Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a region in the Southwestern part of Vietnam where the famous Mekong River empties into the sea. It covers a large part of the southern area of Vietnam. Some of the most famous cities in the area include My Tho, Ho Chih Minh City, and Phu Quoc. It is one of the most densely populated areas of Vietnam with abundant farmland.

Historically, the Mekong Delta region was an important part of the Funan Kingdom in 1st century C.E. It was originally known as Khmer Krom prior to the 17th century and inhabited by the Khmer people. Starting in the late 17th century, the area became a site for expansion of Vietnamese and Chinese Settlements and later on becoming the first French colony and a huge part of what was then known a French Indochina where eventually the infamous Indochinese Wars took place from 1945 – 1979.

Today, the Mekong Delta region is famous for growing and producing more rice than Korea and Japan and is the second to Thailand in exporting it out. This is one of the reasons why it has been given the nickname “Vietnam’s rice basket”. It is also famous for fish farms (with seafood a plenty), sugarcane, fruit, and coconut.

The best times to visit the area is during the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival as observed by Chinese tradition. This is where local custom and pageantry become the true highlight of any trip to the area.

Another unique fact of note, the Mekong Delta area is also has the nickname as being “Vietnam’s biological treasure trove” because of the thousands of new species and specimens that have been discovered in many still-unexplored areas of the delta.

 

 

Getting there

When planning a trip to the Mekong Delta, it is best to take an organized tour that is cheap and affordable. However, if traveling solo or not with a group, taking a car, bicycle or motorbike would be the best option of choice.

Thing to do and see

My Tho – This is the capital city of the Tien Giang province and is the first city in the Mekong Delta that travelers will encounter after leaving Ho Chi Minh City. Everything is more expensive because of this so it is best to spend money on areas that are cheaper once going into the Delta itself.

Cat Tien National Park --- This lies between Ho Chih Minh City and the city of Dalat lies this lush National Park full of numerous varieties of flora and fauna such as crocodiles, deer, birds, etc. You can get there by bus or taxi since it is just off the highway. You will be required to pay an entrance fee of 50000 and you can walk or bike around the park. One of the major highlights of the national park is Crocodile Lake in which a 45-minute safari can be taken. There are two restaurants that are reasonably priced and offer grew scenic views.

Phu Quoc --- Just a bit outside and away from the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc is the Vietnamese Phuket with the best beaches in the world. It is a forested island with beaches, freshwater springs, and dirty roads. In addition the traveler can find sandy beaches and fantastic places to stay. It is very mountainous and located in the Gulf of Thailand. If you are looking for the best seafood in town, this is the place to visit. In addition, it is also famous for its fish sauce for which the island derived its name from. You can get to the island but plane or boat and can tour the island anyway you prefer. It is also known to be one of the best places for diving and snorkeling.