The Mekong Delta, in Vietnam's far south, is a flat landscape of river arms, canals, rice fields, and fruit orchards, beginning southwest of Ho Chi Minh City.
The Mekong Delta, in Vietnam's far south, is a flat landscape of river arms, canals, rice fields, and fruit orchards, beginning southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. You travel there to experience life on and by the water: boat trips through narrow channels, early floating markets, and villages where coconuts and fruits are processed.Cần Thơ, about 170 km and three to four hours' drive from Ho Chi Minh City, is the delta's largest city and the best base for several days. From Ninh Kiều waterfront, boats depart early in the morning for the Cái Răng floating market. The market has become significantly smaller than before and is now strongly geared towards visitors. If you want to see more authentic trade, continue to the smaller Phong Điền market.Bến Tre, approximately 90 km from Ho Chi Minh City, is the delta's coconut region. In small workshops, you can see how coconut candies (kẹo dừa) are made, and on rowboats, you journey through canals lined with water palms. Since the administrative reform of 2025, Bến Tre has belonged to Vĩnh Long Province.
Located in the northern Mekong Delta, about 90 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Bến Tre is the most easily accessible destination in the Delta. The area is renowned for its coconut palms, with approximately 600 million coconuts harvested annually.Its most famous product is coconut candy (kẹo dừa), originally made only from coconut milk and sugar, but now also available with durian, pandan, or peanuts. Thanks to the Rạch Miễu Bridge over the Tiền River, Bến Tre is also feasible as a day trip.Since 2025, Bến Tre has been part of the newly formed Vĩnh Long province.
Sights in Mekong Delta
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Market
Floating Market Cái Răng
The market on the Hậu River, about 6 km south of Cần Thơ's city center, has been a national intangible cultural heritage since 2016. Vendors sell fruit and vegetables directly from their boats, with goods displayed on long poles. It's liveliest early in the morning, but trade has significantly declined in recent years.
The roughly 7,000 m² riverside park is where the Cần Thơ River meets the Hậu River. This is where boats depart for the floating markets; in the evenings, it's joined by strollers, a night market, and the illuminated Ninh Kiều pedestrian bridge. Nearby are the old Cần Thơ Market and the Chinese Ông Pagoda.
The Dương family built the estate in 1870, a French-style villa with Eastern elements. Almost entirely preserved inside and out, it has been a national architectural monument since 2009. It often served as a film set.
The smaller floating market lies 45 to 60 minutes from Cần Thơ's city center. With 15 to 30 boats, it's manageable, though primarily locals trade watermelons, pineapples, and vegetables here. It's accessible via a longer boat tour or by taxi.
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Market
1Floating Market Cái Răng
The market on the Hậu River, about 6 km south of Cần Thơ's city center, has been a national intangible cultural heritage since 2016. Vendors sell fruit and vegetables directly from their boats, with goods displayed on long poles. It's liveliest early in the morning, but trade has significantly declined in recent years.
The roughly 7,000 m² riverside park is where the Cần Thơ River meets the Hậu River. This is where boats depart for the floating markets; in the evenings, it's joined by strollers, a night market, and the illuminated Ninh Kiều pedestrian bridge. Nearby are the old Cần Thơ Market and the Chinese Ông Pagoda.
The Dương family built the estate in 1870, a French-style villa with Eastern elements. Almost entirely preserved inside and out, it has been a national architectural monument since 2009. It often served as a film set.
The smaller floating market lies 45 to 60 minutes from Cần Thơ's city center. With 15 to 30 boats, it's manageable, though primarily locals trade watermelons, pineapples, and vegetables here. It's accessible via a longer boat tour or by taxi.
Waterborne trade has shaped the Delta for generations. The Cái Răng Floating Market was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2016. Vendors prominently display what they sell on a long pole.Bến Tre harvests approximately 600 million coconuts annually. This is the home of coconut candies (kẹo dừa), which originally consisted only of coconut milk and sugar, and are now also made with durian, pandan, or peanuts.
Getting There and Around
To Cần Thơ: Buses run from Miền Tây bus station in Ho Chi Minh City to Cần Thơ in three to four hours, among them Phương Trang. Alternatively, book a car with driver. Cần Thơ Airport lies about 9 km northwest of the centre and has domestic flights, for example to Hanoi, Đà Nẵng and Phú Quốc.Floating market: Boats to Cái Răng market leave from Ninh Kiều wharf; the ride takes 30 to 40 minutes. The market is busiest between about 6 and 7.30 am, so plan to set off around 5.30 am. Tours last two to five hours depending on the programme and can be booked at the wharf, through your accommodation or with local guides. As a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, Cần Thơ makes little sense because of the long journey; stay at least one night.Bến Tre: About 90 km from Ho Chi Minh City and reached via the Rạch Miễu Bridge over the Tiền River, so it works as a day trip.For safety on boat trips, see the UK FCDO Travel Advice (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice).
