In Vietnamese, the Mekong Delta river is called “Nine dragons delta river” because the river itself is the combination of nine smaller rivers. For centuries, the river has contributed to forming a fertile delta land, supporting millions of Vietnamese lives. Mekong Delta accounts for half of the total rice production for Vietnam as well as export. Therefore, the scenery you will frequently see is the sight of endless rice fields. However, the most unique and fascinating aspect of Mekong Delta must be its river life, something you might not have the chance to see in anywhere else. Not luxury, or exorbitance, it is the tranquil peaceful landscape and extremely friendly and kind locals that might make you never want to leave.
Mekong Delta river has a tropical monsoon climate with a high degree of temperature and raining throughout the year.
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Cai Be garden, Tien Giang province
Cai Be garden is the fruits heaven. Located 70km from Saigon, it is the biggest fruit garden in Mekong delta river. Hence, there is no doubt that it is the most visited location by tourists. Brace your tummy for all the yummy tropical goodness of mangos, longans, oranges, grapes, apples, jack fruits, plums, pomelos, and so on. The great thing about Cai Be garden is the variety of fruits that the local farmers plant. Therefore, whatever season you come to visit, fresh fruits are always readily available to serve.
Vinh Long garden
Vinh Long province has been famous for its fruits gardens with 4 seasons full of tasty fruits. When visiting the garden from May to July, visitors will get a chance to taste the national famous rambutan fruit. Beyond that, Vinh Long garden is also well-known for Tam Binh orange and durian, mango, and many more.
My Khanh garden, Can Tho city
From the centre of Can Tho city, following the number 1 Highway to Soc Trang Province, near Cai Rang bridge, you could turn right and keep on driving for 6 more km to get to My Khanh garden – one of the famous gardens in Mekong delta river. More than 20 different kinds of fruits are being grown on two sides of the road: mango, rambutan, jackfruit, durian, plum…, a feast for the eye figuratively and your digestive system literally.
Tan Quy Dong flowers village, Dong Thap province
Considered as the capital of flowers in Mekong Delta, Tan Quy Dong flowers village is always the meeting point of visitors when Tet comes. You will be overwhelmed by the variety of flowers when setting your feet there. From Daisy, Transvaal daisy, Marigold, Dahlia, Rosemallows,… to other hundred rare flora in the south of Vietnam, fields of mesmerizing colors stretch out in front of your eyes. Dress yourself as fresh as a daisy, prepare your camera and blend into the beautiful flower fields.
My Tho flowers village, Tien Giang province
Located closest to Saigon (about 70 km), My Tho is another famous destination for tourist to admire the beauty of all the flowers. During Tet, you can observe the busy trading activities taking place. From there, all the flowers will go to every corner of the south of Vietnam to decorate homes for New Year.
Ba Chua Xu shrine, An Giang province
The shrine is located in Sam mountain, a tribute to local god – Ba Chua Xu. Every year, they organized the traditional festival and attract an average of two million visitors.
Doi temple, Soc Trang province
Doi temple (or Ma Toc temple, Mahatup temple) is an important religious architectural temple of Khmer ethnic people. Located 3km from the South East of Soc Trang province, the 400-years old temple is the must-go destination for visitors to discover the religion and culture of Khmer people. The temple itself is also the home for bats hanging themselves on the trees inside.
Cai Rang floating market, Can Tho city
Sitting on a boat for 30 minutes from Can Tho centre, across the Hau river, you will get to Cai Rang market, the most famous floating market in Mekong Delta. However, you have to get up really early in the morning because the floating market’s activities take place from 3 AM to 9 AM. It is the centre of trading goods in Mekong Delta. They would trade mostly agricultural products: fruits, vegetables, foods and so one, which have been a very typical activity of locals for centuries.
Nga Bay floating market, Hau Giang province
The floating market was established in 1915 and still remains as one of the busiest markets in Mekong Delta. It is not only a trading market for locals but also a destination for travellers to come and dive in the local life. Brace yourself to be amazed by numerous colourful fruits boat and smells of Mangosteen, Rambutan and unique Durian. Not yet, Nga Bay floating market is also famous for selling snakes, turtles, birds, squirrels,… for tourists. Do not forget the main feast where you try get to try famous local delicacies: steamed rice rolls, pho, rice pancakes Vietnamese,…
This is on the top of the must-do list in Mekong Delta. Get on a small wooden boat, get an oar and row yourself through complex canal routes. You will get to see the magnificent view of lush orchards, rice fields and local stilt houses. The lines of coconut trees will guide through the deepest root of local life. Do not forget to take home some pictures, they could be the most stunning scenery you have ever taken.
They are not the fruits that you would normally get at home. It is tropical fruits! Those heavenly tasty fruits are reasonably cheap for you to fill your stomach. And you will always get to try the fruits before buying them.
Immerse yourself in one of the endless gardens in Mekong Delta, listen to the local farmers explain about their works and collect the fruits as you wish from the trees.
The floating market is not just the place that you can find fascinating busy trading activities and colourful fruit boats but it will serve you with the best cheap cuisines you have ever tried before in your life. This is what Gordon Ramsay had discovered during his hunt for “hu tieu” on a boat with a local chef. But the famous British chef only discovered a part of the local cuisine. There are more amazing dishes waiting for you
Every local would know about the Siamese mud carp, the native fish of Mekong river. Once try it, you will never forget the taste of it. No matter how you cook it, the dish will come out so delicious. But the best dish involving this fish is no doubt hotpot with a local flower: Sesban (river bean). Yes, you read that right! You will get to eat fish with flower. Not only does it sound unfamiliar but the taste is also nothing you have ever tried before. With the perfect combination of the sweet and sour broth, the hot pot must be on the top of your must-eat list.
The endless rice fields of Mekong Delta is also the home to the rice mouse. Every year, after cultivation, local farmers can catch a lot of rice mice for a rather unusual feast. If you are concerned about possible diseases you may catch from the mouse, rest assured that the mouse eat fresh rice, not trash. Do you dare to step out of your comfort zone and take a bite of some grilled rice mouse? Trust me, you will have finished the whole dish over some cold beer with the boys before you know it.
This is the speciality of the whole region. It is not even difficult to cook it by yourself. All you need is a snakehead fish (obviously), some bamboo sticks and rice straws. Marinate the fish with spicy salt (or not, if you are not a fan of spicy foods) and herbs, then spear it with bamboo sticks, and roast with rice straws. The dish will come out with a special taste from rice straws, something you would never get in your hometown. In some places, they will organize for you to catch the snakehead fish then roast it entirely on your own. Here is the chance for you to become a real local farmer for a day, and live off your own products.
“Nuoc leo” means the broth in Vietnamese. The most unique and special taste of any noddle dish in Vietnam comes from the broth. And this noddle dish has an even more special broth compared to all others. How come? A snakehead fish sauce is the secret. You will not find this dish somewhere else in Vietnam. Combined with fresh coconut juice, grilled pork, banana blossom,… every dish of “nuoc leo” noddle will be a perfect treat for your eyes and your taste buds. Try it when you are in Mekong Delta. Loosen your belt, because you might be asking for more.
One of the best dishes in Mekong Delta is “hu tieu”, recognized by chef Gordon Ramsay himself. With a clear broth made from pig bones combined with the tasty smell of fried squid, dried shrimp, fried onion, etc. this extremely complex dish gives you a perfect balance of flavour and unforgettable taste. To try the most original “hu tieu”, you should go to My Tho and Sa Dec, sit on a boat and order yourself this $50 cent (!) unbelievable dish.
