Mekong Delta Vietnam Travel Report Boat tours, local markets and more

The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is a fascinating travel destination, boasting impressive natural landscapes, vibrant local markets, and unique culture. In this post, I take you on a journey through the Mekong Delta and share my experiences and tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Getting to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta is quite straightforward. The best option is to take one of the many buses that run regularly between the two locations. Alternatively, you can book a tour directly from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. However, these tours are often exhausting, as the journey alone takes about two hours. If you prefer more comfort, you should plan to stay overnight in the Mekong Delta.

Accommodation and Hotel Tips

For our trip, we primarily stayed in My Tho to explore the Mekong Delta from there. In hindsight, however, we should have booked a hotel directly in Ben Tre, as the tours there are less touristy and more authentic. A downside of our hotel in My Tho was that you could hear everything from the corridor and the entire bathroom would get wet when showering. The laundry service was also quite expensive, costing between 30-70 cents per item. Therefore, our recommendation: Choose a hotel in Ben Tre to enjoy an authentic experience.

Here on Google Maps  

Book your stay at Sang Tia N Annex on Booking.com

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Transportation Options in the Mekong Delta

In the Mekong Delta, we mainly used the Grab Taxi App, which functions similarly to Uber. A major advantage is that you can see the price before the ride and conveniently pay with a credit card through the app. However, there is a downside: Often the cars are not equipped with working seat belts, which is very questionable given the high accident and fatality rates in traffic. Nevertheless, Grab is a convenient way to get around the Mekong Delta and also order food if you're too lazy to leave the hotel.

Experiences and Activities in the Mekong Delta

Our adventure in the Mekong Delta was marked by a special tour that allowed us to dive deep into the local culture. For about €50 per person, we booked a full-day exploration tour that turned out to be a true highlight of our trip.

Motorcycle Ride through Local Villages

The day began with an exciting motorcycle ride through the picturesque villages of the region. We visited local houses and got an authentic insight into the daily lives of the residents. A special experience was visiting a local market, where we stood in awe before stalls with snails, snakes, and even turtles – a fascinating contrast to the markets we know from home.

Traditional Craftsmanship and Culinary Adventures

Throughout the day, we got our hands dirty: We learned how to expertly open a coconut with a machete – a trick that will surely cause a stir at home. We then tried our hand at making a traditional tatami mat and helped package local sweets. These insights into traditional craftsmanship were not only educational but also incredibly fun.

Relaxation and Local Cuisine

At lunchtime, we enjoyed a feast of local specialties, followed by a relaxing siesta in hammocks – the perfect break to process the morning's impressions.

Boat Tour on the Mekong

The absolute highlight of the day was undoubtedly the private boat tour on the Mekong. Accompanied by a fluent guide who spoke not only excellent English but surprisingly also Japanese, we glided over the mighty river. The boat captain surprised us by picking fresh fruits from the mangroves, which we could enjoy directly on board – an unforgettable taste of the Mekong Delta.

Boat Tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Ben-Tre/Ben-Tre-Hidden-Gems-Food-Nature-and-Culture/d50855-422212P1  

Street Food Experience

To end the day, we delved into the vibrant street food scene. We tried various local specialties and enjoyed a refreshing ice cream with fresh fruits by the roadside as the perfect sweet ending to a day full of adventures.

This tour gave us a deep insight into life in the Mekong Delta, far away from well-trodden tourist paths. For anyone seeking an authentic experience, it is absolutely recommended. A tip: If you stay overnight in Ben Tre, have the guides pick you up directly at your hotel – this way, you start your Mekong adventure relaxed.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Adventure in the Mekong Delta

Our trip to the Mekong Delta was an unforgettable adventure that allowed us to deeply immerse ourselves in the local culture and nature. From impressive boat tours to vibrant markets to delicious street food experiences – the Mekong Delta captivated us. We hope that this report inspires you and helps with your own trip planning.

If you have any questions or your own experiences, feel free to leave a comment. We look forward to your stories and tips!

Have fun exploring the Mekong Delta and safe travels!