Mekong Delta in Vietnam – Things to Do

Longing for the warmth of the sun and the tranquil embrace of nature? 

Yearning to stroll along winding canals, witness sunlight filtering through foliage, and explore historical wonders? 

Within a short 2-3 hour drive from Saigon, the Mekong Delta awaits, offering these captivating experiences and more. 

Best time to visit Mekong Delta – Floating season

Mekong Delta, affectionately named Western region by Vietnamese people, encompasses six provinces flourishing with the abundant alluvium of the Mekong River. With tropical climate and warm weather throughout the year, Mekong Delta is an agricultural heartland in Vietnam. 

Boats on Mekong delta by Anne Lin

From September to December, Mekong Delta steps into “floating season”, when water rises bringing nutrient – rich alluvium, an abundance of river fishes and fresh fruits alike. At this time, you will see lush green landscapes offering a mesmerizing panorama of vivid colors. This time offers you a perfect opportunity to embrace local life on rustic boats and indulge in the delicacies of Southern Vietnam.

Things to do in Mekong Delta Vietnam

Embark on a Riverine Adventure aboard a Local Boat

The ideal way to immerse yourself in the riverine life of the Mekong Delta is sitting on a boat with locals and gently venturing through an intricate water system. Along this odyssey, you can experience daily activities on the water and along the riverbanks.

Embark on a Riverine Adventure aboard a Local Boat

Mekong Delta is famous for colorful boats, bustling floating markets such as Cai Rang, Cai Be or vivid and arresting photos of tropical fruits and diverse specialties, etc. Yet, this land holds many hidden gems beyond these familiar sights. Embracing a slow-travel approach, we unveil the authentic and lesser-explored corners of this cherished region!

Boat trips & Floating markets

Floating markets are an essential part of the Mekong Delta experience, particularly during the high-water season, when they bustle with diverse produce and vibrant energy. Pause at any boat to immerse yourself in local life, engage with residents, and indulge in exquisite fruits or flavorful dishes embodying the essence of Southwest Vietnam.

Moreover, delve into the enduring trade customs of local communities, a sincere and captivating tradition. Each boat showcases a variety of goods, cleverly displayed on tall bamboo poles for easy identification from afar. Visitors, arriving by both land and water, navigate between boats, engaging in a delightful shopping experience. 

Bamboo poles adorned with goods, cleverly displayed on boats by local vendors

Nowadays, the brightly colored floating markets have evolved beyond local trade hubs to become sought-after destinations for both travelers and photography enthusiasts. Some renowned markets have gained popularity among both domestic and international tourists, increasingly becoming tourist hotspots. 

Long Xuyen – the most authentic floating market […]

Rejuvenate and Reconnect: Vietnam Wellness Retreats 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and self-care is essential. Join one of DCT Responsible Travel’s rejuvenating Vietnam Wellness Retreats 2024, meticulously designed for nature lovers seeking a rejuvenating break amidst Vietnam’s serene landscapes in 2024.

Explore our upcoming retreats 

• Lam Thuong Wellness Retreat
• Tam Cuisine Wellbeing Package
• Yen Tu Sacred New Year Mountain Retreat

Prioritizing Your Well-being: Overview of Our Wellness Retreats

Wellness retreats are vacations that allow you to focus on your mental, physical, and emotional health while participating in fitness and meditation routines, healthy eating, and spa therapies.

Amidst constant activity, self-care is crucial. Our Wellness Retreats in Vietnam are designed to offer an escape from the hustle and bustle, providing a sanctuary where attendees can prioritize their mental and physical well-being.

A light stretch session with a Sivananda Yoga Health Educator in Kau Pha

Our Retreats offer you:

A Unique Experience with Sivananda Yoga Vietnam

We are honored to be in partnership with Sivananda Yoga Vietnam, making our retreats “one of a kind”  because of this unique approach.

Sivananda Yoga Vietnam, with centers in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, and Hanoi, embodies holistic wellness. Its flagship venue, the Sivananda Yoga Resort and Training Center in Da Lat, serves as a sanctuary for delving into the ancient teachings of yoga, fostering profound connections with the self.

Rooted in the teachings of Swami Vishnudevananda, one of the pioneering Indian Yogis to journey to the West, Sivananda Yoga found its way to Vietnam, guided by the knowledgeable disciple Swami Sitaramananda. The lineage of classical yoga passed down through generations of revered teachers resonated deeply with the Vietnamese, drawing them towards Sivananda Yoga as a path to self-development.

Swami Sitaramananda, a Vietnamese student under Swami Vishnudevananda, has been an international authority on Yoga, Meditation, and Philosophy for over 35 years. Her role as the torchbearer of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers in Vietnam and the West Coast USA and her stewardship at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm in Grass Valley, CA, for over two decades exemplifies her dedication. As the primary instructor for yoga teachers’ training courses at at various international centers in India, the Bahamas, Japan, and China, Swami Sitaramananda’s influence resonates globally.

Sivananda Yoga isn’t merely a religious pursuit; it’s a comprehensive solution for enhancing one’s health and well-being, championed by Swami Sitaramananda herself, inviting individuals to embark on a transformative journey toward improved health and inner balance.

Embark on a transformative wellness journey with DCT Responsible Travel and Sivananda Yoga. At the core of this partnership is Sivananda Yoga Hanoi, an esteemed branch of the revered Sivananda Yoga Vedanta tradition.

Sun Salutation by a Yoga Health Educator from Sivananda Yoga

Nature’s Embrace: Serenity in Every Location

Each retreat is meticulously chosen to harmonize with our vision, set amidst serene natural landscapes, ensuring a seamless fusion between your wellness journey and the local community. We purposefully […]

City Breaks and Mini Excursions – Holiday Short Escapes

Planning for the upcoming festive season? If a day-long trip feels tight with your limited time off, explore these thoughtfully curated destinations designed for you and your loved ones! Discover the city or embark on a mini excursion for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Day trip in Hanoi  

You might be familiar with the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s capital, but have you delved into the authentic Hanoian lifestyle hidden within its alleys? A day trip could be the perfect way to immerse yourself in the festive season of Hanoi. 

Unveil the true essence of Hanoi by delving into its diverse culinary experience, beyond tourist spots, and into local eateries cherished by residents—the gateway to authentic flavors. We believe that cuisine embodies the very soul of culture. Moreover, venture into Hanoi’s tranquil outskirts for a cooking class led by knowledgeable local women, masters in creating traditional dishes that reflect the heart of the country.

Authentic culinary experience with Hanoi-an housewives

If you’re drawn to the charm of traditional Hanoi, join us on a journey along village paths to meet a family dedicated to preserving and passing down generations-old handicrafts. Hanoi’s outskirts, home to diverse traditional villages, offer a world of cultural adventurers for Vietnamese and international travelers.

Lanterns crafted by a family from generation to generation

A picturesque weekend near Hanoi in Northern Vietnam awaits!

Embark on a mini excursion to Northwest Vietnam, just a 3-5 hour drive away, ideal for a short holiday getaway—delight in exploring diverse natural wonders, from sprawling rice fields to unspoiled jungles and magnificent waterfalls. Whether you prefer hiking, trekking, bamboo rafting, or cycling, these adventures cater to all, whether traveling solo, with family, or on an outing with friends.

Trekking to pristine jungle in Lam Thuong, Luc Yen, Yen Bai

If you are seeking a serene escape, we offer a tranquil haven amid nature, inviting you to savor distinctive cultural encounters and travel experiences alongside locals. Immerse yourself in the vibrant festive traditions of Vietnamese ethnic groups, like the Blue H’Mong people in Mai Chau and the Tay and Dao communities in Lâm Thượng.

Festival of the Blue H’Mong in Mai Chau

Wellness Retreat 

As the year draws to a close, our monthly retreats take on a deeper meaning—a prime opportunity for you to invest in rejuvenating your energy.

Rather than opting for opulent getaways, we guide you to serene, unspoiled landscapes alongside a personal yoga educator who embodies the essence of true yogis, offering a journey to soothe both body and mind.

Wellness retreat in Mai Chau

The retreat offers unique travel encounters and profound connections with the local community, enabling a complete immersion into the unhurried rhythms of the region. […]

Vietnam’s Sunny Haven During the Holiday

Seeking a sun-kissed haven during the festive season? Vietnam, with its richly diverse climate, presents an array of splendid destinations for your holiday escape. From the majestic Northern regions, adorned with towering mountains, steeped in Vietnamese history, culture, and vibrant ethnic communities, to the idyllic Southern shores boasting pristine white-sand beaches and a perpetually warm tropical climate. Embrace leisurely cruises along serene waters or indulge in sun-drenched days sprawled across sandy dunes and endless beaches, creating cherished moments in this diverse and captivating land.

   Mekong river by Ren Pisal

Top destinations to enjoy the sun and sea in Vietnam:

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam boasts a year-round warm climate and abundant food production thanks to the fertile alluvial delta of the Mekong River.

The “floating season” is from August to November in Mekong, adorned in lush green vegetation and it is a perfect opportunity to embrace the local life traveling on the river and amongst the many boats on the river. As the water rises, it brings along rich alluvial deposits and riverfoods for locals, transforming the floating markets into treasure troves of nature’s gifts. Seize this opportunity to indulge in the delicacies of Southern Vietnam, especially the fresh river fish and produce offered right there in the floating market.

  Floating market by Nathan Cima

Enjoy the gentle sway of the boats, navigate through the intricate water system, immerse yourself under the sun’s warm rays, and indulge in the lively atmosphere the floating season has to offer. Later, venture into ancient villages lining the river banks to savor traditional handicrafts, admire heritage sites, and delve deeper into the rich culture of this region.

  Boat on Mekong delta by Anne Lin

See more information about our unique itinerary in the Mekong Delta. 

Phan Thiet – Mui Ne

Phan Thiet is a fabulously interesting city! 

This coastal city in Central Vietnam, known for its warm climate year-round, is a perfect choice if you want to immerse yourself in the sea and lounge on endless sandy beaches, especially for surfing.

  Harbour in Phan Thiet, Vietnam

However, does Phan Thiet offer much more than meets the eye?

Phan Thiet has a diverse cultural and historical treasure from the ancient kingdom of Champa, now only preserved in a few Cham towers. Slow down and take your time to explore the history of its incredibly rich heritage.

If you are a foodie, you will enjoy wandering along the riverbanks through the city, where you can indulge in unique local cuisine and dining styles, and hear stories about the local culture and history.

Venturing out of the city, Phan Thiet’s outskirts are dotted with numerous interesting and undiscovered spots. Here, you can experience the authentic lifestyle of a fishing village without the overly touristy vibe of […]

Cat Ba Archipelago Becomes World Natural Heritage

Boasting a unique island and ocean ecosystems and diverse flora and fauna, Cat Ba emerges as a promising destination in Vietnam. This island along with Lan Ha Bay will  satisfy your adventurous spirit with unexpected excursions, simultaneously, immersing in the tranquil and leisurely life of the local fishermen.

1. Cat Ba Archipelago is UNESCO-listed World Natural Heritage Site

Cat Ba Archipelago (Hai Phong) in Northern Vietnam located 165 km from Hanoi, is known as the “Pearl of the Gulf of Tonkin.At the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on September 16, 2023, Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized as World Natural Heritage by UNESCO as a part of Halong Bay which is World Natural Heritage twice before (in 2000 and 2020). 

According to the Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Bureau, Halong Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago is considered a geological museum, containing globally significant heritage. This place witnesses distinctive changes in the Earth’s developmental history.

2. Cat Ba Island – Important global biosphere reserve  

Cat Ba Archipelago has an important role in the map of global conservation and sustainable development. This island holds significant value in biosphere reserves with seven island and ocean ecosystems. Cat Ba is the largest limestone archipelago of Vietnam with over 360 islands, including enchanting vegetation-covered limestone islands and spectacular karst formations. 

Cat Ba National Park covers a total area of up to 15,200ha which is the the habitat of 2,320 species of plants and animals on land and in the sea, many of which are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. In particular, there are several endemic animal species on the list of animals at highest risk of extinction such as Cat Ba Langur (roughly 60-70 individuals in Cat Ba), Cat Ba Tiger Gecko, etc

3. Cat Ba attractions – A Highlight on Vietnam’s Ecotourism Map

Thanks to its natural value, Cat Ba Archipelago and Lan Ha Bay have been conferred an array of national and international prestigious titles such as: Special National-level Monument Cat Ba, Proposed Lan Ha Bay as one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, World Marine Reserves and Biosphere Reserve, Biosphere Reserve with the most tourist attraction, Largest limestone island in Southeast Asia. 

This land is an unmissable destination for coastal ecotourism activities in Vietnam. You will have a chance to explore Cat Ba National Park through trekking or hiking. In addition, a cruise is regarded as the best way to admire the stunning and unspoiled scenery […]