The Mekong Delta, with its simple and rustic beauty, is always an attractive destination for tourists year-round. Especially during Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), this region puts on a new, brilliantly colored coat, offering unique and unforgettable river tourism experiences. Let’s explore the must-visit destinations and fully experience the Tet flavor of the Mekong Delta in the article below.
1. Sa Dec Flower Village: Vibrant Spring Colors by the Tien River
Sa Dec Flower Village, one of the largest flower granaries in the Mekong Delta, is the first destination you shouldn’t miss on your Mekong Delta river tour during Tet. At this time, the flower village awakens, displaying the vibrant colors of hundreds of different flower species. From golden chrysanthemum morifolium, fiery sunflowers, to luxurious velvet roses and pure white lilies, all blend together to create a beautiful and vibrant spring picture.
Walking among the endless rows of flowers, inhaling the sweet fragrance, you will feel the Tet atmosphere approaching very closely. Don’t forget to capture memorable moments beside the flower gardens, and choose your favorite flower pots to bring home, adding freshness to your Tet space.
Sa Dec Flower Village at Tet – A vibrant tapestry of flowers in Dong Thap.
2. Lai Vung Mandarin Orange Gardens: The Sweet Taste of Tet
Visiting Dong Thap during Tet, besides Sa Dec flower village, you can also visit Lai Vung mandarin orange gardens, a famous specialty of this land. During Tet, the mandarin gardens are laden with fruit, ripe and golden orange, creating an extremely eye-catching and attractive scene.
Picking fresh mandarin oranges with your own hands, enjoying the sweet and refreshing taste right in the garden, or buying them as gifts for relatives and friends, will surely be an interesting and memorable experience. Lai Vung mandarin oranges are not only a specialty fruit but also a symbol of prosperity and luck during the traditional Tet holiday.
3. Cai Rang Floating Market: Discovering Unique River Culture
Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the largest and busiest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, is where you can experience the vibrant life on the river and discover the unique culture of the local people. From early morning, hundreds of boats, large and small, flock to the market, filled with all kinds of fruits, vegetables, agricultural products, and local specialties.
The atmosphere of buying and selling at the floating market is extremely lively and bustling. Laughter, hawking, and the sound of boat engines blend together to create a characteristic sound of the Mekong Delta floating market. In the days leading up to Tet, Cai Rang floating market becomes even more colorful and bustling than ever, with boats carrying Tet flowers, candied fruits, and Tet goods.
When you come to Cai Rang floating market, don’t forget to enjoy specialties such as “hu tieu”, “bun rieu”, “banh xeo” right on the boat, and sip a strong cup of coffee, feeling the slow and peaceful pace of life in the Mekong Delta.
Cai Rang Floating Market – Lively trading and daily life on the Mekong Delta waterways.
4. Con Son: A Peaceful Green Pearl in the Heart of Can Tho
Con Son, a beautiful small islet in the middle of the Hau River, is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and relaxation during Tet. Coming to Con Son, you will immerse yourself in the green space of lush orchards, enjoy the fresh air, and discover the traditional culture of the local people.
You can participate in interesting activities such as cycling to explore the islet, visiting orchards, experiencing making folk cakes, or enjoying local specialties made from fresh ingredients right in the garden. Con Son offers a peaceful and nature-friendly Tet space, completely different from the hustle and bustle of the city.
5. Mang Thit Brick Kilns: Unique Architecture by the Co Chien River
Mang Thit brick kilns, a traditional craft village located by the poetic Co Chien River, is a unique and impressive destination on the Mekong Delta river tour during Tet. Along the riverbank, hundreds of brick kilns with unique, ancient architecture create a scene that is both majestic and strange.
Mang Thit brick kilns are not only places to produce bricks and tiles but also unique works of art, imbued with the imprint of time and local culture. Coming here, you can admire the architectural beauty of the brick kilns, learn about the traditional manual brick making process, and capture unique, artistic photos.
Mang Thit Brick Kilns – Red kingdom of traditional kilns along the Co Chien River.
6. Thoi Son Islet: Land of Delicious Sweet Fruits
Thoi Son Islet, one of the largest islets of My Tho, Tien Giang, is famous for its lush orchards and winding canals. Coming to Thoi Son Islet during Tet, you will experience the relaxed feeling of sitting on a boat slowly drifting along the canals, admiring the peaceful river scenery, and enjoying fresh fruits in the garden.
You can visit longan gardens, rambutan gardens, durian gardens, pick fruits with your own hands, and enjoy them right on the spot. In addition, you can also enjoy “Don ca tai tu”, a unique traditional art form of the Mekong Delta, and savor local specialties with rich rural flavors.
7. Con Phung (Phoenix Islet): Exploring Traditional Craft Villages
Con Phung (Phoenix Islet), a famous islet in Ben Tre, is an ideal destination to explore traditional craft villages and experience the typical river life of the coconut land. Coming to Con Phung during Tet, you will visit coconut candy factories, rice paper kilns, handicraft workshops, and learn about the production process of traditional handicraft products.
You can also buy unique souvenirs, made from coconut and local materials, to bring back as gifts for relatives and friends. In particular, don’t forget to taste the famous Ben Tre coconut candy, with many different flavors such as young coconut, old coconut, durian coconut…
8. Ba Chua Xu Temple, Sam Mountain: Spiritual Destination at the Beginning of the Year
Ba Chua Xu Temple, Sam Mountain, one of the most sacred temples in the Mekong Delta, is a famous pilgrimage destination at the beginning of the new year. Coming here, visitors not only admire the unique architecture of the temple but also pray, ask for blessings, and learn about the folk beliefs of the local people.
During Tet Nguyen Dan, Ba Chua Xu Temple, Sam Mountain attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the country to make pilgrimages, pray for luck and peace for their families and loved ones. The atmosphere at the temple during these days is extremely solemn and sacred, bringing visitors a sense of peace and tranquility in their souls.
Mekong Delta River Tourism Experience During Tet
To have a complete and memorable Mekong Delta river tour during Tet, you need to note some of the following experiences:
- Ideal time: The best time to travel to the Mekong Delta during Tet is about 2 weeks before Tet and lasts until the end of the first lunar month. At this time, the Mekong Delta weather is cool and pleasant, the flower and fruit gardens are in their most beautiful season, and the Tet atmosphere is bustling everywhere.
- Transportation: You can travel to the Mekong Delta by bus or motorbike. To explore the river tourism destinations, you should rent a boat or ferry.
- Accommodation: The Mekong Delta has many accommodation options from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels and homestays. If you want to experience closeness to nature and local culture, homestay is a great choice. You should book your room in advance, especially during Tet to ensure you have satisfactory accommodation.
- Cuisine: Mekong Delta cuisine is extremely rich and diverse. Don’t forget to enjoy specialties such as “lau mam” (fermented fish hotpot), grilled snakehead fish, “banh xeo” (crispy pancake), “hu tieu”, “bun rieu” (crab noodle soup), Cai Rang grilled spring rolls, and garden fruits.
- Preparation: Bring comfortable clothes, easy-to-walk shoes, hats, sunscreen, and personal medications. If you go to the floating market or visit river tourism destinations, you should bring a life jacket.
- Suggested Itinerary: You can choose a 2-3 day tour itinerary to explore the most prominent destinations of the Mekong Delta river during Tet.
Conclusion
Mekong Delta river tourism during Tet is a unique and memorable experience, giving you the opportunity to discover the simple beauty of the river countryside, immerse yourself in the bustling Tet atmosphere, and enjoy attractive culinary specialties. Plan your Mekong Delta trip today to enjoy a truly meaningful and fulfilling Tet Nguyen Dan with family and friends! Are you ready for a journey to discover the Mekong Delta river during this Tet season?