The Mekong River is the longest river in The, originated from the Tibetan Plateau in China and goes through 06 countries including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The river spans about 4.900km with a vast drainage area of 795.000m2. It covers an annual water discharge of 475 km3, becoming one of the top 10 largest rivers by volume in the world. 

Mekong River Overview

As you know above, the Mekong rivers flow from the Tibetan Plateau all the way to the South China Sea. Today, it is the 12th longest river and 10th largest river by volume in the world. 

The water source is from the melting snow from the Himalayas. When flows the gorges of mountains in China’s Yunnan province and other tributaries, creating more water. Besides, the river gathers water from the Golden Triangle in Thailand and the Khone Falls in Laos, until it enters the Mekong Delta. 

Traveling to Mekong Delta

The Mekong River Basin has 7 broad regions and divided it into two parts such as  the Upper Mekong river basin (  Tibetan Plateau, the Three Parallel Rivers, and the Lancang Basin in China and Myanmar) and The Lower Mekong River Basin (  the Northern Highlands, the Khorat Plateau, the Tonle Sap Basin, and the Mekong Delta). 

Mekong river has many different names depending on each countries, like Lancang river ( China), Chiang Jiang ( Tibetan language), Mae Nam Khong ( Thailand), Tonle Thom ( Cambodians), Cuu Long ( Vietnam).

The Mekong river is recognized as the second most biodiverse river in the world with a total of 16 global 200 WED. There are a lot of flora and fauna, creating a biodiversity environment. Traveling to the Mekong river, you can see Mekong Giant Catfish, Irrawaddy Dolphin, Sarus Crane, Giant Ibis, Clouded Leopard.. 

More than 60 million people live depend on the Mekong river with 80% of Cambodians and Vietnamese eat fish from the river. Mekong Delta is the biggest rice production in Vietnam due to its  river's annual sediment for rice, also sustains a diverse array of crops.

The couple enjoy traditional food in Mekong Delta

Especially, Mekong river has an important role in the development of the history, culture and religion of the region. It became a transportation and trading route, connecting with different countries to develop the economy. 

Mekong river's climate features

The weather of the Mekong river is quite varied, from high altitude continental and temperate climates to tropical monsoon. The climate of the Upper Mekong Basin is cooler. The peaks are covered in snow at the  Tibetan Plateau. The temperatures are around 13°C in the dry season but the part of time during the year, it is sub zero temperatures. 

The Lower Mekong Basin is a tropical monsoon climate and Southwest Monsoon. The rainy season is from June to November and the dry season is from December to May. The temperature ranges from  23°C to 32°C in the lowlands and river valleys. The hottest months are March and April.  In the rainy season, the average temperature is about 15°C in the highlands of Laos. 

With its east to west gradient , its brings a number of rainy in Laos and Cambodia with more than 3000mm annually. The northeastern Thailand’s semi-arid Khorat Plateau  is only 1,000 to 1,600 mm. The rainfall fluctuates about 600 mm on the Tibetan Plateau to 1,700 mm in Yunnan’s mountains

What to do in Mekong river

Take a cruise in Mekong river

If you admire the panoramic view of the Mekong river, you should take a river cruise. From November to January is the best time for a Mekong river cruise. You can depart from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh city, go through Chau Doc, Cantho, Vinh Long,... Tourists can have the opportunity to explore destinations along the Mekong, see natural scenery and learn more about Vietnamese culture. 

Enjoy a Mekong Delta tour by boat

Kayaking or raft

Tourists can paddle along the Mekong by kayaking or raft. Immerse yourself in the natural atmosphere, chat with locals. Besides, you can visit landmarks like temples, and learn more about Mekong's culture. Tourists can enjoy the river at their own pace and stop anywhere they want.

Admire the natural scenery in Mekong Delta

Explore the floating market in Mekong river

Experience of the Mekong river floating market is the best thing to do. Visiting Cai Rang Floating market or Cai Be floating market, enjoy fresh  seafood. The floating market offers a glimpse into the culture and bustling of local people. 

Learn more about local in Mekong

You can find the life of Mekong Delta people by the way to learn about the region's culture. Besides, you can apply traditional fishing methods. Along the Mekong river, you can visit temples, learn more about the activities of spiritual practices and art forms. Besides, you can chat with the farmer at the paddies. 

Learn how to make traditional dishes from the Mekong Delta.

Best beautiful destinations in Mekong River Delta

The Mekong river delta is known for its stunning landscape, floating markets, unique cultural and delicious food, making it a memorable journey. When come to Mekong River, you should visit some destinations such as

Cantho

Cai Rang floating market, Cantho is one of the most popular Mekong river floating markets, offering fruits, vegetables and goods. Tourists can have a glimpse into the local lifestyle area. 

Cai Rang floating market

You can visit Binh Thuy ancient house, a French colonial architecture with traditional Vietnamese. Don't forget to visit Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary, seeing thousands of storks in their natural habitat.

Dong thap

Dong Thap has a beautiful landscape and stunning riverside. This is the best place to explore Vietnamese culture and unique wetlands. Sa Dec is the city of Dong Thap, well-known for its vibrant flower gardens with a variety of blooming plants.

Then, you can visit Tram Chim national park, a heaven of birdwatchers with diverse wildlife. If you want to seek a peaceful destination, you should get to Phuoc Kien Pagoda, a giant lotus leaf with a span 2-3 m and weight of 140kg. 

 An Giang

An Giang is combined with many various cultures of Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese communities. There are many spots in Nha Trang such as:

Ba Chua Xu temple is located in Sam mountain, is a pilgrimage site, attracting a large number of tourists. Tra Su Cajuput Forest is the best destination in An Giang, taking road rides through scenic canals with hyacinths and a variety of bird species. Visiting Chau Giang Cham village allows you to learn more about the unique culture of Cham people, admiring the traditional houses and enjoying cuisine. 

Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Tien Giang

There are many scenic waterways, floating markets in Tien Giang. Exploring Cai Be floating market with boats overflowing with many goods from fresh fruits, vegetables,... Visiting Thoi Son island to enjoy tropical fruit gardens, bee farms and coconut candy workshops.

Taking a pho to at Vinh Trang pagoda

The third spot in Tien Giang that is Bach Cong Tu house , was built in 1920s. The house is designed with Western inspired architecture and a glimpse into heritage. After that, remember to see Vinh Trang pagoda, exploring a unique blend of Vietnamese, Khmer and European.

Ben Tre

Ben Tre is known for its picturesque coconut groves, traditional villages, stunning waterways, creating a tranquil scenery of Vietnam's southern region. Visiting Con Phung on Tien river, brings river cruises and workshops. And discover Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary, admire the diverse wildlife of water birds in a natural setting. 

Exploring Mekong river is a exciting and comfortable journey. Admire natural scenery, unique cultural richness and remarkable insight into the local life. If you want to a journey to explore Mekong Delta Delta, contact us to support.