No traveler should miss the enchanting Mekong River Delta in Vietnam. This vibrant region is a colorful mosaic of towns along the Mekong River, offering dazzling blue skies, a bounty of exotic fruits, and an array of markets, temples, and colonial-era mansions.

Here, you can relax in a hammock, drift downstream in a sampan, and savor some of the most memorable meals in Vietnam. The Mekong Delta is home to the friendliest locals and ethnic minorities who live on the water, making it a unique and heartwarming destination.

Discover the top five must-visit destinations in the Mekong Delta for an unforgettable adventure.

Can Tho is the perfect starting point for your first visit to the Mekong Delta. Experience the authentic Delta life with days spent on or near the water, laid-back vibes, and delicious cuisine. As the fourth largest city in Vietnam, Can Tho offers a relaxed atmosphere despite its size.

Discover Delta Life

• Motorcycle Tours: Take a short motorcycle tour to glimpse the surrounding islets. Under the shade of banana and guava trees, you'll pass fish ponds, fruit orchards, and canals.

• Rowboat Adventures: For a small fee, hire a rowboat to explore the sleepy canal system. Visit small workshops to see how rice paper and noodles are handmade.

Rustic Stays

Stay at one of the rustic hotels or homestays in Can Tho, where you can unwind with blissful water views.

Cai Rang Floating Market

Don't miss the Cai Rang Floating Market, a vibrant spectacle that starts around 5 AM. Be on a boat by 6 AM to watch the mist drift off the water and catch the market action during peak hours. Boats loaded with fresh fruits like pomelos, pineapples, and durians trade on the caramel-colored river. Small rowboats navigate between larger boats, selling coffee, snacks, and noodles.

Best Breakfast in Can Tho

For the best breakfast, sidle up to a hu tieu vendor for a steaming bowl of tapioca noodles, sliced pork, and aromatic herbs.

Explore Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta, and create unforgettable memories on your journey.

Cai Be may not attract as many travelers, but its approachable and authentic charm makes it a must-visit destination in the Mekong Delta. The highlight of Cai Be District is Tan Phong Islet, a lush paradise embraced by the Tien Phong River. Everyday life in the Mekong Delta includes ferry rides, and reaching the islet involves a short but fascinating ferry journey.

Explore Tan Phong Islet

Tan Phong Islet is interwoven with canals and abundant fruit trees. Most of the residents are farmers, cultivating rambutans, mangosteens, and other tropical fruits. The best way to explore the islet is by taking a sampan ride or cycling down its narrow lanes. Immerse yourself in the vibrant foliage and experience the local way of life up close.

Discover Cai Be Town

Back on the mainland, the markets in Cai Be town come alive at dawn. As the sun glistens off the water, children ride to school, and the flags of Cai Be Church flutter in the breeze. Explore the markets, visit the Cao Dai temple by bicycle, and soak in the local culture.

Indulge in Local Delicacies

One of the best things to do in Cai Be is indulge in the local cuisine. Enjoy ginger candy with peanuts, fluffy banh mi with chili sauce, and slippery banh canh noodles in fish broth. Relish the freshly picked, sun-kissed fruits offered by the locals. And if you need a break, take a nap in a hammock—just like the Vietnamese do!

Experience the untouched beauty and authentic charm of Cai Be, a hidden gem in the Mekong Delta.

Chau Doc is a fascinating border town brimming with the unique sights, sounds, and smells that make it a captivating destination. Situated along the Hau River, also known as the Bassac River, Chau Doc is a hub of activity where river boats bring produce from afar to its bustling market.

Explore Chau Doc's Markets

The sprawling market in Chau Doc is a vibrant tapestry of multicultural trade. In the wet market, you'll find a variety of best-sellers, including flowers, fermented fish, palm nuts, and tamarinds. Shophouses with meticulously painted signs offer everything from gold to plastic slippers. On the sidewalks outside the market, savor the best Chau Doc-style bun ca, a turmeric-tinted noodle soup made with garlic, fermented fish paste, river fish, fresh rice noodles, banana blossoms, bean sprouts, and crunchy điên điển flowers. This perfectly balanced meal is a signature dish of the Mekong Delta.

Experience Authentic Delta Life

Chau Doc provides an unfiltered glimpse into life deep in the Delta. Over the years, Cham, Khmer, Kinh (Vietnamese), and Chinese communities have coexisted peacefully here. Visit delicately painted mosques on the islets, Buddhist pagodas on the sacred hill of Nui Sam, and the bustling Ba Chua Xu temple. Every April, a three-day festival draws thousands of pilgrims to Ba Chua Xu, but the temple is lively year-round with devotees offering whole roasted pigs, fruit pyramids, and lotus blossoms.

Serene Spiritual Sites

For a contrasting experience, visit Chua Hang (Cave Pagoda), a tranquil Buddhist enclave nestled in a hill. From the top, enjoy fantastic views of rice fields stretching to the mountains in Cambodia.

Discover the rich cultural tapestry and vibrant atmosphere of Chau Doc, a hidden gem in the Mekong Delta.

Sa Dec holds a romantic allure for many visitors. This picturesque town is where French author Marguerite Duras lived and set her famous novel, "The Lover." The historic house of Duras' lover, Huynh Thuy Le, dating back to 1895, still stands today and is open to the public. This nostalgic treasure trove features antique furniture, stained-glass windows, and painted cement tiles. The legacy of Duras' family and her complex relationship have immortalized Sa Dec on the literary map.

Architectural Gems and Market Delights

Beyond Nguyen Hue Street, Sa Dec boasts countless mansions and ornate temples along its tidy riverfront streets. Stroll along the river to admire these architectural gems. The market is the heart of activity in Sa Dec, bursting with intriguing produce. The market's back extends to the water, allowing boats to come and go easily.

Sa Dec's Flower Nurseries

Just a few kilometers outside the city lies another vibrant attraction—Sa Dec's extensive flower nurseries. These greenhouses nurture thousands of tropical plants. Wander through these nurseries or capture stunning photos in special Instagram-friendly spots.

A Serene Escape in the Delta

Sa Dec may be one of the quieter towns in the Mekong Delta, but its lovely flower farms and lingering colonial influences have a way of charming travelers passing through.

Discover the unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in Sa Dec for an unforgettable journey.

Ben Tre, one of the closest towns to Ho Chi Minh City, is perfect for a day tour or an extended retreat. This Mekong Delta province offers unique experiences that will leave you enchanted. Whether you're planning a quick visit or a longer stay, Ben Tre is full of delightful surprises.

Unforgettable Boat Rides and Scenic Views

• Nipa Palm-Fringed Canals: Enjoy a boat ride along the serene canals. Most tours include a stop at a coconut candy workshop, where you can taste the delicious treats and see the entire production process.

• Cycling Adventures: Explore the quiet roads and lanes that encircle the town. Ride a bicycle deeper into the tropical landscape, surrounded by towering palms and olive-hued canals.

Immersive Local Experiences

• Traditional Weaving: Watch how colorful mats are woven, showcasing the local craftsmanship.

• Brick Making: Visit a brick-making factory to see how bricks are formed and fired in massive kilns.

• Sampan Rides: Clamber onto a sampan for a relaxing row boat tour along the waterways.

Delicious Local Cuisine

Indulge in the culinary delights of Ben Tre. A must-try is the classic Ben Tre lunch of fried elephant ear fish, rolled with cucumber, pineapple, herbs, and rice noodles, dipped in light fish sauce. It's a culinary experience unique to this region.

Discover the hidden charms of Ben Tre and create unforgettable memories in this tranquil part of the Mekong Delta.