Mekong Delta – Worth it? Hmm..
Last updatedYes, trust me, the Mekong Delta is worth it! It was probably one of my favorite regions in Vietnam. I loved the calmness, the slow pace, and the curious looks and smiles of the people. You can really practice your helloing here since all the children want to say hello to the foreigner.
Beware—if you’re out of shape with your helloing, it might get awkward, so it’s best to practice before coming here!
Anyway, enough of my nonsense.
In a few words, I had a more genuine experience here than in many other places in Vietnam. I stayed for about a week and had a great time. In this post I’ll cover which cities are worth visiting in the Mekong Delta, their highlights and some practical issues as hoe many days to spend there, how to travel in the Mekong Delta and much more.
So, you might be wondering—what are the highlights of the Mekong Delta? Let me get into that right now.
The highlights city-wise are Ben Tre, Can Tho and Chau Doc and the outskirts of these places. I’ll write separately per city and what you can expect from them, but i’ll start with the essentials—which covers the the practical travel questions about the region.
Mekong Delta Essentials
How to Travel in the Mekong Delta?
Getting around is easy with local transport. Futa Buses are the most reliable option—they’re clean, affordable, and run frequently between major towns. Once you arrive, the best way to explore is by renting a motorbike or booking a local tour through your hotel.
How many days to spend in the Mekong Delta?
You can spend anywhere from 1 day to over a week in the Mekong Delta. If you just want to see Ben Tre and Can Tho, plan for 3–4 days. For a deeper dive and to visit Chau Doc, give yourself 5–7 days
Which places to visit in the Mekong Delta?
Short on time?
If you’re on a tight schedule, booking a guided tour might be your best bet—it covers key destinations and ensures you won’t miss anything important. Prefer to go independently? Stick to Ben Tre and Can Tho for a solid experience.
Got a Week or More?
With more time, traveling by motorbike is a great option. It gives you the freedom to explore hidden gems and experience the delta at your own pace. I recommend Ben Tre, Can Tho, and Chau Doc (near the Cambodian border).
The way I travelled
I started in Ben Tre, explored the surrounding villages by motorbike for a couple of days, then continued to Can Tho (2 days) for the floating market. After that, I took a bus to Rach Gia and a ferry to Phu Quoc (3 days). While Phu Quoc isn’t technically part of the Mekong Delta, it’s very accessible from the region—and absolutely worth a visit if you’re nearby. From Phu Quoc, I took the ferry to Ha Tien, then continued to Chau Doc (3 days).
When to visit Mekong Delta?
It’s hot all year around, so best thing is to try to avoid the rain and the peak heat. The best months would be in that case between December and Mars. April is also good, but that’s when the heat really peaks.
South Vietnam
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Ben Tre: The Coconut Capital
The nation’s coconut capital generates a shocking 500 million USD in annual export revenue—so basically palm trees in every direction you look—but don’t worry there are amazing looking rice farms as well.
Du lịch Cồn Phụng Bến Tre
Here, you can take a ride in a rowing boat through small canals, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the village roads, and listen to some traditional music. They also have a coconut candy factory where you can taste fresh coconut candy straight from the source.
Hưng Phong island
Charming little island which is quite nice to explore. There are not much here for tourists—but there are some café where you can enjoy a local coffee. Follow the link below for the ferry port.
Where to stay in Ben Tre
The most local experience I had in Vietnam was in Bến Tre. I stayed at a homestay just outside of town, which gave me a real taste of everyday life there. The homestay also offered motorbike rentals, which made it super easy to explore the surrounding areas.
The real charm of Bến Tre lies in cruising around the countryside by bicycle or motorbike. You can even take a small ferry to one of the nearby islands, where the scenery is at its most beautiful—lush palm trees in every direction and that peaceful, slow-paced vibe that makes you feel like time has stopped.
How to get to Cần Thơ from Bến Tre by local bus
There’s a bus station in the northwest part of Bến Tre where you can catch a local bus to Cần Thơ.
The ticket costs around 90,000 VND.
Buses usually leave at 10:00 and 13:30.
It’s a good idea to buy your ticket in advance, especially around public holidays, as they can sell out. The ride is pretty local—expect a mix of passengers, from locals to a few tourists, and sometimes even packages or goods being transported.
Can Tho: The Jungle Town
I got that jungle feeling I’d been searching for the moment I arrived in Cần Thơ. The river was lined with dense, floating green mats that made the whole place feel wild and alive. It was exactly the kind of scenery I’d hoped to find in the Mekong Delta—lush, vibrant, and full of character.
Have a walk next to the river bank
After I settled in, I went for a walk along the riverbank—and it didn’t disappoint. The landscape was incredibly rich and green, with that unmistakable “jungly” vibe. It’s such a simple thing to do, but just wandering next to the river turned out to be very fascinating.
Visit Cai Rang Floating Market
Cần Thơ is famous for its floating market—but keep in mind that the real market has mostly moved onto land these days. Still, there are boats on the river selling goods and offering breakfast to visitors.
You can buy a coffee from a small boat that hooks onto yours, or hop on a larger one where a local family will serve you breakfast right from their floating home. It felt a bit touristy, but honestly, the experience is still very much worth it.
After the floating market, I highly recommend heading to the land-based market nearby. That’s where the real hustle and bustle happens—locals buying and selling everything from meat and vegetables to spices and snacks. It’s also the perfect place to try some proper local dishes.
If you want to experience it, be prepared to wake up early—try to be there by 5:30 AM, before sunrise.
Ways to visit the floating market
Organized Tour
The easiest option, but definitely the most touristy. These tours are usually booked through hotels or agencies and follow a set route.
Big Boat from Cần Thơ Pier
This is the standard group option. It costs around 100,000 VND and takes about an hour to reach the floating market. You’ll be sharing the boat with a bunch of other tourists, which makes it less personal but super convenient.
More Local Experience (what I did)
For a more authentic experience, skip the organized tours and do it yourself:
- Take a taxi or ride a motorbike to the market area (just search “Cái Răng” on Google Maps).
- Once there, hire a small boat on-site for around 100,000 VND.
- With your own boat, you can explore the floating market at your own pace, stopping wherever you like for coffee or breakfast from local boats.
Where to stay in Can Tho
After staying at a lovely homestay in Bến Tre, I decided it was time for a little upgrade. I booked a well-priced hotel in Cần Thơ—Wink Hotel—which came with a rooftop pool, a gym, and one of the most comfortable beds I’d slept in for a while. It was the kind of comfort I didn’t realize I needed until I had it.
Châu Đốc: The most spritual place in Vietnam
Châu Đốc was the perfect way to finish my Vietnam trip. It’s a laid-back riverside town tucked away in the far southwest, right near the Cambodian border. Often overlooked by international travelers heading between Vietnam and Cambodia, it’s a hidden gem for those seeking something more honest, spiritual, and calm.
This town reveals the true face of the Vietnamese countryside—stripped of tourist traps and the stress of big cities. The calmness here melts away the rush of urban life. Instead of chaotic crowds, you’re met with friendly, curious locals who make you feel right at home.
Châu Đốc is especially popular among Vietnamese travelers, thanks to its spiritual importance. One of its main attractions is Phước Điền Tự – Hang Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, nestled in the side of Sam Mountain. The area is a pilgrimage site rich with temples, shrines, and sweeping views over the rice fields that stretch all the way to Cambodia.
Explore the Rice Fields & Rural Villages
- Drive around the rice fields and soak in the rural atmosphere.
- Stop at small cafés in the fields and enjoy the calmness. Listen to the birds, feel the wind, and watch cows grazing peacefully.
Visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest
Trà Sư Cajuput Forest is a beautiful wetland near Châu Đốc in An Giang Province. A flooded forest with towering cajuput trees and over 70 bird species, including storks and herons. The best way to see it? By boat—if that’s your thing. I skipped it this time and walked instead. I’ve been on enough boats already. I’d recommend going early or late to dodge the heat.
When you first enter, it might feel a bit too commercialized. But take an immediate left, keep walking until you can turn right, and suddenly, you’re in a quiet area filled with birdsong and calm rivers, away from the other tourists. Take it slow—it’s a soul-nurturing experience and absolutely worth it.
After a bit of walking and taking another left, you’ll face an unexpected challenge: walking past around 50 beehive boxes. A local beekeeper and his family live here. The trick is to stay calm and walk past slowly—the bees are friendly, and the challenge is all in the mind.
Check Out the Pagodas: Lady Pagoda & Hang Pagoda
Take some time to explore the local pagodas, like the Lady Pagoda and Hang Pagoda. As you step inside, the air is filled with the scent of incense, creating a calming, spiritual atmosphere. You’ll often see locals performing Buddhist ceremonies, seeking prosperity and good fortune. The offerings here are diverse—ranging from fruits and water to alcohol and slices of a roasted pig. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the local customs and religious practices.
Where to Stay in Chau Doc
Stay in one of the accommodations that offer a mountain view or homestays, and simply take in the slow pace of life.
Little Saigon – Open Agoda Link
Homestay Khoa Chau Doc – Open Booking Link
