Mekong Delta

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Mekong Delta

Waterways weave through a vibrant region of floating markets and rural communities, offering a glimpse into local life amid ecological wonders and cultural treasures.

“A charming maze of rivers and culture in Southern Vietnam’s Rice Bowl”

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Experience Mekong Delta

Attractions

Explore floating markets like Cai Rang, backwaters, and traditional villages for a unique experience.

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Tours

Experience the Mekong Delta’s river life with our guided tours. Interact with locals and check out our tour listings for an unforgettable journey.

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Rest

Experience the rue delta experience and warmth of Mekong hospitality in homestays or select from our curated hotels.

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Taste

Explore the taste of the Delta with fresh river produce and authentic Vietnamese dishes.

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Mekong Delta Handbook: Essential Travel Tips

When is the Best Time to Visit Mekong Delta?

The dry season from December to April is ideal, offering easier travel conditions and vibrant local festivals.

Transportation Tips

A. Getting to Vietnam

Flying is the most convenient way to reach Vietnam. The two main international airports are Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) for adventures starting in the North and Saigon Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) for trips starting in the South. For a budget adventure, you can also take an overland bus from Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand to Southeast Asia.

B. How to get to Mekong Delta

Flying into Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is the most convenient option to reach the Mekong Delta. For a unique experience, consider a boat journey via the Mekong River from Cambodia. Once in Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel to the Delta by bus or private car, with the journey usually taking about 2-3 hours.

C. How to get around in Mekong Delta

Large cities in the Mekong Delta, like Can Tho or Rach Gia, have bus systems and taxis to get around. They’re less chaotic than huge cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, so you can rent a bicycle or motorbike. Buses are also available to take you between cities.

The Mekong Delta region is much more spread out in rural areas, but it’s one of the most scenic parts of Vietnam and completely flat. For both those reasons, riding a bicycle around is a fantastic option. For long distances, hiring a taxi is the best option.

Before You Go

  • Visa: Check visa requirements based on your nationality. Learn more about getting a Vietnam Visa before visiting the Mekong Delta. 
  • Timezone: Vietnam is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), UTC+7.
  • Voltage: The standard voltage is 220V, and the outlets usually accept three different plugs: A, C, and F. If you are from Europe, Japan, or the Americas, your plugs will work fine. Otherwise, you’ll need an adapter. Note that many Vietnamese outlets do not have a third hole for grounding, and so can only accept two-pronged plugs.
  • Internet: Most hotels, cafes, and even restaurants in the Mekong Delta offer free Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi plans are so cheap in Vietnam that almost all businesses have one. But it’s easy, inexpensive, and well worth buying a local SIM card with a data package at the airport upon arrival.
  • SIM Cards: You can easily purchase SIM cards for data and calls at the airport or local stores. Note that you’ll need to provide your passport to get a SIM. Viettel, Mobifone, and VinaPhone are the best mobile networks for the Mekong Delta and most parts of Vietnam.
  • Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). VND only comes in bills (no coins), and 1 USD equals about 24,000 VND (commonly abbreviated as 24k). Some shops catering to tourists may accept USD, but most only take VND.
  • Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at large businesses like hotels, indoor restaurants, or upscale shopping venues in the Mekong Delta’s cities. However, smaller villages between cities usually only have a place accepting cards.
  • ATMs: The large cities of the Mekong Delta have some ATMs, most of which accept foreign cards. However, rural areas generally have no ATMs, so you should bring cash out of the urban centers on day trips. Make sure to notify your bank before you travel to Vietnam to avoid blocked ATM transactions.
  • Tipping: Vietnam is not a tipping culture, so a tip is not expected. A tip is a good way to bring a smile to someone’s face, though. Note that cab drivers and tour guides often rely on some tipping, so it’s a good idea to tip them.

Understanding Culture & Customs in Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta has the most cheerful and laid-back culture anywhere in Vietnam. Community, respect for nature, and a slower pace of life are valued. You’ll have trouble offending anyone if you keep a smile, a live-and-let-live attitude in your mind, and a genuine compassion for the people around you in your heart. Discover more about Vietnamese etiquette here.

Common questions about Mekong Delta

For luxury resorts, stay at Azerai in Can Tho or The Island Lodge in My Tho. For cozy homestay accommodation, try Mekong Pottery Homestay in Vinh Long or Homestay Nam Ham Luong in Ben Tre. There are many more options depending on the accommodation type you’re looking for and what area you want to stay in. To browse a few, head to our Mekong Delta hotels page.

Try fine dining at Spices Restaurant in Can Tho or get some local cuisine at Ut Dzach Fine Rice Vermicelli house. The restaurants in rural areas, like Mekong Rest Stop and Le Longanier Restaurant, often use even more authentic Mekong flavors. For a wider selection of eateries in the area, visit our directory of Mekong Delta restaurants.

Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region is known for its lush green farmland, vibrant floating markets, and unique river-based culture and way of life. Its endless expanses of easy-to-navigate but vibrant farmland and its picturesque waterways and traditions make it beloved by tourists. Visitors to the Mekong Delta can take a full-day tour of the area to get a more thorough picture of what makes it unique.

A few ideas for activities in the Mekong Delta include:
Take a Mekong Experience tour to see some of the Delta’s biggest cities, take a traditional boat down some of its waterways, and get a glimpse of some of its local agricultural businesses.
Take a Mekong Delta bicycle tour with a company like Grasshopper Tours or Mr Biker Saigon.
Visit one of the floating markets the area is famous for.

The months of May through October are the cheapest times to visit the Mekong Delta because the weather during that time is generally rainy and humid. If you’re willing to get a little wet and don’t mind ducking into a cafe during the daily rainfall, you might get some killer deals on travel services. Remember your mosquito spray!

In large cities like Can Tho or My Tho, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and buses are the best ways to get around. In more rural parts of the Mekong, renting a bicycle or motorbike and driving yourself is the best mode of transport.

December and February are the best months to visit Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. During this period, the weather is more comfortable, with lower humidity, less rainfall, and cooler temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. If you’d rather visit at a less crowded time or want to learn more about the weather in the region, check out this guide on the best time to visit the Mekong Delta.

A day trip on a local tour is enough to catch a glimpse of Mekong Delta culture and cuisine. 3 days is better if you want to stay in one of the region’s cities, like Can Tho, to understand its vibrant urban lifestyle.