60 Best Sights in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

One of the few remaining examples of 19th-century residences in the Mekong Delta, the ancient house is managed by a sixth generation descendent of the Duong family. The photogenic French colonial exterior has canary walls, blue shutters, and ornate trim, while the interior is filled with a blend of French-Vietnamese decorative art and antiques. The house briefly appeared in the 1992 film The Lover, based on the autobiographical novel of the same name by French author Marguerite Duras, as the ancestral home of her Chinese lover Huynh Thuy Le; his actual home still exists in Sa Dec but at the time of filming it was being used as a government office. Binh Thuy Ancient House is a 10-minute taxi ride from most hotels, and it's worth visiting Binh Thuy Temple, an ornate structure that predates Binh Thuy Ancient House, along the way.

This house is famous for being the family home of Huynh Thuy Le, upon whom French author Marguerite Duras based the title character of The Lover, a 1984 autobiographical novel about a schoolgirl's love affair with an older Chinese man, the son of a wealthy business magnate. The house, built in 1895, was later used as a government building (which meant the 1992 film The Lover was actually shot at Binh Thuy ancient house in Can Tho). It's been restored reasonably faithfully, and maintains the beautiful blend of Chinese, Vietnamese, and French architecture and decoration. Photos of the real family and from the film adds some storytelling, but otherwise, there are no informational signs.

It's hard to describe exactly what the Kiss of the Sea show is other than a grand spectacle involving stunning visual effects set to music. One of Southeast Asia's largest multimedia art displays, the 30-minute show projects 3D images onto a cascading curtain of water with fire, lights, dance and acrobatics (performed by 60 international artists) all culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. There is a loose storyline narrated in English but it takes a back seat to the incredible effects in this futuristic performance venue built over the sea

One of nine mosques serving An Giang Province's Muslim population, Mubarak Mosque is a short ferry ride across the river from Chau Doc's passenger pier. First built in 1750, the mosque is the spiritual heart of the area's Cham community. Taking a ferry is a quintessential Mekong Delta experience, as is cycling the Mosque's surrounding streets to see the traditional Khmer-style wooden houses on stilts, which are slowly disappearing in favor of concrete.

Ang Pagoda was built on the ruins of Wat Angkor Raig Borei, a temple that possibly dates back to the 10th century Angkor Era. Set amongst old trees and next to Ba Om pond, an Angkorian baray, the pagoda features beautiful Khmer architecture. Ang Pagoda is 5 km (3 miles) from the center of Tra Vinh.

Ao Ba Om, which locals poetically call Ao Vuong ("square pond"), is a Khmer baray, a man-made reservoir similar to the ones found in Angkor. Today it is a peaceful body of water surrounded by old trees. About 5 km (3 miles) from Tra Vinh, the pond is a pleasant place to visit in the early morning, when mist makes it seem even more romantic. Festivities take place here during Khmer holidays. Combine it with visits to the nearby Ang Pagoda and Khmer Cultural Museum.

This temple, located up the foot of Sam Mountain, is dedicated to Ba Chua Xu, the prosperity goddess of the Vietnamese folk religion Thanism. It was built in the early 1800s after, legend has it, villagers discovered in the forest a female statue dating to the 6th century. The temple is constructed in what is commonly thought of as Chinese style, with four levels, the tiled roofs green with age. Within is the statue of Ba Chua Xu, busy with visitors coming to ask for protection and prosperity; weekends can be very crowded. A festival in her honor is held the 23rd--27th of the fourth lunar month, with pilgrims performing dances and rites. Surrounding the temple are pleasant gardens and some small caves, and from up here there's a sweeping view of the countryside; on a clear day you can see neighboring Cambodia.

On the road to Can Tho, 15 km (9½ miles) from Long Xuyen, Bang Lang is home to an estimated 150,000 storks, which create an amazing spectacle at dawn and dusk. Eleven species of stork, egret, and heron have been identified in this 1.3-hectare sanctuary, which, sadly, isn't as well-kept as it should be. The sanctuary is named after the Queen’s Flower trees (bang lang) that used to line the road.

Those looking to experience the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City may want to skip My Tho, which has become over-touristy, and go south across the Mekong River to explore Ben Tre's countryside instead. Known as Vietnam's coconut capital, Ben Tre's many verdant coconut groves and coconut palm-lined waterways are scenic, and like My Tho, full of coconut candy factories, coconut handicraft, and other family-owned cottage industries the delta is known for, but without the crowds. Stay for a few nights at a lodge to cycle or boat the rural byways.

This 1930s Gothic-Romanesque cathedral seems an anachronism in a small Mekong Delta town, but it's a reminder of Vietnam's colonial past and the fact that Catholicism is the country's second-largest foreign religion, with Buddhism being the largest. The bell tower stands 171 feet tall and its bells, which were cast in France, weigh a whopping 400–2,000 kilos (880–4,400 lbs.).

Floating markets used to be found all over the Mekong Delta; today, Cai Rang is the last one standing—or rather, floating. The market, which traditionally is for wholesale of fruits and vegetables, is about 6 km (4 miles) or a 40--50 minute journey, depending on the type of boat, from Can Tho. It starts at 4 am, in the dark, and usually finishes by 10 am. It's worth starting super early to be see dawn break over the market, which will be crowded and noisy with tourist boats and vendors selling coffee, drinks, fruit, banh mi, and noodle soup, especially on weekends. Though Cai Rai is also declining, it's still fascinating and fun, an important part of Mekong Delta culture that will soon be obsolete. Hiring a private sampan (small six-seater wooden boat) is a slower, but far more intimate, nimble experience, as your driver will get you up close and in the middle of the action.

For a grandiose building, the museum is thin on actual artifacts and displays, but worth the quick browse. It has a replica of the French guillotine used by the American-backed South Vietnamese government 1954--60 to execute opposition at the historic prison (next door to the museum), a grisly reminder of Can Tho's history under Ngo Dinh Diem's regime (the original is in the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City).

Founded in 1876, "Can Tho Grand Prison" was first used by the French to imprison, torture, and execute resisters, and later by the American-backed South Vietnamese government. Though it is small compared to the famous prisons of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, the history is no less horrifying. Mannequins bring to life the cruelty, while at the nearby Can Tho Museum, archive photos and a replica of the guillotine used further tell the story. The prison is free and right in the center, close to the riverside, making it easy to drop in.

Established in 1926 in the southern Vietnamese city of Tay Ninh, Caodaism is a monotheistic syncretic religion, in which Cao Dai is believed to be the creator of the universe. The temple in My Tho is a smaller offshoot of the main temple in Tay Ninh (also called the Holy See Temple). The colorful structure, which is done up in every shade of the rainbow and then some, has impressive wooden carvings of deities, immaculately painted iron grillwork, and handsome tiles.

Typical of all Cao Dai Temples, the temple is a riot of colors, a bright yellow building with sky blue, red, and green accents, and inside the floor tiles change color from one to the next. At the front of the temple, on a carved wooden table with drawers, sit thick gilded candlesticks and offerings while ceramic egrets stand on either side. Established in 1926 in the southern Vietnamese city of Tay Ninh, Caodaoism is a monotheistic religion, and this temple is similar to the one in My Tho; both are branches of the main Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, also called the Holy See. Adherents worship Cao Dai, whom they believe is the creator of the universe. From the temples towers, take in the view of the river and surrounding countryside.

Twelve kilometers (7½ miles) outside Soc Trang, in the village of Dai Tam, this is the largest Khmer temple and religious school for novice monks in the area. The original pagoda, built in 1815, was destroyed during the Vietnam War and was rebuilt in 1969, the facade completely adorned with mosaic of ceramic bowls and plates—hence the name (chen means bowl). The garden has several thatched huts in which pilgrims can meditate, and a lively market operates in front of the gates. It's well worth visiting during Khmer New Year, April 13--16, if you happen to be in the area.

Inexpensive one-day “Mekong Delta tours” from Ho Chi Minh City usually take visitors to one or two of My Tho’s four islands named after mythical beasts—Con Phung (Phoenix Island), Con Tan Long (or Con Rong, Dragon Island), Con Quy (Tortoise Island), and Con Thoi Son (or Con Lan, Unicorn Island). It’s a whirlwind of stops along the riverways at tourist pavilions demonstrating My Tho’s cottage industries, including coconut candy, local honey, and rice wine. These tours are cheap and perfunctory, and don’t leave much of an impression of the Mekong Delta; consider it only if time and budget are tight. If you only have a day, look for higher-end small group tours that go a bit further to Ben Tre, which is far less touristy.

On Con Phung are the remnants of a garish, eclectic complex built in the 1960s by a French-educated engineer-turned-monk named Nguyen Thanh Nam, nicknamed Ong Dao Dua (Coconut Monk) because he reputedly lived for some years on nothing but coconuts. The monk presided over a small community of followers, teaching an antiwar religion that combined elements of several religions including Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism. Despite his non-violent activities, he was imprisoned repeatedly, first by South Vietnam and later by the Communists for leading the religion; he died in 1990. All that is left of the monk's dreams for peace and coconuts are some dragons and gargoyles and columns with mythical creatures wrapped around them.

This eye-poppingly vibrant Vietnamese temple was built more than 200 years ago by a Chinese family called Ngo. A descendant, Ngo Kim Tong, who died in 1970, spent 42 years fashioning the pagoda's brightly colored statues, dragons, and gargoyles. Inside are candles about 40 feet high—each  so big and so broad that two people extending their arms around it can barely reach each other—that have been burning continuously for more than 40 years.

Part lighthouse, part religious building, Dinh Cau Temple is worth visiting while exploring Duong Dong town, its marina, and the night market. Occupying a rocky outcrop, the temple was constructed in the 1930's to honor the goddess of the sea, who could protect sailors and fishermen.

There are several ancient houses (private homes built by wealthy families in the mid- to late 19th century) throughout Dong Hoa Hiep, the most notable being Mr Kiet's Ancient House (1838) and Ba Duc Ancient House (1850), both of which have been restored, are open to the public, and have restaurants; others have been abandoned or fallen into disrepair. It's most efficient to visit on a tour since the more interesting houses are scattered, though it is possible to try to seek them out on your own as there are some signs on the road.

Local tours often stop in at one of the pungent fish sauce factories, several of which are concentrated along the river in Duong Dong Town. It's possible to visit without an organized tour, although an English-speaking guide may not be available and without explanation, you're just looking at a hot, odorous shed full of giant wooden vats. Try Khai Hoan on Hung Vuong Street ( 0297/384–8555).

Airlines that fly out of Phu Quoc do not allow fish sauce on board due to risk of breakage, but it is usually possible to buy it at the airport departure lounge.

There are fish farms at the junction of the Chau Doc and Hau Rivers, which you can see from afar from the riverside promenade (30 Thang 4/April 30 Park), but to visit one you need a guide and boat. The farms are underneath the floating houses, in underwater pens accessed through the floors. A visit to a floating fish farm is usually on the itinerary of organized tours that come through Chau Doc. If traveling independently, your hotel can usually book you a tour.

This Khmer temple was built in 1637, and its 5-acre grounds are home to tall trees, a small school, and hundreds of storks, explaining one of its nicknames, Stork Pagoda. Called Kompom Chray (banyan tree wharf) in Khmer, it's also known as Cave Pagoda because of its cave-like entrance. It was once called Bat Pagoda but bombing in 1968 scared the bats away and they never returned. The monks here are famous for their woodworking skills and the intricate bonsai garden they tend while not studying, praying, and chanting.

Hang Pagoda is a best visited in the late afternoon when the birds come home to roost, but avoid standing under the trees because the bird droppings come down like rain.

Literally translated as "fresh water lake," the artificial lake has become the town centerpiece with swan-shape paddleboats, garden cafés, a children's playground, and green space. Ho Nuoc Ngot usually hosts the opening ceremony for the annual Ghe Ngo boat races, part of the moon and harvest festival Ok Om Bok, one of the most important celebrations for the southern Vietnamese Khmer community. The boat racing, which takes place on the adjacent Maspero River the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of the 10th lunar month (usually October/November), honors the half-snake water god Naga and symbolically see the rains off to the ocean at the end of the growing season.

Built in 1838, the brightly painted Chinese-style pagoda features elaborate wrought iron gates, as well as inlaid scenes and animal figures made by intricate mosaics of ceramic and porcelain pottery below and along the roof. If you're lucky, a monk will invite you to sit for tea and persimmons.

Surrounded by graceful palms, the beautiful Khmer Theravada Buddhist temple includes a main ceremonial hall, monk's quarters, stupas, and sala. Originally constructed in the 16th century, when the area was part of the Khmer empire, it was rebuilt in the French-Khmer style at the turn of the 20th century. The exterior of the main hall is adorned in the Khmer tradition with gilded wood carvings, while inside the columns are painted with Chinese motifs of dragons and flowers in black and gold.

With palms, powdery white sand that is regularly cleaned, and an ocean that seems to change colors throughout the day, this beach on the southeastern tip is what you'd expect from a tropical island. A few seafood restaurants offer loungers, and sometimes the grandiose JW Marriott Phu Quoc, occupying the southern end of the beach, allows outside guests to purchase day passes. There is also a difficult to traverse access road to the beach beside Phu Quoc Prison. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: walking; swimming; families.

Housed in a blocky concrete building across the road from Ang Pagoda, the Khmer Culture Museum has four exhibition rooms containing re-creations of various aspects of traditional Khmer life, as well as collections of musical instruments and farming tools. All signs are in Vietnamese and Khmer. It's not the most interesting museum, but worth dropping by if you're at Ang Pagoda and Ao Ba Om.

In a stucco French colonial-Khmer temple style building originally built in 1938 as a school to teach French, Khmer, and Vietnamese, the museum's small collection of cultural artifacts includes Khmer statues, clothing, antique pots, instruments, and two long, colorful racing boats.

Sometimes referred to as the hill of tombs, this site is a garden cemetery containing the remains of Chinese-born General Mac Cuu (1655--1735) and his family. Mac Cuu is credited with establishing Ha Tien in 1670, when the region was part of Cambodia. The family mausoleum, with its traditional Chinese tombs decorated with dragons, phoenixes, tigers, and lions, was built in 1809. A small temple dedicated to the family sits at the base of the complex.