The Mekong Delta is an area where the Mekong River divides into many branches and channels that form a fertile landscape full of rice, fruits, vegetables and fish. It's also a place to learn about local culture, history and traditions. If you want to visit this fascinating area, you can choose from several options of things to do in the Mekong Delta or one of our Delta tours:

• You can take a boat ride on the main and side streams of the Mekong and admire the beauty and diversity of nature. You will see fishing villages, coconut groves, lotus ponds and floating markets where you can buy fresh produce or taste local specialties. Some of the most famous floating markets are Cai Rang, Cai Be and Phung Hiep.
• You can also take a bike or scooter ride through the surrounding villages and fields to experience the life and work of the local people. You can see how different products are made from coconut, rice, sugar cane or bamboo. You can also try your hand at making something yourself or take part in an activity such as fruit picking, fishing or cooking.
• You can also visit some of the historical and cultural sites located in the Mekong Delta. For example, you can visit the Vinh Trang Temple, which is a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese and French styles and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Or you can visit the former French prison on Con Son Island, where political prisoners were held and tortured during the colonial and communist eras.

5 unique towns in the Mekong Delta

I hope I've helped you find something you'd enjoy in the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is a truly unique and impressive area to visit.

The Mekong Delta (Vietnamese: Đồng bằng Sông Cửu Long, literally Nine Dragons River Delta or simply Vietnamese: Đồng Bằng Sông Mê Kông, "Mekong River Delta"), also known as the Western Region (Vietnamese: Miền Tây) or Southwest Region (Vietnamese: Tây Nam Bộ), is an area in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches the sea and flows into it through a network of watersheds. The Mekong Delta region covers a large part of southwestern Vietnam, covering an area of more than 40,500 km², with the size of the area covered by water depending on the season. Its humid coastal geography makes it an important source of agriculture and aquaculture for the country.

The Delta was inhabited as early as the 4th century BC. As a product of Khmer, Vietnamese, Chinese and French settlement of the area, the delta and its watercourses have numerous names, including the Khmer term Bassac to describe the lower basin and the largest river channel that flows through it. After the Geneva Conference in 1954, Vietnam was divided in two, with the southern half of Vietnam inheriting the southern half of Vietnam, which became the state of Vietnam, and eventually South Vietnam, also known as the Republic of Vietnam, with its own administrative states. After 1975, the Mekong Delta ceased to be part of the Republic of Vietnam, succeeded by the current nation of Vietnam. Today, the region consists of 12 provinces, Long An, Đồng Tháp, Tiền Giang, An Giang, Bến Tre, Vĩnh Long, Trà Vinh, Hậu Giang, Kiên Giang, Sóc Trăng, Bạc Liêu and Cà Mau, along with the provincial commune of Cần Thơ.

The Mekong Delta is referred to as a "biological treasure trove". Between 1997 and 2007, more than 1,000 animal species were recorded here and new species of plants, fish, lizards and mammals were discovered in previously unexplored areas, including the Lao rock rat, which was thought to be extinct. The region's low-lying coastal geography makes it vulnerable to climate change caused by sea-level rise, along with associated problems such as coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion.

It is a watery world that moves to the rhythm of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets float along the myriad rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries. If you want to explore this fascinating area, you can book a variety of tours and activities here.

If you have visited the Mekong Delta, we would love to hear your stories and impressions. What fascinated you most about this area? What interesting places have you visited? What activities have you tried? What were your best meals and drinks? How did you feel among the locals?

Share your experiences of the Mekong Delta in the comments below. We'd love it if you show us your photos and videos from your trip too. This way you can help other travelers who are planning to visit this amazing area, and also support local development and environmental protection.

Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to your contributions!