top of page
Writer's pictureDorothee Perrault

MEKONG DELTA IN VIETNAM - PEACEFUL RIVER LIFE AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES FOR FAMILIES

Updated: Oct 13, 2023

To escape the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta is a 3-hour drive to connect to the serene countryside and the vast, peacefully flowing rivers. The Mekong Delta is focused around the water, which explains why most locals navigate this region by boat.


Discover the richness and hospitality of the Delta people with Chôm Chôm Travel.


1. WHERE IS THE MEKONG DELTA?


The Mekong Delta is located to the west of Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong unravels into nine rivers, referred to as "Song Cuu Long," which means '9 dragons' creating the fertile Delta.

There are twelve provinces in Mekong Delta: Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Dong Thap, Long An, Kien Giang, Tien Giang, An Giang, Vinh Long, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, and Can Tho.



2. THE MOST AMAZING THINGS TO DO

  • Witness the local's unique river life while relaxing on a rowing boat.

Sitting in a traditional rowing boat where the locals paddle through the tiny side canals is the ideal way to explore the Mekong Delta's beautiful nature and local life.


You can enjoy a stunning view of rice fields, fruit farms, coconut trees and local homes. The Mekong Delta is known as Vietnam's "rice bowl" due to its abundance of rice fields.


Cruising along the Mekong Delta via river cruise can be a fascinating experience; you can watch the gorgeous sunset in the afternoon.



  • Discover the unique Khmer culture.

There are Khmer ethnic minorities living in the Mekong Delta, contributing to the region's diverse culture. Trà Vinh province has a museum of the Khmer culture. The museum currently displays more than 800 artefacts, images and documents that describe the life of the Khmer ethnic community in the Mekong Delta.


Chôm Chôm Travel has our Khmer guides, making them the ideal person to show you the fascinating culture and explain its distinctive ceremonial traditions and architectural features.

  • Cycling around to admire the peaceful charm of rice fields and vegetable farms

In the Mekong Delta area, bicycles are commonly used. Cycling is the ideal way to explore the Delta. You and your family can ride slowly through the countryside, on narrow paths, across bridges, and through lush gardens and coconut trees. You might stop for a cold coconut or buy exotic fruit.


If your family enjoys challenging riding, our Chôm Chôm team will plan a 45 to 90-kilometre route for you to remote places and explore untamed nature.


  • Visiting traditional craft villages

Many traditional handicrafts originated in the Mekong delta and have been constantly conserved despite the rapid industrialisation of the region.


The traditional craft villages of Conical hats, weaving, and coconut products come from the Ben Tre region. Rice flour is produced in the Sa Dec area. The sedge weaving mats are from Tien Giang, and shipbuilding is made in Dong Thap. These handicrafts have been created for generations, significantly contributing to the area's vibrant culture and growing economy.


All our Chôm Chôm guides are locals, and they will take you to places where you can have the most authentic experience.




  • Taste diverse kinds of tropical fruits & cuisines

There are numerous fruit farms in the Mekong Delta, and Chôm Chôm Travel collaborates with many hotels and lodges with gardens, where you can visit and pick fruit while staying there.


One of the best-known dishes of the Mekong Delta is deep-fried elephant-ear fish (Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu). You can use the rice paper to wrap the crispy fish with vegetables and then dip it in fish sauce. Super delicious and healthy!


Nem is minced pork dish with black pepper, chilli, and garlic. It is placed in banana leaves to hold all the flavours and tenderness of the meat. It is incredibly tasty!



  • Visiting a cocoa farm

You and your children can visit our local partner's cocoa farm to learn how chocolate is made using fruits from cocoa trees, which will be an educational and enjoyable experience. Your kids will appreciate their chocolate since they understand that producing one bar takes a lot of work.


  • Experiencing the ambience of a floating market

Living in a region of many canals and rivers, the locals use rowing boats and motorboats as the primary mode of transportation.

A floating market is where many boats gather to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and delicious food—the most distinguishing characteristic of the Mekong Delta.

Coming here early in the morning will give you the best chance to witness how locals trade products with each other. It will be vibrant and full of vivid scenery.

Nga Bay, also known as Phung Hiep Floating Market, is a traditional market that has existed since 1975. It offers a variety of items, including fruits, agricultural products, handicrafts, and household goods. You can have a dining experience on a boat here.



3. BEST TIME TO VISIT & WHERE TO GO NEXT


The best time to travel to the Mekong Delta is from October to March, when the river water level is the highest, ideal for boat markets and sailing trips.

The Mekong Delta is the ideal destination for families and travellers. The peace and serenity of experiencing boat trips and cycling through the majestic countryside.


Did you know you can extend your travels from The Mekong Delta?

Chôm Chôm Travel highly recommends Phu Quoc Island!

The majestic white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters will relax and refresh you. You can go by ferry service from Ha Tien or Rach Gia City. The journey will take 2.5 - 3 hours.

A fantastic travel experience to add to your itinerary!


Contact us so we can show you how incredible the Mekong Delta is.












229 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page