Being a very rich, beautiful and lush area, Mekong Delta is the southern most region
of
Vietnam end of the Mekong River. It splits in Cambodia into two main rivers,
the Bassac (Hau Giang) and the Upper River (Tien Giang), then in
Vietnam into a
more complex system, creating a maze of small canals, rivers and arroyos interspersed
with villages and floating markets. Life in the
Mekong Delta revolves much around
the river and boats are still the main means of transport to access villages.
What to Do ? Highlights of journeys to
Mekong Delta are boat trips through canals, floating markets,
exploring the local daily life by staying overnight on islands and visiting family
–run factories; not less interesting, tasting local specialities. The most renowned
places in the
Mekong Delta are
My Tho,
Vinh Long,
Mekong DeltaCan Tho and
Chau Doc. This is
also a natural passageway from southern
Vietnam to
Cambodia either by road or by
river.
When to go?
Trips to
Mekong Delta are suitable all year round but the best time is the monsoon
from June to September.
Travel Tips: If time allowed,
Cai Rang Floating Market is really worth visiting on your way to
explore the
Mekong Delta. Almost floating markets start in the very early morning
and finish before noon. Thus, to catch the liveliest and busiest scenery, you should
plan to stay one night in Can Tho.
Wherever you go in the delta (except for My Tho),
be prepared for ferry crossings which may take you few hours.
