Mekong River Delta: Travel to Vietnam’s Rice Bowl
Lying to the west of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong River Delta or the Mekong Delta is also known as the Western Region or the Southwestern region. There are some good reasons to visit the region which is dubbed a biological treasure trove or a rice bowl of Vietnam.
A trip to the Mekong River Delta will never be like any trip you make to other places in Vietnam. It is not a sole destination, it is a combination of distinct cultures and biodiversity of different places. Travelers are lured into experiencing local customs that vary every time you cross the border of each province. Welcome to Vietnam’s rice granary!
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An overview of the Mekong River Delta
The Mekong Delta is a good option for those who want to discover the tropical scenery and get away from the bustling urban areas. Many first-time travelers choose Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Danang, but a trip to the Mekong Delta should not be underestimated. This is an area combining different ecosystems and cultural aspects of 12 provinces in total.
Another popular name of the Mekong Delta is the Nine Dragon River Delta, located in the Western Region of Vietnam where the grand Mekong River enters Vietnam after a long journey from the Himalayas. The overwhelming scenery here is like arteries created by numerous rivers, canals and streams. That explains the growth of agriculture that turns the Mekong Delta into the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam.
» See more on Mekong Delta Traveling: What to See & Do
Best time to visit Mekong Delta Vietnam
The weather is hot all year round although there will be rain during the rainy season (usually from late May to November). The best time to visit the Mekong Delta is between September and November which is known as the ‘floating season’. This is when you can experience the truest local way of life revolving around water.
You can travel in the dry season from December to April. The average temperature is around 35ºC while occasional rain still occurs. The hottest month is April where the highest temperature may reach 37ºC in the daytime. Just bring enough water to stay hydrated, some sunscreens and sunglasses to protect yourself from the scorching heat.
For any reason that causes you to come to the Mekong Delta on rainy days, it’s not really a disaster if you prepare a good packing list for Vietnam. Rain poncho and waterproof sandals are essential to avoid being soaked to the skin. Mosquito repellents will also save you from irritating bites.
» See more on Travel to Vietnam during Rainy Season
Highlights of the Mekong Delta
While most travelers usually think of boats and floating markets when it comes to the Mekong Delta River, there is so much to discover there. It is not all the natural scenery but the lively communities really make up the beautiful life on the waterways. Here are some of the most interesting points you can expect from your Mekong Delta tour.
Floating Seasons
Many travelers fall in love with the ‘floating season’ and simply find it magical to take a sampan ride through lush cajuput forests. Just close your eyes and listen to the wildlife and the splash of the boat as you travel into serenity. Cajuput forests are definitely perfect for any traveler’s soul that is in search of rejuvenating experiences. Head to Tan Lap Floating Village or Tra Su Cajuput Forest to get lost in the green wonderland.
This time of the year also fills the area with romantic scenery when the sun leaves final rays on boats far at the horizon. That is what you will see when visiting Bung Binh Thien (literally means God Lake). While most rivers in the Mekong Delta are muddy with alluvium, the water of Bung Binh Thien remains clear and blue.
The floating season is also the best time to explore Ta Pa paddy fields in An Giang, Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap or Thi Tuong Lagoon in Ca Mau. Breathtaking scenery blending perfectly with the lively animal world will offer nothing less than perfection.
Tropical Orchards
Tropical orchards usually fruit in the summer between June and August. You will be given a chance to taste different types of tropical fruits, from jackfruit, mangosteen, star apple, rambutan to ‘smelly’ durian. The magical world of fruits just gives you another good reason to visit the Mekong Delta.
Each province features its own specialty that creates unique brand names. Ben Tre is well known for ‘Cai Mon durian’ and of course, endless coconut palms. If you visit Tien Giang which is the largest orchards in the Mekong Delta, try ‘Vinh Kim star apple’, longan, dragon fruit and rose apple. Don’t forget to eat fruits in Vietnamese style – Dipping fruits with dried shrimp chili salt.
Floating Markets
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A good way to dig into the local way of life is to visit floating markets where you have to redefine the market. While first-time visitors may be hit by the noise and the crowd at Vietnamese wet markets, there are things that are even crazier with these floating markets in the Mekong Delta. The trading takes place daily from boats to boats with all goods from fruits, vegetables, coffee to lottery tickets.
There are tons of floating markets on the Mekong River. Cai Rang (Can Tho Province) and Cai Be (Tien Giang Province) are the two most famous floating markets in the region. You don’t have to wait long to be served a dish of Hu tieu or a cup of iced coffee with condensed milk right on the boat. The lively atmosphere and hospitable vendors really win the heart of many travelers.
Local Delicacies
Mekong Delta cuisine features diversity and uniqueness with tasty specialties of each region. You can find typical Vietnamese dishes here like Pho, but it is not unusual for you to change your mind and fall in love with local dishes. Chau Doc and An Giang are famous for Bun ca (fish rice noodles soup). Dong Thap people create their own recipe of freshwater fish with river hemp flower hot pot. Ben Tre takes advantage of coconuts to make rice udon with coconut milk.
You can always try something different and challenging in the Mekong River Delta. What about eating rats? The farmer will skin it and then grill, steam, deep fry or make curry with this little rodent. That sounds a little scary but the taste (if you dare to try) is just ‘irresistible’.
» See more on Foodie Bucket List: Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam
Religious & Cultural Sites
Find peace of mind when you visit pagodas and temples in the Mekong River Delta. Many sites that look like pagodas in Cambodia are inspired by Khmer architectural styles. You will see these places are not for only religious practice but also worth photo shootings. While Vinh Trang Pagoda is a combination of Asian and European designs, Chen Kieu Pagoda highlights colored ceramic pieces used to decorate its main building, Bat Pagoda is another fascinating place to see bats hanging themselves from the old trees’ canopy.
Vintage lovers can find ways to legendary ancient houses in the Mekong Delta. You will be given a chance to marvel at gorgeous architecture that survived more than a century. Getting into these ancient houses, you can see valuable antiques and listen to interesting stories about their origin. It is Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House that retells the love story in the novel L’Amant (Lover) and the film of the same name. It is the Mansion of Prince Bac Lieu that allows you to travel back in time to a residence of the famous playboy in the Mekong Delta a hundred years ago.
Flower Villages
If you travel to Vietnam near the Lunar New Year, there are colorful flower villages to treat your eyes with fantastic scenery. The twelfth month of the lunar calendar is the best time to visit flower villages as flowers are in full bloom. It is not only a chance to admire the beautiful flowers but to see how local artisans take care of ornamental plants.
Sa Dec Flower Village in Dong Thap and Man Dinh Hong Flower Village in Tien Giang are among the most famous photogenic spots for flower lovers. You can breathe fresh air and feel totally relaxed in the world of sunflowers, lotus, roses, daisies, and many alluring flowers in full bloom. This is the iconic image of the Mekong River Delta signaling that spring comes.
Traditional Festivals
The Mekong Delta will not be lively as it is without traditional festivals that take place all year round. Go to different places, enjoy authentic cuisine, meet new people, and participate in traditional festivals to truly immerse yourself in the Mekong Delta’s culture. Here are some popular festivals to discover:
♣ Festival of the Temple of Holy Mother of the Realm | An Giang | From 23 April to 27 April in lunar calendar
♣ Bay Nui Bull Racing | An Giang | From 29 August to 1 September in lunar calendar
♣ Ok om bok Festival (Full-moon Festival) | Soc Trang, Tra Vinh | Mid October in the lunar calendar
♣ Chol Chnam Thmay Festival (Cambodian New Year) | Vinh Long, Tra Vinh | Mid April
Thinking of nothing but the river behind you and nothing but the river in front of you? The Mekong Delta has more to give you a memorable trip in Vietnam. The Vietnam’s agricultural heartland is so vast and there are so many things to be discovered. Just need a thorough travel plan to make sure that you don’t miss any valuable experience. Contact us now.
© Maika Tours
Written by Trinh Tran
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