Exploring the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is the name given to the area of south western Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and enters the sea. The Vietnamese refer to this area as the Nine Dragon River Delta and this region is the perfect place to explore and get a feel for the local culture whilst on your Vietnam tour.

The best way to experience the culture of the local people on your Vietnam holiday is by arranging a visit to a local market. In Saigon, Ben Thanh is the place that the locals visit to buy their food and catch up with all the weekly gossip. The market is also the perfect place to do a spot of historic sightseeing on your Vietnam holidays, as the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace are all located a short walk away. The Reunification Palace was historically said to be the place that the Vietnam War ended on 30 April, 1973, as it was here that tank number 843 rammed through its gates after Saigon surrended.

Another well known district worth visiting on your Vietnam holiday is the area of the Chu Chi tunnels. This immense network of underground tunnels was the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War and also an underground base for the Viet Cong. It is possible to arrange a tour by a Vietnam War Veteran and listen to some of their incredible experiences during your Vietnam holiday. You are certain to leave the tunnels feeling incredibly humbled over some of the experiences that you have heard.

If you enjoyed visiting Ben Thanh then take a Vietnam tour, on a traditional flat-bottomed Sampan boat, up the Mekong to the famous fish market. Whilst here you can experience the local culture and visit a traditional Vietnamese village, where the friendly locals are bound to make you feel more than welcome.

The Cai Rang Floating Markets are amongst the third biggest in the country, and when you take a Vietnam tour in this area you're sure to attract the attention of many hawkers. Fresh papaya, coconut candy, beer and even smuggled cigarettes are amongst the items that you will find for sale in the region. From the Cai Rang Floating Market you can also arrange excursions to visit bee farms, orchards and coconut candy factories, all of which will give you ample opportunity to try the local produce.

Before leaving your Vietnam tour and sailing up the Mekong River to Cambodia you may want to stop over in the Khmer town of Chau Doc. Chau Doc is famous for its range of fish sauces and trade in catfish, and as such the floating fish houses are one of the most visited attractions in the area. These houses are lived in by the local population but feature giant floating fish cages underneath the living area.

Sunset at the Sam Mountain is sure to be one of the highlights of your Vietnam holiday. As you extend up the mountain, there are plenty of attractions that can be visited en-route from the Tay An Pagoda, to the Temple of Lady Xu and the Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau. However, with the sunsetting over the green paddy fields and views of Cambodia in the distance, here is the perfect place to end your Vietnam tour.