Things to do in 

Mekong Delta

Drift down the timeless waterways of Mekong Delta, where every moment unveils a new facet of this dynamic region. Traditional floating markets intersect with lush fruit orchards, while the seasonal rise and fall of the river add rhythm to local life. Navigating the things to do in Mekong Delta can feel like tracing the lifeblood of Vietnam itself—the rice fields, shrimp farms, and Khmer pagodas tell tales of culture and harmony. A day might wind from the beating heart of the river to tranquil backwater paths, offering a taste of authenticity that goes beyond the everyday.

Explore Mekong Delta off the beaten path

Take a quieter route and look for alternative things to do, moving with the river’s pace and saying yes to small workshops, family kitchens, and unhurried boat rides.

Cultural experiences: Rise before dawn for a small-boat glide to Phong Dien floating market near Can Tho, then stop by a family noodle workshop on nearby Con Son Island. In Ben Tre, stir coconut candy at a riverside home factory late morning and chat with the makers over tea.

Small museums and galleries: When the midday heat builds, wander the Can Tho Museum to see simple displays on Khmer, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities. The Vinh Long Museum is modest but informative, and usually empty. In Sa Dec, the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House offers a short, atmospheric peek into the story behind Marguerite Duras.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Climb a watchtower at Tram Chim National Park for sunrise light over flooded grasslands and distant storks. Late afternoon at Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary near Ben Tre, pause on the walkway as egrets settle into the mangroves.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Stop by Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm outside Can Tho for nibs and small-batch chocolate you can pack. In Ben Tre, buy fresh coconut candies and simple coconut-wood spoons straight from the workshop counter. Toward late afternoon, cruise Sa Dec’s flower village for seed packets and hardy cuttings vendors bundle for travelers.

Popular neighbourhoods

Engage in the local lifestyle of Ninh Kieu where traditional floating markets and serene riverside promenades paint a vivid image of this Vietnamese neighbourhood.

Step inside the bustling world of Cai Rang, lauded for the abundance of fresh produce and homegrown specialties that grace its well-known floating market.

Relax amidst the rustic tranquillity of Ben Tre, an idyllic haven, enveloped in lush coconut gardens and peaceful hamlets.

Wander through the serene landscapes of An Binh Island, marked by its extensive fruit orchards offering up a delightful assortment of local fruits.

Discover the charm of Cai Be, a quaint area recognized for its traditional handicraft villages and captivating colonial architecture.

Things to do in Mekong Delta by season

Spring: Glide through canals as orchards flower and markets brim with herbs and greens after Tet. Visit craft villages and cycle shaded lanes, a gentle time for families and seniors when breezes feel soft and days run clear.

Summer: Arrive at dawn for the floating markets, then drift past mangosteen and durian groves heavy with fruit. Shelter in homestays during afternoon showers, while couples take slow river dinners and birders track movement in wetland reserves.

Fall: Ride high-water canals into flooded forests like Trà Sư, where boat trails cut emerald reflections and egrets lift en masse. Photographers and nature lovers find space and softer light, often calling this stretch the best time to visit the Mekong Delta for scenery.

Winter: Cruise in cooler, dry air, stopping for rice-paper workshops and quiet pagodas without the rush. Lunar New Year approaches with flower markets in Sa Đéc and village streets strung with red banners, a festive backdrop for relaxed days.

Recurring highlights include early-morning floating markets in Cái Răng and Cái Bè, seasonal fruit fairs, and Khmer cultural days around Sóc Trăng and Trà Vinh. River festivals and boat races surface with the calendar, easy to pair with private sampan rides and market walks.