Where to go in Mekong Delta?

Travel tips                  13/11/2026

Quick answer: The Mekong Delta is southern Vietnam’s river region — a maze of waterways, floating markets and rice paddies southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Most visitors base a day trip or overnight stay in Can Tho, My Tho, or Ben Tre, reachable by road in 2–4 hours from Saigon.

The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, swamps and islands in southern Vietnam, home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas, and villages surrounded by rice paddies. Boats are the main way to get around, and most tours start in nearby Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho, the bustling town at the heart of the delta.

Where to Go in the Mekong Delta

Can Tho

The largest city in the Mekong Delta and often considered its capital. Can Tho is famous for its floating markets, where boats loaded with fresh produce trade right on the water — the Cai Rang Floating Market is the best known. The city also has a good range of restaurants and hotels, making it a comfortable base for exploring further afield.

Chau Doc

A charming town on the Cambodian border, Chau Doc blends Vietnamese, Cham and Khmer cultures. Climb Sam Mountain for panoramic views, visit Chau Phu Temple, or take a boat trip to the nearby Tra Su Cajuput Forest.

Ben Tre

A peaceful, less touristy province known for its coconut groves. Boat rides through the waterways show how coconut candy, coconut oil and other products are made by hand — a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path alternative to the busier delta towns.

Vinh Long

Known for fruit orchards and traditional homestays. Cycle through the countryside, visit local markets, and get a feel for rural life in the delta.

An Giang

Home to Sam Mountain’s pagodas, the Ba Chua Xu Temple, and the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, with a notably diverse mix of ethnic communities.

Cao Lanh

A quiet town best known for the Xeo Quyt Ecotourism Area, rich in mangroves and Vietnam War history. Boat tours are the usual way to explore.

My Tho

The closest delta town to Ho Chi Minh City, and often the first stop for visitors. See Vinh Trang Pagoda, take a boat to Unicorn Island, and visit local workshops along the way.

Phu Quoc Island

Technically not part of the Mekong Delta, but often combined with it — an island off the southwestern coast with pristine beaches, snorkeling, and fresh seafood.

Which towns to pick depends on how much time you have: Can Tho and My Tho suit a one- or two-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, while Chau Doc, Ben Tre and Vinh Long reward a slower, multi-day visit.

Looking for more destinations? See our 10 best things to do in Vietnam for the full picture beyond the Delta.

Planning Your Vietnam Trip

If the Mekong Delta is part of a wider trip to Vietnam, you’ll need a Vietnam eVisa before you fly — it covers entry by air, land border or seaport, including the crossings used for delta and Cambodia border trips. Processing takes about 3–4 working days standard, with faster tiers available if you’re flying sooner.

Start your Vietnam eVisa application

Questions before you travel? Call +84.988.88.5560 or email info@instantvietnamvisa.com.

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