Getting Oriented

The Mekong Delta stretches from the Plain of Reeds in the northern reaches to the wet mangrove forests of Ca Mau at the southernmost tip. Tours are a recommended way to travel around the delta for short trips. Most tour operators offer hotel pickup and transportation from Ho Chi Minh City, though bear in mind river cruises will not begin until you reach the top of the delta. You can continue your travels on to Phu Quoc Island (or even Cambodia) after exploring the delta.

Northern Mekong Delta. My Tho, Vinh Long, Long Xuyen, and Chau Doc are jumping-off points to Cambodia. Farther along the coast, Ha Tien is the gateway to Phu Quoc Island.

Phu Quoc Island. This rapidly developing island has powder-white sand beaches and a growing number of luxury resorts. Explore remote beaches and jungle.

South-Central Mekong Delta. Can Tho, at the heart of the Mekong Delta, is an ideal base for exploring the deeper parts of the delta. Southeast of Can Tho is Soc Trang and Tra Vinh, both with large Khmer populations, and farther south still is the pleasant city of Ca Mau.