The Mekong Delta in Vietnam offers a stunning landscape of waterways, rice paddies, ancient temples, and floating markets. It’s a popular tourist destination with a variety of activities to enjoy.

Choosing where to go can be challenging, but there are 7 top things to do, including cruising down the Mekong River, exploring ancient temples, visiting fruit orchards, and learning about the area’s rich culture and history in museums.

Chau Doc

Chau Doc is a fascinating town on the border of Vietnam and Cambodia, situated along the Hau Giang River. Visitors can explore its many cultural and religious sites, including the De Dao Trang Plaza and the Chau Phu Temple. 

The town’s vibrant marketplace is also worth a visit. The Chau Giang Mosque and Mubarak Mosque, located across the river in Cambodia, are easily accessible by water taxi. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unique blend of Vietnamese and Cambodian culture in Chau Doc.

Sam Mountain

Sam Mountain, located just six kilometers from Chau Doc, is the highest peak in the Mekong Delta. Though only 755 feet tall, it boasts several religious sites that enhance its beauty, including the Tay An Pagoda and the Ba Chua Xu Temple. 

The tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau, who introduced farming to the region, is also located here. Climbing the mountain is considered a pilgrimage by many, and at the top, visitors can enjoy stunning views of both Cambodia and Vietnam.

Riverboat cruises

Taking a boat cruise along the Mekong River is a delightful way to explore the Mekong Delta region. Several tours depart from Vinh Long or My Tho, taking visitors along the river and its canals to discover the area’s unique charm.

These tours often include stops at flower farms, rice paper factories, and temples. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush palm forests, rice fields, and villages, giving you a glimpse into local life in the Mekong Delta.

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Located in My Tho, near Ho Chi Minh City, the Vinh Trang Pagoda is a popular tourist destination that celebrates Buddha with three impressive statues. The standing Buddha represents compassion and bliss, the laughing Buddha symbolizes good luck and happiness, and the reclining Buddha represents achieving nirvana. 

The pagoda is an elaborate combination of eastern and western styles, featuring Renaissance-style patterns, Romanesque arches, Japanese tiles, and Vietnamese architecture. This grand and ornate building is a must-visit for those interested in religious and cultural history.

Floating markets

The bustling floating markets of the Mekong Delta are a vibrant reflection of local life in this fertile agricultural region. These markets offer a unique experience where farmers sell their produce, including pineapples and other tropical fruits, from boats. 

The Mekong Delta is known for its rice production, with much of the rice exported from Vietnam coming from this area. Visitors can also find fruit orchards and flower farms here, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the region’s agricultural industry.

Tra Su Indigo Forest

Tra Su Indigo Forest is a fascinating ecotourism site located in An Giang Province. This forested area is vibrant throughout most of the year, but during the rainy season from September to October, it becomes a flooded forest. 

Visitors can take a guided boat tour through the forest during the high water season, enjoying the unique experience of exploring the lush greenery and diverse wildlife. The forest is also known for its rare and beautiful indigo color, adding to the allure of this stunning natural wonder.

Ecotourism

The Mekong Delta boasts fertile land, making it a valuable battleground for centuries. It now offers unique eco-tours of rice paddies, orchards, flower gardens, and riverbeds. 

These tours provide insight into the local economy and promote responsible environmental practices. By taking these tours, visitors support the local community and learn about the intricate ecological systems that sustain the delta’s lush landscape.

Conclusion

The Mekong Delta offers visitors a diverse range of cultural and natural experiences that showcase the region’s rich history and unique landscape. From exploring temples and monuments in Chau Doc and Sam Mountain to taking riverboat cruises through the canals of My Tho and Vinh Long, the area is full of fascinating sights and activities. Visitors can also enjoy the vibrant markets and ecotourism sites, including the Tra Su Indigo Forest. As a responsible traveler, supporting the local economy and environmental stewardship is encouraged. The Mekong Delta truly is a must-see destination in Vietnam.