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Mekong Delta
Floating markets at dawn, coconut canals, orchards and homestays – the Mekong Delta is Vietnam's green river world, just a short drive from Saigon.
The Mekong Delta is the vast, fertile region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River divides into many branches before flowing into the sea. Known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl”, it produces much of the country’s rice, fruit and fish. Life here revolves around the water: boats trade at Cai Rang floating market, sampans glide through the coconut canals of Ben Tre, and families welcome guests to homestays on An Binh Island in Vinh Long. After the 2025 mergers, the delta is organised as Can Tho city and the provinces of An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long and Ca Mau. Starting only 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City, it is the easiest escape into rural Vietnam.
Why Visit the Mekong Delta?
- Floating markets: Cai Rang in Can Tho, the largest remaining today.
- Canals and coconut palms: sampan rides in Ben Tre and around My Tho.
- Homestays and cycling: Vinh Long and An Binh Island.
- Culture and spirituality: Sam Mountain and the Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc, whose festival is UNESCO-listed.
- Nature: the flooded Tra Su Cajuput Forest and rice fields.
- Food and fruit: elephant-ear fish, lẩu mắm hotpot and tropical orchards; see our Mekong Delta food guide.
Top Things to Do in the Mekong Delta
- Take a dawn boat to the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho.
- Paddle a sampan through the coconut canals of Ben Tre.
- Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda and the river islands of My Tho.
- Stay in a homestay on An Binh Island, Vinh Long.
- Photograph the red Mang Thit brick kilns.
- See the riverside church and ancient houses of Cai Be.
- Climb Sam Mountain and visit the Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc.
- Glide through Tra Su Cajuput Forest in the flood season.
- Listen to Đờn ca tài tử folk music in an orchard.
- Cruise from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh along the Mekong.
Mekong Delta Attractions at a Glance: Opening Hours & Ticket Prices 2026
Opening hours and adult ticket prices for the main sights in Mekong Delta, checked in October 2026 against official and local sources. Prices are in Vietnamese dong (VND), can change without notice and are usually included in our private tours. Click a name for the full guide.
| Attraction | Opening hours | Ticket (adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Mekong Delta day trip from Saigon | Pick-up about 7:30, back 17:00–18:00 | Varies by tour |
| My Tho | Vinh Trang Pagoda about 6:30–19:00 | Pagoda free |
| Ben Tre | Daylight | Workshops free |
| Cai Be | Floating-market boats about 6:00–8:00 | Church free; boats priced per boat |
| Vinh Long | Daytime | Free (local ferry a few thousand VND) |
| Can Tho & Cai Rang Floating Market | Cai Rang busiest about 5:00–7:00 | Market free; shared boat from about 100,000 VND |
| Chau Doc & Tra Su Forest | Tra Su forest 6:30–17:30 | Tra Su 120,000 VND; with both boats 270,000 VND |
Best Time to Visit the Mekong Delta
December to April, the dry season, is the most comfortable time. The flood season from about August to November turns the landscape green and is the best time for Tra Su forest. Peak fruit season is roughly May to August. More in our Mekong Delta travel tips.
How to Get to the Mekong Delta
Most trips start in Ho Chi Minh City: My Tho is about 1.5 hours away, Can Tho about 3.5 hours by expressway and Chau Doc 5–6 hours. Can Tho International Airport has domestic flights, including from Hanoi. See our Mekong Delta transportation guide and the Mekong Delta Wikipedia page.
How Many Days in the Mekong Delta?
A day trip from Saigon to My Tho and Ben Tre gives a taste. Two days with a night in Can Tho lets you see the floating market at dawn. Three days adds Chau Doc and Tra Su, or an onward boat to Cambodia.
Where to Stay in the Mekong Delta
Can Tho has the widest choice of hotels; Ben Tre and Vinh Long are best for eco-lodges and homestays; Chau Doc suits travellers heading to Cambodia. See our where to stay in the Mekong Delta guide.
Plan Your Mekong Delta Trip with Local Experts
We hope this Mekong Delta travel guide helps you plan. Vietnam Tour Expert organises private day trips from Saigon, 2–3 day floating market and homestay tours, cycling trips and Mekong cruises to Cambodia. Browse our Mekong Delta tours, or Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
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Popular Attractions
Can Tho & Cai Rang Floating Market: Best Time & Guide
Ben Tre: Coconut Canals, Sampan Rides & Homestays
My Tho Mekong Delta: Vinh Trang Pagoda, Islands & Day Trip
Cai Be Mekong Delta: Floating Market, Church & Old Houses
Vinh Long: An Binh Island Homestays & Mang Thit Kilns
Chau Doc: Sam Mountain, Tra Su Forest & Border Town Guide
Mekong Delta Day Trip from Saigon: Routes, Tips & Tours
Mekong Delta Travel Guide
Frequently asked questions
1. Is the Mekong Delta worth visiting?
Yes. It shows rural river life, floating markets and orchards very different from Vietnam’s cities. See the top places in the Mekong Delta.
2. How many days do you need in the Mekong Delta?
One day for a taste, two days to see a floating market at dawn, three days to include Chau Doc. See our Mekong Delta travel tips.
3. What is the best time to visit the Mekong Delta?
December to April for dry weather; August to November for the flood season. More in our Mekong Delta travel tips.
4. Can I visit the Mekong Delta as a day trip from Saigon?
Yes, My Tho and Ben Tre are 1.5–2 hours away. See our Mekong Delta day trip guide.
5. Which floating market is the best in the Mekong Delta?
Cai Rang in Can Tho is the largest and liveliest today.
6. What time does Cai Rang floating market start?
Trading starts before dawn; the best time is about 5:30–8:00. See Can Tho.
7. Is the Cai Be floating market still worth visiting?
It has largely faded; visit Cai Be for its church and ancient houses instead. See Cai Be.
8. How far is Can Tho from Saigon?
About 170 km, roughly 3.5 hours by expressway. See our Mekong Delta transportation guide.
9. How far is Chau Doc from Saigon?
About 250 km, 5–6 hours by road. See Chau Doc.
10. Can I travel from the Mekong Delta to Cambodia by boat?
Yes, boats run from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh in about 5 hours via the Vinh Xuong border crossing. See our Mekong Delta transportation guide.
11. What is Ben Tre famous for?
Coconuts: coconut canals, coconut candy and handicrafts. See Ben Tre.
12. What is there to see in My Tho?
Vinh Trang Pagoda, the river islands, sampan rides and hủ tiếu noodle soup. See My Tho.
13. Where is the best homestay in the Mekong Delta?
An Binh Island in Vinh Long and the countryside of Ben Tre. See our where to stay guide.
14. When is the best time to visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest?
September to November, when the forest is flooded and green. See Chau Doc.
15. What is the Ba Chua Xu Festival?
A major festival at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc, held from the 22nd to 27th day of the fourth lunar month and inscribed by UNESCO in 2024. See Chau Doc.
16. What food is the Mekong Delta famous for?
Elephant-ear fish, grilled snakehead fish, lẩu mắm hotpot, bánh xèo and tropical fruit. See our Mekong Delta food guide.
17. When is fruit season in the Mekong Delta?
Peak fruit season is roughly May to August, although some fruit is available all year.
18. Is the Mekong Delta safe for tourists?
Yes, it is very safe; wear life jackets on boats and take normal care with belongings.
19. What should I pack for the Mekong Delta?
A hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, light long sleeves, sandals and some cash.
20. Is there an airport in the Mekong Delta?
Yes, Can Tho International Airport, plus airports at Rach Gia, Ca Mau and Phu Quoc. See our Mekong Delta transportation guide.
21. Which provinces are in the Mekong Delta after the 2025 mergers?
Can Tho city and the provinces of An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long and Ca Mau; the former Long An province is now part of Tay Ninh.
22. Can I cycle in the Mekong Delta?
Yes, quiet village lanes and islands such as An Binh are ideal for cycling. See Vinh Long.
23. Should I book a tour or travel independently?
Both are possible; a private or small-group tour helps you avoid crowded stops and reach quieter canals.
24. Can I combine the Mekong Delta with Saigon?
Yes, most visitors combine 2–3 days in Saigon with 1–3 days in the delta.
25. Can Vietnam Tour Expert customise a Mekong Delta tour?
Yes. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
