Ho Chi Minh City 2-Day Mekong Delta Floating Market Tour: A Review
If you are thinking of going to Vietnam, right, taking a tour from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta might be a pretty amazing adventure. Visiting the Mekong Delta is like seeing a whole other side of Vietnam, with its bustling river life and colorful floating markets. In case you’re pondering booking a 2-day Mekong Delta Floating Market trip, I thought I’d give you my take on it, complete with what to anticipate and just whether it lives up to the excitement. This will be a bit of insight on just what awaits you, what to keep in mind, plus whether it really gives a great bang for your buck.
What to Expect on your Trip
So, the very typical tour sets off early in the morning, usually around 8:00 AM, very quickly departing from the craziness of Ho Chi Minh City. That first stretch involves a drive, that could be about two to three hours depending on the traffic. Once you get there, you’re greeted by a very different landscape – all of a sudden, rice paddies replace buildings and you notice an increase in water! This sets the tone, that’s quite refreshing, for the adventure that’s about to start.
Boat Trips and Canal Cruises
The primary charm definitely lies in the boat trips. Quite often, the first day incorporates a bigger boat cruising down the main sections of the Mekong. Just picture this, is that, the gentle sway of the boat, the breeze on your face, with boats laden with goods of all shapes and sizes filling the waterway, with life completely floating past you. Then you get the chance, very frequently, to hop onto smaller, more classic sampans which slowly carry you along the more narrow canals. That switch allows a super, super close peek at the daily routines that happen along the water, where you’ll witness homes standing on stilts, locals working, too, in the fields, plus children joyfully playing nearby.
Visiting Local Workshops and Farms
Typically, many tours have breaks to showcase what goes on locally, so, you might visit little family-run businesses creating things such as coconut candies or rice paper. It is an actual glimpse into local industries plus it’s nearly always an opportunity to try the products. Quite a few trips will also include a visit to local farms or orchards. Nothing quite beats eating freshly picked tropical fruit, is there? Plus this really brings you closer to understanding where much of Vietnam’s produce springs from.
Experiencing the Floating Markets
Now, the high point for pretty much everyone, definitely, is getting a look at the floating markets. Almost always, the 2nd day kicks off at the crack of dawn in order to witness the markets at their most active, usually around 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM. So, it really takes setting the alarm! Can Tho is home to the bigger floating markets, like Cai Rang, the place wholesalers assemble to sell a variety of items from boats, as well as, fruits and veggies that are on display to all sorts of household products.
Cai Rang Floating Market
The Cai Rang Floating Market buzzes with power, very, very full of boats packed full of products. Sellers hang a sample of just what they’re selling from a pole on their boat, that tends to be a helpful hint from afar. So, there are generally several opportunities to enjoy a yummy breakfast or coffee that has been bought straight from a boat vendor – very nearly a remarkable encounter by itself.
Smaller Floating Markets
There exist lesser-known floating marketplaces which can supply a much more personal vibe. These types of markets commonly have less travelers and also offer the chance to get in touch with the sellers better. Bear in mind, that seeing any floating market needs an early start to prevent missing all of the action.
Accommodation and Food
The tours most of the time include overnight accommodation, commonly within a hotel or homestay throughout the Mekong Delta area. You should expect it’ll normally be basic but relaxing, delivering everything you would require for the brief stay.
Local Cuisine
The meals are generally provided, giving tastes associated with Mekong Delta cuisine. Be ready to eat lots of fresh spring rolls, fish ready within clay pots, and delightful pho. Check, when scheduling, just what food items the tour covers, specifically if you possess any sort of diet restrictions.
Things to keep in mind
Taking a trip in this area needs consideration to maximise your knowledge while also having admiration for community customs. Always remember to negotiate kindly within markets, dress moderately once visiting religious websites, also tip your own tour guides as well as boat drivers sufficiently. Also, do not be reluctant to learn a couple of terms in Vietnamese; the locals can really enjoy the particular work!
What to Bring
Whenever you are packing with this journey, bear in mind of the particular climate also tasks. Important things to bring usually include sunscreen lotion, bug resilient, a cap, light clothes, cozy strolling shoes (since you are going to be doing plenty of this), plus a camera for people photograph chances.
Choosing the right Tour Operator
A few tour businesses will also be far better than other folks. Seek out tour operators with wonderful reviews and people who illustrate honest as well as detailed agendas. Give consideration to exactly how small the group will be, and also if the excursions contain things such as a language translator. Booking is often carried out through online platforms as well as by way of local travel agencies throughout Ho Chi Minh City.
Is it Worth it?
And so, returning to that concern, are a 2-day tour of the Mekong Delta worth the cost and the time? I feel it is definitely yes for lots of factors. The Mekong Delta will offer a completely distinct understanding compared to city living of Ho Chi Minh. Observing the floating markets has been amazing. What’s more, it’s been a superb technique to connect straight with all the culture. Sure, several destinations become filled with tourists. So it would not harm to check out reduced acknowledged locations if that’s your preference. All around, in case you are keen to discover life on Vietnam’s waterways, that adventure is surely worthwhile.