The Mekong Delta is growing in popularity with regional groups keen to get a taste of local life. Improved roads, luxury transport options and creative programmes from well-connected local DMCs have made this possible. Dung Nguyen, manager at TransViet Travel, says: “Groups can sail on luxury boats from Ho Chi Minh City and arrive within 75 minutes or transfer by road, which takes about two hours. It is a full-day programme, but groups can opt to stay overnight on board the boat or even in home stays for up to 40 people.”
The Delta is a network of tributaries that empty the almost 5,000km-long river into the South China Sea, so once you arrive all transport is by comfortable open-sided boats. The Delta’s
floating markets are among the some of the last in Asia still used by locals. The boats travel from outer provinces to sell goods such as coconuts and tapioca, which is denoted by hanging a sample from a rod at the front of the boat. “Groups can purchase items at the Silk Market in Ho Chi Minh City before visiting and then trade with locals for fresh fruit,” says Nguyen. “This is a fun way to participate in the daily life of the area and be a part of the action. Groups can also trade for ingredients for their lunch, which will then be prepared by a nearby restaurant.”
Local industry
Many foods and other items are prepared the traditional way and groups can either observe or get involved. A popular stop is a local candy-making outlet set on stilts above the river. Rice is first sifted then cooked over coals in large round bowls to create a popcorn-like substance. This is then sifted again before being mixed with a sweet concoction of condensed milk, coconut juice, ginger and caramelised sugar. The mix is then compressed and cut into squares before being packaged. “The whole process takes about 40 minutes for a large amount and the finished product makes a great souvenir or evening room drop,” says Nguyen. Groups can enjoy the product of their labour and other sweet treats over pots of local pandan tea afterwards.
Another Delta speciality is bricks and a row of
brick factories line the banks of the river nearby. The distinctive kilns are easily spotted and offer a great photo opportunity. “Groups can visit a factory to see the brickmaking process, and we can also organize special dinners inside kilns that are not being used,” says Nguyen. The kilns are surprisingly well-ventilated and cool inside, and provide a unique atmosphere for lunch or dinner for 10 people each.
Delta sites
Further along the river is an organic fruit farm, which grows countless varieties of tropical fruits in a large, shady garden. See the fruits growing in their natural environment and then stop to taste them at the undercover shelter. Next stop is an ancestral mansion, where groups can enjoy a musical performance in a French colonial setting. The grounds are also a pleasant setting for weaving traditional baskets used to catch fish, an activity that can be extended to a fishing competition.