Booking choice: The My Tho and Ben Tre day with islands, a sampan and coconut candy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Book this Compare the options below
Southern Vietnam has two broad seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. Both are hot. The delta also has its own rhythm of high and low water, which matters most in the upper delta near Cambodia.
Tours on this site run all year. This guide helps you pick the month and pack for the day.
The quick answer
The dry months, roughly December to April, are the most reliable for sunshine and calm boat days. The rainy season, roughly May to November, brings short heavy showers, usually in the afternoon, and the greenest orchards. The upper delta floods around September to November. Whatever the month, start early and dress light, with a hat, sunscreen, shoes that grip and something to cover shoulders and knees at pagodas.
What is the best time of year to visit the Mekong Delta?
The dry season, roughly December to April, for the most sunshine. But the delta is visitable all year, and the rainy months have their own rewards.
From about December to April the skies are clearer and the boat days calmer. From about May to November the rains arrive, usually as heavy afternoon downpours that pass quickly, and the countryside turns its deepest green. Morning tours often stay dry even in the wet months.
| Period | Weather, in broad strokes | On the water |
|---|---|---|
| Roughly December to April | Dry, sunny, hot | Calm, clear mornings |
| Roughly May to August | Rains begin, short heavy showers | Green orchards, afternoon storms |
| Roughly September to November | Wettest stretch for many places | High water in the upper delta |
| All year | Warm to hot | Sunrise is the best time to be out |
When is the flood season in the Mekong Delta?
Roughly September to November, mainly in the upper delta near Cambodia, around Chau Doc and the provinces along the border.
The high water is part of the delta's life rather than a disaster in most years; fields flood, fish move in and boats replace bikes in some villages. Around My Tho and Ben Tre the day tours run as usual. If you are booking the three-day Chau Doc trip in those months, the Tra Su forest and the floating village will be at their wettest.
Is the rainy season a bad time to go?
No. Showers are usually short and in the afternoon, the countryside is lush, and the tours carry on. Bring a light rain layer.
A morning on the water is often dry even in the wet months, and a downpour over the palms is part of the experience. Keep your phone in a dry bag and wear sandals or shoes that do not mind getting wet. The classic day and the other day tours run all year.
Islands, canals and coconut candy, all year round, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Book thisHow should I dress for the Mekong Delta?
Light, breathable clothes, a hat, sunscreen and shoes that grip on wet boat steps. Cover shoulders and knees for pagodas.
- Clothes: loose cotton or linen; long light trousers help against sun and insects.
- Shoes: sandals with straps or trainers; boat steps and jetties can be slippery.
- Sun: a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen; much of the day is on open water.
- Insects: repellent, especially for early and evening hours.
- Rain: a light layer from about May to November.
Can a woman wear shorts in Vietnam?
Yes, in everyday settings shorts are common. At pagodas and temples cover shoulders and knees out of respect.
Several delta tours stop at a pagoda, such as Vinh Trang near My Tho on the four-islands day and the two-day tour. A light scarf or a pair of thin trousers in your day bag solves it. The same applies to men in sleeveless tops.
Can you wear red in Vietnam?
Yes. Red is a lucky, festive colour in Vietnam, seen everywhere at the lunar new year.
There is no rule against wearing red, and nobody on a delta tour will mind. White is traditionally linked with mourning, but that matters at funerals, not on a sightseeing day. Wear what keeps you cool.
What about Tet, the lunar new year?
Expect busy roads and some family workshops closed around Tet. Check your tour's dates and book ahead.
Tet falls in late January or February. Millions travel home, the roads out of Ho Chi Minh City fill up, and some small businesses close for several days. Tours still run on many dates, and the delta's flower markets before Tet are a sight of their own. Plan with a little slack.
What time of day is best for a Mekong tour?
Early morning. The light is soft, the heat is lower and, in Can Tho, the floating market is trading.
Day tours from the city leave at 7 to 8 am and are on the water by mid-morning. For the very best hours, sleep in the delta: the Can Tho sunrise boat starts at 5:30 am and the two-day tour reaches Cai Rang at 6 am. The floating markets guide explains why the hour matters.
Be on the river at 5:30 am, with noodle soup and coffee on the boat and Cai Rang in full trade.
Book thisFrequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Mekong Delta?
The dry months, roughly December to April, are the most reliable for sunshine. Tours run all year.
What should I wear on a Mekong Delta tour?
Light clothes, a hat, sunscreen, shoes that grip and something to cover shoulders and knees at pagodas.
Can women wear shorts in the Mekong Delta?
Yes in everyday settings; cover shoulders and knees at pagodas and temples.
Is it rude to wear red in Vietnam?
No. Red is a lucky colour in Vietnam.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Booked on GetYourGuide.
My Tho & Ben Tre: Islands, Sampans & Coconut Village
- Pickup 7 to 8 am from hotels in Districts 1, 3 and 4; about two hours by road to My Tho, back 4:30 to 5 pm
- Motorboat past Dragon, Phoenix and Turtle islands; a bee farm with honey tea on Unicorn Island
- A coconut candy workshop in Ben Tre, a sampan through the canals, a tuk-tuk or electric-car ride and some cycling
2 Days: Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Floating Market
- Day one: Vinh Trang Pagoda, a My Tho boat trip, a Ben Tre sampan, coconut candy and lunch, then on to Can Tho
- A hotel night in Can Tho (if that option is selected) with a free evening in the city
- Day two: Cai Rang Floating Market by boat from 6 am, a rice noodle workshop and a local market
Can Tho Sunrise: Floating Market & Breakfast on the Boat
A 5:30 am boat to Cai Rang with noodle soup and coffee on board, quiet canals, a family cooking visit and a second look at the market
