More than perhaps any other destination in Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is heavily affected by the weather because boating is the main form of transportation there. The best time to travel to the region is between November and January when it is cool and the water level is at its highest.
Where Is the Mekong Delta?
The Mekong Delta is a river delta that covers over 35,000 square kilometers and lies directly west and south of Ho Chi Minh City. It is named after the river that carved it, the Mekong, which stretches over 4,500 kilometers, making it one of the 10 longest rivers in the world.
The Mekong Delta region consists of small, island-like segments of land interconnected by winding waterways. When you stand on one of these islands it is difficult to remember that you are surrounded by a river and not a lake or ocean.
The river itself plays an instrumental role in the lives of many Vietnamese people. It not only provides water for agriculture but also a means of transportation and support for the local fishing and farming communities. It is one of the most important and symbolic natural features in all of Vietnam.
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Vietnam & UAE FANTASTIC tour! Thank you Albee Ning!
Albee was INCREDIBLE. She arranged a 9-day private tour of both North and South Vietnam. No stone was left unturned: a private cruise up the Mekong; excellent hotel reservations; personal, caring tour guides; More
Consumer, Jun 2020
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We traveled with Asia Highlights…
My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful 5 1/2 week trip that was organized by the exceptional Ruby Zhao. We have traveled a lot and Ruby is the VERY BEST AGENT we have ever had! More
Lurinda Smith Barton Barnwell, Mar 2020
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We were.very satisfied with Asia…Four Great Weeks in China and Viet Nam
Asia Highlights was very efficient at advising us on what to see and the best routes to take, but they were also very flexible in integrating our own ideas in regard of travel destinations and accommodations. More
Eva and Jim, Oct 2019
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Trip to Vietnam with Asia Highlights was well above expectations
My 12-day private trip to Vietnam was a very rewarding experience, and every day was fantastic, and well above expectations. My trip was perfectly well prepared and organized by Lissy Syoo from Asia Highlights, More
cdietp, May 2019
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Repeat Customer
We traveled with China Highlights in 2015 and were completely satisfied, so when they emailed that they now were arranging trips to SE Asia we didn't even consider looking at other tour companies. More
Terry, Feb 2019
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7-Day Vietnam Tour - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Danang/Hoi An
Asia Highlights did a great job planning and executing our family’s trip around Vietnam. We have two young girls and wanted to have a balance of sightseeing and activities so nobody got bored. More
Andrew, Jan 2019
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We would like to thank Asia Highlights
We would like to thank Asia Highlights for a wonderful trip. Lissy was a joy to work with, in planning a vacation that took into account all our interests and was able to give us so much more than we expected. More
Victor Cognato, Dec 2018
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Vietnam with Asia Highlights
Just returned from Vietnam trip arranged by Albee at Asia Highlights.She was very helpful with the arrangements even when I requested multiple changes in the itinerary. More
Tom, Oct 2017
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Just came back from Vietnam/Cambodia…
Just came back from Vietnam/Cambodia trip via Asia Highlights and had a wonderful experience. The hotels they chosed for us were all very food. the guides were all very professional and spoke good English More
Yumin Zheng, Feb 2017
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The Weather in the Mekong Delta
Boats are the primary means of transportation in the Mekong Delta so traveling during a season when the water level is high and the temperature is cool is highly recommended.
There are two main seasons in the Mekong Delta: a rainy season and a dry season. The temperature in both seasons is generally comfortable, although some months (November to January) are considered more comfortable for traveling.
Dry Season: December to April
From December to the end of April, Vietnam gets a break from all the rain. During this season, while occasional rains still occur, you can expect clearer blue skies, brilliant green landscapes, and lower levels of humidity.
The average temperature from December to February in the Mekong Delta ranges from about 22ºC at night to about 32ºC in the daytime.
It starts to get hot in March with a temperature of about 34ºC in the daytime and it reaches its highest temperatures in April and May (about 35–38ºC in the daytime).
This season is excellent for outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and experiencing the local culture. On nice days local musicians will often sit outside and play their instruments. If you are feeling adventurous you can try walking between the villages or simply take a relaxing boat ride in the shade of the trees.
Rainy Season: May to November
The rainy season begins in May and continues through most of November. While rainy, this is also the hottest time of the year and the humidity is often uncomfortably high. The heaviest rainfall occurs in June and July.
This period is considered to be the low season for traveling in the Mekong Delta. What is the advantage of traveling in the low season?
- Summer is the best time to eat fresh fruits that have been grown locally, such as dragon fruits and mangoes. Fishing is also said to be better during these months.
- You will enjoy lower prices for tours.
Tips for Packing
Temperatures in both seasons stay warm enough that a light jacket is adequate. It is always recommended to take a waterproof layer and clothes that will dry quickly. Much of the Mekong Delta is easily accessed by boat and the heavy rains mean that things are often damp or wet.
Shorts are acceptable, and will not draw scorn from locals, as are sandals, although if you plan to do lots of walking a pair of well-soled shoes might be more comfortable. Do not forget to bring bug repellent and sunscreen!
What to Do in the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta region offers numerous activities suitable to all kinds of travelers.
Be Like the Vietnamese at a Floating Market
The winding waterways of the Mekong Delta make land travel difficult. To overcome this problem, the area has become a hotbed for floating markets. Cai Rang is one of the most famous and best floating markets in the area.
Expect an intimate atmosphere with vendors selling fruit, vegetables, and gift items from stand-up rowboats. Here you can truly see how important owning a boat is if you live in the Mekong Delta.
Do you know why each boat has a pole with a type of fruit or something else attached to it? Join us at Cai Rang Floating Market to find out the answer. It is the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Although you will see some travelers there, it is still used as the main trading place for the local people.
Try the Local Delicacy and Taste the Fresh Tropical Fruits in Orchard
The Mekong Delta is considered to be the granary of Vietnam because of its fertile soil and abundant sunshine. The fruits are extremely sweet. Take the opportunity to visit a local family and feel refreshed with a jackfruit, a mango, or some durians.
At lunchtime, you must try the nem nuong. This is a delicious rice roll filled with pork and vegetables. No trip to the Mekong Delta would be complete without trying at least a few. When traveling with us, your travel advisor will recommend the best place to have an enjoyable lunch.
Take a Sampan Ride Through the Narrow Canals with Fruit Trees Lining the Sides
You will feel so relaxed sitting in a sampan with a local villager steering it. You can try to steer it yourself for some nice photos. Remember to take plenty of sunscreen as there is no shade when you're in the boat. A bamboo hat will be offered to you as well.
Wander Around the Local Villages and Trek in the Nearby Forest
Xeo Quyt Forest is a magnificent sprawl of swamp and forest. It's located 35 kilometers southeast of Cao Lanh. You can explore the park's trails on foot or by boat.
The overgrown channels conceal what is left of the Viet Cong headquarters that this forest once kept hidden from US forces. You can come here to enjoy beautiful scenery and first-hand history.
Visit Vietnam with Asia Highlights
Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Vietnam. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodations and activities that best suit your requirements.
Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning your hassle-free vacation today!
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It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)
moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
moreOur day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.
moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreWe traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.
moreWe visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.
moreAmazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!
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