Mekong Delta

The Mekong River(known inChinaas Lancang Jiang andThailandas Mae Nam Khong), is a major transnational river in southeastern Asia, and the 9th longest river in the world. From its source inChina's Qinghai Province near the border withTibet, the Mekong crosses theYunnan Provincei n China, Laos, Myanmar(Burma),Thailand, and then it flows across Cambodia and southern Vietnamin to a rich delta before emptying into theSouth China Sea. The rich delta which is called Mekong Delta encompasses a large portion of southeasternVietnamof 39,000 square kilometers. The heart of the Mekong Delta are Can Tho, Vinh Long and Sa Dec Provinces, from where it is possible to reach the remotest confines of the delta, south towards the mangroves and the South East Asia Sea, north towards Chau Doc, or west towards the island of Phu Quoc.

The Mekong Delta forms both the far southern region ofVietnamand one of country's two main rice bowls. Dominated by theMekongRiverand its many tributaries, the surrounding lands are comprised of low lying rice paddies and the rivers are bordered by dense mangroves and palms. The tributaries of the hecticMekongRiverhighway provide a comprehensive network of canals and channels acting as on and off ramps to the main thoroughfare. For the independent traveler, these rivers and tributaries can be the best method to explore the Mekong Delta at a leisurely pace and offer the opportunity to experience the truly uniqueMekongRiverlifestyle.

By embarking on a comprehensive exploration of the Delta, you will have the opportunity to observe and participate in an extra dimension of Vietnamese life and culture. The attractions to this region ofVietnaminclude the way in which life exists around the comprehensive river system. However much you decide to explore, cruising up one of the many rivers, as the sun sets over the distant coconut trees, is a truly remarkable experience that will stay with you forever.