Mekong Delta

Crisscrossed by the tributaries of the Mekong River, the Delta is a watery landscape broken up by lush green rice paddies and fruit plantations. Life is very much lived on the river, the peace broken only ocassionally by the activity of small boats navigating the channels. The best way to explore is by joining the locals on the water; by boat you can visit one of the floating markets and stop off at small family-run factories.

Two island getaways, Con Dao and Phu Quoc, are located just off the coast where the Mekong Delta meets the sea, and are perfect for those who fancy a few days on the beach at the end of a tour of Vietnam.

In and around the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
The Mekong Delta can be experienced during a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, on an overnight cruise, or by road and ferry as part of a longer itinerary.

My Tho is the closest town to Ho Chi Minh City and the best way to explore is by sampan, which allows you to cruise the narrow waterways, stopping off at fruit orchards and orchid gardens. Vinh Long is more rural and here the boat takes you to view the cottage industries that line the river, including boat building and the production of rice paper and candy.

Further down is Can Tho, the capital of the Delta, where you can pass the time watching life on the bustling waterfront or take a boat to the daily floating market. The town of Chau Doc is the jumping-off point for boat transfers along the Mekong into Cambodia. The architecture reflects the town’s residents, a mix of Vietnamese, Cham and Khmer. Fish farming is important here with the tanks located under the floating houses. Nearby is Sam Mountain, dotted with many pagodas and temples and offering views of neighbouring Cambodia.

The Con Dao archipelago, a short hop by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam’s newest destination, thanks to its pristine, white-sand beaches and luxurious resorts. Phu Quoc is a mountainous, forested island in the Gulf of Thailand and now a popular holiday destination with a good selection of hotels and resorts. The best beaches are on the west and south of the island, which is reached by plane from Ho Chi Minh City or hydrofoil from Rach Gia.