The Mekong Delta is one of Vietnam's most captivating and enigmatic regions, offering endless non-touristy ways to explore its beauty. Drift through the serene, mangrove-fringed rivers, pedal through lush coconut groves, or dive into the heart of local culture with an authentic stay at a rustic homestay. Each path unveils a different, less-traveled side of this mesmerizing destination.
Take a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City
The most important thing about day trips is choosing the right one. You could spend a whole day cruising serenely on a sampan, or opt for a non-stop, non-touristy excursion taking in temples, workshops, and floating markets. It’s all up to you.
Many day trips feature the famous Cai Be Floating Market or explore the more non-touristy paths through Ben Tre for a day of kayaking, coconut sweets, and shaded hammocks. You may visit a factory to learn about local products, such as Ben Tre coconut candy, explore a local brick kiln, or enjoy Mekong cuisine in a pagoda by the river. A sampan ride through the palm fronds is almost always included—and it’s a must-do photo opportunity.
TIP: If you’re keen to save time and skip crowds, book a tour by luxury speedboat, or a one-day motorbike trip with a focus on local life.
Sleep in a Mekong Delta homestay
Another way to enjoy a truly local, non-touristy experience in the Mekong Delta is by staying with a Vietnamese family. Depending on the homestay you choose, you could explore the village by boat, go fishing with your hosts, or even help out in the rice fields.
Vietnamese homestays are known for their delicious food, and guests are often invited to join the cooking process. Follow your host to the local market to pick up ingredients, then watch how Mekong dishes are prepared before sitting down to an incredible meal together. These homestays are often set along lush riverways or located on farmstays surrounded by rice paddies.
TIP: If homestays are not your thing, keep an eye out for eco-friendly lodges and low-key resorts nestled in the Mekong Delta.
Go sightseeing by bicycle
Cycling is one of the most popular and immersive, non-touristy ways to explore the Mekong Delta. Several companies offer guided cycling trips, from quick day tours near Ho Chi Minh City to longer journeys through remote, less-explored provinces. There's no rush on two wheels. Ride slowly through the countryside, weaving along narrow paths, crossing single-person bridges, and gliding past green fields and coconut groves. Along the way, you can pause in the shade for a refreshing iced ca phe or tropical fruit, soaking in the peaceful, non-touristy atmosphere.
TIP: Companies offering great cycling tours include SpiceRoads, Mekong Bike Tours, Vietnam Bike Tours and Grasshopper Adventures.
Unwind on a luxury river cruise
A luxury river cruise can be a wonderful way to explore the Mekong Delta, offering both comfort and non-touristy experiences. Imagine spending days drifting along wide, tropical waterways, with mangroves and palm trees lining the riverbanks, while colorful boats and quiet villages pass by.
Once aboard, all you need to do is relax. Wake up at sunrise to watch the sky turn soft pink over the palm trees, or enjoy dinner on the water before settling into a cozy wooden cabin. During the cruise, you can disembark to explore non-touristy markets and local towns, buy fresh tropical fruit, or take a peaceful stroll through emerald-green rice paddies before returning to the boat for more relaxation.
TIP: If cruises are your speed, you may like to book a connecting cruise all the way to Phu Quoc or across the border into Cambodia.
Plan a motorbike road trip
The wide, flat plains of the Mekong Delta are perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts and pillion riders. Grab your map and explore the Mekong Delta by motorbike for a truly non-touristy experience. The beauty of this mode of travel is that you can go almost anywhere at your own pace. Take your time driving through scenic backroads, stopping at roadside cafes for coffee, or enjoying hot bowls of hủ tiếu from local street vendors. The Mekong Delta is home to many picturesque pagodas, and the friendly locals are always happy to point you in the right direction if you need assistance.
At Innoviet Travel, we celebrate the art of slow travel. Our expert guides ensure you see beyond the surface, crafting memories that linger long after your journey. Imagine gliding down tranquil canals, weaving through emerald rice paddies by bike, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of a floating market. The Mekong Delta awaits, revealing its tranquil rhythms to those who seek them.
Start your journey today and create unforgettable memories in Vietnam here:
Vietnam Package Tour - Immersive 15-Day Journey Through Vietnam's Heart and Soul (innoviet.com)
1-day Mekong tour from Can Tho | The Myst Mekong
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Rural Life
Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour - Ben Tre boat and bike experience
Mekong Delta homestay 2 days tour with cycling trip in non-touristy villages
Mekong Delta tour 3 days with homestay - cycling - Cai Rang floating market
We hope that your experience will be nothing short of amazing
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