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Text and photos:Khoi Nguyen
Springtime excursions, boat trips on the Mekong River, or ferry rides along the canals and waterways to admire the rural landscapes of Southern Vietnam and learn about the riverine life of the local people... are popular choices for many tourists. However, many also choose spiritual tourism during the early spring days, with destinations such as the Lady of the Mountain Shrine in Chau Doc town (An Giang province). Many also opt for beach getaways, resulting in hotels in Ha Tien and Phu Quoc Island being fully booked during this period.
Pilgrimage tourism
Pilgrimage tourism consistently ranks among the top destinations for spring tours in the Mekong Delta. During this time, the Lady of the Mountain Shrine welcomes throngs of visitors from all over, who come to pay their respects and seek blessings for the new year at this famous and sacred shrine. After visiting the shrine, tourists can visit Tay An Ancient Temple, the Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum, and rent a rickshaw to explore the Mount Sam night market, or stroll around Chau Doc town – the "Kingdom of Fish Sauce" in the West. The next destination is the Tinh Bien border market – the Tinh Bien duty-free supermarket and the Tra Su eco-tourism area, where visitors can enjoy the local specialty of the flooded mangrove forest: grilled snakehead fish with a delicious tamarind fish sauce dip.
According to the Tinh Bien Border Economic Zone Management Board, during the Lunar New Year holiday, Tinh Bien welcomes approximately 10,000 visitors per day to visit and shop at the border market and duty-free supermarket. A small trader at the Tinh Bien border market said: “Every year, during the Lunar New Year, this market is very crowded. People start visiting from the first day of Tet, but the peak is from the second day onwards. Traders here stay open until all the customers are gone, sometimes until 7 or 8 PM. Customers arrive as early as 3 or 4 AM the next morning, so we have to keep selling. The border market is practically sleepless during the Lunar New Year…”
Ecotourism
Passing through Dong Thap, tourists can choose one of two eco-tourism areas, Gao Giong or Xeo Quyt, and combine it with visits to the mausoleum of Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Sac, the Huynh Thuy Le ancient house in Sa Dec, Sa Dec flower village, and the Tram Chim eco-tourism area. Returning to the old Southern region, tourists shouldn't forget to enjoy local specialties: Lai Vung fermented pork sausage, Sa Giang shrimp crackers, Lai Vung pink tangerines…
Leaving Dong Thap, head to Can Tho to explore the capital of the Mekong Delta. Visitors will cross the Can Tho Bridge, over 15 km long, the longest cable-stayed bridge in Southeast Asia. Visit Ninh Kieu Wharf, the most famous scenic spot in the Western region. Go to Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, and learn about the unique riverine culture of the Southern Vietnamese people. Passing by the "beo" (sidewalk signs) at the front of the boats, visitors can buy and sell with the merchants of the Mekong Delta. Continue by boat to Au Island, admire the beauty of the banks of the Hau River, and enjoy various river activities such as walking on bamboo bridges through mangrove forests, swimming, rowing boats, digging canals, and catching fish... at Phu Sa Tourist Area. Afterwards, the boat will take visitors to My Khanh Garden House to visit typical Southern Vietnamese gardens and learn about ancient Southern Vietnamese houses. At My Khanh Tourist Village, enjoy a meticulously prepared "landlord's meal" with many traditional dishes.
Next, visitors should go to Vinh Sang eco-tourism area (Vinh Long) to "be a farmer" for a day, experiencing the exciting rural life, and enjoying the lush green scenery full of fruit trees on both banks of the Tien River with the four islets of Long, Lan, Quy, and Phung. Visitors can hear stories about the "coconut religion leader" at the Coconut Religion historical site, listen to traditional folk music, and enjoy the sweet taste of Ben Tre coconuts. Then, visit Thoi Son islet to admire the ornamental flower gardens, bonsai trees, fruit orchards, coconut candy factories, learn about beekeeping and honey production, and enjoy honey tea...
Riding in a horse-drawn carriage along winding roads through coconut-shaded villages in Ben Tre, enjoying tropical fruits and honey tea, and listening to traditional folk music performed by local artists… these are all worthwhile experiences. The spring journey through the Mekong Delta continues as visitors arrive in the city.My ThoThen, take a boat trip on the Tien River, visit the fishing port, floating houses on the river, then drain the canals to catch fish, swim in the river, and enjoy fresh fruit picked directly from the trees…
Unique coastal tourism in the Mekong Delta
Ha Tien town (Kien Giang province) still preserves many historical relics from the time when the Mac family founded the Ha Tien region. Here, you should visit Binh San Mountain, one of the ten most beautiful sights in Ha Tien, to visit the tomb of Mac Cuu and hear stories about the Mac family – who played a key role in establishing Ha Tien in the 18th century; visit Thach Dong Cave, and Phu Dung Ancient Temple to hear the poetic love story of the Governor-General of Ha Tien, Mac Thien Tich, and Phu Cu (also known as Phu Dung). Go to Mui Nai beach for a swim, enjoy coffee at Nai Vang Hill, or take a cable car ride to the top of Ta Pang mountain to admire the panoramic view of the tranquil and peaceful landscape of Ha Tien, with Phu Quoc Island and the beautiful country of Cambodia in the distance.
Another popular tourist destination in the Mekong Delta is Phu Quoc Island. Tourism on Phu Quoc Island during the spring is often overcrowded due to the limited number of speedboats and airplanes. Furthermore, this is the "winter" holiday season for many foreign tourists, making Phu Quoc tourism somewhat more "fickle" compared to destinations in the central coastal region.
The Southwestern region of Vietnam, with its pristine landscapes, warm and hospitable people, and unique customs and traditions, is an unmissable destination for tourists and families planning a spring trip combining exploration and relaxation. It's also an ideal place to unwind, as the overall tourist density isn't as high as other popular destinations.
