No traveler in their right mind would skip Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta. This collection of towns along the banks of the Mekong River offers a vibrant landscape of blue skies, exotic fruits, and captivating markets. It is a place to relax, experience local life, and indulge in the most memorable meals in Vietnam. Here are five destinations in the Mekong Delta that will leave modern-day explorers in awe.
Can Tho
Can Tho serves as an ideal base for exploring the Delta. Despite being the fourth-largest city in Vietnam, Can Tho exudes a laid-back vibe, allowing visitors to experience a genuine taste of Delta life. Rent a motorcycle and take a short tour around the islets, passing by fish ponds, fruit orchards, and canals under the shade of banana and guava trees. For a fee, you can also hire a rowboat to navigate the sleepy canals and witness how rice paper and noodles are made by hand. After a day of exploration, unwind in one of the rustic hotels or homestays, offering picturesque views of the water.
Of course, no visit to Can Tho is complete without experiencing the lively Cai Rang Floating Market. Wake up early and be on a boat by 6 am to witness the mist lifting off the water as boats come together to trade loads of fresh fruit. Indulge in a bowl of steaming tapioca noodles, sliced pork, and aromatic herbs from a hu tieu vendor for a delightful breakfast experience. If you enjoy floating markets, your hotel can also recommend smaller markets where you can observe farmers selling their fruits up close.
Cai Be
Cai Be may not be as well-known as other towns in the Delta, but that’s what makes it special. This charming town, located in the Cai Be District, is home to Tan Phong Islet, a lush oasis surrounded by the Tien Phong River. Take a short ferry ride to reach the islet, where canals crisscross and fruit trees thrive. Explore the narrow lanes by sampan or bicycle, immersing yourself in the local way of life. Back on the mainland, visit the bustling markets of Cai Be, ride a bicycle to the Cao Dai temple, and indulge in the local delicacies. Don’t miss the opportunity to eat ginger candy with peanuts, fluffy banh mi with chili sauce, and slippery banh canh noodles in fish broth.
Chau Doc
Chau Doc, a border town, offers a fusion of influences and a vibrant market scene. The Hau River flows in front of the town, attracting river boats carrying produce from distant regions to the sprawling market. Explore the market’s wet section, where flowers, fermented fish, palm nuts, and tamarinds are popular items. Don’t forget to try Chau Doc-style bun ca, a turmeric-tinted noodle soup made with garlic, fermented fish paste, river fish, rice noodles, banana blossoms, bean sprouts, and crunchy điên điển flowers. To experience life deep in the Delta, visit the delicately painted mosques on the islets and the Buddhist pagodas on the sacred hill of Nui Sam.
Sa Dec
Sa Dec holds a special place in the hearts of many visitors, thanks to its connection to French author Marguerite Duras and her novel “The Lover.” Visit the house of Duras’ lover, Huynh Thuy Le, a treasure trove of nostalgia dating back to 1895. Sa Dec is also known for its architectural gems, with ornate temples and mansions lining its tidy riverfront streets. Explore the bustling market, which extends to the water, and venture a few kilometers outside the city to discover the flower nurseries that nurture thousands of tropical plants. Sa Dec’s tranquil charm and colonial influences will captivate any traveler passing through.
Ben Tre
As one of the closest towns to Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre is an accessible destination for a day trip or a longer retreat. Embark on a boat ride along the nipa palm-fringed canals and visit a coconut candy workshop, where you can indulge in unlimited coconut candy samples. Cycle along the quiet roads and lanes, immersing yourself in the tropical wonderland of towering palms and olive-hued canals. Witness the weaving process, visit a brick-making factory, or relax on a sampan during a row boat tour. Treat yourself to a classic Ben Tre lunch of fried elephant ear fish wrapped in cucumber, pineapple, herbs, and rice noodles, dipped into light fish sauce.
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