'''South Vietnam''' covers the '''Mekong Delta''', the extreme southern end of the Mekong River, and the area around Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam.

Understand

As all deltas, it receives the bounty of the siltation from the upper Mekong, and as such is a very rich and lush area, covered with rice fields. It produces about half of the total of Vietnam's agricultural output, and is the place for timeless sceneries of farmers planting or harvesting rice.

The Mekong splits in Cambodia into two main rivers, the Bassac (''H?u Giang'') and the First river (''Ti?n Giang''), then in Vietnam into a more complex system, creating a maze of small canals, rivers and arroyos interspersed with villages and floating markets.

Life in the Mekong Delta revolves much around the river, and all the villages are often accessible by river rather than by road.

'''The high times''' of life in the Mekong delta are the lunar new year (Tet, or ''T?t''), and the mid-autumn festival (''T?t trung thu''), where children will set hundreds of candles on their way on the river on as many tiny skiffs.

If you know how to take your time, or are guided by an able guide, you will certainly enjoy your stay in the Mekong delta.

Regions and cities

The most renowned places in the Mekong delta are My Tho (''M? Tho'') and Cai Be (''Cai Be'') near Ho Chi Minh City, then, more to the heart of the region, Vinh Long (''V?nh Long'') and Can Tho (''C?n Th?''), from where it is possible to reach the remotest confines of the delta, South towards the mangrove and the South China Sea, North towards Chau Doc (''Chau ??c'') and Cambodia, or West towards the island of Phu Quoc (''Phu Qu?c'').

'''Provinces''':

  • An Giang
  • B?c Lieu
  • Ba Ria-Vung Tau
  • Ben Tre
  • Binh Duong
  • Binh Phuoc
  • Binh Thuan
  • Ca Mau
  • Dong Nai
  • Dong Thap
  • Hau Giang
  • Kien Giang
  • Long An
  • Ninh Thuan
  • Soc Trang
  • Tay Ninh
  • Tien Giang
  • Tra Vinh
  • Vinh Long
  • Other destinations

    If the most populated places are rather much visited, as soon as you get away from the crowds, you are getting in touch with the nice people of the delta and their always welcoming attitude. Consider a trip to sleepy Ben Tre just over the river from My Tho or Khmer-culture influenced Soc Trang in the very southwest to get that real life feeling.

    Talk

    Get in

    The Mekong delta is near to Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho (''C?n Th?'') is merely 4 hours' drive away, so it is easy to access by road, although there is only one main road, and as such it is rather crowded.

    There are some flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Rach Gia. Rach Gia can also be reached by boat or plane from the island of Phu Quoc.

    There used to be hydrofoil connections from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho(''M? Tho'') then to Can Tho(''C?n Th?'') in about 4 hours, but the option does not exist any more. Alternatives are speed boat transfers, or for those who would enjoy unspoilt nature, cruises from Cai Be(''Cai Be'') to Can Tho or back.

    The Mekong delta is also a natural passageway from southern Vietnam to Cambodia, which can be entered overland or by river. Visas on entry to Cambodia are possible at some (but not all) entry points, however visas for Vietnam must be obtained in advance.

    Get around

    Countless travel agencies in Ho Chi Minh City can arrange Mekong Delta tours.

    [http://www.panatravelvn.com/?id_pnewsv=419&lg=eg&start=0 how to get there]

    See

    Most of the interest of the place resides in its floating markets, and the life around the rivers criss-crossing the area; also the national parks and nature reserves.

    It is possible to take tours on small boats around My Tho (''M? Tho'') and the islands north of Ben Tre (''B?n Tre''); around Cai Be (''Cai Be'') and the An Binh peninsula; and around Can Tho (''C?n Th?''). Both Cai Be and Can Tho feature floating markets.

    Delta Adventures run 2 & 3 day tours. The 3 day misses much of the Cai Be (''Cai Be'') and the An Binh peninsula. It is a long trip home on day 3, and avoid it if you can. 2 day appears to be a little better, although again the trip home is 7 hours by boat, followed by 3 on a bus. I'd try for a land based return, around 6 hours.

    It is also common for the guide to offer upgrades during the trip, at cheaper than the tour asking price, so avoid buying the expensive version,as an upgrade is waiting in the wings.

    It is also possible to get away from the main road and into the more remote rivers on board larger river cruisers for discovery cruises of the area in comfort. How to get there - Vinh Long Vinh Long is 70km from Mytho, 34km from Can Tho and 136km from Ho Chi Minh City. The inter-province bus station is 5km from the centre of Vinh Long. There are buses between Vinh Long and Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Mytho, Long Xuyen, Sa Dec, Rach Gia, and other Mekong Delta destinations. National Highway No.1A and No.53 also runs through the province.

    How to get there - Can tho Cantho is 34km from Vinh Long, 62km from Long Xuyen, 63km from Soc Trang, 104km from Mytho, 116km from Rach Gia, 117km from Chau Doc, 169km from Ho Chi Minh City and 179km from Camau.

    Road: Cantho has National Highway No.1A, 91, 80 linking to An Giang, Kien Giang provinces. Waterway: Cantho has Cai Cui international seaport. The city is the centre of waterway network of Mekong Delta. There are daily hydrofoils between Ho Chi Minh City and Cantho City. Airline: There is Tra Noc Airport.

    How to get there - Soc trang Soc Trang is 231km from Ho Chi Minh City, 60km from Can Tho. National Highways No.1A links the province and Can Tho, Bac Lieu. http://www.vietnamhomestay.net/english/mekong_delta_homestay/gettingthere.html

    Do

    Eat

    Drink

    Stay safe

    Don't swim in the river itself, as there is a chance of picking up parasites.

    Get out