The Mekong Delta features the Mekong River, the twelfth longest river in the world. This beautiful region, with its network of tributaries and canals is a busy thoroughfare of rowing boats and cargo boats, all plying their trade. The Mekong Delta covers a vast area to the south west of Vietnam’s buzzing Saigon.  It can be experienced as a day trip, but it is a long drive each way in a day.

Inspired by Asia have discovered a great way of seeing the Mekong Delta and using the river as a means of getting to Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh and from there to the inspirational setting of Angkor Wat.

In January this year I decided to try out this route for myself.  With the assistance of our local agent in Vietnam; Buffalo Tours I travelled south the Mekong Delta region. First stop was the small town of Cai Be, around a 3 hour drive from Saigon. On arrival at the broad river I boarded a long-tailed boat for a very pleasant cruise to the town and the small canals that lead off from the river. Cai Be features a floating market which gave some great photo opportunities. The town also features a Catholic church, rather surprisingly. It’s steeple standing in stark contrast to the surrounding water-side houses.

Angkor to Saigon

We disembarked the boat at a local village, followed by a short but pleasant walk through the village to a series of workshops that specialise in rice paste making, rice pop corn, coco candles and more. Normally a demonstration like this would have me watching the time until we can move on but I did find the process fascinating and the chance to taste the end product was worth it too!

Lunch was taken at a beautiful French colonial style restaurant. You take a path overgrown with tropical plants, through a large wrought-iron gate and into the gardens of a stunning property, complete with open balconies and colourful shutters. Friendly, immaculately turned out restaurant staff are there to greet you and see you to your table.

Afterwards there was a further 2 hour drive to the city of Can Tho. This is one of the largest towns in the Mekong. This is where all of the population descend with the goods to be sold or bought.

Situated on a bend in the river, just a 10 minute boat ride from the centre of Can Tho is the Victoria Can Tho Resort. This was my accommodation for the first night. Set in lush tropical gardens, this is a quiet retreat offering a large outdoor pool, a spa, restaurant and bar.

Victoria Can Tho

Rose early the next morning to see the sunrise and embark on a boat ride to the Cai Ring floating market. This is the largest floating market in the area and very impressive. The wide river was packed bow to stern with vessels of all shapes and sizes, selling and buying all manner of goods. A very colourful sight. There was also a chance to leave the boat for a stroll through a riverside market.

We drove on to the town of Chau Doc. Located on the border between Vietnam and Cambodia it has long had strategic importance as a trading post. I stayed the night at the Victoria Chau Doc Resort. This property is within easy walking distance of the town centre, so it was easy to go for an evening stroll to end the day.  Pool and restaurant, both overlooking the river with great views.

On the 3^rd day I boarded the speedboat for the four hour journey to Phnom Penh. The speedboat carried around 20 passengers and offered both covered and uncovered seating. The boat was pretty quick as it skimmed the wide river.  En route we stopped for around an hour at the official border point for the visas and passports to be stamped and verified.

Arriving in Phnom Penh was memorable as the built up waterfront comes in to view.We disembarked and I had a very short transfer to the waterfront-located Amanjaya Hotel. This property offered fantastic views of the city and river from its rooftop bar.

From Phnom Penh it was just a short one hour flight to the northern city of Siem Reap and gateway to the world-heritage listed Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat, constructed over a period of 30 years, is world famous for its beauty and splendour.

Included was two nights at the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa and a full days guided tour of this world-famous site.

Tour details

This 7 day private tour is available from just £799 per person, based on twin-share including an English speaking guide, breakfast daily and accommodation as described.