Nestled in the southernmost part of Vietnam lies a region of unparalleled beauty – The Mekong Delta. Often called the “Southwestern region” or “Western region” by locals, this charming land of water and greenery is also known as the Nine Dragon River Delta.
With 12 provinces and 1 centrally-governed city, the Mekong Delta can offer you a chance to experience the warm hospitality and down-to-earth nature of the Vietnamese people. Those who visited this magical region often say they were embarking on a journey of a lifetime. So, why not consider adding this special destination to your list of your Vietnam tour package?
The Mekong Delta weather & geographical characteristics
Due to its tropical climate near the equator, the Mekong Delta has an average temperature of around 28°C which is stable throughout the year. The region experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season (from May to November) and the dry season (from December to April). The flooding season typically lasts from around July to November in the lunar calendar, with some areas flooding from September to October depending on the year.
Because of the influence of the coastal and riverine environment, over time the Mekong Delta region has formed and developed a diverse range of natural ecosystems. These include freshwater wetland ecosystems (such as Tam Nong National Park, Tra Su forest, and Dong Thap Muoi region), coastal mangrove ecosystems (such as U Minh Thuong and U Minh Ha National Parks), and agricultural ecosystems.
How to get to Mekong Delta from India
To get to the Mekong Delta from India, you will need to fly to Ho Chi Minh City, which is the closest international airport. From there, you can take a bus or hire a private car to go to the Mekong Delta, which is approximately 170 kilometers away. There are also organized tours available from Ho Chi Minh City that include transportation to the Mekong Delta and a guided tour of the region. Be sure to check visa requirements for travel to Vietnam as well.
Getting around Mekong Delta
You can explore the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam by renting a car or motorbike, taking a bus, hiring a private boat or joining a tour, cycling or taking a taxi. However, be aware that roads may not be well-maintained and traffic can be chaotic. Buses may not be very comfortable and taxis can be more expensive than other options. Keep in mind that the infrastructure may not be as well-developed in some areas of the Mekong Delta compared to more urbanized areas of Vietnam.
Boating is also a popular activity in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, as it is crisscrossed by many waterways. Visitors can hire a private boat or join a tour to explore the various sights along the river. Some popular destinations for boating include the floating markets, fruit orchards, and traditional villages. It is a unique way to experience the local culture and way of life in the delta region. However, visitors should be aware of safety precautions when boating, such as wearing life jackets and avoiding overloaded or unstable boats.
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Accommodation
There are various types of accommodation available in the Mekong Delta region, ranging from budget-friendly options to more upscale choices.
Budget-friendly options include guesthouses, hostels, and homestays where you can stay with local families and experience the local culture. These options usually offer basic amenities such as a bed, shared bathroom facilities, and some meals.
Mid-range options include hotels and resorts with more amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, swimming pools, and restaurants. These options are generally more comfortable and convenient for travelers.
For more upscale options, there are luxury resorts and boutique hotels that offer premium amenities such as spas, fitness centers, and high-end dining options.
It is important to note that accommodation options in some areas of the Mekong Delta may be limited, especially in more remote areas. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Best experiences in Mekong Delta
1. Exploring Mekong Delta’s nature
When visiting this land, besides taking boat trips through the waterways which have become a trademark, tourists can also immerse themselves in the peaceful natural environment on small boats and explore the countryside, witnessing bustling floating markets on the river and wandering through fruit-laden orchards. Moreover, they can discover the diverse ecosystem of the mangrove forests characteristic of this region.
2. Visit Ba Duc Ancient House in Tien Giang
Located in the Mekong Delta, the Ba Duc Ancient House in Hoa Hop, Cai Be, Tien Giang is a standout example of the blending of traditional Vietnamese and French colonial architecture. The 19th and early 20th-century Catholic church towers rise above the riverside villages. This famous villa has a tropical fruit and bonsai garden, attracting many visitors.
3. Explore Tra Su cajuput forest
The Tra Su cajuput forest is located in Van Giao commune, An Giang province. This flooded forest is typical of the western Hau River region, home to many species of animals and plants in the forest system in Vietnam. Visitors can reach it by a high-speed boat crossing the more than 1,500-hectare mangrove forest, and nothing is more wonderful than taking a paddle boat tour with local people to explore life of the species here.
4. Enjoy Water and Moon Festival in Phnom Penh
The Water and Moon Festival is held annually in Phnom Penh, witnessing hundreds of thousands of Cambodians pouring onto the streets to participate in the festival. This important cultural event lasts for three days and marks the end of the rainy season and the remarkable reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow. During the festival, visitors can enjoy the exciting races between traditional Khmer boats.
5. Visit Angkor temple
A visit to the Angkor temple complex is a top choice for any first-time visitor to Siem Reap. If visitors take a Spirit cruise tour, they will be treated to a unique dinner and traditional Angkor cultural performance. Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat temple and taking a balloon ride to view this historical monument from above are fascinating experiences for tourists.
Mekong Delta’s unique cuisine and fruit paradise
Food: Cuisine in the Mekong Delta region reflects the culture of a riverine countryside. The main foods in the area are still rice and seafood, but there is a wide variety of dishes available.
People in the Mekong Delta are very meticulous about the quality of their food and are creative in preparing dishes to change up the taste. For instance, with snakehead fish, it can be prepared in many different ways such as braised, sour soup, congee, grilled, dried… The culinary culture also combines and creates many delicious, unique and exotic dishes. Travelers can explore many unique and delicious dishes in the area, such as sour soup, braised fish, fermented hotpot, rice noodle soup, fermented noodle soup, elephant ear fish soup, simmered duck…
Fruits: Known as the fruit basket of the Southern region, the Mekong Delta is the birthplace of many famous and delicious fruits such as soursop, green-skinned pomelo, durian, pink mandarin, rambutan, mangosteen, longan, jackfruit… During their journey, tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy the fragrant and delicious flavors of these fruits.
Vietnam Itineraries with Mekong Delta
Customizable
7 Days 6 Nights
Hanoi - Halong Bay - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta
From Rs. 20,502
Customizable
7 Days 6 Nights
Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Hanoi - Halong Bay
From Rs. 29,507
Customizable
12 Days 11 Nights
Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
From Rs. 63,080
Customizable
7 Days 6 Nights
Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
From Rs. 30,674
Customizable
10 Days 9 Nights
Siem Reap - Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfall - Pak Ou Caves - Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
From Rs. 55,138
Customizable
8 Days 7 Nights
Siem Reap - Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfall - Pak Ou Caves - Hanoi - Halong Bay
From Rs. 42,219
FAQs about Mekong Delta
It is difficult to determine if the Mekong Delta is favored by Indian tourists as it depends on individual preferences and interests. However, the Mekong Delta is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, including India, due to its unique culture, natural beauty, and diverse cuisine. Many Indian tourists may be interested in exploring the Mekong Delta’s floating markets, rice paddies, fruit orchards, and historic landmarks. Additionally, the region offers a variety of activities such as boat tours, cycling, and homestays, which may appeal to Indian tourists seeking an immersive cultural experience.
The best time to visit the Mekong Delta is from November to April when the weather is dry and cool.
You can take a direct flight from India to Ho Chi Minh City, which is the largest city in Vietnam and the gateway to the Mekong Delta. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus or taxi to the Mekong Delta.
Some of the must-see attractions in the Mekong Delta include the floating markets, rice paddies, fruit orchards, coconut candy factories, and traditional villages.
The food in the Mekong Delta is known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients, such as fish, shrimp, rice, and tropical fruits. Some popular dishes include banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe), hu tieu (noodle soup), and ca kho to (caramelized fish).