The Mekong Delta during the flood season is not about serene beauty; instead, it’s a vibrant, energetic, and lively spectacle. Unlike the gentle autumn of Northern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta’s flood season unveils a completely new world where nature and people harmonize in the bustling rhythm of rising waters. Let’s explore the most beautiful destinations in the Mekong Delta during the flood season, where you can admire unique natural landscapes and experience distinctive riverine culture.
Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of the Mekong Delta’s Flood Season
The Mekong Delta’s flood season, typically lasting from August to November annually, is a unique natural phenomenon that brings a new and distinct appearance to the Mekong Delta region. Water from the upper Mekong River flows in, submerging fields and orchards, creating a vast expanse of water. However, within this inundation emerges a unique and captivating beauty.
The vast space is blanketed by the color of alluvial water, punctuated by small boats gliding gently, carrying agricultural products and hopes for a bountiful harvest. The flood season is not only a challenge but also an opportunity, a lifeline for the people of the Mekong Delta. It brings fish, fertile silt, and a unique tourism season.
The beauty of the Mekong Delta’s flood season lies not only in the natural scenery but also in the vibrant rhythm of human life. Floating markets become busier, and fishing, water lily harvesting, and net casting activities become bustling. Visitors come here not only to admire the scenery but also to experience, to immerse themselves in the lives of the locals, and to feel their generosity, hospitality, and love for nature.
Explore Must-Visit Destinations During the Flood Season
The Mekong Delta during the flood season has countless attractive destinations, each offering unique beauty and experiences. Below are the most beautiful tourist spots in the Mekong Delta during the flood season that you should not miss:
Can Tho – The Bright Pearl of the Mekong Delta During Flood Season
“Can Tho, white rice and clear water, whoever goes there is reluctant to leave,” this folk verse truly depicts the beauty and attraction of Can Tho. Visiting Can Tho during the flood season, you will feel the harmony between the poetic river beauty and the dynamism of a modern city.
1. Cai Rang Floating Market – Unique Riverine Culture
Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the largest and most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta. The market convenes very early, around 4-5 am, as dawn breaks. Hundreds of boats, large and small, bustle with trading and exchanging goods, creating an extremely lively and distinctive scene.
Boats trading goods at Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho
Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, a must-visit destination during the flood season (Photo: Collected)
Visiting Cai Rang Floating Market, you will not only admire the bustling trading scene on the river but also have the opportunity to enjoy local specialties such as “hu tieu” (rice noodle soup), “bun rieu” (crab noodle soup), and fresh fruits right on the boat. Sitting on a boat, sipping morning coffee, and watching the gentle Hau Giang River flow, you will fully feel the beauty and rhythm of life in the Mekong Delta during the flood season.
2. Ninh Kieu Wharf – Symbol of the Western Capital
Ninh Kieu Wharf is a famous tourist destination and a symbol of Can Tho city. The wharf is located right in the city center, on the banks of the gentle Hau River. In the evening, Ninh Kieu Wharf becomes more shimmering and vibrant than ever with electric lights and the bustling atmosphere of tourists and locals.
Ninh Kieu Wharf in Can Tho city at dusk
Ninh Kieu Wharf in Can Tho, a poetic space by the Hau River (Photo: Collected)
At Ninh Kieu Wharf, you can stroll along the riverbank, watch the sunset over the Hau River, enjoy unique street food, or visit Can Tho night market to shop for souvenirs and experience the vibrant nightlife.
An Giang – “Picturesque Mountains and Waters” Land During Flood Season
An Giang is known as the land of “picturesque mountains and waters,” with majestic mountains, poetic rivers, and vast fields. When the flood season arrives, An Giang puts on a wild, magnificent, and vibrant beauty.
1. Bung Binh Thien – The Largest Freshwater Lake in the Mekong Delta
Bung Binh Thien is the largest natural freshwater lake in the Mekong Delta, located about 35km from Chau Doc city. During the flood season, Bung Binh Thien becomes more immense and magical than ever. The lake surface is as flat as a mirror, reflecting the clear blue sky and lush green melaleuca trees.
Bung Binh Thien lake in An Giang during flood season
Bung Binh Thien – An Giang during the flood season, peaceful and charming beauty (Photo: Collected)
Boating on Bung Binh Thien during the flood season, you will enjoy the fresh air, admire the pristine natural beauty, and explore the life of the locals, especially the Cham community living along the lake.
2. Tra Su Melaleuca Forest – Explore the Unique Mangrove Ecosystem
Tra Su Melaleuca Forest is a typical mangrove forest of the Mekong Delta, located about 20km from Chau Doc city. During the flood season, Tra Su Melaleuca Forest becomes lush green and full of life. Sitting on a small composite boat, weaving through small canals, you will explore the diverse and rich melaleuca forest ecosystem.
Tra Su Melaleuca Forest in An Giang with green trees and water
Tra Su Melaleuca Forest – An Giang, a green world amidst the flood season (Photo: Collected)
Tra Su Melaleuca Forest is home to many rare bird species, especially water birds. Coming here during the flood season, you will have the opportunity to admire thousands of birds flying in the sky, creating a truly impressive scene.
Dong Thap Muoi – Land of Pink Lotus in Flood Season
Dong Thap Muoi is famous for its vast lotus fields and pristine natural beauty, imbued with the essence of the Mekong Delta. During the flood season, Dong Thap Muoi becomes even more attractive and attracts more visitors than ever.
1. Tram Chim National Park – Paradise of Precious Birds
Tram Chim National Park is a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) of Vietnam, with an area of over 7,500 hectares. During the flood season, Tram Chim becomes a habitat and breeding ground for hundreds of water bird species, including many rare species such as the Sarus crane.
Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap Muoi with diverse bird species
Tram Chim National Park – Dong Thap Muoi, an ideal destination for nature lovers (Photo: Collected)
Visiting Tram Chim National Park during the flood season, you can take a boat tour, watch birds, fish, or simply immerse yourself in the peaceful and tranquil natural space.
2. Thap Muoi Lotus Field – Symbol of Dong Thap
“Thap Muoi is most beautiful with lotus flowers,” this folk verse has affirmed the typical beauty of Dong Thap lotus. During the flood season, the lotus fields in Thap Muoi bloom, showing off their brilliant pink color against the blue water.
Blooming lotus flowers in Thap Muoi lotus field, Dong Thap Muoi
Thap Muoi lotus field – Dong Thap, gentle and pure beauty (Photo: Collected)
Coming to Thap Muoi lotus field, you will be free to take “virtual living” photos amidst the fragrant lotus sea, experience rowing a boat to pick lotus flowers, and enjoy specialties made from lotus such as lotus root salad with chicken, lotus sweet soup, and roasted lotus seeds.
Hau Giang – Discover the Unique Nga Bay Floating Market
Hau Giang is not only famous for its orchards laden with fruit but also for Nga Bay Floating Market, one of the oldest and most unique floating markets in the Mekong Delta.
Nga Bay Floating Market (Phung Hiep) – Riverine Commercial Culture
Nga Bay Floating Market was formed in 1915, as a place for trade and commerce for locals and neighboring areas. The market convenes right at the Nga Bay (seven-way intersection), where seven river branches meet, creating an extremely unique and bustling scene.
Nga Bay Floating Market in Hau Giang with many boats selling goods
Nga Bay Floating Market – Hau Giang, a bustling trading space on the river (Photo: Collected)
Visiting Nga Bay Floating Market in the early morning, you will immerse yourself in the bustling trading atmosphere, enjoy local cuisine, and discover the unique floating market culture of the Mekong Delta.
Soc Trang – Land of Ancient Khmer Pagodas and Nga Nam Floating Market
Soc Trang is a multicultural land, where the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer ethnic groups converge. Visiting Soc Trang during the flood season, you will not only admire the poetic river scenery but also have the opportunity to explore ancient Khmer pagodas and the famous Nga Nam Floating Market.
Nga Nam Floating Market – A Lively Picture of the Mekong Delta
Nga Nam Floating Market is one of the farthest and busiest floating markets in the Mekong Delta. The market convenes at the Nga Nam (five-way intersection), where five river branches meet. The space of Nga Nam Floating Market is a lively picture with full of colors and sounds of riverine life.
Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang with boats and goods
Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang, experience unique floating market culture (Photo: Collected)
Visiting Nga Nam Floating Market, you will experience the bustling trading atmosphere, enjoy local specialties, and feel the sincerity and hospitality of the Mekong Delta people.
Enjoy Mekong Delta Flood Season Cuisine
Traveling to the Mekong Delta during the flood season is incomplete without experiencing the unique cuisine. The flood season brings abundant aquatic resources, creating distinctive and attractive dishes.
1. Lau Mam (Fermented Fish Hotpot) – The Quintessence of Mekong Delta Cuisine
Lau Mam is a specialty and the most famous dish of the Mekong Delta. This hotpot has a rich, distinctive flavor of fermented linh fish sauce, combined with fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables of the flood season.
Lau Mam fermented fish hotpot with vegetables and seafood, a Mekong Delta specialty
Lau Mam fermented fish hotpot, a Mekong Delta specialty with unforgettable flavor (Photo: Collected)
Lau Mam is often served with fresh vermicelli noodles and vegetables such as bitter vegetables, water lily, and sesbania sesban, creating a harmonious and appealing flavor.
2. Vit Nau Chao (Duck Cooked with Fermented Bean Curd) – Irresistible Deliciousness
Vit Nau Chao is a rustic but extremely delicious and popular dish in the Mekong Delta. Tender and sweet Muscovy duck meat is cooked with rich and fatty fermented bean curd, creating a distinctive and unforgettable flavor.
Vit Nau Chao duck cooked with fermented bean curd, a Mekong Delta specialty
Vit Nau Chao duck cooked with fermented bean curd, a Mekong Delta specialty not to be missed (Photo: Collected)
Vit Nau Chao is often served with fresh vermicelli noodles or white rice and water spinach.
3. Ca Loc Nuong Trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish) – Countryside Flavor
Ca Loc Nuong Trui is a rustic and typical dish of the Mekong Delta. Fresh snakehead fish is grilled directly on dry rice straw, retaining its natural sweetness and distinctive aroma.
Ca Loc Nuong Trui grilled snakehead fish, a Mekong Delta specialty
Ca Loc Nuong Trui grilled snakehead fish, a rustic and unforgettable Mekong Delta flavor (Photo: Collected)
Ca Loc Nuong Trui is often served with rice paper, raw vegetables, and sweet and sour fish sauce.
4. Lau Ca Keo (Keo Fish Hotpot) – Appetizing Sour and Refreshing Hotpot
Lau Ca Keo is a typical hotpot of the Mekong Delta, with the sour and refreshing taste of Giang leaves (Antidesma ghaesembilla), the sweetness of fresh Keo fish (Pseudapocryptes elongatus), and the mild spiciness of chili.
Lau Ca Keo Keo fish hotpot, a Mekong Delta specialty
Lau Ca Keo Keo fish hotpot, a sour and refreshing hotpot to cool down (Photo: Collected)
Lau Ca Keo is often served with fresh vermicelli noodles and vegetables such as water mimosa and sliced banana flowers.
Mekong Delta Flood Season Travel Tips
To have a complete and memorable Mekong Delta flood season trip, you should note some of the following experiences:
- Prepare appropriate clothing: The flood season often has sudden rains, you should bring raincoats, umbrellas, and quick-drying clothes.
- Pack light luggage: Traveling by boat is the main means of transportation during the flood season, light luggage will make it more convenient for you.
- Protect electronic devices: The flood season is humid, you should prepare waterproof bags for phones and cameras.
- Bring insect repellent: The flood season has many mosquitoes and insects, you should bring insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing.
- Enjoy local cuisine: Don’t forget to try flood season specialties such as Lau Mam, Vit Nau Chao, Ca Loc Nuong Trui, and Lau Ca Keo.
- Learn about local culture: Interact with locals to better understand the culture and customs here.
The Mekong Delta flood season is a unique and memorable travel experience. Come and discover the special beauty of the Mekong Delta during the flood season, you will surely have unforgettable memories.