How to get the best out of your visit to Mekong River and Mekong Delta
The Mekong River meanders slowly through the flat landscape of Vietnam, spreading into rivulets and tributes. Along the banks of the Mekong River and the delta, life flows in its vibrant, slow pace, mirroring the river's richness and vitality. This is our take on the best things to do around the Mekong River and Mekong Delta.
Go on a river cruise
Drift along the Mekong River on a Luang Prabang Cruise to discover the sleepy shorelines of the Golden Triangle and the everlasting spell of the heart of Southeast Asia. You'll cruise through vistas of tropical forests, rock formations, and mountains. Your captain will navigate the boat past breathtaking gorges and labyrinths. Most cruise experiences such as the one offered by Mekong Kingdoms will take you to visit hill-tribe villages to discover their unique ways of life. You will also get to explore mysterious, ancient caves hidden in the jungle.
Explore a floating market
Floating markets may not be unique to Vietnam, but the Mekong floating markets emanate a charm of their own. Mekong Delta's floating markets have existed for centuries for the sole purpose of allowing local farmers to sell their fruit and vegetables to land dwellers. While the most famous floating market is the Cai Rang Market, we suggest that you visit the more intimate Phong Dien floating market. This particular market still retains a more intimate, unrushed vibe. Vendors display their colorful wares at the market on small, traditional sampans, and they still swap produce. You would enjoy buying produce from these traders and enjoying a friendly chat.
Go bird watching at the Tram Chim National Park
Located in the Dong Thap province, Tram Chim National Park spans over 7,500 hectares. There are over 200 bird species at the park, out of which many are rare and endangered. The bird population makes up around a quarter of the entire nation's birds. The Sarus cranes with their distinctive crimson heads and silver-grey black-tipped wings are a prominent attraction at the Tram Chim National Park. Rare white lotuses adorn the waterways of the national park. To experience these bounteous gifts of nature, you could either rent a motorbike or car to reach Dong Thap province. From there, book a boat ride to navigate the park. Each boat can accommodate about 12 people at once and a tour lasts between half an hour to an hour.
Climb the Sam Mountain
The Sam Mountain seems to rise above the ocean and paddy field, broodingly. The journey up to the arid mountain top is appealing. You'll come across enormous boulders that flank the hillside. Animal statues including one of a Tyrannosaurus rex will greet you as you reach the top. But the best of all is the view from the summit. In the rainy season, the lush, pleasantly green paddy fields and many meandering waterways, paint a mesmerizing picture.
Checkout the Cai Be Fruit Orchard in Tien Giang
The Mekong Delta grows two-thirds of fruit consumed in Vietnam. Cai Be Fruit Orchard is the biggest one in town. You can visit the orchard to pick some fruit and enjoy the luscious freshness.
Explore Ha Tien
Compact, breezy and charming, Ha Tien is somewhat different from other Delta towns. An assortment of waterways including rivulets and rivers shapes Ha Tien. There are some quaint colonial buildings standing tall in central Ha Tien. A lovely boulevard stands where the old market once stood, complete with walking paths and a fountain. The bank of the East Lake is a great place for a stroll. You can watch fishing boats unload their catch on the opposite bank and drink in the breeze.
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