Mekong Delta Tour: The Most Attractive & Affordable Journey

Are you seeking an adventure to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s captivating landscapes, rich culture, and warm-hearted people? Look no further than the Mekong Delta tour!

This extraordinary region boasts a diverse ecosystem, fertile plains, and a labyrinth of rivers, nurturing a thriving population and serving as the nation’s primary rice-producing hub. 

By visiting the Mekong Delta, you will have the opportunity to experience the authentic lifestyle of Vietnamese people, explore cultural traditions, and gain insights into the rhythms of daily life along the river.

Why should tourists explore the Mekong Delta at least once?

The Mekong Delta’s unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture and history offers an unforgettable experience.

Warm people and a unique culture

The Community of 44 Ethnic Groups

The Mekong Delta is a land of diverse cultural identity, created and preserved by the community of 44 ethnic groups like: Khmer, Chinese, Cham… living in 13 provinces and cities.

The traditional music: Southern amateur music

Southern Vietnam is home to a rich array of traditional music, including “don ca tai tu”, “cai luong”, and folk music. 

• Don ca tai tu is renowned, with UNESCO recognizing it as an intangible cultural heritage. This musical style often features an ensemble of traditional instruments like the “dan kim” (a type of Vietnamese lute), “dan tranh” (zither), “dan bau” (monochord), and “dan nguyet” (moon-shaped lute). 

Rather than solo performances, musicians typically collaborate in duets, trios, or larger groups, creating a harmonious and enchanting atmosphere. Their leisurely and elegant playing style shows their collective artistry and skill.

• “Cai luong” is a dramatic form of music that captivates audiences with its blend of music and theater. Featuring elaborate costumes, stunning stage sets, and compelling performances, “cai luong” offers a visually and aurally immersive experience. 

As spectators, we are treated to the music’s beauty and the storytelling’s drama through the actors’ skilful performances.

Festivals

While visiting the Mekong Delta, you will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the unique festivals that define its people:

• The Ok Om Bok Festival, also known as the Moon Worshiping Festival, is a significant cultural event for the Khmer people. Celebrated at the end of the harvest season, it is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the moon, which is revered as a divine protector of crops, weather, and prosperity.

• Another momentous occasion is Chol Chnam Thmay, or the Khmer New Year. This festive time, marked by traditional rituals and games, occurs around mid-April on the solar calendar. The name itself translates to “Entering the New Year”, reflecting the joyous spirit of renewal.
• The Sen Dolta Festival, held annually from late August to early September on the lunar calendar, is dedicated to honoring ancestors. Khmer people gather to commemorate their departed loved ones, offering prayers for their souls and expressing gratitude for the foundations they laid.
• The Southern Folk Cake Festival is one of the national cultural events held annually in Can Tho City. This festival aims to introduce and promote the typical folk cakes of the Southern region to people all over the country. It is an opportunity for everyone to learn and experience the unique culinary culture of the South.

Architecture

The Southwest is famous for its traditional music, ecotourism areas, and Southern spiritual and cultural spaces, which attract many visitors to worship.

• Vinh Trang Pagoda first impresses visitors from near and far because of its majestic scale, sophisticated architecture, and decoration. The pagoda covers an area of ​​about 2 hectares and includes many areas such as the Amitabha Buddha altar, main hall, Quan Am altar, tower garden, book distribution room, etc.

• Binh Thuy Temple was built in 1844, bearing the cultural quintessence of Can Tho’s river and garden areas, particularly those of the Southwest.
• Chen Kieu Pagoda, also known as Sa Lon Pagoda, is an ancient temple famous for its unique architecture.  Built in 1969, the temple includes the main hall, sala, stupa, and place to store scriptures. Materials such as bowls and plates donated by the villagers were used to cover the walls, saving construction costs and creating impressive decorative motifs.
• Ang temple is a 2-century-old temple in the Khmer temple system of Tra Vinh province. It has ancient architecture and is decorated with many works of art, such as statues of gods, fairies, dragons, divine birds, and the story of Buddha Shakyamuni.

• Ba Chua Xu Temple is a place to worship Ba Chua Xu of Sam Mountain in the Mother Goddess worship of Vietnam. People believe that this is a sacred and ancient place. The Ba Chua Xu festival still occurs here every year, attracting many tourists.

Floating markets:

• The Cai Rang Floating Market is a wholesale floating market on the Can Tho River that buys and sells vegetables. It is a unique tourist attraction recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

• Phong Dien is the second most famous floating market, after Cai Rang. Here, people sell everything from fruits to household items and fuel. There are even boats that do sewing and machine repair. So, the Phong Dien market will give you a bustling feeling no matter what time of day you visit.
• Although not as noisy and crowded as other floating markets in the West, Long Xuyen Floating Market still impresses with the image of boats and canoes anchored closely together. The market only opens in the morning and closes around 10 am.

• Nga Nam is one of the oldest and most unique floating markets in the Mekong Delta region. It is a significantly developed market and plays a vital role as both a market, a transit point and a rice granary for the fertile delta. However, due to inconvenient transportation, the market has almost no tourists, creating an authentic space for those who love the culture of the Mekong Delta.

Charming local fruit orchards

• Cai Be orchard is a spacious fruit-growing area, featuring a variety of fruits including Hoa Loc mangoes, Cai Mon durians, oranges, and honey oranges. It accounts for one-third of the fruit-growing area of the entire province, which is situated along the Tien River.

• Vinh Kim Fruit Garden is ideal for those looking for a peaceful, unhurried resting place. The garden grows many different types of fruit, such as Lo Ren Vinh Kim Star Apple, durian, grapefruit, and longan.
• Cho Gao (Tien Giang): Cho Gao has up to 8,800 hectares of orchards cultivating high-economic-value fruit trees. This place is very famous for its development and export of dragon fruit.
• Cai Mon (Ben Tre): Cai Mon Orchard is the country’s largest fruit tree breeding site. Coming to Cai Mon Orchard, you can find fruits in any season. This place is also the workplace of many artisans, propagating and grafting branches to create bonsai trees with unique shapes.

• An Binh Island (Vinh Long): An Binh Island attracts many tourists with its ancient houses and unique cuisine and extensive fruit gardens: 6 Tan Fruit Garden, Ong Chin Hoan Rambutan Garden, Tam Loc Fruit Garden, Be Sau Fruit Garden,… Visitors to An Binh Island are treated to a full meal of tropical fruits.
• My Khanh (Can Tho): My Khanh Tourist Garden is a popular tourist area because of its beauty imbued with the characteristics of the Mekong Delta. It has a total area of ​​over 50,000 square meters. Here, you can experience a horse-drawn carriage tour, enjoy traditional music, and eat specialty fruits.

Amazing national parks

If you love ecotourism, want to be close to nature, and enjoy a fresh, quiet atmosphere, then the Mekong Delta is the place for you. There are national parks with diverse ecosystems:

• Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap is an important part of Vietnam’s forest ecosystem. More than 200 bird species can be found here, accounting for about 1/4 of the bird species in Vietnam. This includes 16 rare species, notably the red-crowned crane, which is listed in the Red Book.

• Mui Ca Mau National Park is the largest primeval mangrove forest in the country. Its total land area is about 41,862 hectares, and UNESCO has listed it as a World Biosphere Reserve. The park has a vibrant and diverse flora and fauna with many other rare species.
• U Minh Thuong National Park is a national park and nature reserve in Vietnam, covering an area of ​​8,053 hectares. It offers many places to visit, such as a bird area, a bat area, a primary cajuput forest, a wild boar population, otters, and monitor lizards.
• Lang Sen, also known as the Wetland Reserve, was established in 2004 with an area of ​​about 5,030 hectares. It is home to 20 species of flora and fauna in the Vietnam Red Book that need to be preserved. Because of its wild beauty, diverse ecology, and rich colors, it has recently become not only a wetland reserve but also an attractive tourist destination.

River region specialities

As a river region with diverse cultures and cuisine, when coming to the Mekong Delta, these are the dishes you cannot miss:

• Banh xeo: Banh xeo is a dish from the Mekong Delta with a thin, crispy crust. It is served with vegetables, and the filling is made from shrimp, pork belly or minced duck meat, green beans, and bean sprouts. This dish is to be noticed when visiting this land.
  

• Deep-fried giant gourami, keeping the shape of each scale, fin, and fin of the fish until you get there. This is a speciality of the Western region, rolled in rice paper with vegetables and dipped in tamarind fish sauce, bringing a rich, harmonious flavor.

• Steamed tiger prawns in coconut juice: As a river region, the Mekong Delta is renowned for its high-quality tiger prawns. When visiting, be sure to try dishes featuring these prawns. The thick, juicy shrimp meat will make you unforgettable.
• Tropical fruits: As the country’s leading fruit exporter, the Mekong Delta offers a variety of tropical fruits, including mangoes, longans, rambutans, as well as durians and pineapples. This is a place not to be missed for those who love tropical fruits.

Special means of transport

As an area with dense rivers, the means of transportation in people’s lives will also be different:

• Canoe, boat: These are the primary means of transportation in an area where roads and bridges are still underdeveloped. People here use this means of transportation as a home, a place to sell goods, and a means of transporting food and provisions.

• Motorbikes: Like other regions in Vietnam, motorbikes are still the most popular means of transportation.
• Bicycle: Bridges and minor roads in the West sometimes require bicycles’ agility, so bicycles are also a means of transportation very close to people’s lives.

• Auto rickshaw, or tuk-tuk in Vietnam, is a popular means of transportation in the Mekong Delta, which has a small size and more seats.

Exceptional Mekong Delta Tours with Joy Journeys

Authentic ‘Less-Touristy’ Mekong Delta Ben Tre 1-Day Tour

• Discover the heart of the Mekong Delta on our one-day Ben Tre adventure. This 11-hour itinerary offers an escape from the tourist crowds, providing a genuine glimpse into local life.:

1. Witness traditional brick-making firsthand.
2. Cruise along the Mekong River, savoring tropical fruits.
3. Explore the local production of coconut and cocoa.
4. Encounter the unique sleeping mady.
5. Pedal through charming villages or enjoy a tuk-tuk ride.
6. Savor a home-cooked lunch (vegan/vegetarian options available).
7. Glide through serene coconut canals in a rowing boat.

• Duration: 11 hours
• Ticket price:

01 Adult: 1,500,000 VND 

Child under 12 years old: 1,150,000 VND

Local ‘Less-Known’ Mekong Delta My Tho 1-Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the authentic Mekong Delta with our one-day My Tho tour. This off-the-beaten-path experience offers a unique perspective on local life.

1. Explore the serene beauty of Vinh Trang Pagoda.
2. Cruise through the Mekong Delta’s waterways by motorboat.
3. Discover the world of honeybees at a local farm.
4. Savor seasonal fruits while enjoying traditional Southern music.
5. Glide through peaceful nipa palm canals in a rowing boat.
6. Witness the coconut candy-making process.
7. Indulge in a home-cooked lunch (vegan/vegetarian options available).
8. Encounter the vibrant ecosystem of a floating fish farm.

• Duration: 11 hours
• Ticket price:

01 Adult: 1,000,000 VND 

Child under 12 years old: 700,000 VND

Cai Rang ‘The Biggest’ Floating Market Mekong Delta Can Tho 2-Day Tour

Experience Can Tho on our 2 day 1 night Mekong Delta tour. This immersive journey offers a deep dive into local culture and lifestyle.

1. Discover the spiritual significance of Cao Dai Temple.
2. Explore the unique floating village by boat.
3. Witness traditional handicraft and hammock making on Tan Phong Island.
4. Glide through serene mangrove canals in a rowing boat.
5. Embark on a scenic boat ride across the Tien Giang River.
6. Savor delicious local cuisine with river views.
7. Unwind at a charming eco-lodge (Bamboo Eco Village or Mekong Silt Ecolodge).
8. Witness the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market firsthand.
9. Encounter the daily lives of Mekong River inhabitants.
10. Learn the art of rice noodle making.
11. Explore the countryside by bicycle or enjoy a refreshing swim.
12. Participate in a hands-on cooking class and savor your creations.

Vegan/vegetarian options are available throughout the tour.

• Duration: 2 Days 1 Night
• Ticket price:

01 Adult: 3.650,000 VND

Child under 12 years old: 2.950,000 VND

Why choose Joy Journeys for 2 day 1 night mekong delta tour?

A variety of travel services that meet the individual needs of tourists

• Small Group Tours: Experience the warmth of personalized travel in our small group tours. Limited to a maximum of 10 guests, these intimate journeys foster a friendly atmosphere and allow our guides to cater to your individual needs and interests.
• Private Tours: For ultimate flexibility and privacy, our private tours are tailored to your specific desires. Explore Vietnam at your own pace, with a customized itinerary designed to showcase the destinations and experiences you most want to discover.

Enthusiastic and experienced tour guides

Our tour guides are dedicated individuals who strive to provide exceptional service. They have a deep-rooted passion for Vietnam and are committed to sharing their rich heritage with our valued guests. 

With a wealth of knowledge and a genuine desire to create memorable experiences, our guides embody the spirit of Vietnamese hospitality. Their expertise and enthusiasm will enrich your journey and contribute significantly to your satisfaction.

Unforgettable authentic experiences at reasonable prices

Joy Journeys’ tours are guaranteed to be authentic with few tourists, making you feel comfortable exploring this beautiful country.

We also ensure that you will have a safe trip at a reasonable price, all travel and accommodation costs are included in the ticket price.

Simple booking process

We strive to make your booking process as seamless as possible. Please select your desired trip from our website and complete the online booking form to initiate your journey. Upon confirmation, you will receive an electronic ticket. For added convenience, we offer the option to confirm your pickup and drop-off times the day before departure.

If you prefer personal assistance, our dedicated team can assist you via WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram. We welcome the opportunity to answer any inquiries or facilitate your booking process. Upon finalizing your travel arrangements, you can make a secure payment using the link we provided. A confirmation email, including your electronic ticket, will be sent promptly upon receipt of payment.

Conclusion

Discover the enchantment of the Mekong Delta with Joy Journeys. Our expertly crafted itineraries offer an escape from the ordinary, inviting you to immerse yourself in a world of floating markets, verdant rice paddies, and warm-hearted locals. Let us be your compass as you navigate this captivating region, creating memories that will linger long after your journey ends.

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