I spent three immersive days in Ho Chi Minh City, delving into its rich heritage and dynamic urban culture. With a blend of walking tours, Hop-On-Hop-Off buses, and the vibrant Vespa tour, I explored the multifaceted charm of the city. Yet, amidst the hustle of city life, I longed to experience the natural and cultural rhythm of Vietnam. A journey to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s rice bowl, was a necessary pilgrimage … COPY/PICS -Reza Amirinia
Covering over 40,500 square kilometres, the Mekong Delta is a vast, fertile region of wetlands, canals, rivers, rice paddies, and floating villages. Its ecosystem supports not only agriculture but a diverse way of life shaped by water. Thanks to Experience Vietnam Tours, I embarked on a full-day excursion to discover the enchanting life along the Mekong’s maze-like waterways.
Early Departure and Escaping the Urban Symphony
At the break of dawn, I met my guides Thi and Khoa in the hotel lobby. We set out toward Mỹ Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, 68 kilometres south of Ho Chi Minh City. The journey, which took around ninety minutes, gradually transitioned from the urban buzz of motorbikes to a peaceful countryside dotted with lush farmlands and rustic homes.
“Every time I guide travellers here, I feel like I’m coming home,” Khoa shared. “This region isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to breathe, to slow down, and to connect with nature.”
Setting Sail on the Tien River
We boarded a private longboat to cruise the Tien River, one of the delta’s principal waterways. The morning air was crisp and fragrant, infused with the scent of river water and distant blossoms. As we sailed past the arched Rạch Miễu Bridge and colourful fishing boats, a sense of serenity washed over me. Our first destination was Unicorn Island (Con Thoi Son), one of four legendary isles, alongside Dragon, Turtle, and Phoenix.
Unicorn Island immediately welcomed us with the sound of chirping birds and rustling palms. We wandered through orchards heavy with fruit, arriving at a traditional farmhouse. There, locals greeted us with warm smiles and platters of tropical fruits: rambutan, sapodilla, jackfruit, pineapple, and mango, often seasoned with a pinch of chilli salt. A group of musicians performed Southern Vietnamese folk music, known as Đờn ca tài tử, adding a rich soundtrack to the moment.
“This music tells stories of life on the river,” Thi explained. “It’s emotional, spontaneous, and full of soul—just like the people here.”
Delights of the Farmland
We continued deeper into the island’s narrow pathways, shaded by fruit trees and vibrant foliage. At one stop, we tasted fresh pennywort juice (nước rau má), a local favourite for its cooling properties. Nearby, a small cocoa farm showcased the process of turning cacao fruit into artisanal chocolate. Visitors could watch the grinding and tempering stages and sample pieces infused with chilli and coconut.
A python coiled in a display box drew a curious crowd. Thi hesitated, laughing nervously, but Khoa encouraged me. “It’s not scary, just misunderstood,” he said. I cautiously held the snake, marvelling at its muscular calm.
In the back garden, orchids bloomed in a rainbow of hues, attracting butterflies and photographers alike. This sensory journey through the farmland was as educational as it was beautiful.
The Buzz of Bees and Sweet Rewards
A short ride brought us to Vuon Lan, a quaint bee farm nestled among flowering bushes. Wooden hives buzzed with activity as a local apiarist demonstrated how bees pollinate fruit blossoms. A young woman extracted honeycomb from wooden frames, offering us a taste of golden nectar straight from the source.
We sipped herbal tea sweetened with royal jelly and nibbled on slices of guava, papaya, and longan. The farm also sold handmade honey-based products, from balms to snacks, illustrating how deeply the local economy is rooted in the gifts of nature.
Into the Canals by Sampan
We reboarded our larger boat and journeyed to another island in Bến Tre province, renowned for its coconut groves. Here, we switched to a sampan, a narrow wooden boat steered by a woman in a conical hat and floral áo bà ba, a traditional outfit. With practiced grace, she guided us through coconut-canopied canals that felt like emerald tunnels.
It was a tranquil, dreamlike experience: the whisper of water against the boat, the calls of birds, and the occasional wave from fellow travellers in passing sampans. The natural beauty of this water-bound village was breathtaking.
Candy, Culture, and a Touch of the Unexpected
After disembarking, we hopped onto a tuk-tuk van and made our way to Dat Dua, a coconut candy workshop. Inside, women stirred boiling caramel in large vats while others wrapped candies with dexterity. Visitors were invited to taste fresh batches and browse a small market filled with lacquerware, art, and local curiosities.
Among the oddities were jars of snake wine, grain alcohol infused with whole snakes, a traditional tonic believed to boost vitality. Kho chuckled at my raised eyebrow. “It’s more for courage than taste,” he joked. Brave souls could try a shot at a tasting counter.
A Feast to Remember
Our final stop was Song Nuoc Mien Tay restaurant, where lunch awaited under thatched pavilions beside a tranquil pond. The centrepiece was a grilled elephant-ear fish, its crisp skin peeled back to reveal moist, flaky flesh. Accompanying dishes included phở, fried spring rolls, tamarind prawns, steamed rice, and mashed potatoes with lemongrass.
The flavours were bold yet balanced, celebrating the essence of Southern Vietnamese cuisine, fresh ingredients, herbal nuances, and homemade charm.
A Glimpse That Stays With You
As we journeyed back to Ho Chi Minh City, the sun dipped low over the paddies, casting golden light on the landscape. I knew I had only scratched the surface of the Mekong Delta’s richness.
This delta is not just a travel destination; it’s a living, breathing tapestry of nature, tradition, and resilience. I carry its sounds, scents, and stories with me, waiting for the day I return to explore even more of its magic.
Plan Your Trip
Learn more at: https://vietnam.travel
Fly direct to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi from London Heathrow with Vietnam Airlines: https://www.vietnamairlines.com. Return fares start from £750, inclusive of taxes and fees.
Book custom or group itineraries with Experience Vietnam Travel: https://evttravel.com.vn. EVT specialises in sustainable tourism and authentic local experiences throughout Northern and Southern Vietnam.
For images of the Mekong Delta journey, visit: www.amirinia.com/vietnam
