The Mekong Delta – South-east Asia’s bountiful pantry

The Mekong Delta offers unrivalled experiences.

Lush scenery, abundant wildlife, floating markets and exciting culture are just some of the things you can tick off the list if you visit the Mekong Delta.

Read more about the Delta and what you can experience here below.

Where is the Mekong?

Mekong is the name of both the river and the delta.

The Mekong River is the world’s 12th longest river. It rises in Tibet and flows 4,500 km through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before draining into the South China Sea, south of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

In southern Vietnam, before it reaches the sea, the river divides into myriad smaller rivers and streams, forming a giant maze of rivers that wind their way through the area. The area is known as the Mekong Delta. Covering an area of around 40,000 km2, it consists of a unique ecosystem that is fed by the huge Mekong River.

What can you experience in the Mekong?

The expansive wetland areas of the Mekong Delta and the River provide excellent conditions for both flora and fauna to thrive. So, there is no shortage of resources available when it comes to sourcing ingredients for Vietnamese kitchens.

The Mekong River is said to be the lifeblood of the neighbouring areas because millions of people live by the river and are dependent on the generous source.

Boat trip and floating markets

Discover the lush scenery from the water on a boat trip in, for example, a traditional sampan – a flat-bottomed wooden boat – under the green coconut palms on the delta’s lush network of waterways. On a boat trip you get to experience how much of the transport and life takes place on the water.

Boats loaded with goods wind in and out between another other, forming a floating market where locals sell their wares to tourists and other locals. You’re guaranteed to see fishermen and other boats carrying watermelons, coconuts, pineapples and other fruits.

On a boat trip, you can also get right up close to some of the small, local cottage industries. Visit, for example, coconut plantations where you learn about how coconuts are used for oil, as a material and for sweet cakes, or a rice paper manufacturer, where you can watch the paper being made from scratch.

Wildlife

The Mekong River and Delta are also home to abundant wildlife – on land, in the water and in the air.

In fact, the Mekong River is one the rivers with the most animal species in the world. See, for example, the last Irrawaddy dolphins, also known as Mekong dolphins, at Kratie in Cambodia.

The Mekong Delta is also a great place to visit if you’re a bird lover. Around a quarter of all the bird species in Vietnam live here, including the world’s highest flying bird, the Sarus crane.

Whatever tour you choose, you’re guaranteed scenic and unique experiences in the Mekong Delta.
Not sure which tour to choose? Please contact our tour specialists, who are ready to help you.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller