A prosperous port town, Rach  Gia boasts many religious build- ings such as the charming Pho  Minh Pagoda, which houses an order of mendicant nuns. Its Twin Buddhas, one in Thai style and the other Vietnamese, sit companionably in the sanctuary. The sprawling 200­year­old Phat Lon Pagoda has a unique sanctuary, surrounded by many small […]

A cluster of 16 islands, Con Dao may be remote but, with its remarkable forests, wildlife, and beaches, it is one of the most astound ing destinations in Vietnam. Declared a nature preserve in 1993, Con Dao National Park covers a massive portion of the archipelago, stretching across 154 sq miles (400 sq km). About […]

The rich soil and lush green habitat of the Mekong Delta is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, with new ones still being discovered. Dense mangrove swamps and tropical forests cover a large portion of the delta, while a range of fruits, such as mangoes, papayas, and bananas, grow in abundance. […]

This small town is primarily an agricultural center, with a major part of its revenue coming from the shrimp and salt farms located along the coast. Most visitors use the place as a base to explore the region, including the nearby sanctuary. The town  features some fine French- Colonial build ings, such as the impres […]

This lively town is famous for its festivals and religious sites. Once part of the Angkor Empire, the entire province is home to 90 Khmer, 47 Chin ese, and 30 Vietnamese pagodas, many of which are in Soc Trang itself. Of the ten annual festi vals held here,  the largest is the carniva- lesque Khmer […]

Rice is Vietnam’s primary food staple and the country’s most vital cash crop. The rice industry employs almost 80 percent of the country’s population in one way or another. The majority of rice pro duction in Vietnam takes place in the Mekong Delta, the fertile soil of which has contributed signi ficantly to making Vietnam […]

The largest city on the delta, Can Tho is one of the most delightful destinations in the south. Bordering six provinces, it serves as a transportation hub for the region, as well as a major agricultural center, with rice milling as its main industry. The city is also an ideal base for day trips, especially […]

Possibly the best way of experiencing the timeless, bucolic character of the Mekong Delta is by taking a boat ride along the dense network of narrow canals around Vinh Long. Making its way through the small islands of An Binh and Binh Hoa Phuoc, the tour offers a close look at life on the river. […]

Although the town itself is not remarkable, the drive to Chau Doc via Cao Lanh is pleasant. The Dong Thap Museum, which displays many of the traditional implements used by delta farmers and fishermen, including a large model of a boat and fish traps, is a worthwhile stop. The Soviet-style War Memorial is a big […]

A small town on the bank of the Co Chien River, Vinh Long is mostly used by tourists as a base for exploring the islets dotting the waters around it. How ever, the town itself is also worth visiting. Vinh Long’s large, French-Colonial Catholic church draws atten tion to the fact that the area was […]