The Mekong Delta captivates visitors not only with its rustic beauty and genuine people but also with its unique ecotourism areas. Here, you can temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the city, immerse yourself in lush green nature, experience rural activities, and savor distinctive cuisine. Let’s explore the top 6 ecotourism destinations in the Mekong Delta that you shouldn’t miss, where you can slow down and fully appreciate the beauty of this land.
1. Con Phung – Ben Tre: Green Oasis in the Heart of the Tien River
Con Phung, also known as Dao Dua (Coconut Religion Island), is a famous ecotourism destination in Ben Tre, formed from alluvium deposited over the years. Coming to Con Phung, visitors will be immersed in the green space of coconut groves, fruit orchards laden with fruit, and experience the unique cultural features of the Mekong Delta.
Coconut Island (Con Phung) in Ben Tre, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Unmissable Experiences:
- Visit unique architectural works: Learn about the Coconut Religion and admire architectural works imbued with religious imprints.
- Have fun with rustic activities: Crocodile fishing, monkey bridge walking, and participate in exciting team-building games.
- Enjoy “Đờn ca tài tử” music: Immerse yourself in the unique traditional music space, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
- Explore fruit gardens: Enjoy fresh fruits in the garden and learn about the cultivation process.
- Savor Mekong Delta cuisine: Enjoy specialties such as deep-fried elephant ear fish, banh xeo (crispy pancake), and coconut weevil larvae fried with butter.
2. My Khanh Tourist Village – Can Tho: Quintessence of Orchard Garden Culture
Located about 10km from the center of Can Tho city, My Khanh Tourist Village is an ideal destination to explore and experience the unique orchard garden culture of the Mekong Delta. This place converges the quintessence of this land with lush fruit orchards, ancient Southern Vietnamese houses, and unique folk cultural activities.
Must-try Activities:
- Participate in the “A Day as a Landowner” program: Experience the life of Mekong Delta farmers, from taking care of crops to harvesting fruits.
- Ditch draining and fish catching: Have fun and test your fishing skills in small ditches.
- Visit ancient Southern Vietnamese houses: Admire the unique architecture and learn about the history of ancient houses.
- Enjoy “Đờn ca tài tử” music: Immerse yourself in the traditional music space and learn about this unique art form.
- Watch folk games: Participate in or cheer for games such as pig racing, dog racing, and monkey circus.
3. Tan Lap Floating Village – Long An: Discover the Untouched Beauty of Melaleuca Forest
Tan Lap Floating Village, located in Long An, is a newly emerging ecotourism destination that is no less attractive. This place offers visitors a peaceful and tranquil space with green melaleuca forests and brilliant lotus and water lily fields.
Highlights of Tan Lap Floating Village:
- Trail through the melaleuca forest: Stroll on the 5km long trail, admire the pristine beauty of the melaleuca forest, and breathe in the fresh air.
- Observation tower: Climb the 38m high observation tower to admire the panoramic view of the melaleuca forest and the surrounding fields.
- Canoeing for exploration: Rent a boat to weave through small canals, exploring the mysterious beauty of the melaleuca forest.
- Enjoy local cuisine: Savor Long An specialties such as hotpot with fermented fish sauce (lau mam), and braised goby fish in clay pot (ca ro dong kho to).
4. Xeo Quyt Tourist Area – Dong Thap: Back to the Roots at the Former Revolutionary Base
Xeo Quyt Tourist Area, located about 30km from Cao Lanh city, is a unique ecotourism area with 20ha of pristine melaleuca forest. This place is not only an ecotourism destination but also an important historical relic, associated with the resistance war against the Americans.
Xeo Quyt historical site and ecotourism area in Dong Thap, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Unique Experiences at Xeo Quyt:
- Take a sampan to explore the melaleuca forest: Weave through small canals, admire the pristine beauty of the melaleuca forest, and learn about the diverse ecosystem here.
- Visit the former revolutionary base: Learn about history and the glorious feats of arms of our soldiers and people in the resistance war against the Americans.
- Enjoy countryside cuisine: Savor specialties such as grilled snakehead fish (ca loc nuong trui), sour soup with water lily (bong sung nau chua), and hotpot with fermented fish sauce (lau mam).
5. Tan Quy Islet – Tra Vinh: Fruit Paradise
Tan Quy Islet, located in Cau Ke district, Tra Vinh province, is known as the “fruit kingdom” of the Mekong Delta. This place is famous for its fruit orchards laden with fruit, especially delicious mangosteen. Coming to Tan Quy Islet, visitors will be able to freely enjoy fresh fruits and experience the peaceful orchard life.
Must-Do Activities in Tan Quy Islet:
- Visit fruit orchards: Enjoy fresh fruits in the garden and learn about the cultivation process.
- Savor local cuisine: Enjoy specialties such as hotpot with sesbania sesban flower and fish (lau ca bong sung), hotpot with chicken and Giang leaves (lau ga nau la giang), and mangosteen and chicken salad (goi ga mang cut).
- Participate in Vu Lan Festival: If you come during the Lunar May Festival, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the traditional Vu Lan festival of the locality.
- Swimming in the river: In the dry season, the islet appears with a natural beach, allowing visitors to freely play and enjoy the cool water.
6. Tra Su Cajuput Forest – An Giang: Discovering a Diverse Ecosystem
Tra Su Cajuput Forest, located about 30km from Chau Doc city, is a must-visit destination when exploring ecotourism in the Mekong Delta. With western water lettuce covering the water surface, Tra Su Cajuput Forest creates an extremely unique and impressive natural landscape. This place is also home to many rare and precious flora and fauna, creating a diverse and rich ecosystem.
Tra Su cajuput forest in An Giang, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Unforgettable Experiences at Tra Su Cajuput Forest:
- Take a boat through the cajuput forest: Sit on a boat weaving through small canals, admire the pristine beauty of the cajuput forest, and listen to the melodious birdsong.
- Observe birds: Tra Su Cajuput Forest is home to many rare bird species, visitors can rent binoculars to observe them.
- Enjoy countryside cuisine: Savor specialties such as grilled snakehead fish (ca loc nuong trui), and sour soup with sesbania sesban flower and linh fish (canh chua ca linh bong dien dien).
Ecotourism in the Mekong Delta is a wonderful experience to immerse yourself in nature, explore local culture, and enjoy distinctive cuisine. With the above suggestions, hopefully you will have a truly memorable and meaningful trip.