Joanna James
The Mekong Delta is one of the most amazing and unique eco-systems in this part of the world. It provides all the requirements for life and plays a large part in the local culture.
The Mekong Delta is a very unique eco-system and offers a tourist experience unlike any other in the region. The climate and weather are generally tropical and quite mild year-round. The Delta does, however, experience two distinct seasons; the dry and rainy. The dry season is usually from November to April during which time the temperature is roughly around 28 degrees. The rainy season is from May to October and it is not as bad as you would assume. The rains usually last an hour or so and would not necessarily hinder your travel plans per se. However, during June and July, the rains to tend to get a bit intense and the whole region is quite wet during this time. The Mekong Delta is quite humid year-round and will take a little getting-used-to. The best time to visit would be at the start of the rainy season; April and May, during this time the fruit gardens are in bloom and the weather is at its best.
Choosing the best mode of travel will depend heavily on where you are travelling from. If you are starting your trip of the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam you can take either public or private busses to places like Ben Tre, My Tho and Can Tho whereas if you are travelling from Cambodia you can get a bus to Phnom Penh and Can Tho. However, if you prefer travelling by road it would probably be best to arrange a pre-planned tour with a licensed guide. However, the best way to travel the Delta is along the waterways you can explore the Mekong Kingdoms the proper way on a luxury cruise. The Luang Prabang cruise is one of the most famous currently operating.
The Mekong Delta is a great place to go sightseeing and explore the very unique and diverse cultures that have for thousands of years been nurtured on its shores. Just as the nature in this region is breathtaking the culture and the people are of a special kind as well. But apart from all of that, it is a very nice place to do some one-of-a-kind shopping. The rule of thumb here is floating markets of which you will find plenty, selling everything from trinket and clothes, fruits and meals. It's an experience you can only have in the Delta. Some of the famous markets are; Cai Be, Cai Rang, Phong Dien and Ninh Kieu.
The Mekong Delta is abundant in various tropical fruits such as; Vin Kimh Star apples, tangerines, durian, grapefruit, hoa loc mangoes and Hau Giang oranges. The region is well known for its very unique cuisine which includes lots of seafood and spices. Some of the dishes you should try are; the steamed coconut rice, the tapioca cakes, the crumbling fried fish and the Chinese noodle soup which comes in a variety of flavours. And if you are feeling a little adventurous maybe try some snake meat as well.
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