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Southern Vietnam · Off-beat

Mekong Delta

Rivers, floating markets, slow life — everything you need to know before you go.

RiversFoodSlow
Best time
Nov – Apr
Stay from
$14
Articles
29
Coordinates
10.03°N
105.78°E
Rustic boats adorned with plants at the busy Mekong Delta floating market in Vietnam.
↑ Rustic boats adorned with plants at the busy Mekong Delta floating market in Vietnam.Photo · Vietnam Tri Duong Photographer · Pexels
01Overview02When to go03What to do04Where to eat05Getting there
01.

Overview — what Mekong Delta is, in one screen.

Mekong Delta is one of southern vietnam's most off-beat destinations. Known for rivers, floating markets, slow life, it draws travelers looking for rivers and food experiences.

Best visited between Nov – Apr when the weather is most favorable and crowds are manageable. Accommodation starts from $14/night for guesthouses and homestays.

This guide collects 29 independent articles — destinations within Mekong Delta, where locals eat, transport options, and tested itineraries you can follow.

Quick facts
Region
Southern Vietnam
Best time
Nov – Apr
Stay from
$14
Travel style
Rivers, Food, Slow
Articles
29 guides
Coordinates
10.03°N · 105.78°E
02.

Best time to visit — month by month.

Jan
★★★★★
Feb
★★★★★
Mar
★★★★
Apr
★★★
May
★★
Jun
★★
Jul
★★
Aug
★★
Sep
★★
Oct
★★
Nov
★★★★
Dec
★★★★★
PoorBest time
03.

What to do in Mekong Delta — top experiences.

All Mekong Delta guides →
A barge loaded with timber navigates the lush waters of An Hoi, Vinh Long, Vietnam.
01 · Destinations

Vinh Long Mekong Homestay: Orchards, Brick Kilns, and the Slow Boat Life

5 minRead guide →
A barge loaded with timber navigates the lush waters of An Hoi, Vinh Long, Vietnam.
02 · Destinations

Ben Tre: Coconut Country, Canal Boats, and the Mekong's Quietest Corner

5 minRead guide →
Detailed close-up of a Sarus crane head in Takéo Province, Cambodia.
03 · Destinations

Tram Chim National Park: Where to Watch Sarus Cranes in Dong Thap

4 minRead guide →
Tropical bay with limestone rocks and greenery, perfect for nature lovers.
04 · Destinations

Ha Tien: Mui Nai Beach, Thach Dong Cave, and the Ferry to Phu Quoc

4 minRead guide →
Experience a tranquil boat ride through a serene swamp landscape in South Carolina.
05 · Destinations

U Minh Ha National Park: Peat Swamps, Monkeys, and the Tip of Vietnam

4 minRead guide →
A farmer in Vietnam harvesting salt in bright sunlight wearing a conical hat.
06 · Destinations

Bac Lieu: Salt Fields, Southern Music, and the Legend of the Prodigal Prince

4 minRead guide →
04.

Where to eat in Mekong Delta — dishes locals queue for.

All Mekong Delta food →
Close-up of traditional Vietnamese Banh Chung served during Tet celebrations in Bến Tre, Vietnam.
01 · Food

Com Dep Tra Vinh: the Flat Green Rice of Khmer New Year

4 minRead guide →
Colorful display of beverages and coconuts at Cần Thơ floating market, Vietnam.
02 · Food

Ba Khia Ca Mau: The Salt-Fermented Crab That Southerners Swear By

5 minRead guide →
A close-up of a person crafting traditional Vietnamese banh tet, showcasing cultural craftsmanship.
03 · Food

Banh Pia Soc Trang: The Flaky, Durian-Filled Cake You Either Love or Avoid

4 minRead guide →
Warm and comforting homemade rice porridge with scallions in a ceramic bowl, perfect for breakfast.
04 · Food

Best Chao Ca Loc in Can Tho: Where Locals Send You

5 minRead guide →
A beautifully presented platter of delicious appetizers with decorative garnishes in a Ho Chi Minh City restaurant.
05 · Food

Hu Tieu Nam Vang vs Hu Tieu Sa Dec vs Hu Tieu My Tho: Three Southern Classics

5 minRead guide →
Top view appetizing traditional Vietnamese dish with fried tofu cut cucumbers and boiled noodles served in bowl on table near bowl with mixed green leaves and ripe lime
06 · Food

Bun Mam: Southern Vietnam's Fermented Fish Noodle Soup

4 minRead guide →
05.

Getting to Mekong Delta — your options.

Option 01

Domestic flight

From
Sài Gòn / Hà Nội
Travel time
1–2 hr
Cost
$25–80
Option 02

Motorbike rental

From
Sài Gòn
Travel time
8–12 hr
Cost
120k/day + fuel
Option 03

Private car + driver

From
Sài Gòn
Travel time
6–8 hr
Cost
2.5–4M VND
→

Read more about Mekong Delta — independent guides.

All 38 →
A barge loaded with timber navigates the lush waters of An Hoi, Vinh Long, Vietnam.
01 · Destinations

Vinh Long Mekong Homestay: Orchards, Brick Kilns, and the Slow Boat Life

Vinh Long sits an hour from Can Tho but feels a world apart — island homestays, working orchards, and crumbling brick kilns that most Mekong tourists never reach.

A barge loaded with timber navigates the lush waters of An Hoi, Vinh Long, Vietnam.
02 · Destinations

Ben Tre: Coconut Country, Canal Boats, and the Mekong's Quietest Corner

Ben Tre moves slower than the rest of the Mekong Delta — fewer tour buses, more waterways, and coconut palms as far as you can see. Here's how to spend two days properly.

Detailed close-up of a Sarus crane head in Takéo Province, Cambodia.
03 · Destinations

Tram Chim National Park: Where to Watch Sarus Cranes in Dong Thap

Tram Chim is the Mekong Delta's best wetland for birdwatching, home to Vietnam's largest population of sarus cranes during the dry season from December to April.

→

Or visit instead — other destinations in Southern.

All 12 →
A stunning view of Ho Chi Minh City's skyline with modern architecture illuminated at dusk.
Must visit
Southern
Sài Gòn
Chaos, cuisine, nightlife
Dec – MarFrom $15
54 guides →
A breathtaking view of Hon Thom Cable Car over the turquoise sea and lush islands in Vietnam.
Beach
Southern
Phú Quốc
Beach island, snorkeling
Nov – MarFrom $28
23 guides →
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