The Mekong Delta also known as the Western Region or the South-western region is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southwestern Vietnam of over 40,500 square kilometers. The size of the area covered by water depends on the season.
Can Tho is the classic base in the delta since you can get to good center transshipment from there. In Can Tho, there are an international airport, bus station, boating, etc.. to easily transport to other cities in Mekong Delta and move from other cities outside Mekong Delta.
The Mekong Delta was an ancient Khmer territory and was mostly marshland and forest. When the Nguyen Lords took control of this region, a series of canals were built and a system of transportation was implemented in the maze of waterways in the area. The Mekong Delta is divided into 9 provinces: Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Dong Thap, An Giang, Vinh Long, Kien Giang, Hau Giang, and Minh Hai. The people in this region are made up of Vietnamese and some Khmer, Chinese, and Cham which accounts for the variety of religions that add to the cultural diversity of this area. Among the religions practiced here are Buddhism, Catholicism, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao, and Islam. The southwest region of Vietnam is known for the vast rice fields and the huge plantations that make up the core of this region’s economy.
The majority of Vietnam’s fruits come from the many orchards of the Mekong Delta. In any given season, one can find a variety of tropical fruits produced by farmers of this region in the markets of Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Ha Noi. The orchards are divided by a myriad of small irrigation canals with delicate bamboo bridges called “Cau Khi” or monkey bridges crossing them.
The people living in the Mekong Delta make their living as farmers and fishermen. Often, they live right on the edge of the rivers or canals on various structures built from whatever materials can be found. Consequently, the architecture along the delta varies from place to place. Often, many homes have fisheries right under them. Enterprising individuals build a cage-like structure of bamboo beneath their homes to house fishes.
Floating markets are held every morning from 05:00 to about 11:00. Phung Hiep market is the biggest as it is located at the intersection of 7 major canals. It is also a photographer’s delight because it can be seen from a bridge over the water. Cai Rang and Phong Dien are two other notable floating markets in the Delta. Boats loaded with produce from nearby orchards converge on the floating market, mostly carrying fruits but also coconuts, vegetables, and fishes. Buyers are local traders with bigger boats snapping everything by the bushel and reselling at local markets or to wholesale dealers from big cities, often for a handsome profit. Large floating markets are not complete without floating restaurants, gas stations and an occasional tour boat filled with tourists.
Mouses are the animal which usually damages coconut tree, it's why people usually catch it for food. The mouse is cooked into many dishes: grilled rats, steamed rats, curry and the real star of the list is steamed coconut rats in the rice cooker. The more you eat, the more you are in love with this food.
When we mentioned about Vietnamese noodle soup, people always remember about only Pho. But actually, there are also many kinds of Vietnamese noodle soup that Vietnamese people love to eat. Especially in Mekong Delta, Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang is one of them. The original of Hu Tieu Nam Vang comes from Cambodia then spread to Southern Vietnam and the Chinese community in South East Asia. The main ingredient of this food is tough noodle mix with small pieces of pork, organ, quail egg and seafood.
Sa Dec noodles and My Tho noodles are two most popular dishes in countless western specialties. Famous noodle soup of the western region has sweet taste, chewy and distinctive flavor. The noodle can be cooked in many ways. Dry noodle is not a bad idea as you eat noodle and soup in separated bowls.
Banh Khot (Khot Cake)
Khot Cake is another pancake of Vietnamese people. Different from Xeo Cake above, the size of Khot Cake is much smaller. On the top of Khot Cake, the local people in Mekong Delta add different kinds of topping such as shrimp and green onion. The main ingredient of this food in Mekong Delta is rice flour, coconut water, eggs, mung beans, shrimp, herbs, vegetables and many small ingredients like; pepper, salt, etc. And like other Vietnamese food in general, you must eat it with fish sauce with Vietnamese pickles.
Palm leaves are often used for roofing, fuels. Old trees are used to make house pillars, tables, chairs. Particularly, palmyra palm brings to foodies an unforgettable taste by simple but amazing dishes such as palm rice, palm juice, palm sugar, and palm sweets. Among these dishes, the one to impress tourists most in the harvest season is steamed rice cake with palm sugar.
Address: Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho City.
Nestled on the banks of the Hau River, this 92-room hotel is a firm favorite among many travelers. The Victoria Can Tho Resort features 84 modern guestrooms and eight spacious suites that come equipped with a range of amenities such as a minibar, satellite TV, and coffee/tea making facilities. The hotel also features the impressive Annan Spa Pavilion, which provides seven different treatment rooms with traditional Vietnamese massages. The two main restaurants offer riverside dining and authentic local delicacies.
Address: 141 Tran Van Kheo Street, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Cai Khe, Can Tho.
Conveniently located in Can Tho, Fortuneland Hotel Can Tho is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city. The hotel is not too far from the city center: just 1km away, and it normally takes about 20 minutes to reach the airport. Fortuneland Hotel Can Tho with 171 rooms offers many facilities to enrich your stay in Can Tho.
Address: Area E1, Cai Khe River Islet, Cai Khe Ward, Cai Khe, Can Tho.
The Muong Thanh Can Tho Hotel is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city. The hotel lies 1.9 km from the city center and provides accessibility to important town facilities. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.
Address:224, 30/04 Street, Xuan Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho.
Whether you’re a tourist or traveling on business, the Iris Hotel Can Tho is a great choice for accommodation when visiting Can Tho. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.
Address: 2 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Ninh Kieu Quay, Can Tho.
Located on the banks of the Hau River this hotel is an international 4-star hotel with spacious, beautifully furnished rooms.
Address: 1 Le Loi Street, City Center/Riverside, Chau Doc.
Situated on the banks of the Bassac River, this stylish hotel features a range of accommodation including superior city-view and deluxe river-view rooms. The hotel offers several boat excursions, thanks to its own attached jetty, to local fishing villages and floating markets. Victoria Chau Doc Hotel also features wonderful riverside dining at its Bassac Restaurant as well as a relaxing rooftop terrace where guests can enjoy a relaxing massage.
Address: Vinh Dong 1, Nui Sam Ward, Chau Doc.
Victoria Nui Sam Lodge is ideally located on the side of Sam Mountain and features 26 stone bungalows and villas. The property is only seven kilometers from the hustle and bustle of Chau Doc.
Address: 2 Hai Ba Trung St., Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu Dist., Ninh Kieu Quay, Can Tho.
Ideal for fun and relaxation, Ninh Kieu Hotel - Hai Ba Trung - A3 is located in the Ninh Kieu Quay area of Can Tho. Set 0.1 km from the excitement of the city, this 3-star hotel commands an excellent location and provides access to the city’s biggest attractions. For those of you who want to venture out, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ong Pagoda, Ninh Kieu Wharf are just some of the attractions available to visitors.
Address: 1A Ngo Gia Tu street, Tan An Ward Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho city.
Nestled in the heart of Ninh Kieu Quay, Kim Tho Hotel is an ideal spot from which to discover Can Tho. The hotel is within 200 meters of Ninh Kieu Pier, Can Tho Museum, and Ong Pagoda. The Cai Rang Floating Market is 6.4km away, and Can Tho Airport can be reached within an 11km drive.
Address: Trung Nu Vuong (Noi Dai) St, Chau Doc.
Located downtown, the Chau Pho Hotel is one of the most beautiful three-star hotels in Chau Doc. From the high floors, the overall picture of Chau Doc town appears tranquility and peacefully.
Stop restaurant systems include a restaurant Mekong center, restaurant, air conditioning, and an ancient beam house, shopping and auxiliary buildings with a total area of 12,000 m2, operating continuously from 5:30 to 21:00 each day, 7 days a week. Tien Giang Mekong to stop, your guests will enjoy an excellent incredibly charismatic and unforgettable: a restaurant's culinary stops. With an extensive menu with bold flavors native Vietnam, along with hospitality and reasonable prices, Mekong stops to give your guests the experience of Vietnam culinary elite.
A very nice place to have an iced coffee, chat and laugh with young. Mat Cua Cafe is like heaven in the city. With a really good coffee and savory shakes, its atmosphere invites you to chill out. Space there is beautiful, unique decor very interesting. There are much small space, more furniture styles
Sao Hom Restaurant is one of Can Tho's most renowned sites. Sao Hom Restaurant is close to a variety of hotels, with choices such as My Kim Hotel and Nam Bo Boutique Hotel.
This place is really clean. The menu has a lot of selection for you. Staff is really quick and friendly.