The Mekong River is the twelfth longest river in the world, and the third longest river in Asia. Flowing from Tibet, through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, it is one of the most important rivers in Southeast Asia.

The Mekong Delta region located in the southwestern part of Vietnam is situated at the mouth of the river into the South China Sea. It is one of the largest floodplains in the world.

In Vietnam Mekong forms nine major rivers, and these form dozens of smaller rivers. The region includes as many as twelve provinces, including Ben Tre Province, with the city of the same name. And also the city of Can Tho.

Time seems to flow more slowly in this region. No one is in a hurry to go anywhere, the streets are not as packed with scooters, as in the other places in Vietnam. And even when they do appear, they don’t seem to be as fast as in larger cities.

The people of the Mekong Delta are incredibly friendly and go to great lengths to make their guests feel taken care of, and to make their stay unforgettable.

In this article you will find out where to stay in the Mekong Delta region and what to do, so you can feel the amazing atmosphere of this place.

After the loud and fast Ho Chi Minh City, we arrived in a quiet town in Mekong Delta River – Ben Tre. And only a few days later in one of the largest cities in Vietnam – Can Tho (which didn’t even felt like this).

Ben Tre is known for its four islands on the Mekong River (Unicorn, Phoenix, Turtle and Dragon) where you can see some local traditions, and local life. While Can Tho is visited in large numbers for its dying tradition – the floating markets on Mekong River.

People in the Mekong Delta are friendly and welcoming, that’s why these two places will become some of our favorite places in Vietnam.

For a moment we were part of a world so different from the one we know, but which we enjoyed incredibly.

Town of Ben Tre

The town of Ben Tre itself, which is also the capital of the province of the same name, doesn’t have much to offer, but is an ideal base for exploring the Mekong Delta.

Ben Tre is called a land of coconut, and you can see why straight away.  Already on your way to the homestay, where you probably will be staying, you will see many coconut palms around.

A trip to the Mekong Delta

Most homestays offers assistance in organizing a trip to the Mekong Delta, the programs vary slightly, so choose the one that suits you best.

A tour with the Mienquetours  agency offers an unforgettable experience. And it is including a boat trip, to two (Unicorn Island and Phoenix Island) of the four islands located in the Mekong.

– Try the sweet tea with honey and lime juice

The first stop is a bee farm, where you’ll taste a delicious jasmine tea with lime, honey and bee pollen. The tea is very sweet, poured from a lovely pitcher and served in mini glasses.

There are bees flying around, and as you know, they like sweet things. Especially the honey they produced themselves, so it might happen, that they will try to sip a bit of your tea. ☺️

But don’t you worry about that, they are very friendly and completely non-aggressive. If you feel like it, you can prepare the tea yourself, of course after a short instructional lesson from one of the lovely ladies working at the bee farm.

After the tea, it’s time to get into the electric car or carriage. But we don’t recommend it because of the horses, who unfortunately didn’t look happy pulling 4 people alone and head to the next place.

– Taste the local fruits

Accompanied by songs sung by local women, dressed in beautiful traditional costumes, you will taste the tropical fruits of the region.

Some you can even buy at your favorite supermarket in your country. But there are some, such as longon or jack fruit, that may be new to you.

Remember to try guava, necessarily with salt and chili – it’s a local way to eat this fruit.

– Hop on a small boat

By far the most unforgettable part of this trip is a short ride on small boat floating through the canal.

Lush greenery grows all around, and the ladies who steer and paddle, hand out Vietnamese hats to protect you from the sun. All ready – they set off on a two kilometre tour of the picturesque canal.

– Taste some local candy

The last stop on the first island is the sweet coconut candy manufactory, which is still prepared in a very traditional way.

Watch as the hot mass for the candy is first stirred in a large pot and then poured into a mold. Only to be cut into small squares and packed by hand by the nimble hands of the manufactory’s workers.

The only machine in the place is a big stirrer that mixes the mass in a big pot. Everything that happens after that, is the work of human hands.

– Learn about the Coconut Monk

After all these tasty stops, it’s time to hop on the boat again and head to the other island (Phoenix) to learn the amazing story of Coconut Monk.

This monk created his own, religion – the coconut religion. It was named so, because it is said that Coconut Monk ate and drank only coconut for three years!

Coconut Monk built his pagoda on the island, which is more like an colorful amusement park than a place of religious worship. The religion is a combination of Buddhism and Christianity, and Coconut Monk himself wore a large wooden cross on his chest.

– Try the local delicacies

The last point of the tour will be a tasty lunch, at one of the restaurants located on the island.
The tables are stacked with delicious dishes, and a local delicacy – fish – stands proudly on each table.

If you don’t eat meat, you have nothing to worry about. Just tell your guide about it at the beginning of the tour. He will make sure that you do not leave the island hungry.

Scooter trip

If you stay in Ben Tre for more than one full day, you can also go on a scooter trip around Ben Tre town. The program has little overlap with the Mekong Islands tour, but is still a very interesting experience.

– Learn about the customs of the locals

The local community is best learned through integration, so start your tour with a visit to a small local village, where you can observe the locals at work harvesting coconuts.

Taste the local fruit, talk to the locals and get a feel for the atmosphere of the place. You will learn how coconuts grow and see what their plantation looks like.

– Brick factory

The next stop on this tour is the brick factory, where you’ll learn about the production of bricks and how they are fired. This is once again a place where everything is produced by the power of human hands.

– Boat cruise

A boat cruise on the Mekong is also a must during this trip. This is one of the nicest experiences, especially when there are no other boats around, you can feel like a local.

– Candy factory and lunch on the island

The last two stops overlap with the previous tour. But there’s no need to complain, because you’ll have the opportunity to taste again coconut candies made in a small factory, and a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants.

Staying at local homestay, you can be sure that the owners will help you book the tour you decide on.

Here you will find the company that organized our Mekong Delta tour .

The cost of both the first and second tours is $42 per person and includes boat trips, island hopping and all of the above-mentioned places, as well as delicious lunch.

The easiest way to get to Ben Tre is by local bus, both from Ho Chi Minh City, as well from surrounding towns. You can find all bus connections to Ben Tre online.

Although the town of Ben Tre is not one of the largest, it will be rather difficult to get around on your feet.

Depending on which tour you book you have a choice of tuk tuk, car or scooter. And most likely it will be organized through the homestay in which you will stay.

However, if you want to get somewhere on your own, download the Grab  app to easily arrange a ride.

Ben Tre does not have a very rich accommodation, however, there is a place that completely stole our hearts and made our stay in Ben Tre an unforgettable time for us.

The Nam Ham Luong is a place we felt like we were on vacation at aunt and uncle house. The owners of homestay are amazing people who want at all costs to make your stay at their homestay special.

During our stay at Ben Tre, we did not have the opportunity to eat at the restaurant, as all meals were prepared for us in our homestay, or we had our lunch included in our excursions.

Exploring the city of Can Tho

Located about 3h away from Ho Chi Minh City, the city of Can Tho, is the fifth largest city in Vietnam. Although you can’t see it at first glance, because in Can Tho you really can feel more like in a small town.

City of Can Tho is located right next to the Mekong River, which is full of fish. Colorful boats seen at the harbor, go out for twenty days month after month, only to return loaded with fish. Seafood, but also colorful, exotic fruits reign supreme at the markets in the city.

Can Tho is mostly know for the dying tradition of the Floating Markets, but the city also has a local Night Market, beautiful illuminated bridge, and a few charning temples.

Floating Markets

Undoubtedly the most important attraction for which you should come to the city of Can Tho are the Floating Markets. This is unfortunately a dying tradition, so the markets are no longer as grand as they once were.

Nevertheless, if you have the opportunity to see this amazing spectacle, don’t delay your decision and experience this amazing tradition for yourself.

There are two Floating Markets located around Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market called the big market, which is about 20 minutes by boat from the port. And Phong Dien Floating Market called the small market, which is located more than an hour by boat from the port.

Visit the small market first. Due to the start in the early morning hours, the way it is still dark. The route is slightly illuminated by lanterns in the shape of a half moon, and the platform of the large market, which is already opening.

Employees begin to prepare coffee, and local sweets for tourists who are about to arrive. The big market, due to its close proximity to Can Tho city, is the most popular floating market in the area. Tourists visit it willingly and in large numbers.

That is why a platform was built for them, where locals sell smoked fish, some souvenirs, noodles prepared on the spot, as well as local sweets and coconut drink.

Soon this place will be full of those eager to shop, and those who, with the help of a local, in front of other tourists, will prepare sweets from a large pancake, coconut and corn. Although this combination may not seem apt, it tastes very good and is quite easy to prepare.

If you want to find out how we know this, watch the YouTube vlog linked below. 😉

Apart from floating platform, there are many boats around selling pineapple, or other fruits and vegetables. If you are lucky you will be able to hop on one of the boats, to see how the locals are living on the boat, some of them even their whole life.

The big market is best visited a little later, when the first wave of tourists has already departed to the city. The first stop should be the small market, although the way to it takes about two hours. The time flows pleasantly as the local guide tells stories about the Mekong River, the city of Can Tho as well as the traditions of the region.

Along the way, a local grandmother approached us in her small boat and treated us with a sticky rice cake. She drifted away with a big smile on her face as quickly as she arrived, and we waved to her with a grateful smile and a thank you.

The small market, since it is located quite far from the city, is not so frequented by tourists, making the place more local.

Although the market is not one of the largest now, because most of the locals have switched from boats to motorcycles, it is still possible to observe what trade looks like on the Mekong.

Someone drift up to an boat, hooks up a hook and starts selling coffee, coke and water – products prepared for tourists. In a moment, someone else sells watermelon and dried bananas.

This is certainly a unique spectacle participation in which is an incredible pleasure.

Tours to the Floating Markets start very early as at 4:45 AM and there are several options to choose from.

– Boat with local

One of the cheapest options is a trip to the big market with a local. The price is very attractive, as it costs only about $17 for two people, but it includes only the big market, which is full of tourists in the morning, and a short trip across the canal.

Unfortunately, the locals often do not speak English very well, so you will not learn much during the tour, either about the region or the traditions.

However, if you want as local an experience as possible, just take a walk along the river and you can be sure that one of the locals will be happy to offer you their services.

– Big group tour

Since this tour takes place in a larger group, its price is very attractive, and the price also includes a local guide who speaks English. During the tour you will go to the large Floating Market, across the canal, and to the noodle factory.

Unfortunately, because the tour is organized for a large group, it completely loses the intimacy and local experience.

However, if you want a budget option, just go to the port, and there you will find all the information on the spot.

– Private Tour

This is the most expensive option and costs about $60 for two people. The tour includes a local, licensed guide, large and small floating market, orchard dragon fruit, a trip through a small canal and a noodle factory.

This option is ideal for those who like, private experience, because both the boat and the guide are reserved only for you. The only downside, however, is the rather high price.

If you want to book this tour, all you have to do is go to the port and ask the locals about these options.

If you want someone you can trust, you can text Tommy, our Floating Market tour guide via WhatsApp .

– Semiprivate Tour

Similar to the option above, this tour includes a licensed local guide, a small and large floating market, an orchard dragon fruit, as well as a noodle factory.

The price per person is $12 after some bargain. And this is, in our opinion, the most attractive option, as there are a maximum of 8 on the boat so the experience is still quite intimate.

From the local guide you will learn a lot of valuable information about the Mekong, the region, the city of Can Tho, and of course the Floating Markets.

You can book this tour as well with the same tour guide we had. Just text him about your Floating Market via WhatsApp .

Temples

The city of Can Tho, in addition to the Floating Markets, also offers several, local temples that are located in close proximity to each other. So if you have a spare day left in the city, you should definitely visit them.

One of the most visited temples is Munirangsyaram Temple, which is a Khmer Buddhist Temple, and its name literally means “The shining gemstone temple”.

The temple, thanks to its recent renovation, is a very nice and well-kept place full of friendly monks.

The second temple worth visiting is Chua Phat Hoc, located in the center of the city, a three-story temple. Each room is full of amazing Buddha statues, and on the top floor you can admire the giant golden Buddha statue.

Entrance to both temples is free.

Night Market

In the evening, when it gets dark, head to the local night market. It offers not only clothes, accessories, children’s toys, but also an incredible amount of sea food both ready to eat and to prepare at home.

Cau Di Bo Bridge

This is a nice walking bridge, which during the day may seem like an ordinary bridge. But in the evening, when the lotus structures are illuminated, an amazing spectacle begins, from which it is hard to take your eyes off.

The bridge was built in 2016 and is one of the most visited places for a romantic walk among both locals and tourists.

The easiest way to get to Can Tho is by local bus, both from Ho Chi Minh City, as well from surrounding towns.You can find all bus connections to Can Tho online.

Most tourist attractions such as Night Market, Cau Di Bo Bridge, and temples are located in the city center in walking distance.

Of course, to get to the Floating Market you’ll need a boat, but you don’t have to worry about that if you buy any of the above-mentioned tours.

If you need to get somewhere further, such as to one of the restaurants listed below, the best option to book a ride is the Grab app .

Download QR-Code

‎Grab: Taxi Ride, Food Delivery

Developer: Grab.com

Price: Free

Download QR-Code

Grab - Taxi & Food Delivery

Developer: Grab Holdings

Price: Free

Unfortunately, during our stay in Can Tho, we don’t have a very positive experience regarding accommodation, so we can’t recommend anything specific to you. Although we’re sure you’ll find something on Booking.com  that meets your requirements and needs.

• Bahn Mi Va Cafe A.T | Best Bahn Mi in town
• Huu Vui Cha | A slightly more alternative approach to vegetarianism
• Pad Thai Tomato | Tasty Pad Thai
• Bi Ngan | Amazing vegetarian food

The best time to visit the Mekong Delta is between October to February. This is the dry season and the weather during this time is most pleasant.

Depending on the country you’re coming from different Visa requirements apply. Most of the countries will require an eVisa or can travel visa free for up to 15 days. Check your Vietnam visa requirements before your travel.

In case you need to apply for a Vietnam eVisa , keep in mind that it can take up to a week to get it and it costs $25.

As in every country there are different mobile operators, so it is no different in Vietnam. When we buy a Sim card in a new country, we always look at the most important criteria for us. Coverage and internet credit for a fair price.

After some research and our trip across Vietnam, we can recommend Vinaphone without hesitation.

Remember that at registration it is necessary to show your passport!

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $14 – $18 / night

Restaurant: $2 – $5 / meal

Pleasure: $2 – $3 / event

Activity: $12 – $42 / event