Mekong Delta Boat Trip

South of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong River splits into a web of channels before reaching the sea, and the delta it forms is Vietnam’s rice bowl and fruit garden. Life here still revolves around the water: boats carry fruit to market, houses face the river and narrow canals wind under arching water-coconut palms.

A day trip, usually around My Tho and Ben Tre, combines a boat ride on the wide river with a paddle by sampan down the smaller canals, visits to family workshops making coconut candy and rice paper, a fruit orchard and traditional folk music. With a night near Can Tho, you can also see the busy Cai Rang floating market at dawn.

The day starts early and involves some walking on uneven paths, so wear comfortable shoes and a hat. It is a gentle, varied outing that suits families and senior travellers alike.