The Vietnamese call this region Cu Long (Nine Dragons), in reference to the Mekong River’s nine principal tributaries. As the river drains from its source in the Tibetan Himalayas, it fans out across the land in a final push to the sea, forming countless canals—the backdrop of life for Delta residents. Boat tours around the region reveal bustling river markets, natural canals lined with coconut palms, and a variety of floating homes. The flat, moist land of the delta is ideal for harvesting rice and grain, making the region one of the world’s largest rice producers. The river itself is thick with traffic, from local trade in floating markets to large ships hauling precarious loads of grain to H· Chí Minh City. On land, fruit orchards, coconut groves, and sugarcane plantations dot the landscape. The delta’s mix of elaborate pagodas signals the presence of its main ethnic minority, the Cambodian Khmer people. The Vietnamese are, in fact, relative newcomers to the region, which was dominated by the Khmer until the 18th century, when Vietnamese officials began to take control. Tensions between Cambodia and Vietnam regarding the area have persisted ever since, reaching a boiling point in the late 1970s when Vietnam invaded the tyrannical Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Today, the two countries seem to be at peace, and the Delta population is a fascinating mix of Vietnamese and Khmer, along with some Chinese and Chàm influences. While the cities and towns of the Mekong Delta have the river in common, each one has something different to offer the traveler, from exotic flowers to mangrove forests to relaxing beaches. Tour companies in H· Chí Minh City offer trips to see the highlights of the region, but the extensive bus and boat network allows you to explore the delta on your own for as long as you like.
Just a short bus ride away from H· Chí Minh City, MÅ Tho serves as the traveler’s gateway to the Mekong Delta. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s a provincial capital—you can cover the ...more
The principal point of interest in Trà Vinh is its sizable ethnic Khmer population, which comprises 30% of the town’s population. Although the Khmer people are indistinguishable from other residents ...more
Though a bit grittier than some of its delta neighbors, Vænh Long attracts tourists because of its prime location on the C% Chiˆn River. A trip down this attractive waterway will take visitors through ...more
Many Mekong Delta tours make a stop in Sa éc to view its famous botanical nurseries. The little city is full of these gardens, whose decorative flowers and shrubs are sold all across the region. This ...more
Although this provincial capital itself offers only a few sights within the city limits, Cao Lãnh serves as a springboard for exploring the luscious forests or wild birds of Vietnam. The ·ng Tháp ...more
As the unofficial capital of the Mekong Delta, C<n Th£ is the most popular tourist destination south of H· Chí Minh City. The wide boulevards and elegant waterfront invite leisurely strolls among ...more
The dusty streets and muddy river of Sóc Trng give it a bit of a down-on-its-luck appearance. But don’t be surprised if you see flying bits of color in the form of monks on motorcycles—the city ...more
The symbol of Båc Liˆu is the white heron—a fitting icon, as the main draw of this sleepy provincial capital is its nearby bird sanctuary (V™n Nhãn), 5km outside of town. Avian enthusiasts come ...more
This hard-working city attracts few tourists because of its distance from H· Chí Minh City, but those adventurous few who make it are rewarded by the untouched mangrove-filled wilderness around the ...more
Nm Cn is the last real outpost in southern Vietnam before the land becomes completely claimed by mangrove swampland and merges with the sea. It is rare for the people in this fishing town to ever see ...more
Fishing, rice, and marine commerce have brought prosperity to Råch Giá, the capital of Kiˆn Giang province. The seaport city’s handsome waterfronts and well-lit streets are ideal for evening strolls ...more
As one local put it, Phú Qu#c has got the whole package. From fantastic beaches to wild forests to enchanting marine life, this “Emerald Island” offers treasures to every visitor. Though tourism ...more
Picturesque Hà Tiˆn, set on the Gulf of Thailand amid a landscape of rolling hills dotted with intricate cave temples, is a favorite Mekong stop for many travelers. Colorful houses, cheerful residents ...more
For those travelers seeking to explore the rural attractions of An Giang Province, capital city Long Xuyˆn can serve as a useful jumping-off point, with the provincial tourist office located in the ...more
Most travelers in Chñu #c are just passing through on their way to or from Cambodia. However, those who choose to linger here will find that the alluring and diverse city has a lot to offer, including ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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