5 Reasons Why You Should Consider A Mekong Delta Trip
Regarded as the ‘Rice Bowl’ of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a deeply rural region that embraces the pastoral beauty and diversity of the country. The delta is also called ‘Cuu Long’, or ‘Nine Dragons’, referring to the nine tributaries of Mekong River that flow through the delta, enriching the soil with billions of tons of alluvial sediments every year.
One day in this region will leave an impression of the diversity in colors, images and sounds. The sights of conical-hatted farmers tending their crops, children riding on buffalo back, young girls in ao dai cycling to school on dirt roads, vendors selling fruits on floating markets and Buddhist monks walking mindfully on the streets are the most enduring everyday images of a peaceful and happening region.
Stretching from Ho Chi Minh City’s border southwest to the Gulf of Thailand, the flatland comprises 12 provinces and the capital city of Can Tho, each with its own unique attractions. If arriving in around November to December, visitors will have the chance to witness the colorful Oc Om Bok Festival and dragon-boat races in Soc Trang, the largest Khmer commune in the region. After some days discovering the Delta, visitors often venture further as Chau Doc is a the gateway to Cambodia and Ha Tien is just 2.5 hours of boat-ride away from Phu Quoc Island.
Colors Of Life
Perhaps, the most sensible word to sum up the description of the Mekong Delta is “colorful”. From the various landscapes of lush greenery and extensive waterways to the multifaceted everyday sights of vendors bargaining on floating markets and Buddhist monks walking mindfully on the streets, the Mekong Delta is all about diversity and vibrancy.
One Destination, Endless Trip Ideas
The Delta encompasses 12 provinces and one city, each with its own tourist attractions. Just to name a few, My Tho and Vinh Long are famous for boat-trip and floating markets, Sa Dec for stunning river scenery and enchanting flower plantation, and Ca Mau for lush mangroves and swamp lands. Cruising to the offshore island of Phu Quoc or even venturing into Cambodia are very viable and common options for tourists.
People & Culture
Visiting the Mekong Delta offers you a unique insight into the lives of the locals who live simply, diligently and in harmony with the nature. On a normal day, amidst the green paddy fields are conical-hatted farmers harrowing and plowing. Meanwhile on the waterways, vendors are grinning and chatting on their floating boats loaded with fruits.
Convenient Transportation
The fact that the Mekong Delta is a flatland with extensive waterways and roads make moving from one place to another very inexpensive and convenient. Whether riding on motorbikes or boats, visitors will get to explore all the provinces in the region with ease. Indeed, in this region, travelling is not merely getting to your destination but also being enthralled and enchanted by the scenery along the way.
Unique Gastronomy
Home to many renowned Vietnamese dishes and offering them in the most authentic manner, the Mekong Delta is the place to go for all the foodies out there! Some dishes such as Banh Xeo Nam Bo, Banh Tet or Bun Bo are made of fresh local ingredients while others such as Phu Quoc’s fish sauce and are ideal treats to bring home.
Best Time to Visit Mekong Delta: When to Go & Monthly Weather Averages
Located in the Southwest of Vietnam, the region is well-known for its fertile land, tropical orchids, simple-hearted people and unique floating markets which attract a lot of tourists to find peace in mind and experience an authentic rustic ambiance of Vietnamese villages.
