Overview
Take a trip to Mekong Delta on your Vietnam Vacation
An interesting region of the country on a Vietnam vacation is located in Southwestern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a network of distributaries emptying into the South China Sea from the Mekong River, which originates in the Tibetan highland plateau 2800 miles away.
The Vietnamese name for Mekong Delta is Cuu Long, meaning nine dragons, for the nine mouths that terminate the flow of the river as it absorbs in the sea.
In Vietnam, the Mekong Delta covers a region of 39,000 sq km (15,000 sq mi) and lies west of Ho Chi Minh City, forming a triangle stretching from My Tho in the east, Chau Doc in the northwest, and Ca Mau in the south, including the South China Sea and the island of Phu Quoc.
Firmly under Vietnamese administrative control in the late 17th century, after its detachment from Cambodia, the Mekong Delta was then part of Cochinchina, France’s first colony in Vietnam, later becoming part of French Indochina. In the 1950s, the Mekong Delta’s patrolled waterways were the site of the First Indochina War, with the communist coalition league, Viet Minh, after France’s re-occupation post-World War II. The Mekong Delta was then the site of battle coined as the Second Indochina War, between Viet Minh and the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Following independence from France, Vietnam was attacked in the 1970s by the Khmer Rouge, who unsuccessfully tried to reclaim the Mekong Delta. This led to Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia and the subsequent downfall of the Khmer Rouge.
Much of life in the Mekong Delta revolves around the river, with some villages accessible only by boat. Agriculturally rich, the Mekong Delta provides lush rice fields, yielding half of Vietnam’s supply of rice. In addition, dubbed as a ‘biological treasure trove’, the Mekong Delta features over 10,000 new species discovered in previously unexplored areas, all adding to the attraction of a Vietnam vacation.
Mekong Delta’s largest city, Can Tho, is the economic, cultural, and scientific centre of the region. Noted for its floating market, rice-paper-making village, and picturesque rural canals, it is also home to Southeast Asia’s longest cable-stayed bridge.
Much of life in the Mekong Delta revolves around the river, with some villages accessible only by boat. Agriculturally rich, the Mekong Delta provides lush rice fields, yielding half of Vietnam’s supply of rice. In addition, dubbed as a ‘biological treasure trove’, the Mekong Delta features over 10,000 new species discovered in previously unexplored areas, all adding to the attraction of a Vietnam vacation.
Mekong Delta’s largest city, Can Tho, is the economic, cultural, and scientific centre of the region. Noted for its floating market, rice-paper-making village, and picturesque rural canals, it is also home to Southeast Asia’s longest cable-stayed bridge.
At a Glance
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Vietnamese Dong (VND)What do the experts say?
Vietnam doesn’t need to be paired with another country to fill a trip. From the culture to the coast, you can easily spend two full weeks here and barely scratch the surface
Vietnam has a way of welcoming you in. I’ve been invited into houses and shared meals with strangers, and those moments have shaped my love for the place
Vietnam stretches over 2,000 kilometers so weather can vary dramatically. March and April are ideal for visiting the whole country with moderate temperatures and light rain
Hoi An is a personal favorite, with its ancient architecture, multicultural roots, and unforgettable cuisine
Vietnam isn’t just conical hats and war stories. It’s a land of 54 ethnic groups, layered history, and vibrant culture that surprises even seasoned travelers.
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