The Mekong River is one of the world’s great waterways, beginning in the Himalayas of Tibet and passing through China, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia before it forms the delta in southern Vietnam. The Mekong Delta itself is a maze of waterways that snake through the flat landscape of the region, driving a vibrant culture based on the river’s bounty.
This lush, tropical paradise has been voted one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. Here, tourism flourishes and you can cruise down the Mekong River in a boat taxi and discover a world from the past. Floating markets, ancient temples, fruit orchards, museums, and scenic rice paddies dot the area.
But with so much to see, choosing where to go might be the most difficult decision. Here are 7 top things to do in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.
Chau Doc
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Famous Fish Statue in the town of Chau Doc, on the waterfront.[/caption]Situated along the Hau Giang River on the border with Cambodia, you can explore Chau Doc’s monuments, mosques, and temples, as well as its vibrant marketplace. From the De Dao Trang Plaza to the Chau Phu Temple, you’ll find multiple cultural and religious sites to explore. The Chau Giang Mosque and the Mubarak Mosque are located across the river in Cambodia but are worth a trip. Water taxis are easy to hail and are relatively inexpensive.
Sam Mountain
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Buddhist temple at the base of Sam Mountain.[/caption]Only six kilometers from Chau Doc, Sam Mountain is the highest mountain in the Mekong Delta. While it is only 755 feet (230 meters) high, it juts prominently from the relatively flat delta. It is home to several religious sites that add to its scenic beauty.
The Tay An Pagoda, originally built in 1847, sits atop Sam Mountain and its ancient trees. The pagoda shares design elements from Cham, Vietnamese, Chinese and even Indian cultures, reflecting Vietnam’s history of foreign occupation.
The nearby Ba Chua Xu Temple houses the statue of the Holy Mother of the Realm, who protects the border and is said to give good luck in business and in health.
The tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau honors the man who brought farming to the region in the late 18th century. The short climb is regarded as a pilgrimage for many Vietnamese and Chinese. At the top of the peak, there’s a small military outpost, where you can enjoy stunning views looking into Cambodia on one side and Vietnam on the other side.
Riverboat cruises
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Top tourist attractions are the scenic boat cruises along the Mekong Delta. This one departs from Ben Tre village.[/caption]One of the most enjoyable ways to experience this region is by taking a boat cruise along sections of the Mekong River. From Vin Long or My Tho, there are several tours taking visitors along the river and its various canals daily. Some tours stop at flower farms, rice paper factories, and nearby temples. Every tour you take will lead you past thick forests of palm trees, rice farms, and villages.
Vinh Trang Pagoda
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Daily tours are offered at the Vinh Trang Pagoda.[/caption]A favorite tourist spot, the ornate Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho, near Ho Chi Minh City, celebrates the Buddha with three enormous Buddha statues. The statues represent three phases of the Buddha’s life: the standing Buddha symbolizes bliss and compassion, the laughing Buddha symbolizes good luck and happiness, while the reclining Buddha represents attaining nirvana. This stately and elaborate building is built in a combination of eastern and western styles, including Renaissance-style patterns, Romanesque arches, Japanese tile and Vietnamese architecture.
Floating markets
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Farmers sell their produce in floating markets in the Mekong Delta.[/caption]The floating markets of the Mekong Delta showcase a vibrant part of local life in this thriving agricultural area. You can buy pineapple and other tropical fruits from the growers who sell their wares in boats. Most of the rice exported from Vietnam is grown in the Mekong Delta, and there are many fruit orchards and flower farms here as well.
Tra Su Indigo Forest
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Boat tour in the Tra Su Indigo Forest, Vietnam (during high water season).[/caption]This fascinating ecotourism site in the An Giang Province is a vibrant forested area most of the year. But during the rainy season (September and October), it turns into a flooded forest. During the high water season, you can take a guided boat tour through the forest from Ho Chi Minh City.
Ecotourism
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Vietnam is the third largest exporter of rice in the world, and most of the country's rice is grown in the rich fields of the Mekong Delta.[/caption]The Mekong Delta has the richest farmland in the country, which is why the area has been fought over by neighboring countries for thousands of years. The region offers some of the world’s most interesting eco-tours of rice paddies, fruit orchards, flower growers, and riverbeds. Taking tours in this area supports the local economy and encourages responsible environmental stewardship.
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable trip to the Mekong Delta? Tourism in the Mekong Delta is an escape from the everyday and an adventure like no other. Make sure you get your Vietnam visa before you start your trip. You can avoid the hassle and get your visa the fast and easy way at Vietnam Visa.
