A visit to the Mekong Delta region offers a variety of exciting excursions, activities and attractions. Many of the organized tours combine activities to give the most insight into the daily lives of the locals. The stilt houses with fish farms underneath and the floating markets rich in bright fruit and vegetables are among the highlights of the region.

Here are six of the popular things to do in the Mekong delta:

Boating
The Mekong delta is best explored by travelling its waterways. Most of the local life resolves around the delta, and a boat trip through the complex system of channels is the best way to understand and view it. A scenic trip gives a real glimpse into this rural part of the country on the package holidays to Vietnam.

Homestay
Even though homestays are available in a variety of places across Vietnam, those found on the peaceful islands of the Mekong delta are particularly attractive and surrounded by acres of orchards. An overnight stay in a homestay offers one of the best ways to learn about local life.

Floating markets
Visiting one or more of the floating markets in the Mekong delta is certain to count as a memorable event on the tours of Vietnam. A trip on a motorized boat makes it possible to see how the local trade a wide range of fruits, goods and commodities on the water. The floating markets are in full-flow and most active in the early mornings. Many start as early at 3:00 AM. There are plenty of tours starting in Ho Chi Minh City that include the Mekong Delta and its floating markets as part of the itinerary.

Bicycle tours
A bicycle tour takes the travellers off the beaten track to appreciate the true vastness of the area. The small pathways and roads travelled are surrounded by orchards and lush-green rice fields. This is a relaxed and active way to explore the area and get to know more about the daily life of the locals and the Mekong delta in general. A great part of the tour is visiting one or more of the charming river islands via a small pedestrian ferry. Things to see while cycling in the region include brick factories, small villages, temples, and stopping at local markets to enjoy a Vietnamese coffee and fresh fruit.

Bird watching
Bird watching in the Mekong delta region is relatively easy with plenty of the natural habitats canals, grassland, or other open spaces. The best places for birding include the salt pans, mangroves, inter-tidal mudflats, flooded natural grasslands, marshes and rivers. The local area has nearly 350 recorded species with most different water birds. The Tram Chim bird sanctuary is great for seeing herons and egrets, while the kingfishers, cormorants and waterfowls are spotted elsewhere.  

Cooking
Joining a cooking class on thefamily tours in Vietnam is a great way to learn the preparation and cooking techniques of several of the local traditional dishes. Lessons often include picking fresh ingredients from a private garden or market. A half-day cooking class can include dishes like Mekong style rice, coconut basil chicken, and pork and prawn spring rolls.