The winding waterways of the Mekong River Delta usher travellers into the mysterious wilderness. A trip to the area can transport you into a spellbinding world. And the delta has given birth to amazing food culture. It is in fact, the origin of a number of delectable Vietnamese dishes. Let us discuss how to get to the Mekong River Delta and then get around.
Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, Mekong-River-Near-Luang-Prabang, CC BY-SA 4.0How to travel to the Mekong River Delta – By tour
Signing up for a tour is a hassle-free way to explore the waterways and the lush green landscape. You can book a tour with a Luang Prabang Cruise company. You could join a group or private tour from Ho Chi Minh City across the Mekong Delta. This way you would be visiting the Mekong as part of a more comprehensive tour. However, if you only wish to see the Mekong region, you can book with a company such as Mekong Kingdoms to explore the delta.
How to travel to the Mekong River Delta – By plane
You can find several flights connecting Ho Chi Minh and Rach Gia along eastern Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Island. Alternatively, you can catch a plane from Hanoi or Siem Reap in Cambodia. Flying is definitely the quickest and easiest way to get to the Mekong River Delta.
How to travel to the Mekong River Delta – By road
The only main road that connects Ho Chi Minh City with Can Tho is the QL1A. It covers about 171 kilometres, and the drive takes about 3.5 hours. While there are other roads, these can be narrow and traffic worrisome. You can hire a private car or catch a bus or minibus. Motorbikes and moto-taxis are the other two options. Private transfers are convenient and offer more comfort. But a normal taxi offers more scope exploring the villages’ enroute. You could hire a car with a driver for the trip as well.
How to travel to the Mekong River Delta – By boat tour
You can get to the Mekong River Delta from Cambodia by boat. Most people opt to enter through Chau Doc, and then spend days exploring the delta before heading towards Ho Chi Minh City. You could go the vice versa route too.
Touring Mekong River Delta – By bicycle
Once you get to the Mekong River Delta, rent a bicycle and take the slow route. You can watch life flowing at an unhurried pace. You can pedal along the backwaters and lush green landscape. Breathe in fresh air and drink in the beauty.
Touring Mekong River Delta – By boat
While cycling is fun, the best way to experience the water world that is the Mekong Delta is to go on boat rides. Some boat operators don’t speak English. However, you can find those who converse well if you book with a reputable company.
Cruise through the misty environs, and foggy tributaries that connect regions. Let your mind relax, and step back in time. You’ll savour the beauty of time immemorial, and be filled with bliss.
What to experience in the Mekong River Delta?
Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market to see the rich abundance of the region, and feast on delicacies. Explore the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve where wild creatures roam free. Sail along Thua Thua where the river changes to irrigation canals. There you can watch villagers make wine, collect honey and concoct coconut candies. Visit Ben Tre, a town famous for its slow pace and succulent, fresh fish. Go to the Cao Dai temple where the magnificent religious sanctuary rises above the misty river, beckoning you to enter a world of mystery, peace and old stories as intriguing as the meandering rivers.

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