If Viet Nam’s Ho Chi Minh City feels like a chore – if the southern metropolis’ aggressive vendors and chaotic traffic are getting to you – then you only need to drive a few hours’ west and south to recharge your batteries.
The Mekong Delta – where the mighty Mekong River finally meets the sea – is located entirely within Viet Nam. It’s also the site of a handful of tourist destinations that combine the best of nature and local culture: providing a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse environments and cultural heritage.
Here are a few suggested detours for travelers looking for an out-of-city, into-the-waters escape:
Can Gio: Journey Through the Mangroves
Located about 40 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the 75,700-hectare Can Gio Mangrove Forest offers a glimpse of Vietnam’s wilder side.
This UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve is often referred to as the “green lungs” of the city, home to a vast array of flora and fauna. The mangrove ecosystem supports wildlife like saltwater crocodiles, king cobras, and over 130 bird species.
Visitors can take a boat ride through the dense forest, keeping an eye out for the park’s famous residents—rhesus monkeys and large bats. It’s a tranquil retreat perfect for nature enthusiasts, with boat tours offering close-up views of the area’s rich biodiversity.
Can Tho: Bargaining at the Floating Market
A bit farther away, but well worth the journey, is the city of Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, about three hours from Ho Chi Minh City.
Photo credit: Vietnam Travel
Can Tho is famous for its bustling floating markets, particularly the Cai Rang market, which comes alive at dawn. Vendors on small boats sell fresh produce, breakfast, and even beverages, creating a vibrant, colorful scene on the river. Watching the locals go about their daily lives on the water offers a “day in the life” experience of the Mekong Delta’s river-based economy that you can’t just pick up in a book or a Youtube video.
After exploring the market, visitors can enjoy local dishes like nem nướng (barbecue pork skewers) along the Nguyen Viet Hong food street; or learn about chocolate production at the oldest cacao farm in the Mekong delta, Muoi Cuong Cocoa Farm.
Sa Dec: A Step Back in Time
For history buffs and literature lovers, Sa Dec offers a chance to enjoy a different side of Viet Nam’s culture. Located about two and a half hours from Ho Chi Minh City, this charming town is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and as the setting of Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover. A visit to the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, the former residence of Duras’ lover, gives insight into the life and times of this historical romance.
Additionally, Sa Dec’s famous flower village is a must-see, with vibrant flower fields stretching as far as the eye can see, offering a peaceful break from the city.
These three destinations only scratch the surface of what you can find just a few hours’ drive from Viet Nam’s biggest city in the south. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or just looking to experience a different side of Viet Nam, these day trips are just the ticket.
