What is there about the Mekong Delta that would make travel in April less desirable--enough that a river cruise country discounts its fares as much as $800? Heat? Monsoons? Mosquitos? Is it not desirable to go during that time?

Hottest time of the year.

Hot, Humid, Mosquitoes. No breeze. No cooling rain in the afternoon.

O---K! So that particular trip at that time of year is now off my list!

Thank you.

It's not so bad in April. You just live with the conditions. We lived in Malaysia for 4 months Feb/March/April/May, and it wasn't that bad. Darwin in October/November/December was probably a bit more oppressive.

April is ok for visiting the mekong delta. You could take a boat trip and visit along the river to discover the local life! lecochinchine boat is quite good for this kind of trip.

Goodluck and welcome to Vietnam.

A suggestion for readers: April is Anzac month for Australians in former Australia/NZ theatres of war, including Vietnam. Things can get a bit busy and booked up in parts of the country (not always, but it does happen).

One of the best visits we had to Saigon was at Tet a few years ago. In 2014 it falls on January 30, and there's no better festival in SEA than Tet in Saigon, I promise you.