A visit to the Mekong Delta on the Vietnam holiday is certain to be memorable because of the rich diversity of the region. Scenes common to the local area include boats on the delta’s maze of channels, Khmer monks by the pastel pagodas, birds flying over the sanctuary, market vendors with stacks of fruit, and rice workers.

The preferred time to visit the region is the dry season (December-May) which helps to avoid the seasonal flooding.

The local region has several towns that are worth a visit for tourists, including:

My Tho
My Tho is a busy market town located southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. It is close enough for travellers on the Vietnam tours package to experience a great day-trip in the local area. A visit to My Tho gives a perfect opportunity to appreciate Tien Giang, which is the delta’s northernmost tributary. The closeness to the city of Ho Chi Minh City means this town gets a steady influx of day-trippers wishing to explore the delta. However, there are still plenty of local places that are uncrowded and it is possible to wander the backstreets or hop onto an elegant sampan for a relaxing trip on the river.

Ben Tre
Travellers on the Vietnam family holiday that push on into Ben Tre province are certain to appreciate the sight of bounteous fruit orchards and some of the delta’s finest scenery. This laid back town is famed for its coconut groves and fruit orchards. A visit to Ben Tre is a great choice to arrange a boat trip that is away from the tour-bus bustle. Also, the town’s narrow lanes and riverside promenade are practical for two-wheeled exploration.

Can Tho
Can Tho is the delta’s biggest settlement with a population of nearly one million people and a great place to stay in the region for 1 or 2 days. Can Tho has some of the finest restaurants and hotels in the region. Also, it is a great place to recharge the batteries before moving on to the nearby floating markets. It has a breezy waterfront that makes a satisfying experience to explore, and quite a difference to the quiet backwaters of other towns in the delta. Boat trips to the best-known floating markets in the delta are the main reason to visit Can Tho - although there are also a few dry land excursions to enjoy in the area.

Chau Doc
The lively town of Chau Doc is a stone’s throw from the Cambodian border and attracts travellers planning to move on to Phnom Penh along the river route by boat. However, this town is still a great place to rest up for a day or two before leaving Vietnam.

Tra Vinh
Tra Vinh is an outback market town with plenty of colonial style buildings and tree-lined streets that doesn’t see tourists in high numbers. This province has nearly 140 Khmer pagodas that are distinctly coloured in shades of turquoise, orange and lilac. A popular attraction in the region is the peaceful Hang Pagoda that has storks nesting in the surrounding tall trees.