvas of life. Immersing oneself in the atmosphere of trading goods on the water, one gains a deeper understanding of the distinctive culture of the people in the southern delta region of the country.
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2. Diverse and abundant culinary culture
The culinary culture of the Mekong Delta is diverse, rich, and unique, distinct from any other region. Notably, unique dishes here include grilled snakehead fish, gòi bồn bồn (a type of salad), or hotpot made from fermented fish, renowned fried coconut worm, as well as rustic dishes with the rich flavors of the river such as sour soup with linh fish cooked with điên điển flower buds,…
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V. BEST SEASON TO VISIT MEKONG DELTA
The favor bestowed by Mother Nature upon the Mekong Delta is further accentuated by its minimal susceptibility to unforeseen natural disasters. On average, temperatures in the Western region fluctuate between 26°C and 28°C, maintaining stability throughout the seasons.
Therefore, with this climate condition, tourism in the Mekong Delta attracts visitors year-round. Depending on preferences and interests, you can consider exploring the Mekong Delta at suitable times.
1. Spring, ranging from December to February annually
The spring months in the Mekong Delta typically span from December to around February each year. During springtime, the Mekong Delta adorns itself with gentle, warm beauty and refreshing weather. It’s also the time when myriad flowers bloom, creating a vibrant and impressive spectacle.
2. Summer: sunny and hot, ranging from May to August
Summer in the provinces of the Mekong Delta usually extends from May to around August. While exploring the Mekong Delta during this time, travelers can witness the local farmers’ fruit harvesting process. This period is especially chosen by many for eco-tourism experiences in the Mekong Delta.
3. Flooding Season: Ranging from August to November
The flooding season is considered a distinctive characteristic of the Mekong Delta region. Typically, this season lasts from August to around November. Many may not know that the flooding season doesn’t bring about damage or disasters but rather brings fertile alluvium. Consequently, it nourishes the plants, making gardens lush and vibrant.
Exploring the Mekong Delta during the flooding season is particularly favored by travelers. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to behold a picturesque landscape, with water stretching endlessly, flourishing vegetation, and beautiful fields of blooming water lilies.
VI. ATTRACTIVE DESTINATIONS IN MEKONG DELTA
1. Tan Lap Floating Village Eco-Tourism Area, Long An
Tan Lap Floating Village, located in Moc Hoa district, Long An province, is cherished by many as their first destination. It can be described as a tourist spot that owes its popularity to favorable weather, terrain, and welcoming locals.
In its natural state, Tan Lap Floating Village spans 135 hectares, adorned with melaleuca forest vegetation. Due to its convenient location, reaching this destination is quite easy, with various transportation options available such as motorcycles, tourist cars, and Grab Bike.
2. Con Phung Tourist Area, Ben Tre
Con Phung stands out as a renowned tourist destination in Ben Tre, situated within the “four sacred” island complex comprising Long, Lan, Qui, and Phung. It is approximately a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City.
Visitors to Con Phung can engage in a variety of unique activities, including cycling on the monkey bridge, swinging across the river, crocodile fishing, and bottle-feeding fish.
3. Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho
Cai Rang Floating Market holds a significant place on the Vietnamese tourism map, often featured in renowned travel magazines as a must-visit destination in the West. Its charm captivates visitors, compelling them to at least capture a photograph to treasure. Over the years, the number of Western tourists visiting this market has surpassed that of local visitors.
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4. Cai Be Floating Market
Cai Be Floating Market stands as one of the largest retail markets in the Mekong Delta, nestled in Cai Be town, Tien Giang province. Beyond offering fresh fruits and vegetables, the market is a hub for fabrics, household items, and fresh seafood, with food and beverages served directly from boat to boat.
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5. Phong Dien Garden, Can Tho
Travelers flock to Phong Dien Garden to indulge in its bountiful fruit orchards. Although this year’s harvest is slightly affected by drought, visitors can still relish in Western specialties and partake in local pastimes such as fish-catching in ditches, rowing boats, and crossing monkey bridges.
6. Chau Doc Market, An Giang
Chau Doc boasts a rich cultural blend of Cham, Khmer, Kinh, and Chinese influences, with its culinary scene renowned for fish sauce. The market, known as the “kingdom of fish sauce and dried fish,” offers an array of products made from local fish, including fish sauce, dried fish, and snakehead fish.
Additionally, visitors can savor various specialties such as fish vermicelli, num-bo-hok vermicelli, palm juice, beef cakes, and Nam Vang noodles, all at affordable prices.
7. Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, An Giang
Tra Su Melaleuca Forest in An Giang shines as one of Vietnam’s tourism gems. However, the forest may experience low water levels in 2020 due to drought. Exploring Tra Su Melaleuca Forest when water levels are low might not offer the full experience. Situated approximately 20 km from Chau Doc, this vast and enchanting Melaleuca forest features a canopy of lush green leaves above and a carpet of duckweed beneath the water’s surface.
Visitors arriving between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. can witness various bird species foraging and gathering throughout the forest, with some birds even flying close to observers. Alternatively, those arriving between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. can ascend to the observation deck to witness flocks of birds returning to their nests on tall trees as dusk sets in.
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