The Mekong River Delta boasts a rich ecosystem with a clean environment, rich natural resources and a wide range of fruits. Travel companies have introduced several excursions help visitors to explore the region’s beauty. Nguyen Tuan Anh, Director of Anh Duong Travel Company says the company now runs several new tours that explore the Mekong Delta’s water. "Visitors to the region first stop at Can Tho where they visit Binh Thuy, one of the southwestern region’s typical ancient houses. They then leave for Chau Doc to visit Chua Xu temple to pray for success and prosperity. The temple is similar to the Chua Kho temple in the north and visitors can go to Tra Su indigo forest, one of the oldest forests in the region and boasts a primeval nature", said Tuan Anh.

Cai Rang floating market

Located in the heart of the Mekong River Delta, Can Tho city is at the center of a spider web of canals. The city inspires visitors with its pure and romantic beauty and hospitable people. Cai Rang floating market, 5 km away from Can Tho city, is a must see for any visitor to the city. The market can be reached by both road and canal. This market is where locals go to buy and sell their huge variety of fruits and vegetables from boats of all sizes. Meanwhile, Binh Thuy ancient house attracts visitors for its intact ancient architecture, which is a combination of Eastern and Western culture can been seen with its unique decorative patterns. From Can Tho, tourists can choose their next destination.  "From Can Tho, tourists can either visit Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang for a few days or Ha Tien, Chau Doc, An Giang to explore the region further", said Mr. Truong Van Ngon..

To visit the southern most province of Ca Mau and touch the border is a wish many of Vietnamese people. Ca Mau national park with its rich mix of flora and fauna is a must see for any visitors as it is a vast ​diverse ecosystem dominated by mangroves. There are many species of animals listed in Vietnam and the Association of International Nature Conservation’s Red Book. Duong Van Thang, a tour guide at Ca Mau Tourism Center says that visitors to the park are amazed at the beauty and richness of the flora and fauna. "Visitors to the park are reminded of Vietnam’s past struggles for liberation while they enjoy dishes made from the many different species of fish and learn more about the mangrove forest", said Mr. Thang.

Cai Rang floating market

Meanwhile, tourists to Soc Trang province can immerse themselves in the colorful atmosphere of the Khmer ethnic minority culture. Soc Trang is famous for its boat racing festivals and pagodas such as Doi, Dat Set, Khleng and Chen pagodas. Each pagoda has its own uniqueness, but Doi pagoda is the most famous.

Doi pagoda in Soc Trang

Located 3 km southeast of Soc Trang, Doi pagoda is attractive for its unique architecture and beautiful decorative patterns. For hundreds of years, the 3 ha large pagoda is known among domestic and international tourists as a "Mecca" for bats, which provide fertiliser for local farmers. The bats in the pagoda cling to tree branches all day, then fly away at dusk to seek food, and usually home by four the next morning. If visiting the pagoda, you can see bats hanging upside down from branches like over-ripe fruit. "The pagoda is very beautiful with many scenic spots, unique architecture of Khmer ethnic minority people and bats. Each pagoda in the region has its own architectural style.  I like this place very much", said Nguyen Van Anh, a visitor from Binh Thuan province.

Hopefully the unique beauty of the Mekong Delta’s landscapes and its weather will draw thousands of visitors in the future.