MEKONG DELTA
What is the Mekong Delta?
The Mekong Delta or the Nine Dragons is a fertile and densely populated region in southern Vietnam, where the Mekong River branches out and flows into the sea.
Quick Facts:
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Location: Vietnam Southernmost, encompasses 13 provinces and Can Tho City.
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Population: Approximately 17-18 million people.
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Area: Spans about 40,500 km².
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Economy: Dubbed Vietnam’s "Rice Bowl", it produces over half of the country’s rice and is a key hub for fruit and seafood exports.
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Culture: Home to a diverse mix of Vietnamese (Kinh), Khmer, and Cham communities, known for floating markets, Folk music, and historic temples.
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Climate: Rainy season (May–Nov) and Dry season (Dec–April).
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Challenges: Threatened by climate change, including rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and land erosion, which impact agriculture and livelihoods.
What is the Mekong River?
The Mekong River is one of the longest and most important rivers in Asia, stretching 4,350 km (2,703 miles) from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea. It flows through six countries:
🇨🇳 China → 🇲🇲 Myanmar → 🇱🇦 Laos
→ 🇹🇭 Thailand → 🇰🇭 Cambodia → 🇻🇳 Vietnam
Key Facts:
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Length: 12th longest river in the world and 3rd longest in Asia.
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Dams: 140+ dams on the Mekong River including mainstream and tributary dams in China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
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Biodiversity: Home to thousands of species, including the Mekong catfishes, prawns, crabs, frogs.
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Challenges: Faces threats from climate change, dams, deforestation, and pollution.
Mekong River in Vietnam:
In Vietnam, the river splits into 9 river branches, known as the Nine Dragons (Cửu Long), creating a fertile region for agriculture.
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Length in Vietnam: Around 220 km
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Provinces covered: An Giang, Đồng Tháp, Cần Thơ, Vĩnh Long, Bến Tre, Tiền Giang, Trà Vinh, Hậu Giang, Sóc Trăng, Cà Mau, Bạc Liêu, Kiên Giang
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Major Branches: Tiền River (Upper Mekong branch) & Hậu River (Lower Mekong branch)
Challenges
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⚠ Upstream Dams (from China, Laos, Cambodia) reduce water flow and sediment, causing droughts and land loss.
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Saltwater Intrusion due to rising sea levels, threatening farming.
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Land Subsidence & Erosion from excessive groundwater extraction.
Benefits
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Agriculture Hub: Produces 50% of Vietnam’s rice, 70% of fruits, and 60% of seafood.
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Transportation & Tourism: The river is vital for boats, floating markets, providing river-based tourism.
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Biodiversity: Home to thousands of species, including the Mekong catfishes, prawns, crabs, frogs.
What is Ben Tre?
Bến Tre is a coastal province in the Mekong Delta, famous for coconut industry, lush waterways, and rich culture.
#Fact: Our tour is based in Ben Tre province.
Key Facts:
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Size: 2,360 km² with a vast network of rivers and canals.
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Population: Over 1.3 million people.
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Biodiversity: Home to 79.000 hectares coconut trees.
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Climate: Tropical monsoon, warm all year round.
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Main products: Coconut candy, oil, milk, handicrafts, and activated charcoal.
Bến Tre used to have many rice fields, but over time, much of the land has been converted to coconut plantations and fruit orchards due to:
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Soil Salinity – Rising saltwater intrusion from the sea made rice farming difficult.
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Better Economic Value – Coconuts and fruits like durian, rambutan, and longan bring higher profits.
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Changing Climate – Unpredictable weather and water shortages affect rice production.
Bến Tre is now known more for coconuts, fruits, and aquaculture.
Which Mekong Delta's province should you visit?
What to do?
Where to stay?
Where to eat?
How long should you stay?
AUTHENTIC PLACES
Hidden gems rich in local culture and natural beauty, away from mass tourism
BẾN TRE
Coconut forest
River & countryside
(where our company is)
AN GIANG
Palm sugar trees
Rice fields, Khmer village
Tra Su Cajuput Forest
Popular Places
Famous destinations that many tourists visit, but might not be the best for those seeking a peaceful experience. But we’ll share how to explore them in a less touristy way.
MY THO
Coconut & River
CẦN THƠ
Floating market
Less popular
Worth visiting if you have extra days,
offering a mix of experiences.
TRÀ VINH
Coconut & Rice fields
Khmer village
VĨNH LONG
Pottery & Brick Kiln
ĐỒNG THÁP
Tram Chim Cajuput forest
Rice fields & Lotus ponds
Mekong blogs
A practical guide to exploring the Mekong Delta region, offering honest insights into both tourist and authentic local experiences in Can Tho, Vinh Long, Ben Tre...
Ben Tre travel guides
Uncover hidden gems and insider tips for exploring Ben Tre. From must-try dishes to off-the-beaten-path attractions, we've got you covered.
Mekong stories
Embark on a journey through the enchanting Mekong stories. Dive into the rich history, folklore, and traditions of this mystical region.