1. Time does matter
Life in Mekong Delta is woven by water and season. It is most vibrant in spring (flower season or Tet Holiday: late January - February) and early summer (fruit season: April - May). The flood season (September - November), however, sweeps everything away and brings a new face to the delta with its rich brown alluvial water. This is also the income season for local people with abundant fish source and water vegetables. The waterfront life is most fascinating in this season.
2. You must do this!
The must see in Mekong Delta is of course its floating market. Again timing is very important if you do not want to be disheartened. The most incredible moments on the water of Mekong Delta are sunrise and sunset. The Mekong Delta floating markets reveal their best in very early morning. “To get the best view of the places, there is no other way but getting up EARLY and start the trip at 5.30 (usually recommended) or 5am (I do suggest this since you will be able to see the sparkle stars above the sky quickly transferring to pinkish sunrise and shining yellowish daylight afterwards.”
The must eat in Mekong Delta is deep fried elephant-ear fish (“Ca tai tuong chien xu”) rolled with herbs in rice sheet and served with dipping sauce.
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| Mekong Delta Travel Tips |
The must do in Mekong Delta is getting in a small rowing sampan to explore its complicated canal system, cycling through tranquil villages and lush rice fields, and visiting a local market in the mainland.
3. A good tour guide makes your trip worthwhile
A self-guided tour sounds tempting, but not everyone is aimed with strong discovery spirit. A proficient guide will bring you a chance to study about the delta and local life. Also, as the distance from one floating market to another, as well as to other destinations in Mekong Delta is pretty far, there would be nothing boring than sitting on board for a long time. A great guide will fill the gap with fun: chatting with you and teaching you to weave jewelry and flowers from coconut leaves.
4. Set your expectations right!
Many customers were disappointed with their trip in Mekong Delta: the floating market is not colorful, the crowded boat trip, dull scenery, etc. You must know that “fruits and vegetables sold here are seasonable. Therefore, there are times you can find tens of tropical kinds (From Jan to April, usually) which can give your cameras amazing shots, so is time of lacking types due to seasons and crops. Cai Rang and Phung Hiep are big, noisy produce wholesale markets. Phong Dien, Cai Be, Nga Nam, Ca Mau or Tra On floating markets are small and quieter. Neither are romantic, beautiful little markets that you might see on tourist brochures, unless you come in right moments. Also as the floating markets in Mekong Delta are just local way of life and not a planned tourist site as in Thailand, you go to them for authenticity.
5. Be clear with what you get, bargaining hard yet you pay for the quality
You must enquire for what is included and destinations of the tour. Mekong Delta is very big comprising 12 provinces and 1 central town. Can Tho, My Tho and Chau Doc are touristy yet vibrant (in high season). Ben Tre, Long Xuyen and Dong Thap are less visited and more typical of Mekong Delta.
It is up to you whether to book a Mekong Delta tour with big agencies or a small local tour seller or independent operator for a private tour. Just remember "Pay nuts, get monkey". There are big travel agencies offering you really cheap tours in big - noisy - crowded boats comparing to private, king/queen-feel, warm service, friendly guides and impressive keepsakes on small boats with a bit high but reasonable price. In short, you pay for quality. So, don't get upset hearing someone else having a lower-price trip than you. Also, during the trip, buying stuff in markets, coffee shops or in restaurants, do not forget to ask the price first for no "surprise" later.
With small tour sellers, you will sometimes felt obligated to pay lunch for the guide and boat/ car drivers. Some even ask you to tell other tourists about your Mekong Delta tour with them. Do not agree to talk to any other customers about your experience, you can offer to write a review and that's probably best.
