is mekong delta cruise worth it

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta: Which cruise is perfect for you?

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta: Which cruise is perfect for you? From the towering limestone karsts of Halong Bay to the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta, here’s your lowdown on the contrasting water worlds of Vietnam.

Halong Bay and Mekong Delta: a Tale of Two Water Worlds

Lush green paddy fields, lumbering buffaloes and conical-hatted farmers make up the classic image of Vietnam. Once a lesser-known tourist destination,  travel in Vietnam  has become widely popular in recent years. The northern capital of  Hanoi  consistently ranks among the  world’s top 10 destinations  on TripAdvisor.  Ho Chi Minh City  (HCMC), to the south, has transformed from a war-torn city to a thriving metropolis. Despite urban allures, centuries-old architecture, war history, and a  rich culture in Vietnam  with  Southeast Asia n, Chinese and French influences, it’s Vietnam’s striking landscapes that most impress.

Despite urban allures and centuries-old history and culture, it’s Vietnam’s striking landscapes that most impress.

To the south of its narrow waist, Vietnam fantails into the splendid  Mekong delta . In stark contrast to the flat rice land of the delta where boats, houses, and markets float upon innumerable rivulets, canals and streams that criss-cross the scenery like arteries, is the legendary  Halong Bay . Set in the northeast, the scatter of jagged emerald islands and wind-and wave-eroded karst caves topped by forests jut out of the sea at Halong – a magical spectacle in the early morning mist.

So how do you choose between Halong Bay or Mekong delta? Here’s the lowdown on the exclusive culture, cuisine, and activities along the two water worlds.

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta? Lose yourself in the Halong Bay

‘Ha Long’ or the ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’, four hours from the capital of Hanoi, is a spectacular seascape sculpted by nature in the Gulf of Tonkin. With over 1600 islands – most of which are uninhabited, there are several large caves located within the islands for you to discover. The biggest of these is a wooden cave, formerly known as the Grotte des Merveilles. Cannon Fort, on the Bay’s largest island –  Cat Ba , offers one of the best views in Vietnam. From here you can survey astounding panoramas of Cat Ba’s jungle-clad hills rolling down to the karst-punctuated sea beyond.

The best way to enjoy the many wonders that pepper this north-eastern Bay is by boat or cruise ship. Opt for the Indochina Junk  Halong Bay tours  and enjoy a  luxury Halong Bay cruise  aboard the  Dragon’s Pearl  – a traditional Vietnamese boat modeled on ancient wooden Chinese junks. For some romantic elegance, plump for the one-cabin  L’Amour (Princess) Junk . With numerous venues at which to relax and rejuvenate as you drink in the stunning  UNESCO World Heritage  vistas of Halong Bay, the  Stellar  and  Bhaya Cruises  are also great options. Or venture to the idyllic La Han Bay on the  Ginger Cruise  for an intimate sailing experience amid breathtaking panoramas.

The best way to enjoy the many wonders that pepper Halong Bay is by boat or cruise ship .

Experience the beauty of this most acclaimed  tourist spots in Southeast Asia  as a guide shows you hidden lagoons, forested islets, stunning limestone cliffs and secluded bays, like the Bait Tu Long where you can swim and kayak. The sugar-white coastlines of Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Beach) and Soi Sim offer some unique barbecue experiences. Listen to the sweet melody of birds, winds and waves, as the crew delivers an array of succulent and grilled seafood under a blue sky! If you fancy a fishing excursion, visit the scenic fishing villages at Cua Van, Ba Hang, Vung Vieng and Cong Dam. The locals are very sociable and willing to guide you on how to row a sampan, spread the net, bait a hook…

Begin a new day with Tai Chi sessions onboard, amid the early morning spectacle of Halong Bay. Getting yourself pampered at the spa when you are out at sea could also be an excellent treat. Make sure to book in advance.

If you choose to stay on shore, check in Hotel  Novotel Halong Bay  set on the coastline of Bai Chay beach, which provides great photo ops with panoramic views of the Bay.

The winter months between October and January are best for visiting the delta in the south while spring are summer months are better for  Halong Bay cruise vacations . Learn more about the  best time to visit Vietnam  from our destination experts.

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta? Discover the Magic of the Mekong Delta

The comma-shaped flatland stretching from south of Ho Chi Minh City, to the Gulf of  Thailand  is intertwined by land and water that provide the perfect conditions for growing rice – bestowing the  Mekong Delta  with the rightful title – ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. With its alluvial-rich soil, the Delta also nourishes the fruit basket of the country as lush orchards overflow with mangoes, papayas and dragon fruit, and plantations brim with bananas, coconuts and pineapples. With over 1,000 recorded animal species and new species of plants, fish, lizards, and mammals discovered in previously unexplored areas, including the Laotian rock rat that was thought to be extinct, the Delta has been dubbed as a ‘biological treasure trove’.

To catch a glimpse of the fifteen million people who live in the wetlands, you need to join them on the river.

With everything revolving around the waterways, the Delta is a world afloat. To catch a glimpse of the fifteen million people who live in the wetlands, you need to join them on the river. Hop onto the  Bassac Cruise  from  My Tho , but before you do, a visit to the ancient southern architectural gem reflecting a mixture of Chinese, Vietnamese and Angkor ( Cambodian ) building styles with elaborately carved oblong and horizontal net like panels – the  Vinh Trang Pagoda  (in My Tho itself), would be worth your while. Bricks and mortar aside, the temple will be memorable if you can arrive when the monks are chanting, in the morning.

Read about  the floating life on the Mekong Delta

To enjoy countryside scenery and river life, board a smaller wooden sampan (boat), hopping off to explore scenic villages every now and then.

Continue exploring the Mekong landscape with a stopover at the  Thot Not Bird Sanctuary , a magnificent 1.3-hectare area overgrown by huge bamboo and home to thousands of resident storks, snowy egrets, and other avians. At the quintessentially Vietnamese ‘craft village’, small communities work together to manufacture products such as knives, rush mats, bamboo bird cages, ceramics, rice wine, and dozens of other commonplace and unusual articles. Visit a bamboo-knitting hamlet in Thot Not or a carpentry craft town in Chomo. Or visit the local coconut-candy factories in Ben Tre, the ‘Land of Coconut’. Sold throughout the country, and also exported to other  Asian countries , Australia, Europe, and North America, the keo dua or coconut candy of Vietnam is world famous.

To enjoy countryside scenery and river life, board a smaller wooden sampan (boat). Encounter monkeys and scampering macaques that dangle from ancient temples and parked vans around the villages. Then stretch your legs and hop on a bicycle for a short ride along narrow village lanes, past fruit orchards, never ending water canals, hundreds of rickety bridges and small ferry crossings and all those locals waving at you and greeting with “xin chao” as you pedal by. Taste fresh fruits, like the juicy yellow-fleshed sapodillas when you arrive at the home of a tropical fruit farmer and amble around his orchard – this is traditional hospitality at its truest!

Board the Mekong Queen, a wooden, motorboat and sail to the enormous  Cai Rang floating market  early in the morning. Witness the lively panorama around as hundreds of sampans bump and jostle to trade everything from sugar cane to pigs, and mountains of fruit. It is quite possible to stop at smaller sampans serving as cafes, and enjoy an iced cup of coffee, soft drinks, or a Vietnamese noodle soup for breakfast.

Arguably some of the freshest in the world, the food in Vietnam differs considerably between the north and the south. While northern food are more influenced by Chinese cuisine with more noodle-based dishes, southern flavors are richer, sweeter and focus more on rice. Read more about  what to eat in Vietnam .

Stay at the  Victoria Hotel Can Tho . Set within magnificent gardens and colonial style architecture, it is situated on the banks of the Hau River – known for its charming sunsets and peaceful scenery. Alternatively, located on the banks of the Bassac River crossing, the handsome Indochina-inspired  Victoria Hotel Chau Doc  offers the ever-changing scenery of the fascinating  Chau Doc  region.

Food Fare: What to eat at Halong Bay or Mekong Delta

Whether you choose Halong Bay or Mekong Delta, do make a trip to Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City, as Saigon is now called, is rated by Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 street food havens in the world!

Vietnamese cuisine  is known for its freshness. Not a place for curry lovers, the noodle dishes and stir-fries here are light, citrusy, and loaded with herbs. While  North Vietnam food  has more Chinese influence –fresh, light broths, with mainly noodles,  South Vietnam food  is sweet and spicy with more colorful and heavy broths accompanied with rice.

Known for its abundant seafood, the Halong Bay Market offers some truly unique food experiences that would satisfy even the pickiest tourists. Enjoy the famous dipped squid; feast on the Halong grilled oysters served with cold beer; or slurp the sweet, sour, spicy, salty (all in one salver) limuloid.

As the largest city in the Mekong Delta that still retains a small town feel, Can Tho is an excellent place to experience the  food of Vietnam’s deep south , including many local specialties like the  Sa Dec  and  My Tho noodles  – hugely popular thanks to their sweet taste, chewy and distinctive flavor; or the noodle made from sliced flour cooked to perfection with duck meat and with a pinch of ginger fish sauce in  Ben Tre .

When to go to Halong Bay or Mekong Delta

Although you can  travel to Halong Bay  all year round, the best time to visit the region is during spring (March-April), and fall (September-October) when the weather is cool.

The Mekong Delta reveals its best during the dry months – December to May when the sky is crystal clear, the land is lush and the water is calm. But if you are a fruit lover, June to September, although hot and humid, could be just as good with the greatest variety of tropical fruits available.

Best time to Visit Vietnam

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta: The choice is yours!

While the picture-perfect bay, towering limestone karsts and secluded islands of Halong attract a lot of tourists, Mekong offers personal, exploratory and cultural experiences with historic relics and temples, rice paddies, and vibrant floating markets and villages on the river.

So back to the question – Halong Bay or Mekong Delta? It really depends on your taste. Halong Bay with its ethereal beauty of karst scenery, emerald isles and spectacular seascapes at every turn, is one of the foremost  attractions in Vietnam . Additionally, Hanoi, the point of arrival and departure for Halong, offers interesting and unique  cultural experiences in Vietnam  as does the the  hilly region of Sapa  nearby.

So, Halong Bay or Mekong Delta – which should you choose? While picture-perfect Halong attracts a lot of tourists, Mekong offers personal, exploratory and cultural experiences with remains of  Viet Cong  bunkers, ornate Khmer pagodas and Buddhist temple, stilt houses, lush rice fields, vibrant floating markets and villages on the river. Visit the Mekong Delta for a classic Southeast Asian experience, and if you wish to see Cambodia, you could get there via boat from the Delta. Or cruise the emerald waters of the ethereal Halong. Whether it is Halong Bay or Mekong Delta, they will remain etched in your memory for a lifetime.

Not just the Halong Bay or the Mekong Delta, Vietnam is brimming with treasures! Before you plan your vacation to this country, read more about the top  things to do in Vietnam .

Whether it’s the Halong Bay or Mekong Delta, our destination experts are happy to help you customize your private tour to suit your specific interests. Get in touch with us today for your tailor-made itinerary!

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Mekong Delta cruise – Complete guide & 5 best cruises

• Mekong Delta

One of the best ways to explore the Mekong Delta is with a Mekong Delta cruise. Cruise the rivers in a luxury boat and enjoy the beautiful views along the way. Stop at various spots for trips to get a closer look at local life.

• What to expect
• Best Mekong Delta cruise
• Best time to do a cruise

What to expect during a Mekong Delta Cruise

The Mekong River, which flows into Vietnam, actually starts 4000 kilometers further up in China and runs through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. This makes it the twelfth longest river in the world and the sixth in Asia. Once in Vietnam, the river splits to form a delta, which everyone knows as the Mekong Delta . The rivers are connected with canals, which are then connected with smaller streams.

The people who live in this delta area have completely adapted to the water and their whole lives revolve around this. For example, the water is used for fishing, it provides fertile soil that is perfect for fruit and rice cultivation and the harvested crops are then transported over the water and even sold on floating markets. It is a unique life that you can only see in this part of Vietnam.

Of course, the best way to see this is to take part in getting out on the water. You can arrange a boat trip from every village and city that lies along the water that takes you over the rivers and through the narrower canals. But what might give a much more fantastic experience is a Mekong Delta cruise.

Because how wonderful it is to be able to watch life along and on the water directly from the balcony of your room, the restaurant or the deck. You have luxury Mekong Delta cruises to midrange cruises. But in addition to the class of the cruise, it is important to look at the cruise itinerary, as each cruise may travel a different route and visit different points of interest.

It is true that during a Mekong Delta cruise you can of course enjoy beautiful views directly from the boat, but most boat trips include trips with activities such as visiting villages, cycling and boat trips in small traditional sampan rowing boats that take you to places get where the big boat can’t. Check out some of these Mekong Delta cruise highlights below to better orient yourself on what to see and do, making it easier to determine which river cruise is right for you.

Highlights of a Mekong Delta cruise

1. floating markets.

For many travelers, the floating markets in the Mekong Delta are the highlight. The many fruit orchards and rice plantations that line the water load their crops directly from a land into the boats in the rivers and canals. Then those boats go to a collection point to trade with each other, creating a floating market, sometimes hundreds of boats. It is unique to see how they negotiate and move goods from one boat to another and then distribute them further. The largest and most famous market on the water is the Cai Rang Floating Market .

2. Life on the river

When you take a river cruise with Mekong Delta, you can see life on the water directly from your boat. What will stand out the most are the many other ships that are fully loaded with local products. You will see boats full of pineapples, watermelons, coconuts, bananas, sand, bricks and flowers, among other things.

Along the side of the water you will see the ships being loaded. Fishermen sit on smaller boats on the river and use rods and casting nets to catch their fish. Some villages and towns even have houses on stilts in the water.

3. Stop for activities

Of course you can see a lot directly from a Mekong Delta river cruise, but there is also a chance that you will miss something that does not happen directly along the river. For that reason, most cruises also organize activities on the mainland (included). Think, for example, of visiting a fruit orchard where you can pick and taste fruit yourself, a bike ride through the countryside and visiting a local factory or workshop where they make rice paper, honey, rice wine or coconut sweets. This way you have the best of both a Mekong Delta cruise and a “normal” Mekong Delta tour.

5x Best Mekong Delta cruise

1. funan cruise.

The best Mekong Delta Cruise is the luxury Funan cruise. Depending on which day you go there are different routes. You can visit the Cai Rang floating market and there are opportunities for cycling and visiting villages.

Book this luxury Mekong Delta cruise here.

2. Lotus Cruise (to Phnom Penh)

Are you planning to go from Vietnam to Cambodia (or vice versa) through the Mekong Delta and you like luxury, a lot of luxury, then the Lotus Cruise is the best Mekong Detla cruise you can wish for.

3. Song Xanh Sampan Private Cruise

Perhaps the Song Xanh Sampan is the best Mekong Delta cruise, as it is one of the only options for a private cruise. The boat is made of a traditional Sampan boat and fully equipped. This is certainly a very special experience.

4. Mekong Eyes

Mekong Eyes has a number of boats with different routes, including to Cambodia, Phu Quoc or a round trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Some of their boats are slightly smaller, which makes a boat trip a little more personal, only there is less room to move and for facilities.

The Bassac Cruise has room for 24 passengers and sails the popular route between Cai be and Can Tho on the Mang Thit River where you have the Tra On Floating Market .

Best time to do a Mekong Delta river cruise

You can do a Mekong Delta cruise all year round, although there are two clear seasons:

• The rainy season lasts from May to November. So you can expect less pleasant weather during this time, but the water is also higher in some places, making it easier for boats to get everywhere.
• The dry season lasts from December to April. In these months the water is lower in some places, but you can expect clear blue skies.

Regardless of the season, the Mekong Delta is warm (or hot for some people) all year round. Expect temperatures between 25 degrees and 32 degrees.

How many days should I take a Mekong Delta river cruise?

Most Mekong Delta cruise trips last two to three days, which is enough to get a good impression. An overnight stay also gives you the chance to visit a morning-only floating market, making it impossible to see in a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Do Mekong Delta cruises start from Ho Chi Minh City?

Most Mekong Delta cruises do not depart directly from Ho Chi Minh City. In general, you first go by car or bus to the port somewhere in the Mekong Delta, usually My Tho.

What are the alternatives for a Mekong Delta cruise?

With the Mekong Delta speedboat tour you go directly from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. It’s a great option because you won’t be driving for more than an hour or sometimes two on the road at first, but can enjoy the great outdoors and riverside life from the very first moment.

There are also plenty of other tours where you first start with a car or bus from Ho Chi Minh City. The excursions can also take you to places that are further away from the river and can even be combined with a follow-up trip to Cambodia, Con Dao or Phu Quoc. View all options in our Mekong Delta tours .

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Local tip! You might like these experiences

Mekong Lodge local experience in Cai Be 2 days

• Explore the Mekong Delta by cycling through the country side
• Enjoy a boat trip over the river and through smaller canals
• Make a visit to the Cai Be Floating Market
• Stay overnight in a stunning resort with swimming pool and bungalow style rooms
• Experience local life at small villages
• Destination: Mekong Delta
• By: Marnick Schoonderwoerd
• July 13, 2021
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What to Expect on a Mekong River Cruise: Cambodia & Vietnam

Taking a Mekong River cruise is an immersive cultural experience, which will take you through parts of Cambodia and Vietnam, depending on what kind of tour or cruise you book.

It’s also an efficient way to visit many different cities, villages, and islands in just a few days, and learn about their customs, economies, culture, and cuisine!

You can cruise the Upper Mekong (through Laos), but I’m going to focus more on the Lower Mekong Delta, through Cambodia and Vietnam.

Mekong River Cruise Tours

There are a wide variety of Mekong Rivery cruise options. I’ll focus mostly on the luxury Heritage Line Cruises in sections down below.

These other 1, 2, and 3-day options also come highly rated:

➡️ Click to Book: 3 Days on the Mekong Delta

• From Ho Chi Minh City
• Visit villages and markets along the Mekong
• Overnights in hotels

➡️ Click to Book: 2 Days on the Mekong

• Visit pagodas, villages, and markets on the Mekong
• Overnight in a hotel

➡️ Click to Book: Private Mekong Tour

• Private 3-day tour for just your group

➡️ Click to Book: Private Day Tour

• Private full-day tour for just your group on the Mekong

➡️ Click to Book: Cruise in Cambodia

• Day tour from Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Visit villages on Tonle Sap Lake

Heritage Line: Luxury Mekong River Cruises

Heritage Line is a luxury cruise company that operates in Southeast Asia, and is known for providing upscale cruise experiences in the Mekong Delta region.

Heritage Line’s Lower Mekong River cruises typically include visits to various villages and cities along the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Passengers get to experience the culture and traditions of the region, visit local markets and villages, and enjoy onboard amenities and services that cater to a luxury travel experience.

The boats are beautiful, but it’s the staff onboard that makes a Heritage Line cruise so special. They’ve found the most friendly, knowledgeable crew to run the bridges, kitchens, lounges, and tours.

A staff of 42 operates the Jahan!

Heritage Line Ship: The Jahan

The Jahan is a beautiful river boat, which sails the Mekong River through both Cambodia and Vietnam. It launched in 2011.

It’s spacious, and the limited number of passengers will keep you from ever feeling crowded onboard. There are two lounges (one inside and one outside). 

The Jahan also has a big sun deck with a pool, and an observatory on the top floor at the front of the ship.

The Heritage Line features 3, 4, or 7-night Mekong River cruises on the Jahan.

Visitors have 26 suites and staterooms to choose from. Each has its own private bathroom and private balcony.

The accommodations range from 325 square feet up to 550 square feet.

The Jahan is named after a 16th-century Indian emperor, and the ship draws its design inspiration from Indian culture.

The decor includes old-world throwbacks, from antique phones to skeleton keys for the doors.

There’s a spa onboard, offering massages, along with a small gym, and an outdoor shower on the upper deck.

The food is excellent and usually served buffet-style for breakfast and lunch. Two chefs are on hand at the meals to prepare dishes made-to-order (in addition to the buffet). Dinner is more of a fixed menu, with choices for each of the five courses.

The chefs do a nice job catering to specific dietary requirements, etc. They also host cooking classes, for anyone onboard who wants to learn more about local cuisine.

Prices for a cruise on the Jahan start at $1,100 for 3-nights during the rainy season. They range up to the $6,000-range for 7-night cruises in the winter months.

Heritage Line Ship: The Jayavarman

The Heritage Line’s other ship taking passengers on the Lower Mekong River is the Jayavarman. It’s named after a Cambodian monarch, known for building some of the famous and mysterious temples which draw so many tourists to the Angkor region.

The Jayavarman has 27 staterooms and suites on two decks, and is decorated in a French-Colonial motif. Each has a private bathroom and private balcony. The size of each ranges from 215 square feet to about 300 square feet.

The ship has lounges and a sun deck with a pool, in addition to the standard dining facilities.

Similar to the Heritage Line’s Jahan, the Jayavarman takes passengers on 3, 4, and 7-night cruises on the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia.

Prices for a cruise on the Jayavarman range from about $1,100 for 3 nights in the summer months, to $4,700 for 7 nights in the suite during the winter months.

What to Expect on a Mekong River Cruise

Mekong River cruises offer an adventure through Cambodia and Vietnam. The natural beauty, cultural immersion, and relaxation make them a popular choice for travelers looking to explore this part of Southeast Asia.

Mekong River cruises offer a unique and immersive experience, with these main perks:

• Scenic Beauty : The Mekong River winds its way through lush, picturesque landscapes, including rice paddies, fruit orchards, and dense tropical forests.
• Cultural Immersion : Mekong River cruises provide opportunities to visit traditional villages, interact with local communities, and experience the rich and diverse cultures of the region. Passengers can witness daily life along the riverbanks and learn about the customs and traditions of the people who call the Mekong Delta home. Many will actually allow you into their homes!
• Unique Cuisine : The Mekong cruises serve a mix of authentic local cuisine, allowing passengers to savor the flavors of the Mekong Delta, which includes fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and regional specialties.
• Markets : The Mekong Delta’s villages are famous for their markets, and your river cruise is sure to stop at one or more.
• Relaxation : Mekong River cruises provide a tranquil and leisurely pace of travel. Passengers can relax on deck, enjoy the soothing rhythm of the river, and take in the serene surroundings.
• Historical and Educational Opportunities : The Mekong Delta has a rich history, and cruises often include stops at historical sites, pagodas, and museums.

Mekong River Cruise Prices

As you’d expect, prices for a Mekong River cruise vary. The prices will depend on:

• The time of year you travel.
• The number of nights you stay onboard. 
• The kind of cabin or suite you book.

Cruise prices tend to be much lower from May through September (the hot, rainy season).

Here are a few examples, just to give a ballpark.

On the lower end, you can :

• Take a sunset cruise from Phnom Penh for under $75.
• Take a day cruise from Ho Chi Minh City for under $75.

On the higher end, you can:

• Take a 7-night luxury Mekong River cruise for $6,000.
• Take a 3-night luxury cruise for $2500.

The prices include meals and excursions to shore.

The Mekong River Delta

The Mekong River is one of the longest and most important rivers in Southeast Asia, flowing through multiple countries in the region. Here’s a brief synopsis of the Mekong River:

• Geography : The Mekong River is approximately 4,350 kilometers (2,703 miles) long. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows down through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea.
• Cultural and Ecological Significance : The Mekong River plays a vital role in the livelihoods of millions of people. The river supports various economic activities, including agriculture, fishing, transportation, and trade.
• Challenges : The Mekong River faces various challenges, including dam construction, deforestation, pollution, and climate change. In Vietnam, you’ll hear complaints that Chinese dams are taking too much of the water, and keeping water levels too low on the Lower Mekong.

Stops on a Mekong River Cruise

A Mekong River cruise typically covers several cities and towns in different countries as it navigates through the Mekong Delta region in Southeast Asia. The specific cities and towns that a Mekong River cruise may stop in can vary depending on the cruise itinerary and the cruise operator.

Here are some of the major cities and towns that are commonly included in Mekong River cruise itineraries:

• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam : Many Mekong River cruises start or end in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, which is the largest city in Vietnam. Passengers have the opportunity to explore the city’s attractions before or after the cruise.
• My Tho, Vietnam : Located in the Mekong Delta region, My Tho is a common starting point for Mekong River cruises in Vietnam. It’s known for its scenic canals and floating markets.
• Cai Be, Vietnam : Cai Be is another Vietnamese town known for its floating market, which is a popular stop for Mekong River cruises. It’s fallen off the itinerary for some cruise lines, as some say the market is more for show than for playing a true role in the local economy.
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia : The capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, is often included in the Mekong River cruise itineraries. Passengers can explore its rich history, including the Royal Palace and Killing Fields.
• Kampong Cham, Cambodia : Located in eastern Cambodia, Kampong Cham is known for its French colonial architecture and serene riverside setting.
• Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia : This town is famous for its pottery production and traditional stilt houses along the riverbanks.
• Siem Reap, Cambodia : Although not directly on the Mekong River, some cruises include a side trip to Siem Reap, where tourists visit the stunning Angkor Wat temple complex. Some tour companies offer transportation (around 4 hours) from the boat to Siem Reap. Others, like the Heritage Line, have an office in Siem Reap. This allows passengers to fly to the city, spend as much time as they’d like in the area, and then begin their Mekong River cruise.
• Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia : Some Mekong River cruises include a visit to Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, known for its floating villages.
• Sa Dec, Vietnam : Sa Dec is a town known for its flower gardens and was the setting for parts of the novel “The Lover” by Marguerite Duras.

The Basics on Siem Reap

Siem Reap isn’t on the Mekong River, but it’s often “a stop” on a Mekong River Cruise or tour. Passengers are usually bused about 4-5 hours between the Siem Reap area and the dock on the river. 

Beginning your river cruise by flying into Siem Reap allows you to explore Cambodia’s most popular region for international tourists. Angkor Wat is the most famous temple complex, but you’ll find many others nearby. 

It’s worth arriving a few days early to see the sites around Siem Reap, before beginning your river cruise. Alternatively, if your river cruise ends in Siem Reap, it’s worth spending another night or two in a hotel in this part of Cambodia!

Among the sites to see:

• Angkor Wat : Siem Reap is famous for being the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, which includes the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex. Angkor Wat is one of the most renowned archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Angkor Thom : Within the Angkor Archaeological Park, Angkor Thom is another significant complex. It features the Bayon Temple with its famous smiling faces.
• Ta Prohm Temple : Known for its “Tomb Raider” fame, Ta Prohm is a temple that has been left in a semi-ruined state with trees and roots growing through its stone structures. (photo below)
• Tonle Sap Lake : While in Siem Reap, some cruise itineraries may include a visit to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
• Local Markets : Siem Reap has vibrant markets, including the Old Market (Phsar Chas) and the Angkor Night Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and local products.

The Basics on Phnom Penh

A stop in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, during a Mekong River cruise offers travelers a chance to explore a mix of history, culture, and modern life.

PRO TIP : Taking a tuk-tuk is easy and price-effective. A ride from the cruise ship dock to any of these sites will only be a few dollars. And remember: US Dollars are accepted everywhere in Cambodia!

Here are a few suggestions if you have a few hours to explore. 

• Royal Palace : Visit the Royal Palace complex, which includes the Silver Pagoda, a stunning temple, and much more. (photo below)
• National Museum : The National Museum of Cambodia houses a vast collection of Khmer art and artifacts, providing insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage. It’s a great place to learn about Cambodia’s history and artistry.
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) : A somber but essential historical site, this former Khmer Rouge prison tells the tragic story of the Cambodian genocide. It serves as a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s recent history.
• Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) : Located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, the Killing Fields are another sobering historical site where you can learn about the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime. The site includes a memorial stupa filled with the skulls of victims.
• Wat Phnom : This is the city’s namesake temple and a tranquil place to visit. It’s located on a small hill in the city center and offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets below.
• Central Market (Phsar Thmei) : Explore this bustling market with its distinctive Art Deco architecture. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and local products.

The Basics on Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City

Most Mekong River cruises begin or end in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It’s acceptable to call the city by its older name, Saigon, as well.

Here are some things you can do in Saigon before or after your cruise:

• Visit the War Remnants Museum:  Gain insights into Vietnam’s history by exploring this museum, which houses a collection of artifacts, weapons, tanks, planes, and exhibits related to the Vietnam War.
• Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels:  Located just outside the city, these underground tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the war. You can take a guided tour to learn about their history and even crawl through a section of the tunnels. These tours are usually half-day adventures.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Saigon:  Visit this stunning Catholic cathedral, built during the French colonial period. It’s an excellent example of French Gothic architecture, made of red bricks imported from France. The cathedral’s ongoing renovation project has impacted tourism for several years.
• Central Post Office:  Adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral, this beautiful colonial-era building is still a functioning post office. Inside, you’ll find elegant architecture and historical significance, along with souvenir shops and tour companies. (photo above)
• Independence Palace (Reunification Palace):  Explore the former presidential palace, which played a crucial role in the Vietnam War. You can tour the rooms and the lush gardens surrounding the building.
• Ben Thanh Market:  Shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local street food at this bustling market. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine. Haggling over prices is expected. As a general rule, the first price a vendor offers is double the price they’ll accept.
• Saigon Opera House:  If you’re interested in the arts, check the schedule for performances at the Opera House. It often hosts ballet, opera, and other cultural events.
• Take a Walk along Dong Khoi Street:  This historic street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll and people-watching.
• Nightlife:  Saigon’s nightlife is lively, with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Enjoy a night out on the town and soak in the city’s energy.

Villages & Islands on the Mekong River

Your Mekong River cruise will likely include stops at several small villages in the delta region. Here are three of the many options.

Tan Phong is an island on the Mekong River, surrounded by lush water hyacinths growing along the shorelines.

The plants grow quickly, and become strong when they’re dried. Skilled weavers can turn them into hammocks and baskets.

While the men of the region spend their days farming and fishing, the women weave baskets and hammocks to sell. As I mentioned earlier, you’ll find: several families are eager to invite you into their homes to show you their skills.

Agriculture is another economic driver of the Tan Phong area. Tropical fruit, like jackfruit, grow easily in the climate here.

They’re almost as highly-valued as the infamous durian fruit. Their stench is so feared, that many hotels will make you sign a pledge not to bring a durian into your room! They’re highly nutritious, said to be good for the gut, and said to be especially good for men.

I didn’t find the smell overly offensive! The taste was almost floral, and the fruit meat itself had the consistency of a mushy banana. 

You’ll see fish traps along the shoreline surrounding Tan Phong, which are checked daily by families. They find mostly shrimp, tilapia, and catfish.

Binh Thanh is an island in the Mekong River, which is popular with cruise passengers. It’s 6 kilometers wide, 10 kilometers long, and home to around a thousand people.

The island is home to just one temple, where the people worship the “God of the Land,” and come to pray for health and luck.

Families here make money growing mangoes and weaving rattan products. Some run cargo boats, bringing rice and vegetables around the Mekong Delta.

Visitors will notice metal shacks floating on the Mekong River. These are fish farms, raising mostly red snappers.

The cruise companies often make donations to the villages their passengers visit. As an example, people at the temple in Binh Thanh said the Heritage Line has donated thousands (of US Dollars) which they’ve used to renovate the complex.

Tan Chau is a village on the Mekong River, and a bit larger than the others.

Tan Chau is home to a large market, full of fruit, vegetables, jewelry, clothing, housewares, and much more! The vendors were friendly, and not overly-pushing their products.

Tan Chau is also home to a century-old colorful temple. It belongs to a religion that combines Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and more.

You’ll find even more fish farms floating around Tan Chau. Each holds around 100,000 fish, which are mostly tilapia and catfish. It takes almost a full year to raise them to the point that they’re ready for market.

The Best Time to Cruise the Mekong River

The Mekong Delta experiences a distinct (and lengthy) wet season, from May to October. While cruising during the wet season can still be enjoyable (and save you money), it’ll likely involve more rainier days.

The best time to cruise the Mekong River can vary depending on your preferences and the specific experiences you’re looking for.

Many travelers find that the dry season, which typically spans from November to March, is the most favorable time for Mekong River cruises.

What to Pack for the Mekong

There are a few extra packing tips to pass along for anyone planning a Mekong River cruise.

1. You Need Visas

You’ll need a visa for whichever country you’re cruising in along the Mekong.

Visas for both Cambodia and Vietnam are very easy to apply for online. Just check your dates on the application to make sure the visa covers your entire stay.

The cost of a Vietnamese Visa is about $25. Click here for the official application .

The cost of a Cambodian Visa is about $35. Click here for the official application .

Once you’ve applied and paid the visa fee, it should arrive in your email (to be printed) within a couple of days. Your cruise company can help you fill in the names of the ports on the visa application forms.

2. Take Cash: Dong & Dollars

US Dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia.

PRO TIP: Bring a lot of small denominations ($1s, $5s, $10s). It’ll make it easy for tipping, and also buying things in stores and restaurants.

In Vietnam, you’ll have to change your currency to Dong. You can do this before boarding, or just withdraw cash from an ATM. Some of the larger Mekong River cruise companies will be able to exchange currency for your onboard.

The US Dollar goes far in all of Southeast Asia. Even tipping generously, you’ll likely only need to bring a couple hundred dollars to cover your costs for the week.

3. Clothing

It’s hot and humid! Lightweight, breathable fabrics will be best.

Bring a pair of pants (or long shorts to cover your knees) in case they’re needed to enter a temple.

A warning: My Lulu-type shirts that I normally wear to the gym or hiking in Arizona weren’t great in the weather here.

It’s worth packing a cheap poncho that’ll roll up small in your bag.

4. Footwear

The cruise company will likely provide you with a pair of sandals to wear on the ship. Still, an extra pair of sturdy sandals will come in handy on the shore excursions. Breathable hiking or trail-running-type sneakers are a good idea, too. 

5. Bug Repellent

The mosquitoes weren’t nearly as bad as I’d expected! Still, we were happy to have repellent with us.

I’d suggest a roll-on stick, which you don’t have to include in your “liquids” as you pass through airport security.

Tipping Staff on a Mekong River Cruise

There were 42 staff members on our Mekong River cruise ship! I was nervous about how tipping would work, and if I’d have enough cash.

Here’s a good guide for the tip to leave at the end of the cruise:

• $15 USD per day, per person (so $30 tip each day for a couple).
• At the end of our 3-day tour, we rounded up to $100.
• Tipping in general is not expected, but is greatly appreciated.

The tips are pooled, and divided among the staff members.

Your cruise ship might have a separate tour guide who leads the shore excursions. That guide likely does not get a share of the pooled tips. The suggestion for tour guide tipping is:

• $5 USD per person (for each day the guide leads a tour).
• For two days of tours, we rounded up to a $30 tip for our guide.

Mekong River Cruise Safety

Mekong River cruises can provide a safe and memorable travel experience when travelers take appropriate precautions and stay informed about the destination’s specific conditions.

TRAVEL TIP : My doctor recommended a typhoid shot and a hepatitis shot before my trip to Southeast Asia.

Here are some other safety considerations when taking a Mekong River cruise:

• Choose a Reputable Operator : Select a well-established and reputable cruise operator with a track record of positive customer reviews.
• Travel Insurance : If you’re concerned, purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. Make sure you understand the terms and coverage of your policy. It’s not something I typically do for trips, but a river cruise comes with an added expense, so it may be worth it.
• Water Safety : The Mekong River can have strong currents, so the crews on the smaller boats will likely have you wear a life jacket as you head toward shore.
• Food and Water Safety : Be cautious about what you eat and drink to avoid foodborne illnesses. Stick to bottled or purified water.

TRAVEL TIP : My doctor prescribed a “just in case” anti-diarrheal to take along.

FAQs about a Mekong River Cruise

Let’s tackle a few frequently asked questions about Mekong River Cruises. Some of these are answered above.

Are Mekong River Cruises Safe?

Mekong River cruises can provide a safe and memorable travel experience when travelers take appropriate precautions and stay informed about the destination’s specific conditions. You’ll feel very safe in Southeast Asia.

In terms of food safety (and general health), as I mentioned above, my doctor prescribed a few vaccine updates, plus an anti-diarrheal to bring.

What’s the best month to take a Mekong River Cruise?

Ultimately, the best time to cruise the Mekong River depends on your preferences for weather, the type of experiences you want, and your tolerance for potential weather-related disruptions.

In general, crowds are larger during the winter (dry season), and higher prices come along with the nicer weather, too.

Late September into October might be the ideal time for me, since the rains become less frequent, prices are still below “high season” levels, and crowds are smaller, too.

Does the Mekong River Flood?

The river floods, but unless there’s some sort of major storm the ships keep sailing. The guides will still take travelers on their excursions into the villages. The people who live in the region see the floods as mixed blessings. They’re muddy and messy, but the silt and sand fertilize the soil. 

Wrap: Is a Mekong River Cruise Worth It?

A Mekong River cruise is an adventurous, but very comfortable (and even luxurious!) way to see the Mekong Delta. 

The ships are beautiful, and the living quarters are comfortable and clean.

If several days is too long on the river, there are day-trip options to choose from. Basically, there’s an itinerary and pricepoint to fit most budgets and interests.

Most notably, after just a few days, you’ll walk away with unique memories made by your interactions with people living in villages along the river!

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER POSTS ABOUT SOUTHEAST ASIA!

The Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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Is Mekong Delta worth visiting? 9 Things to do

As part of our press trip to ITE Ho Chi Minh City we were able to choose a fam trip destination somewhere around Saigon. It was already more than 8 years ago I was in the South of Vietnam the last time so I decided to go on a Mekong Delta tour and see if I could still remember something of my trip around the world in 2009.

What is the Mekong Delta

The Mekong River is one of the biggest rivers in the world and connects almost all the South East Asian countries. It starts in Tibet and follows its path southeast to the Southern tip of Vietnam. On its way it forms the border between Thailand and Laos and pierces right through Cambodia to finally reach the South China Sea in Vietnam. Just before it reaches the ocean the Mekong River spreads it wings to a point where it is kilometers wide, forming thousands of islands of which some are connected by bridges some are not. This is what we call the Mekong Delta. As it is located not far away from it is perfect to visit Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City.

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You can already find flight tickets from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi for as less as $35 ! A trip to Sapa or Halong Bay suddenly gets a little more interesting, right?

Mekong Delta points of interest

It is really hard to tell you where to go exactly as this area is extremely vast. It is not just one place where all the Mekong Delta tourist attractions are located. As I said before there are numerous islands and I bet if you go three times in a row you would still discover new places. I have now visited the Mekong Delta twice and both times I did it on an organized Mekong Delta tour. Tours are cheap and can easily be booked everywhere around Ho Chi Minh. I am sure you can explore the things to do in Mekong Delta on your own and I reckon it would even be better, but to be honest I would have no clue where to send you to or where to start exploring this region.

About to visit Vietnam? Curious what you need to get a Vietnam visa ? I summed up all the possibilities and tell you the best way how to get stamped into the country. 

Tip: if you are staying in a guesthouse but you want a tour with young people pop in at a popular hostel and visit Mekong Delta with them. Success guaranteed!

Travelling to Vietnam ? Click here for a complete guide!

9 Things to do in Mekong Delta

There are numerous things to do in Mekong Delta but since the area is so big I cant really tell you where everything is exactly located and most of the things like boat trips, cooking classes and other local experiences can be done in multiple locations. There are probably thousand little islands and to me this region feels like a maze. So to make the most of it I would recommend booking a Mekong Delta tour. I know that sounds lame and I am never really a fan of these things but this is an honest tip. I can already tell you it is very touristy, but at least you are not wasting time trying to find all these activities yourself. Mind you that transportation here is very complex: not all islands are connected by bridges and to most places you have to take boats.

As also discussed in my blog about ITE Ho Chi Minh City scams are pretty common and in a place where you constantly have to haggle for prices and you know that as a foreigner you will end up paying more I again think taking a set tour is the best option to visit Mekong Delta.

1. Buddhas at Vinh Trang Pagoda

Make sure your tour includes a visit to this amazing temple complex. I think in fact our guide said something about this not being a temple complex but we were looking at shrines or probably pagodas as that is the name of this tourist attraction in Mekong Delta. At least these religious statues were related to Buddhism as all I could see were Buddha’s. The ‘temples’ were super detailed and make a great photo spot.

2. Snake farm

To be honest I am not a fan of looking a caged animals, but this is Vietnam, this is Asia. Western habits and believes are not the standard plus we do have tons of zoo’s ourselves so think twice before you judge. The most venomous snakes where locked up in smaller cages but there where also a lot of bigger habitats. You can also find a bunch of crocodiles and other endemic animals.

3. Village tour

One of the coolest activities in Mekong Delta is to visit local villages. See how they live, how they sustain, what they eat and what they drink. We went to see how they make candies from coconuts, how they prepare food, have fruit plantations and how they live. I also got to drink their shots. Venomous dead snakes and other reptiles are kept in a large pot on alcohol. This strong ‘water’ supposed to make you untouchable! ;) I know for sure how locals will look like after a couple of these shots and that is not promising I can tell you. Asians and alcohol are a funny combination! :) I already tried this in 2008 but because about 40 eyes wanted to see me downing this shot I did it again. It is just an extremely strong shot of alcohol.

4. Bee farm

The bee farm itself is not that spectacular but you will find delicious honey snacks. We went to a little island where they performed a local song for us and fed us the freshest fruits right from their plantation.

5. Traditional House

We also visited a traditional house somewhere on an island. Don’t get confused with a local home this is a fancy one. The family was still living here but it was more like a little museum. To me not really interesting but according to our guide this was one of the best-preserved traditional houses in the region. Apparently one of the best historical sights in Mekong Delta.

6. Boat tours in Mekong Delta

This is the place to go if you want to get a picture of an older woman rowing between the green bamboos with a traditional Vietnamese hat. As I said the Mekong river is a maze and there are a ton of little water alleys where they do this. Where exactly I cant tell you. What I can tell you is that it is super touristy with one boat after another departing into the ‘wilderness’ and the experience is more hilarious than authentic. It is just one of those things to do in Mekong Delta that you can’t skip even you know it is super touristy. We laughed a lot, sat back and just enjoyed the ride and took way too many photos. We ended up doing this two times in different locations.

7. Floating market

Floating markets are not anymore like they used to be. Back in 2009 I was able to see some amazing floating markets in Laos, Cambodia and even here in Mekong Delta. This time I was definitely unlucky as it was Sunday and therefore a little more quiet than normal. We did go out on the river that morning but basically didn’t see that much. I have seen that you could walk from one side of the river to the other as the river was packed with boats. Is it worth visiting Mekong Delta for a floating market? According to our guide it can get really busy on some days, especially before the weekend.

8. Horse riding

In and between our boat trips we ended up taking horse carts to our next destination. It was not that spectacular either but at least some diversion from sitting on a boat.

9. Bike tours

Our tour this time did not include a bike tour but back in 2008 I had a half day bike trip included in my Mekong Delta tour. Ask about it before you book, because that was great fun. You see a lot of the landscape, the local villages and you cross tiny bridges. Make sure you stay on the path or be prepared to swim with your bike! ;)

Where to stay in Mekong Delta

As part of our tour we ended up in the fabulous Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort somewhere on one of the islands. I guess you can only get there by boat and the location right on the water is superb. The river views the next morning were a perfect way to slowly wake up. Wow life in this part of the world seems to stand still and is so peaceful.

Visiting Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh on a tour is an easy way to get here. But you can also make your way here and then book tours locally. A cool place to do so is the Mekong Ecolodge . They have bike tours, river tours, cooking classes and more. Click on the link to find out more.

Is Mekong Delta worth visiting?

As you have read through my blog you find out that I am not 100% raving about all the things to do in Mekong Delta, but that does not mean I would not recommend to visit Mekong Delta. Is Mekong Delta worth visiting? Absolute yes, it is all about the experience. The biggest attraction is the landscape itself, the laid back vibe and the easy going life.

Traveling to Vietnam? Read here  10 interesting facts you did not know about Vietnam.

Where in the world do you find a river so wide that it forms all these islands for kilometers long? Every island is different and local life seems to stand still. People live with the pace of the river. The Mekong Delta tour is a great trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

How many days for Mekong Delta?

You can opt for a 2d/1n tour, a 3d/2n tour or even tailor one yourself. If you are with a cool group I would definitely recommend the 3d/2n tour as it is such a laid-back lifestyle out on the river. The tours bring you to restaurants constantly as eating is a big part of the journey. Chill on a boat, sit back, sip a coconut and enjoy the boat ride and the food is delicious, you will be served food, snacks and fresh fruits multiple times a day, basically at every stop.

Going to Saigon after and looking for Siagon accommodation? Take a look at the best  boutique hotel in district 1 in Ho Chi Minh .

A trip to Mekong Delta is nice, but a trip to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park was even more exciting. The biggest cave in the world can be found in Quang Binh in the thick jungle in central Vietnam. Check it out here.

Flights to Dong Hoi are cheap! On a random date in March 2019 I found a flight from Ho Chi Minh to Dong Hoi for $34 .

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Mekong Delta

The ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the delta is carpeted in a dizzying variety of greens. It's a water world that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets float upon the innumerable rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Phu Quoc Island

With picture-perfect white sand, the delightful curve of beautiful Sao Beach bends out alongside a sea of mineral-water clarity just a few kilometres from…

Hon Son Island

Hon Son, also known after its main village of Lai Son, is a solitary and beautiful mountain island about 50km southwest of Rach Gia on the southern shores…

Cai Rang Floating Market

The biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang is 6km from Can Tho in the direction of Soc Trang. There's a bridge here that serves as a great…

Ba Chuc Tomb

Ba Chuc’s memorial, 40km south of Chau Doc, stands as a ghastly reminder of the horrors perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge. Between 18 April and 30 April 1978…

An Thoi Islands

Just off the southern tip of Phu Quoc, these 15 islands and islets are a paradise of white sand and blue waters. They can be visited by chartered boat for…

Pirate Island

This small speck of an island, covered in lush vegetation and with clear blue waters, has a sordid 500-year history as a pirate haven that only came to an…

Xeo Quyt Forest

Around 35km southeast of Cao Lanh is the magnificent 52-hectare Xeo Quyt Forest near My Hiep village. One vast swamp beneath a beautiful thick canopy of…

Cavern Pagoda

Also known as Phuoc Dien Tu, this temple is halfway up the western (far) side of Sam Mountain, with amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The…

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A Guide to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Too many tourists think they can see enough of the Mekong Delta on a brief day trip from Ho Chi Minh City – but there’s so much more to it than a pagoda and a floating market. This region is home to unique ecosystems that deserve more than an afternoon in your itinerary. Read our guide to this diverse part of Vietnam to understand why.

What is the mekong delta.

The Mekong Delta is a network of tributaries in southwest Vietnam, between Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia. The river itself starts in the Himalayas and passes through China , Myanmar , Thailand and Cambodia before reaching Vietnam, which partly explains why the waters are so murky.

More than half of Vietnam’s rice and fish comes from the delta region, so you can see how vital it is to the Vietnamese economy, diet and culture. Life in the area revolves around water, from the famous floating markets to vast agricultural industries; a variety of fruits, flowers and livestock grow in the region.

Best Things to See and Do in the Mekong Delta

Architectural Landmark

Hundreds if not thousands of tour groups come to this city every day, making it the most visited city in the Mekong Delta, and an important part of Vietnamese history. Besides their famous floating market, there are also impressive pagodas and local orchards to visit at this city, just two hours from Ho Chi Minh City by bus. Don’t expect to find many off-the-beaten track experiences here, as the destinations are all designed for day trippers – most of the tourism in this city is packaged by the local tourism bureau. Book a guided tour of the city to get the best grasp of Mỹ Tho’s many faces.

Natural Feature

Cần Thơ is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta region and home to the Cái Răng floating market. Here, you’ll see hundreds of boats packed with more varieties of fruits than you ever thought possible. Although Cần Thơ is a large, somewhat industrialised city, it also serves as the cultural centre for the surrounding rural areas. The nice thing about this city is you can get the best of both worlds: comfortable accommodations in the city centre, with easy day trips available to head out and see the picturesque agricultural communities. There aren’t the dance clubs and cocktail bars you find Ho Chi Minh City , but the nightlife is still vibrant. It takes approximately four hours to get to Cần Thơ from Ho Chi Minh City by bus. Be sure to book a tour of the city’s floating markets if you’re in town.

3. Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve

The Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve, protected by UNESCO , is valuable for its rich mangrove forests and wetland ecosystems. This biosphere reserve also helps to protect the region from corrosion – without it, a lot of rich agricultural land would wash out to sea. There are many tours available to the biosphere reserve, and since it’s so near to Ho Chi Minh City , it makes one of the best Vietnamese destinations for a day trip, or a starting point for your trip through the Mekong River Delta.

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4. Châu Đốc

For those of you making your way between Vietnam and Cambodia, Châu Đốc is an easy stop along the route. It’s known for its religious and ethnic diversity, which includes Khmer, Chinese, Cham and Vietnamese people. Like most of the Mekong Delta, the surrounding areas are lush with rice paddies and spectacular rural scenes. For a real treat, stay at the Victoria Nui Sam.

5. Sao Beach

Head to Sao Beach on Phú Quốc, a Vietnamese island just off the coast of Cambodia, if you’re looking for a quintessential tropical beach paradise – it has crystal clear waters, white sand and swaying palm trees. The picturesque beach takes its name from the Vietnamese word for “starfish” as the waters used to be full of white starfish at sunset. The south of the beach is often crowded with tourists, but the north is much quieter (and cleaner), and is ideal for snorkelling, swimming and strolling along the shoreline. There are a number of beachside restaurants, as well as the Paradiso Beach Club, which offers showers, massages, a restaurant and a bar.

6. Thoi Son island

This lush island, the largest of four in this part of the Tiền River, with about 1,200ha (3,000 acres), is crisscrossed by canals and waterways. It’s best known for its natural beauty and abundant fruit trees, including rambutan, longan and sapoche that line the shore and supply many of the markets in Tiền Giang province. You can explore the island by boat, before visiting the orchards and spending an afternoon relaxing in hammocks. The island’s historic homes are another attraction: Mr Tam’s house, open to visitors, is an exemplary model of a traditional home, with antique furnishings and a bonsai garden. To reach Thoi Son island, catch the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho, then take a 45-minute boat ride on the Mekong River.

7. Phú Quốc National Park

Natural Feature, Park

The Mekong Delta isn’t just about the rivers – many of the tours also explore the nearby islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Phú Quốc is Vietnam’s largest island and is a relatively unknown tropical paradise where you can immerse yourself in wild nature, deserted palm tree-lined beaches, and forested mountains. More than half of the island’s northern region is protected as a national park and was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2010. Here, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping and bird-watching – and the possibility to see rare wildlife, such as long-tailed macaques, silver langurs, slow lorises and hornbills.

8. Cai Rang Floating Market

Market, Vegetarian

9. Vinh Trang Pagoda

Buddhist Temple

10. Cai Be Floating Market

A decade ago, this beautiful sight in the small town of Cai Be was as big and busy as its counterpart Cai Rang. It’s quieter nowadays and you’ll need to arrive early for the best of the trading as people finish business before mid-morning heats up. For ease, visit from HCM City (an hour’s less travel time than from Cai Rang) and you’ll still get those snaps of locals balancing on barely-there dugouts as they buy bags of baguettes from bobbing barges. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

11. Sampan Cruise

The Mekong Delta delivers an intoxicating mix of drifting serenity and floating-market mayhem, the best way to absorb it all being a two-day cruise aboard a sampan. There are loads of tours to choose from, including plenty that set off from Ho Chi Minh City and drift through the Mekong’s tangled backwaters, canals and floating villages , taking in Cai Be and Cai Ro markets along the way. Cabins and dining rooms, under palm-thatch canopies, are airy and cool at night. Bring plenty of repellent. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

12. Feast on Mekong Delta specialties

There are so many wonderful dishes to try in the region, and even some you would consider weird. 70% of fruits consumed in Vietnam are grown here, so make sure you fill up on as much dragon fruit, pomelo, coconut, mango, rambutan, jackfruit, banana, mangosteen and durian as you can. By the way, you can even eat these fresh from the tree if you pay a visit to a local orchard. Some popular ones include Cai Be Orchard, Phong Dien and My Khanh. A tour of a fruit garden is a great help to support these farmers’ hard work and livelihoods. Recommended by Piumi Rajapaksha .

13. Sóc Trăng

Sóc Trăng is home to the largest population of Khmer people outside of Cambodia , which is why this city has an interesting cultural feel to it that’s different from the Vietnamese cities in the area. The best examples of Khmer culture are the Clay and Bat pagodas, both famous for their intricate designs. This city may not have many flashy things to do, but those who prefer a relaxed experience will enjoy the calm vibes here, especially in the rice paddies that surround the city. If you’re in the area around November or December, be sure to check out the Oc Om Boc festival.

If you plan on visiting Phú Quốc Island , a trip to Rạch Giá is the perfect stop off on route. Several companies operate fast ferries out of Rạch Giá, arriving at various spots around Phú Quốc. Another option is the town of Hà Tiên, which is a little to the northwest from Rạch Giá; ferries leave from there as well, or you can cross into Cambodia. And if boats aren’t your thing, Rạch Giá also has an airport with daily flights.

Ninh Kieu Wharf

In Can Tho city, find peace at this flower-filled park overlooking the Song Hau river. It’s most beautiful at night when the scent of jasmine lingers and walkways sizzle with food stalls. The other eye-catcher is a sinuous pedestrian bridge topped with two giant replica lotus flowers, shimmering green and red on the rippling surface. Couples court strolling arm in arm to Cai Khe, an islet with pretty views of Ninh Kieu and the city skyline. Recommended by Alex Robinson .

Tra Su Mangrove Forest

Packed your binoculars? Not far from Chau Doc city is Tra Su forest, a plantation left to run wild as a reserve in the 1980s. Now it’s a haven for birds, including threatened species such as the painted stork. Between September and November, you’ll see them early morning or late afternoon, when they’re most active and the forest floods. A canoe tour passes along leafy waterways spanned by romantic, rustic wooden bridges. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

Sam Mountain

Above the vast flatness of the Mekong plains, 60km (40mi) or so from the city of Long Xuyen, Sam Mountain (Nui Sam) rises like an isolated blister of rock. It is a sacred site for Buddhists, encircled by a pilgrims’ village and speckled with dozens of pagodas and Buddha statues. Paths take you upwards to a temple at the broad peak. From up here, you can look out over patchworks of paddies cut with ribbons of water and groves of palms. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

Tan Lap Village

Travellers love this rural complex of camps, huts and jetties in the midst of Dong Thap Muoi wetlands close to the Cambodian border; particularly in the wet season, between September and November, when the flower ponds of lotuses are in bloom and locals offer canoe rides. Follow wooden causeways cut among the cajeput trees – known for their essential oils – and climb the observation tower for drone-worthy views over the wilderness. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

Tram Chim National Park

Before they were wrecked by agriculture, reed-bed ecosystems dominated the Mekong Basin. This is why Tram Chin – a government-decreed restoration project – is so internationally important. The nurtured wetland is a crucial habitat for rare species – you may spot the world’s tallest flying bird, the Sarus Crane. It gets busy so arrive early morning – or two hours before sunset on a weekday – when crowds are a trickle and the birds most active. Recommended by Alex Robinson.

Swim in the swamps and try net fishing

Swamps are a lot more fun to swim in than pools, and children in Vietnam love doing it. From September to December is when this activity is at its best because the water levels are higher during this time. Swamp swimming is a particularly favorite play time activity of children in the area, especially on hot afternoons as a great way to cool off. You will also probably come across some locals partaking in net fishing. They will gladly welcome you and let you have a try and your catches will be cooked for dinner. Recommended by Piumi Rajapaksha.

Visit our favorite little coconut candy lady

Many residents of the Mekong Delta specialize in producing goods such as rice paper, coconut candy, bricks, handicrafts and the like. They even open their homes for you to visit, look around and buy items if you wish. One of our favorites is a wonderful lady named Tu Ha who makes the world’s best coconut candy. She is 62 and lives by herself doing what she loves, and part of that is sharing with the rest of the world her delicious sweets. She spends her days making different kinds of candies from coconut and ginger which are packaged and sold off to buyers. She is always open to teach you what the process is like, so go with a local who can help translate. Don’t miss out on the coconut rice wine! Take some back home – it’s delicious, and strong. To get to her, just tell the boat driver “Co Tu Ha” and they will know. An encounter with her will probably be the highlight of your whole adventure. Recommended by Piumi Rajapaksha. Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Mandi Keighran contributed additional reporting to this article.

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Mekong Delta tour 2 days: How to plan a perfect itinerary?

A trip to the south of Vietnam can’t be completed without Mekong Delta tours . If you’re considering a 2-day tour of this enchanting region, get ready for an extraordinary journey filled with cultural discoveries and natural wonders. In this blog, we will guide you through a suggested Mekong Delta tour 2 days that unveils the best of this region, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

What You’ll Find in this Blog

What can you expect for a Mekong Delta tour 2 days?

A 2-day Mekong Delta tour promises a truly immersive and unforgettable experience, providing a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of life in this remarkable corner of Vietnam.

Mekong Delta offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry

So what can you expect for a Mekong Delta tour 2 days:

• Explore the bustling floating markets, where local vendors trade an array of fresh produce and handicrafts.
• Engage with friendly locals, who will warmly welcome you into their homes and introduce you to their traditional way of life.
• Delight your taste buds with the flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine
• Discover the region’s rich cultural heritage and witness traditional crafts
• Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the delta’s lush fruit gardens and verdant rice paddies
• Indulge in the serenity of an overnight stay in a cruise

Suggested itinerary for a Mekong Delta tour 2 days

Day 1: hcm – my tho – can tho.

Day 1 is a signature Mekong Delta experience that begins with a departure to My Tho, one of the major cities in the Mekong Delta which is just nearly 2 hours (90 km) drive from Ho Chi Minh City.

• 07:30: Start your tour from Ho Chi Minh to My Tho.
• The first stop is Vinh Trang Pagoda, the greatest pagoda in My Tho/Tien Giang, which harmoniously blends Asian and European architecture.
• Afterward, join motorboats for an exhilarating adventure to Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Turtle Island
• After lunch, continue your Mekong Delta tour to Ben Tre, known as “The Kingdom of Coconut”
• The first stop in Ben Tre is coconut candy workshops, where artisans skillfully create delectable treats. Witness the meticulous process of grating, cooking, and wrapping, and savor the sweetness of coconut candies.
• Next, venture to the eco-tourism Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering you an immersive experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of its diverse avian species.

Enjoy and relax one night in Can Tho

Day 2: Can Tho – Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh

Day 2 helps you deeper into the heart of the Mekong Delta by exploring the captivating destinations of Can Tho and Vinh Long.

• 06:30 AM: From Can Tho, pay a visit to Phong Dien floating market, where you can navigate the bustling waterways of this iconic market and witness a captivating spectacle of vibrant colors, lively chatter, and the scent of freshly prepared delicacies.
• After that, visit lush fruit gardens: this activity allows you to witness swaying trees laden with tropical fruits and engage with passionate local farmers who will share their knowledge.
• Around 11:30 AM, have a local lunch in Can Tho.

• Suggested: When visiting Vinh Long, don’t forget to treat your taste buds with Nam Roi pomelo. This Vinh Long treasure is a true testament to the region’s agricultural abundance and culinary prowess.
• Then, go across the My Thuan suspension bridge, take a short break at Mekong Rest Stop, and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Above is our suggestion about the Mekong Delta tour 2-day itinerary, you can take a look for more details at Mekong At A Glance 2 Days . Keep in mind that actual tours may vary depending on your preferences.

A Mekong Cruise 2 days 1 night is also a great idea

Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on an overnight cruise when visiting the Mekong Delta. Your knowledgeable guide will provide local insights into the region’s history, culture, and daily life, ensuring a fascinating excursion into the heart of the Mekong Delta.

Highlight for a 2-day Mekong Delta cruise:

• By cruising along the intricate network of canals, you can have a chance to witness the picturesque rural landscapes and visit local villages.
• Spend your time relaxing on the deck, savoring the tranquility and serenity that envelops you, while being treated to a sumptuous feast of local delicacies.
• As night falls, the cruise offers you cozy accommodations where you can unwind and rejuvenate.
• Wake up to the soft rays of the sun illuminating the river, and witness the Mekong Delta come alive with the sights and sounds of daily life.

Some top-rated our Mekong cruises for your reference:

• Gecko Eyes Cruise
• Dragon Eyes Cruise
• Mekong Douce Cruise

Or find your best cruise with the best deal with us:

Is the Mekong Delta worth seeing?

The Mekong Delta is worth seeing if you want to have a unique and immersive encounter with local cultures. The region has a compelling combination of natural beauty, cultural riches, and bustling river life. The Mekong Delta exemplifies Vietnam’s real beauty, with lush rice fields, complicated canal networks, floating markets, and traditional towns.

Whether you want to explore the delta’s many ecosystems, connect with local populations, or indulge in excellent cuisine, the Mekong Delta has something for you. It is a site where you may see the everyday rhythms of life along the river and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this wonderful region.

What is the weather like in the Mekong Delta?

The Mekong Delta experiences a tropical climate, characterized by two distinct seasons. The dry season from December to April offers pleasant temperatures and sunny days, while the wet season from May to November brings occasional rain showers. It’s advisable to check the Mekong Delta weather before your trip and pack accordingly.

What is the best time of year to visit the Mekong Delta for a 2-day tour?

The best time to visit the Mekong Delta for a 2-day tour is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant with lower chances of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. The temperatures are also milder, avoiding the hot and humid conditions of the wet season.

However, it’s important to note that the Mekong Delta can be visited year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences. The wet season, from May to November, brings lush greenery, higher water levels, and the opportunity to witness the delta’s agricultural activities. Just be prepared for occasional rain showers and higher humidity.

Hope this ultimate travel guide will help you plan a perfect 2-day Mekong Delta tour itinerary. It provides a diverse range of fascinating activities and attractions to provide a memorable and delightful vacation experience. If you have any questions or require helpful assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Luxury Mekong Cruise ; our team will always welcome you enthusiastically!

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Luxury Cruise Mekong is a reliable one-stop-shop for travelers who love to cruise and travel the Mekong River in style and at your own pace. On our website, you can browse a variety of travel options and cruise itineraries to discover the Mekong Delta at its best, together with some well-designed travel packages to further explore the beauty of Southern Vietnam.

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5 Things To Consider When Booking A Mekong River Cruise

by Melissa Giroux | Apr 19, 2023 | Travel Tips

Who doesn’t want to experience a Mekong River cruise? It is one trip that is absolutely worth taking. The Mekong River, which borders China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia, is the 12th longest river in the world. 

This mighty work of nature provides enough landscapes and a unique experience for tourism. Cruising the Mekong River is a safe, fun, and educational tourism experience suitable for solo, group, or family vacations. Spanning a long river bank, the Mekong River offers you both on-water and off-water experiences. 

To have the best trip, there are factors to consider before booking your Mekong River cruise. In this article, we will be cruising over those factors to help you book the perfect Mekong cruise for you and your loved ones. 

Consider These Factors Before You Book A Mekong River Cruise 

Before booking a cruise, it is essential you consider these factors to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Choose A Reputable Cruise Line

When planning your Mekong Luxury tour , you should ensure that you use a reputable cruise line that can guarantee your safety while ensuring maximum fun on the ship. Be sure to check ratings, reviews, and testimonials of the different cruise lines to get an overview of what is being offered. 

When making your decision, only go for a reputable agency that meets your needs and preferences. 

Consider Your Budget 

Another essential factor that you need to consider is your budget . You definitely don’t want to spend all your life savings on a single trip. Certainly, you will find a cruise that suits your pocket size. However, this will determine the length of your trip, the quality of services you get during your cruise, and the level of luxury you get to experience. 

Regardless, it is important that you get the best services for your money. Therefore, make sure you examine the perks of the cruise line that you find and pick the one that best suits your budget. 

Consider The Cruise Size

Tourism is best done in groups, but the size of the group will vary from one cruise line to another. An overcrowded cruise can affect the quality of services offered to individual persons. However, when the group size is too small, tourism might not be as interesting as it should be. 

If you are not going on a solo trip, a medium-sized cruise ship is the best option for tourism. Apart from enjoying the beautiful scenery on the sites, you also get to meet new people and have a wonderful experience on the ship. 

It is important that you do not limit your fun and excitement to activities but also be prepared for a good time with other tourists around you.

Consider Your Bucket List  

If you plan to visit the Mekong River, you should have a bucket list of some of the important places you want to visit and the kind of experience you want. The Mekong River is very long, cutting across different countries, so it’s impossible to explore it all on a single trip. This is why you have to decide on the places that are of importance to you and ensure the itinerary of the cruise covers the places you wish to visit. 

While some people prioritize visiting historical sites such as the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which is located in Phnom Penh, there are also many cultural sites on the Mekong River. This includes The Buddhist temple, Vinh Trang Pagoda, and Luang Prabang . Some people might also prefer visiting the floating markets, such as the Cai Rang floating market. 

If you take a Mekong Tour without visiting your sites of interest, you might have an exciting tourism experience but not necessarily be satisfied. The goal is for you to have a smooth, fun, and satisfactory Mekong cruise experience that covers all the places you really want to see.

Consider The Various Seasons 

You should know that the Mekong River does not have an all-year-round temperature. The best time to consider for your cruise is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is warm during the day and chilly in the evenings, giving the perfect tourism ambiance. Also, the river is at the lowest level, which makes it easier to navigate. 

However, there is usually a high influx of tourists in the peak season, which causes a spike in the prices of things. So, if you want to avoid the crowds and get the best deals, consider traveling in the shoulder season, which runs from May to October.

There Is A Perfect Cruise For You!

Cruising the Mekong River promises to be fun and exciting, offering a glimpse into Southeast Asia’s vibrant landscape, culture, and tradition. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty or explore historical temples and floating markets, there is a perfect cruise that suits your needs and preferences. 

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We wanted to write and commend one of your tour guides - Nina, who has spent to days with us in Bangkok, staying along the river. Nina is the most professi...

From its lofty source in the Tibetan Himalayas, the mighty Mekong River tumbles down through China’s Yunnan province. From there, it squeezes between Thailand and Laos, then slides through Cambodia before reaching Vietnam . The Mekong Delta is a picturesque region in southern Vietnam that offers visitors a unique and immersive experience of the country's culture, food, and natural beauty. 

Travel tips for visiting the Mekong Delta

• Where to stay

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How many days do you need here, tips for getting around, the best time to visit the mekong delta, travel ideas for vietnam, created by local experts.

Vietnam Culinary Discovery

Vietnamese cuisine can be divided into three categories, each pertaining to a specific region, namely the North, Centre and South. You will visit all of these on this culinary tour of Vietnam. Awaken all of your senses to the wonderful sights, sounds and aromas of this fascinating country.

Very Vietnam

Vietnam is full of surprises, seamlessly mixing both ancient and modern. See rice paddies, traditional villages, markets, temples and pagodas. Discover romantic cities, cruise around mystical Halong Bay, laze on pristine beaches and get out and about in exuberant Ho Chi Minh City.

Cultural Saigon

Southern Vietnam is home to modern Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant southern capital full of historic attraction and old Saigonese charm. Soak up some café culture, enjoy authentic street food, and get a taste of the city’s thriving markets.

Southern Vietnam Explored

Discover the charms of Southern Vietnam. From the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City to the sleepy scenic canals of the Mekong Delta with its traditional villages and floating markets, Vietnam’s deep south is one of the most appealing parts of the country.

Vietnam Culinary Experience

Embark on a Vietnamese culinary adventure, taking cooking classes in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Get cultural in the imperial city of Hue with a visit to some royal tombs, cruise around stunning Halong Bay a final stay in nostalgic Hanoi before your return home.

Ancient Meets Modern

A trip to Vietnam offers a unique adventure. From ancient Hanoi to imperial, romantic Hue, coastal Hoi An with its atmospheric ruins to burgeoning Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City as it is known today, Vietnam is both an exciting and a rewarding destination.

If you're planning a trip to the Mekong Delta, there are a few travel tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, be sure to pack light and bring comfortable, breathable clothing as the region can be hot and humid.

Insect repellent is also a must as mosquitoes and other bugs are prevalent. When it comes to transportation, renting a motorbike or bicycle is a great way to explore the area, but make sure to wear a helmet and be cautious of traffic.

Hiring a local guide can also be helpful in navigating the delta's maze of canals and finding hidden gems. Additionally, be prepared for cultural differences, including language barriers and different customs, and be respectful of local traditions.

Mekong Delta in Vietnam © Shutterstock

Phu Quoc island, Sao beach, Vietnam © Pawel Michalowski/Shutterstock

#3 Learn about Vietnamese culture via a homestay

Homestays in the Mekong Delta offer a unique opportunity for travellers to experience the region's daily life, local cuisine, and customs while staying with welcoming families in traditional homes. Spend the night amid rural communities, observing daily aspects of Vietnamese culture and getting to know your hosts.

#4 Spend time in the Chau Doc region

Visit a Cham village and the fish farms on the river, or explore nearby Sam Mountain. Chau Doc offers a bustling market, temples, and waterside activities, making it a popular destination in the Mekong Delta. Visitors can also explore the Cham community, Sam Mountain, bird sanctuary, and historical sites in the surrounding area.

#5 Visit Can Tho — one of the best things to do in the Mekong Delta

The de facto capital of the delta is also its most appealing city, with a charming riverfront, a decent culinary scene, and some good walking opportunities. Chau Doc offers a unique blend of cultures, stunning natural scenery, and fascinating historical sites, making it a worthwhile destination for any traveller.

#6 Take a boat trip

Boat tours are a great way to explore the Mekong Delta, with options for day-trips and multi-day liveaboard trips available from various cities, including HCMC, My Tho, Cai Be, Vinh Long, Can Tho, and Chau Doc. The tours take visitors through the delta's labyrinthine waterways, where they can witness local life and enjoy stunning views of emerald paddy fields, coconut trees, and markets run by colourful boats.

Ready to explore Vietnam? Follow our Vietnam trip planning guide and start planning your perfect trip today.

Mekong delta, Vietnam © Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock

#7 Spend time on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island is a must-visit destination for those seeking beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and a relaxed atmosphere. Sprawl through the gorgeous beaches, ride a motorbike through its mountainous interior and dive or snorkel around the coastline. A visit to this region is one of the best things to do in the Mekong Delta.

#8 Visit the infamous floating markets

The floating markets are one of the Mekong Delta's most iconic images, where vendors sell fruits, vegetables, and other goods from their boats. Cai Be and Can Tho are two of the most popular floating markets, but other smaller ones can be found in various parts of the delta.

#9 Explore Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a protected area located in An Giang Province, where visitors can take a boat ride through a maze of channels lined with cajuput trees. The forest is home to various bird species, including storks, herons, and cormorants.

#10 Try local delicacies

The Mekong Delta is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, including dishes such as banh xeo (crispy rice pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts), hu tieu (rice noodles served in a flavorful broth), and ca kho to (caramelized fish in a clay pot). Visitors should also try fresh fruit, coconut candies, and rice wine, which are all local specialities.

The Mekong Delta offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Larger cities like Can Tho and Chau Doc have a good range of hotels , from budget options to higher-end resorts.

Homestays are also a popular choice, offering visitors a chance to experience local life and hospitality. These are available in various villages throughout the delta. For those who prefer a more unique experience, floating homestays and eco-lodges are available in some areas, allowing visitors to stay on the water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

• Bassac Victoria (Chau Doc). Expect imaginative iterations of Western and Asian dishes, such as roast loin of lamb or roasted duck breast, as well as cheaper meals such as pho.
• Phuong Nam (Can Tho). While here, try the snake meat, curried or with satay sauce. Or the crocodile steak with fries. Ostrich in steak or sautéed form is another favourite.
• Chuon Chuon Bistro (Phu Quoc Island). This restaurant features one of the best views on the entire island, and features an international menu.

Floating market in Mekong delta, Vietnam © Shutterstock

The Mekong Delta is easily accessible by road, waterways, and air from various cities in Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City , Can Tho, and Rach Gia. One of the most popular ways to get to the Mekong Delta is by taking a boat tour from Ho Chi Minh City, which allows visitors to explore the picturesque canals and floating markets of the region.

For those who prefer a faster mode of transportation, flights are available from Ho Chi Minh City.

You can cut a fair bit of travel time by taking a flight to or from the delta. Phu Quoc Island has the most connections, with services to the mainland cities of Can Tho, Rach Gia and Ca Mau as well as some from within the delta area itself.

Mekong Delta boat tours

Boat tours provide a great way to explore the Mekong Delta. There are plenty of options for day trips and multi-day liveaboard boat trips available from various cities. However, we recommend choosing just one destination since most day tours follow a similar itinerary.

The number of days needed in the Mekong Delta when travelling there depends on personal preferences and interests, but generally, a 2-3 day trip is recommended to explore the highlights of the region.

This allows for enough time to take a boat tour of the delta's waterways, visit local villages, and sample the region's delicious cuisine. However, for those who want to really immerse themselves in the area's laid-back atmosphere and way of life, a longer stay, perhaps up to a week or more, may be ideal.

Looking for inspiration ? Check our Vietnam itineraries

Mekong Delta Vietnam © ImaginativeGifts/Shutterstock

The Mekong Delta offers boat tours, motorbike rentals, public transportation, private cars/drivers, and diverse attractions. Planning ahead is key, especially regarding weather conditions. Heat, humidity, and heavy rain can affect the region. Dressing appropriately and staying hydrated will make your travels more comfortable.

By motorcycle and bike

With the main roads in the Mekong Delta often congested with traffic, it's a great idea to rent a bike or motorbike. This is a fantastic way to fully immerse yourself in the unhurried life of the region.

Locals used to do much of their travelling on the cargo boats that still crawl around the delta’s waterways. However, the increased prevalence of motorbikes has led to many routes being cut, and this is no longer a viable way of getting around for visitors.

There are plenty of bus services to and around the delta, though journeys can be long, and the scenery samey and uninspiring. Traffic has to stop occasionally at the ferries that make road travel in the delta possible, though the completion of some long-awaited bridges has sped up travel times.

Want to know more useful information about Vietnam before your trip? Read our Vietnam travel tips .

The best time to visit the Mekong Delta is during the dry season, which lasts from December to May. During this period, the weather is generally sunny and dry, and the water levels are lower, making it easier to explore the region's waterways.

The wet season, from June to November, can be more challenging for travel due to frequent heavy rain and flooding. However, it's also a great time to witness the vibrant greenery and lush landscapes of the delta, as well as experience the annual floating markets that take place during this time.

RoughGuides Tip : read all about the weather in Vietnam in Best time to Visit Vietnam

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updated 14.05.2024

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MEKONG DELTA BOAT OVERNIGHT CRUISE

Mekong Delta is a basin made by silt which Mekong River has brought from Himalaya and pours into the sea. That huge flat area is then extremely fertile and great for cultivation and planting. Famed as the rice bowl of Vietnam, it is home to a complex system of distributaries and is dotted with countless rice fields, fruit orchards, handicraft villages and floating markets. Along with the fertility in nature is the diversity in the lifestyle and etiquette. Then the discovery of two days can help to exposure more the charm of the land.

More than that, the trip will have one night stay overnight on the boat with private carriage, among the Mekong countryside sound, smell, with great food served and local daily life over the window.

The tour is a real penetration into the green color of water coconuts, the big river, the maze of canals, and especially the daily life of Mekong people.

Less moving and more time on boats will bring you the feeling of catching up all local daily life, especially in Mekong where two thirds of transportation is made by boat and all houses make canals the main traffic way. Less transferring among buses, boats, restaurants, hotels, sightseeing also bring you freedom on enjoying the scene passing by your window. Just sit down and do that with a cup of tea, among the sunset and sunrise of mighty Mekong Delta.

We will stay overnight on wooden or metal boats with well-equipped cabin among twelve nicely decorated ones of that, with air-con and a private bathroom, with a 500 sqft restaurant that opens all around, and 1500 sqft of upper deck mostly covered.

Depend on the boat schedule and our drop off and pick up points can vavy. Please see the following starting -ending point.

The tour cost is with inclusions of transportation, guide, boats, entrance fees, twin sharing rooms,  1 special lunch and 1 dinner when you are on board.

The tour starts from 8:00 AM this day and last until around 6:00 PM of the following.

• Exotic cruise along the Mekong river system with private room in a wooden ship.
• Peaceful ambiance on board among landscape of ricefields, shaded coconut tree woods,  orchards and working farmers along the river banks, local boats with fruit transportation going back and forth
• Many star life on board with convenient facilities, professional crew, and great food.
• Floating market right out of your room window, and from the smaller boat

DAY 1: SAIGON –CAN THO

Meet you tour guide in your hotel around 8:00 AM and take a 180 minute drive to the Bassac branch of Mekong river, across the endless green color of rice paddy field stretching to the horizon.

Start boarding at Ninh Kieu pier in Can Tho city at noon, get welcomed by the friendly crew, get introduction of  the ship and then check into the cabins. Departure downstream of the Bassac River and tour near Tra On floating market . Lunch on board en route.

Enjoy more daily life as the ship turn into smaller canal  towards the Mang Thit and Co Chien Rivers, the branches of Mekong river system. Rest on the upper deck or enjoy the open bar in scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks.

Change the atmosphere by making a visit to a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Make further walking into the orchard or rice fields nearby.

Get back to the boat, refresh by a complimentary drink. Open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the ship is cruising Mang Thit River towards her anchorage point for the night. The ship sets anchored for the night on river Mang Thit.

DAY 2: CAI BE –SAIGON

Early birds can get sunrise at the upper deck. The passengers take their breakfast while enjoying the scenery on the banks when the ship departures towards Cai Be. The cruise changes your view as turning left and right into small canals then big rivers then small canals. The view is not only the daily life along the river and canal banks, but also the small boats of the local people with boat full of fruits on the way to the market.

As the ship arrives in Cai Be, make check-out of your ship and board of a local boat for a tour of Cai Be floating market and handicraft to have even more close-up to this stunning view of boat world.

Make drive back to Saigon in the afternoon.

SONG XANH CRUISE

Song Xanh Boat  is one of the best private luxury junks offers excellent services and unique program along the Mekong River. The range of boats can adapt the capacity of a couple or a family. Private corner on a beautiful boat with great view outdoor, nature indulgence,  great food, large sundeck, flush bathroom, and the nicest cabin crew ever.

MEKONG EYES

Mekong Eyes Classic is another option for the private luxury choice of boating along the Mekong River, where you have a private cabin among a shared junk . The true experience for a couple or a family on boat with great view of rice fields, floating markets, local life and the bustling mighty Mekong system.

DRAGON EYES

Dragon Eyes is a perfect choice for small group or family who want to enjoy the privacy along the Mekong cruise in the intimated wooden boats.

The luxury of this Bassac cruise is not only at its interior decoration but also at its standard of service.

The Jahan is at the top luxury cruise along the Mekong River with longer itinerary.

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If the form is not personalized enough, please email us directly at: [email protected]

We look forward to being your travel mates.

Hoang and Long

VIEW SIMILAR TOURS

MEKONG TWO DAYS CLASSIC

MEKONG TWO DAYS HOMESTAY

MEKONG DELTA OVERNIGHT ON BOAT

MEKONG DELTA 3 DAYS ON STYLE

THIS TOUR CAN BE AN ADD-IN INTO

CENTRAL HIGHLAND VIETNAM 8 DAYS

VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS 11 DAYS

VIETNAM DISCOVERY 14 DAYS

MEKONG TRAILS SAIGON OFFICE Unit A1503, Florita Building, Street D4, District 7, Hochiminh City, Vietnam Phone: +84 918 111 357 Email: [email protected]

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Mekong river Vietnam - Is it worth the visit?

Mekong Delta is a wonderful destination in Vietnam with a lot of beautiful places for traveling.

So, whether it is worth traveling in Mekong Delta?

Depending on our tourism experience, we would say that Mekong Delta is so worth traveling. And in order to know the reasons, let's dive into this post.

• 1/ Rich land

Mekong River Vietnam

With great geographical and climate conditions, and year-round is enriched by fertile alluvial layers, the western soil is also known as the largest granary and fruit bowl in the country. The long rice fields, the luxuriant fruit gardens not only bring sweet fruit to the whole country but also attract tourists everywhere to visit. Therefore, when visiting the place, tourists will have the chance to enjoy fruit in the gardens such as Phong Dien (Can Tho), Cai Be (Tien Giang), Tan Quy (Tra Vinh), Tam Binh (Vinh Long), Cho Lach (Ben Tre) districts. ) with famous fruit brands such as Vinh Kim breast milk, Cai Be tangerine, Cai Mon durian, pomelos Vinh Long, Hoa Loc sand mango, Hau Giang orange and etc. Therefore, you can take a Mekong river cruise at any time of the year.

• 2/ The river is immense

The second reason why tourists should spend time traveling to the Mekong Delta is that the river is immense. Therefore, people in the Mekong Delta mainly depend on the river. This village connects the other neighbor by waterway instead of the road. The interlocking canals also create conditions for the emergence of lively and colorful floating markets throughout the western provinces such as Cai Rang , Phong Dien, and Phung Hiep and so on. Therefore, when having the chance to visit Mekong Delta, you don’t forget to visit floating markets in there. However, you should remember that you should stay at local people or hotels if you want to visit a floating market because these markets open early from 6 am-8 am only.

Furthermore, when visiting the place, you not only have the opportunity to bring about many kinds of specialty fruits and vegetables but also witness and listen to the special sounds of a floating market at dawn. In addition to choosing Western specialties, going to floating markets, you can also grab small boats serving as mobile cafes, order a cup of ice coffee or soft drink and enjoy a bowl of vermicelli for a meal.

• 3/ Abundant fish and shrimp

From the peak of the Tibetan plateau, the mighty Mekong River flows through six countries, bringing millions of people to life. Pouring into Vietnam, after a long journey of 4,500km, nine estuaries (Cuu Long) carry a large amount of silt to form one of the world's largest plains. The wonderful conditions that nature brings have created a rich and unique cuisine here. In the West, there are many delicious dishes that you can discover grilled snakehead fish, goby hotpot, fish sauce hotpot, pancake, fish noodle, fish porridge, noodles, and grilled chicken clay. Therefore, when visiting the place, you should spend time enjoying wonderful and delicious dishes there.

• 4/ Traditional villages

Village ecotourism is one of the attractions of the West. Foreign visitors especially like to understand the production process and experience the feeling of making products themselves. The West has many famous traditional craft villages such as Long Dinh projection village, and the old village of My Tho (Tien Giang); Tan Chau silk village (An Giang); Ba So nuggets village (Tra Vinh); My Tuong rice paper village, coconut candy (Ben Tre), Lai Vung village, Sa Dec flower growing village (Dong Thap) and etc.

• 5/ Friendly local people

The Mekong Delta is a strange paradise for travelers from all over the world with a good climate, a vibrant tropical garden, a relaxed atmosphere and generosity of local residents. Not only with neighbors, but almost visitors can also feel the cuteness of the people on this day and night boat for the first time visiting.

Traditional villages

• 6/ Many folk entertainment games

The tour to the Mekong cannot be missed the fun activities of folk entertainment such as rowing a boat between the canals, slapping ditches to catch fish, hunting hamsters, throwing nets, and picking fruit trees, trying "feel sensation ”with bamboo bridges loosely.

• 7/ Southern amateur music

Referring to the West and mentioning people who are wounded, bear hard cannot ignore the crunching melody of the monochord. In this land, the ancient songs on the background of the rustic monochord have long penetrated into the soul of the generation class here as a soul that cannot be lost. So popular that you can enjoy the melody anywhere, at all times when you have the opportunity to travel on the land of the West.

Southern amateur music

• 8/ Amazing Phu Quoc island

Belonging to Kien Giang Province, Phu Quoc Island is a popular tourist destination not only in the West but also in the world. At the end of 2014, the prestigious National Geographic travel site selected Phu Quoc into the top 10 best winter destinations of the year. Furthermore, with charming, peaceful scenery of blue sea, white sand, and special places, this place will be an interesting stop not to be missed in the journey to explore the western provinces.

We hope that after the post, tourists will have  more useful and necessary information about Mekong Delta and the place will the next destination for your vacation in the future. 

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NAVIGATE Mekong river Vietnam - Is it worth the visit?

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Mekong Delta Boutique River Cruises

You’re planning a dream vacation in Southeast Asia? – Don’t miss the best part of it! This luxurious river cruise through the Mekong Delta will be the highlight of your vacation.

Our stylish cruise ships are perfect for discovering the hustle and bustle and the wonderful colors of the magical river world. You can sit comfortably on the sundeck and watch the landscape pass by – or go exploring on a sampan excursion through the maze of small channels and islands.

Cruises range from 2 to 5 days and explore remote and less accessible parts of the Delta. You can book your tour from Saigon to Phom Penh, the island of Phu Quoc or as round trips from Saigon.

Our favorite tours

2-day mekong delta discovery, 3-day saigon to phu quoc tour, 4-day from vietnam to cambodia.

With our cruises you can travel from Saigon to Phnom Penh by boat to explore the fantastic scenery of the Mekong Delta. Along the way you pass fascinating landscapes with an abundance of rice paddies and fruit orchards, life along the shores, playing children, Buddhist pagodas and colorful Cao Dai temples.

Starting from USD 485 p.P.

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Unforgettable Mekong river cruises

Forget strenuous day-trips: Mekong Eyes Cruises is the first choice in on-board accommodation on the Mekong River. You wake up well rested in the morning and have plenty of time for extensive and authentic holiday impressions.

We support you in planning your individual tour for discovering the exotic water world of the Mekong Delta and beyond: your holiday in other parts of Vietnam as well as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar …

Just email us: info@mekongeyes.com

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How my family of 4 spent $10,000 on a Caribbean cruise — and what we'll cut next time even though we had a blast

• My family of four splurged on a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy .
• We stayed in an inexpensive class of stateroom, but paid $7,000+ to cruise during spring break.
• We didn't watch our onboard spending and money spent on excursions, which quickly added up. 

My family of four – my husband, two teens, and myself – sailed on the Disney Fantasy this spring. Our cruise was seven nights and left from Port Canaveral , Florida, near Orlando.

Our ship stopped in Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Jamaica, Cozumel, Mexico, and Disney's island, Castaway Cay . This was our first time sailing on the Fantasy and our ninth Disney cruise.

Our trip cost just over $10,000. Perhaps surprisingly, this is on par with the higher end of what a family can expect to spend on a seven-night Caribbean cruise: about $270 to $2,600 a person .

Here's a rough look at what we spent:

Cruise: $7,300 (includes interior room, meals, and entertainment)

Excursions: $1,160

Alcohol: $334

Bingo: $152

Here's the value we felt we got and what we might do differently next time.

We got the cheapest room type but would've saved by sailing at a different time of year

Even though we stayed in the cheapest stateroom category — interior cabins — our cruise was still pricey because we sailed during spring break.

We could've saved $3,000 on the cruise if we'd went in September, which is during hurricane season and while school is in session for our kids. In the end, we couldn't justify our sons missing that week of school.

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Sadly, there's not much getting around this cost in the next few years. It's hard for us to travel during cheaper times since cruises almost always cost more during spring break, summertime, and over the winter holidays when most kids are out of school.

I don't regret our WiFi or bingo budgets

We bought an intermediate WiFi package for $490 and spent $152 on bingo.

We don't usually spend money on WiFi while cruising, but decided to get a package since this was a longer sailing . This allowed my kids to play their online games at night and me to keep an eye on my inbox.

No one was glued to their device, and even though this was quite a chunk of change, I'd consider it again for a longer cruise like this one.

The bingo turned out to be an OK investment since we won $145 and almost broke even. We usually play at least one round of bingo and usually don't win much, but my kids enjoy it, and it's something we do as a family.

Still, excursions, spa treatments, and drinks added up

We booked excursions in Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Cozumel, and my husband and I had a couple's massage on the beach at Castaway Cay.

We didn't book super elaborate excursions, but costs added up for four people. Even so, I don't regret any of the experiences or the time spent with my family.

We could've cut back on our excursions budget by not booking directly with Disney Cruise Line or finding a spot to snorkel on our own, but I liked the ease and security of booking directly with the cruise line.

We've heard a lot of horror stories lately about cruise-ship passengers getting left behind in ports , and we always figure our odds are better if we're on an excursion arranged by the ship.

Next time, we might cut back on drinks and spa treatments

Since we're limited by when we can travel, we're honing in on alcohol and spa treatments as areas we can spend less money on.

We're not huge drinkers, but my husband and I enjoy having a glass of wine with our dinner and a couple of cocktails on deck or while lounging on the beach at Castaway Cay.

On future trips, we may cut back. When we looked at our bill, we saw that some of the wine we ordered was as much as $18.50 per glass!

And, as much as we loved the massages on the beach, they cost $289 a person (including automatic gratuity). Getting a massage in a beachside cabana while on vacation was super relaxing, but we can get massages at home for a fraction of that price.

Overall, we loved our cruise and have no regrets

The longer cruise with four ports of call was pricier than we realized, and we got a bit of sticker shock when we saw the final bill with our onboard extras.

I don't have any regrets since my family has always been more focused on experiences than stuff : We don't drive fancy cars or wear expensive clothes, but we prioritize nice vacations.

Although we know we need to curb the spending in a few areas and be a little more aware of what things cost when charging things to our room, we came away with fond memories that were worth every penny.

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