THE MEKONG DELTA

A BUCKET LIST ESCAPE

The Mekong Delta, fertile and humid, is one of Asia's largest wetlands, formed by the river's vein-like streams as it flows into the Gulf of Thailand. It’s no surprise that this natural wonder features on practically every Vietnam visitors bucket list!

The Mekong River flows down from its lofty source in the Tibetan Himalayas through China's Yunnan province, squeezes between Thailand and Laos, and then slips past Cambodia before reaching Vietnam. The river fractures and stretches out into many tributaries and rivulets in a flat, comma-shaped delta jutting from the south of the country, all flowing gently seawards.

Some of Vietnam's most iconic pictures may be seen in and around the delta's numerous waterways, infinite horizons accented by coconut trees, shimmering emerald paddy fields, cone-hatted farmers carrying fruit and sugar cane from the ground, and markets conducted from brightly painted boats.

Watch for brilliant yellow incense sticks drying by the wayside, children riding on the backs of water buffalo, and people scampering over monkey bridges or rowing boats on the delta's tangle of channels. The greatest time to visit the Mekong Delta is during the dry season, which spans from December to May, due to the region's seasonal flooding.

There are so many fascinating and enriching cultural highlights of The Mekong Delta, visit a Cham village and the fish farms along the river in Chau Doc, marvel at the vibrant colours and fancy script of Cambodian-style temples around Tra Vinh, take a ferry ride from Vinh Long to An Binh Island or unleash your inner child on an unusual rail-car system that winds its way up a slope near Ha Tien's lovely coastal town.

The best way to experience life on the river is by boat. Daytrips are simple to organise but to appreciate the unique ecosystems and how vital it is to the Vietnamese economy, a multi-day journey is a fantastic way to spot rare wildlife, travel through abundant forests and experience the buzzing floating markets whilst learning how significant life on the waterways is to so many communities.

Contact us today and our Travel Consultants will be in touch to start planning your perfect bucket-list escape!