Mekong Delta – the land of Vietnam’s rural life

Not only the delta is Vietnam’s most productive region in both agriculture and aquaculture, it is also one of the top areas when it comes to ideal choices for those who have always wanted to travel to Vietnam.

Also known as the Western Region of Vietnam (Miền Tây in Vietnamese), the Mekong Delta has always been famous for its own charm and uniqueness as one of the most rural areas in the country. It’s the home to many famous forms of culture, such as the rural lifestyles which revolves much around the rivers, and also a huge inspiration for certain pieces of literature and movies. Moreover, the region has been a favorite choice of travelling to Vietnam by many tourists. Not only because of the terrific landscape that puts you in the mood of celebration, it’s the perfect combination between people and nature altogether that makes your trip more than just interesting.

Mekong River Delta from space

Now let’s start with when and how to get there. Usually you can just travel to the Delta at any time, however it would be ideal to plan your Mekong trip during the summer and the delta’s very special flooding season, depends on how you want your vacation to be. If you are looking for a summer getaway with all fresh and ripe fruits await to cool you off, from June to August would be ideal. It is also the top choice of many visitors when travelling to the area. Around the end of September to November – known as the flooding season of the region, would also be another fantastic choice of travelling, as you have the chance to experience Mekong in its true colors.

Tra Su melaleuca forests, one of the most famous travelling locations in the Delta

An ideal choice of how to travel to the Western Region would be the travelling buses, as you have the chance to see the transition from the modern urban lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh City to the rural beauty of these South-western provinces. The spectacular landscape of islands with a long range of coconut trees of Ben Tre, the urban-meets-rural view of Can Tho – the heart of Mien Tay with many floating boats full of local goods and tropical fruits, the natural beauty of Dong Thap Muoi during its flooding season that offer many wonderful rural dishes by the local people… there are just more to discover from this Green land of Vietnam. And if you feel like your travel can be more than just the Mekong Delta, you can always find yourself going all the way up to the neighbor land of Cambodia, where the rivers keep on flowing into the Delta, slowly and tenderly.

Cai Rang floating market - It's your shopping time, but you have to row!

Perhaps with the region’s enormous offerings, you might find yourself rushing for many other nearby areas once you landed on any province, however such worry should not come first. Every province has its own beauty with many paddies, stilted villages and unique cultures, just take your time to discover the place. If the river isn’t hurrying, neither should you on your travel.