Located in the South-western region of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a water world where boats, houses and markets float upon the innumerable rivers and canals. With the name of a “biological treasure trove” and comprises 12 provinces in total, Mekong Delta is a “must-visit” place for everyone coming to Vietnam, especially the Southern part.
HOW TO TRAVEL
With its special geographical features, there are many ways to travel to the delta. You can choose the most suitable means of transportation depending on the place you depart.
By plane: Trà Nóc airport – Cần Thơ International is the biggest airport in the South-western area. If you don’t want to waste time on travelling, flying to Cần Thơ then go to other provinces by bus is not a bad idea.
By bus: The most convenient and easiest way to travel to Mekong Delta is by public transportation (if you living in the Southern part of Vietnam, of course). The bus connections works really well, since each urban centre has a main bus station for both buses and minibuses.
If you want to travel in the local style, you can come to Mien Tay bus station (395 Kinh Duong Vuong Street, An Lac Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh city) to buy ticket to the Mekong Delta with a really low price.
If you are up to a more safer and less crowded place, it’s advised that you should come to private travel companies like Phương Trang express, Thành Bưởi express, Hoa Mai express, etc.
By car or motorcycles: If you have an adventurous heart and prefer a flexible ride, private car and motorbikes are highly recommended for you. Although streets in the delta are quite flat, you should watch out for motorbike accidents since traffic rules don’t really work well. You can prepare small money for toll roads and ferry crossing tickets.
By boat: If you have time, money and dying for new experience, please immediately sign up for a boat trip to Mekong Delta! In a place where people travel by boat more than by cars, it’s really nice to travel from town to town through boat connections. The journeys between My Tho (Tien Giang provice) and Ben Tre or between Ca Mau and Rach Gia are reported to be extrememly scenic and breath-taking.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Known as the biggest rice bowl of Vietnam, Mekong Delta has a really sunny and warm weather that suitable for travelling all the time.
In summer, June, July and August, it is the time for tropical fruit reasons. If you want to taste the best fruit, visiting some ‘miệt vườn’ (fruit farm) is an excellent idea.
From September to November, this is the time when water rises the highest. The size of the area is covered by water, so you can go to many provinces and tourist attractions during this time.
From December to February, this is also the time of Lunar New Year – also known as Tết – for Vietnamese people. If you love flowers, there is no other places more ideal for you than some flowers farm in Sa Dec, Tan Quy Dong or Vi Thanh, etc.
WHERE TO GO
1/ Tan Lap Floating Village:
Tan Lap floating market or Tan Lap Cajuput forest is in Mộc Hóa town, Long An province. It is about 100km away from the center of Ho Chi Minh city. Coming to Tan Lap, you will have a minute to get lost in wonderland with the calming beautiful sunlight, the sound of birds singing and wind blowing through leaves. Best time to travel here is between October and November since it’s a lotus season.
2/ Tra Su Cajuput Forest
One of the best-known attractions of Mekong Delta region is Tra Su Forest in Chau Doc town, An Giang province. This place is a former plantation and a wildlife reserve. The best time to visit Tra Su Forest is between September and November when water rises the highest. It will sure be a lifetime experience if you take a boat tour in this calming and greeny paradise.
3/ Tram Chim National Park
If you want to feel the closest to nature, there’s no better way than coming to Tram Chim National Park, where you can travelling on canals with hundreds type of birds above your head. Instead of travelling in the morning, it’s advisable to come to this place in the twilight to mesmerize the beauty of nature. Since the park locates in Dong Thap province, you can easily enjoy the blossoming lotus flowers.
4/ Tan Quy Dong flowers village
One of the biggest flowers village in the Southern part of Vietnam, the Tan Quy Dong flowers village in Sa Dec town, Dong Thap province has always been the number one choice for tourists in Tet festival. With hundreds of flowers and rare plants, the place can provide all types of visitors with colorful photos.
5/ Chua Xu temple
Every year, Chua Xu temple in Sam mountain, Chau Doc town, An Giang province attract more than 2 million visitors coming from all parts of Vietnam. The Chua Xu festival usually last one to two months, creating not only a religious but cultural attraction for many peiole.
6/ Bat Temple
Bat Temple (also known as Ma Toc temple or Mahatup temple) is one of the most significant structure of Khmer people in Vietnam. Coming to this place, tourist can not only mesmerize the impressive 400-year-old architecture but can also feel the mysterious atmosphere of more than hundred bats hanging in the temple’s garden. The good point is that the temple is just 3 kilometers southeast side from the center of Soc Trang city.
7/ Cai Be Floating Market
Unlike other tourist attractions, Cai Be floating market is a must-visit place for tourist at anytime and any season. The market locates in Cai Be town, Tien Giang province and on Tien Giang river (between the three provinces of Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre). This is one of the biggest markets in Mekong Delta. The floating lives of local people is performed through selling and buying stuff activities.
Translator: Mỹ Anh Lê