Beginner’s Guide To Vietnam Adventure Tours Mekong Delta

Vietnam Adventure Tours Mekong Delta is one of the tours that you should not miss when exploring the country and learning about its people. The Mekong Delta is famous for its dense river system and fertile land. Visitors can admire many vast rice fields and fruit orchards. The region is also culturally diverse, with over 40 different ethnic groups, including Khmer, Hoa, and Cham, living together.

Overview of the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is one of two parts of Southern Vietnam, also known as the Southwest region.

Geographical location

• The Mekong Delta is situated in the southernmost part of Vietnam. It shares borders with Cambodia to the north and Thailand to the southwest, while the East Sea lies to its southeast.
• With an area of ​​39,194.6 km², it includes 13 provinces and cities: Can Tho City, An Giang Province, Dong Thap Province, Long An Province, Tien Giang Province, Vinh Long Province, Ben Tre Province, Tra Vinh Province, Soc Trang Province, Hau Giang Province, Bac Lieu Province, Ca Mau Province and Kien Giang Province.

• The fertile land is alluvial, formed by the sediment of the lower Mekong River and its nine branches flowing into the East Sea. The rice grown in the Mekong Delta is harvested seven times in two years.

Climate

The tropical monsoon climate is prevalent in the Mekong Delta, which is typical of this Asian geographical area:

• From May to September, the region is affected by humid and rainy southwest monsoons from the ocean. 
  • Thunderstorms are intense but short-lived and frequently occur during the rainy season. In September, heavy rains can last long and often cause severe flooding.
  • Because the rainy season is unevenly distributed, each year in the basin experiences a drought of different intensity and duration.
• The dry season (from November to March) is affected by the northeast monsoon from the mainland. It is characterized by dry weather and little rain.
• This region has a sub-equatorial climate that is highly favorable for agricultural development. The abundant rain and hot sun are ideal conditions for growing rice and other food crops.

Culture

According to 2022 statistics, the Mekong Delta has a total population of 17.7 million people from 44 different ethnic groups, mainly the cultural intersection of 4 main ethnic groups: Kinh, Khmer, Chinese, and Cham. 

This brings to the region a wide range of diverse religious beliefs, architectural complexes with significant traditional cultural and historical values, and traditional craft villages with unique craft village cultures.

• Currently, the region has more than 300 traditional craft villages, 30 of which are over 100 years old. Many craft villages depend entirely on nature for their raw materials, such as weaving and mat weaving.

• Vietnamese dishes in the Mekong Delta are adapted to the tastes of various ethnic groups. Examples include the Chinese-inspired salted egg rice cake and Sa Dec noodles influenced by Khmer cuisine.

The Mekong Delta is reported to have more than 1,230 festivals, including folk, spiritual, and cultural festivals.

• Typical national festivals include the Lady Chua Xu Festival in Sam Mountain (Chau Doc district, An Giang province), the festival commemorating National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc (Rach Gia city, Kien Giang province), and the Nghinh Ong Festival (Ca Mau province).

• Cultural festivals of ethnic groups include:
  • The Ok Om Bok, Sen Dolta, and Seven Mountains bull racing festivals of the Khmer people.
  • The Ramadan and Roya festivals of the Cham people.
  • The worship of Lady Thien Hau of the Chinese people.

In addition, several festivals promote the specialties of the Mekong Delta River region, such as the Ben Tre Coconut Festival and the Southern Folk Cake Festival (held annually in Can Tho City). 

Transportation infrastructure

• Canoes, boats, and rafts are popular means of transportation for people here. Because this area has a dense system of rivers and canals, transportation is mainly by water.

Top Vietnam adventure tours Mekong Delta

You can find or request bicycles, speedboats, and other adventure tours in the Mekong Delta.

Mekong Delta walking tour

There are very few tours in the Mekong Delta that you can walk on because this is a large area with attractions quite far apart. However, if you’re interested in a walking tour, you can refer to the following schedule:

• Move from Saigon to Can Tho.
• First, you can visit Munir Ansay Pagoda – the cultural and religious center of the Khmer people.

• Walk 400m to the Military Zone 9 Museum to learn about the history and stories of the people of the Southwest during the resistance war against France and the US.
• 500m away is Can Tho Prison (Outside visit), with 21 large prisons. The French colonialists built this prison from 1878 to 1886. However, the Americans used it later during the war as part of the colonization process to detain all revolutionaries and Vietnamese citizens who disagreed with the regime.
•  Walk 600m to Ninh Kieu Riverside Park along the beautiful Mekong River. Then, take a ferry to the other side of the Can Tho River and learn more about river culture.

Mekong Delta bike tour

If you love cycling, you can also explore the Mekong Delta 2 days:

Day 1:  From Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Vinh Long

• You can travel a few hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre and take a ferry across the Tien River at My Tho.
• From there, you can start cycling. The route will take you through narrow roads and lanes, past banana plantations, sugarcane fields, and the lush green landscape of the delta.
• Stop at An Binh Island and have your dinner.

Day 2: Vinh Long – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City (50km)

• After breakfast, we will take a boat up the Mekong River to visit a nursery, where hundreds of young trees are waiting to be transferred to the gardens.
• Then, we will continue sailing across the river to the bustling Cai Be floating market. We will visit a family business that produces rice paper, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, as well as popped rice, popcorn, and coconut candy.
• After the boat trip, we will cycle to Cai Lay. We will stop for a short break and then continue cycling to My Tho for lunch.
• We will also visit the ornate Khmer pagoda at Vinh Trang before continuing to Tam Vu through lush gardens with seasonal fruits. In the late afternoon, we will return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Mekong Delta motorcycle tour

Long An – Ben Tre – Tien Giang:

• Drive through villages and farms to experience the daily life and environment of the local farmers.
• This is primarily an off-road trip, so wave bye to highways and prepare for small provincial roads and several dirt trails of moderate levels.
• The Mekong Delta is a network of rivers situated at Vietnam’s southwestern extremity. It is renowned as the “rice basket of Indochina” due to its exceptional fertility and agricultural productivity. This region can produce enough crops and paddy fields to sustain the entire nation.
• During your journey, you will traverse the Delta utilizing various bridges and ferries, as the terrestrial infrastructure is insufficient to accommodate the vastness of the territory.

Mekong Delta speedboat tour

• The Mekong Delta Speedboat Tour begins with a departure from downtown Saigon through the narrow canals and into the lush tributaries of the Mekong Delta.
• Visit Ong Pagoda and learn about the significance of Buddhism to the locals.
• Explore the vibrant and bustling riverside market, which offers many local produce including seasonal fruits and fresh seafood.

• Depart from the Mekong river, and enter the winding canals of the Thu Thua area.
• Experience rowing through the peaceful canals surrounded by countless coconut trees.
• Have lunch at a local family’s home.
• Visit a colorful Cao Dai temple.
• Board the speedboat and begin your journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.

What to prepare for the best Mekong Delta adventure?

To have a perfect trip in the Mekong Delta, visitors should prepare carefully:

Prepare for the climate

This region has a tropical monsoon climate, which is quite hot and sunny for tourists. However, the journey occurs mainly on the waterway, which will be windy and cool. To be more comfortable during the journey, bring sunscreen, hats, and jackets.

Packing essentials

• Clothing: Prioritize sun-protective clothing that is easy to move in when participating in Mekong Delta adventure tours.

• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, jackets, and other essential items when visiting the Mekong Delta.
• Insect repellent: Bring insect-repellent creams if you intend to stay overnight in the Mekong Delta. This river area has many trees, so mosquitoes, ants, and other insects are inevitable.
• Waterproof gear: The land is fertile and relatively slippery, so waterproof and anti-slip sandals or shoes are a more reasonable choice than fashionable footwear.

Cash and emergency contacts

• The Southwest is not a bustling city, so when you come here, you should have some cash ready for shopping.
• Emergency contacts include the number of your accommodation, acquaintances, and the Tourist Information Call Center Hotline (1087), which provides toll-free assistance and information 24 hours a day.

Familiarize yourself with local customs

As a spiritual land rich with numerous temples and places of worship, the Mekong Delta encourages visitors to dress respectfully. When visiting these sacred sites, it’s important to wear attire that covers the shoulders, such as a shirt or blouse, and pants or skirts that extend past the knees. 

Additionally, the local market culture is unique in the Mekong Delta, where most sellers prefer cash transactions. Digital payment methods are rarely accepted, so it’s advisable to carry enough cash to ensure a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience while exploring the vibrant local markets.

Research local attractions in advance

The region has up to 13 provinces and cities, so traveling to the entire Mekong Delta will be time-consuming. If traveling independently, visitors should consider and arrange activities in the tour to avoid duplication and fully participate in the typical locations of the Mekong Delta.

Why should book Mekong Delta adventure tours at Joy Journeys?

If you want a comfortable trip with little to consider, booking Mekong Delta Adventure Tours with agencies is a reasonable choice. However, you also need to consider the reputation of service providers, tour prices, and other factors to avoid scams and tourist traps.

Joy Journeys is a licensed travel agency based in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can book Mekong Delta adventure tours with peace of mind.

Authentic Ben Tre: A Day Tour of the Undiscovered Mekong Delta

• Pick up at your accommodation in the center of Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Ben Tre.
• Visit the brick kiln and see the brick-making process.
• Take a boat trip on the Mekong River and enjoy coconut water.
• Learn about the story of the “coconut land” Ben Tre, visit the coconut candy factory and learn about other applications of coconuts in life, such as coconut oil, coconut rice, etc.
• Cycle to visit the mat-making place.
• Have lunch at a local house (vegan/vegetarian lunch available).
• Continue on the boat, watch the coconut trees and learn about the lives of local people on the river.

• End of the journey and return to Ho Chi Minh city.

Mekong Delta My Tho 1-Day: Living the Local Life

• Pick up at your accommodation in the center of Saigon and transfer from Saigon to My Tho.
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda with its unique design, a fusion of Roman – Cambodian – Vietnamese.
• Take a boat trip to the garden and bee farm and enjoy bee products such as royal jelly and honey.

• Enjoy the peaceful beauty of the river on the boat.
• Take a walk to learn about the local people’s lives and use Tuk-Tuk to go to a local’s house for lunch (vegan/vegetarian lunch available).
• Visit coconut candy factories and fish farms.
• Listen to traditional music and enjoy tropical fruits.
• Return to Saigon.

A Two-Day Experience of Cai Rang and Can Tho Lifestyle

Day 1: Sai Gon – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Can Tho

• Pick up at the center of Ho Chi Minh City and go to Cai Be.
• Eat tropical fruits and drink coconut water on the boat.
• Visit the traditional craft of weaving water hyacinths.
• Take a boat trip on the Tien River to Vinh Long.
• Enjoy a typical lunch of the Southwest region (vegan/vegetarian lunch available).
• Visit the coconut candy and pop rice factory.
• Relax and have dinner at Bamboo Eco Lodge.

Day 2: Can Tho – Cai Rang – Sai Gon

• Go to Cai Rang Floating Market and explore the bustling morning market.
• Visit the noodle factory on the river.
• Return to the resort and have breakfast.
• A trip around the residential area by bicycle or tuk-tuk.
• Enjoy a DIY lunch with banh xeo as the main dish.

In addition to these available tours, you can contact Joy Journeys to talk about your requirements and wishes for the trip such as: bicycle tour, speedboat tour,… or places you want to go that are not in the original itinerary. We will arrange the most suitable schedule for you.

Conclusion

Immerse yourself in the culture and breathtaking natural beauty of the Mekong Delta. This fertile region offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese life. From lush landscapes and abundant tropical fruits to the warm hospitality of its people, the Mekong Delta promises an unforgettable experience. 

If you’re seeking a hassle-free and enjoyable adventure, Joy Journeys is your ideal companion. Our guides will ensure you maximize your time in this enchanting region.

To create a journey that is “more than a trip”, contact Joy Journeys at:

• Website:https://joyjourneys.com.vn/
• WhatsApp: +84 (0) 868.17.66.79