Is the Mekong Delta with kids worth it?
Before planning all the fun things to do, it’s worth looking at what kind of place the Mekong Delta actually is and whether it works well for a family trip. Parents often wonder about safety, travel distances, and whether children will really enjoy it. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Mekong Delta?
Before explaining all the fun things to do in the Mekong Delta with kids, it is important to understand the region itself. The Delta is not a single destination but a vast area in southern Vietnam, roughly the size of the Netherlands or Switzerland, made up of many provinces connected by rivers, canals, and farmland.
For families on a tight schedule, you can visit closer areas like My Tho or Ben Tre on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. If you have more time, a multi-day trip deeper into the Delta opens up quieter villages, floating markets, and overnight stays that kids usually enjoy.
Is it safe for families?
The Mekong Delta is generally safe for families, with a relaxed rural atmosphere and welcoming locals. That said, many activities are water-based, so parents need to keep an eye on younger children when boarding boats or walking near canals. Life jackets are often provided, though not always in children’s sizes, so it’s worth checking in advance. Roads can be busy in towns but much calmer in the countryside, and while medical facilities exist in larger cities like Can Tho, parents should travel with basic supplies for peace of mind.
Is it good with kids?
Yes — the Mekong Delta is very family-friendly. Kids of all ages can join in hands-on activities such as picking fruit, cycling, or learning how rice paper is made, while teens often enjoy kayaking or exploring on bike tours. Compared to the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City, the slower pace makes it easier to travel with children and build in downtime. The mix of nature, play, and cultural experiences means there’s something engaging whether you’re traveling with toddlers, school-age children, or teenagers.
Best things to do in the Mekong Delta for families
The Mekong Delta is one of the easiest regions in Vietnam to enjoy with children because so many activities are interactive and outdoors. Families can mix gentle boat rides with countryside cycling, or take part in hands-on experiences like making rice paper and tasting fruit straight from the tree. Here are some of the best things to do that keep both kids and parents happy.
1. Boat tours and traditional sampan rides
Exploring the waterways is the classic Mekong Delta experience, and it’s also one of the most enjoyable for children. Larger motorboats cruise along wide rivers, while smaller sampans are rowed slowly through narrow canals shaded by palms. Many tours also include stops at orchards, workshops, or small villages, so there’s variety along the way.
For kids, the appeal is clear: riding in a boat feels like an adventure, and the quiet canals make it easy to watch local life go by. Parents should just keep an eye on younger children near the edges and confirm if child-sized life jackets are available. While accidents are extremely rare, a little preparation adds peace of mind.
Boat tours can be arranged almost anywhere in the Delta, from day trips out of My Tho to overnight stays in Can Tho or Ben Tre. If you want quieter waterways, head further into the Delta rather than sticking to the closest areas to Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Visit the floating markets
The floating markets are a unique sight in the Mekong Delta, with traders selling fruit, vegetables, and meals directly from their boats. While many of the traditional wholesale markets have shrunk or disappeared, visiting one is still a memorable experience for families. Kids often enjoy the novelty of having breakfast on the water, such as a bowl of noodles served from a cooking pot balanced on a boat.
It’s good to set expectations: these markets are not as busy or authentic as they once were, and they are more of a cultural glimpse than a daily reality today. Still, the lively atmosphere, smells of food, and constant movement on the river make them a fun stop.
The most famous markets are Cai Rang near Can Tho and Cai Be, but smaller local ones can sometimes be seen if you travel deeper into the region. For families, it’s best to combine a floating market visit with a longer boat trip, rather than making it the only focus of your outing.
3. Kayaking through mangrove
For older children and teens, kayaking through mangrove forests or along calm backwaters is both fun and active. Paddling gives you a closer connection to the surroundings than a motorboat, and it’s often peaceful enough to spot birds or even small crabs along the shore.
Safety-wise, kayaking is best suited for confident swimmers and kids who are comfortable in a small boat. Life jackets are usually provided, but sizes may be limited, so it’s worth checking in advance. Parents can also share a double kayak with younger kids, which works well if they’re too small to paddle alone.
Kayak options are available in several parts of the Delta, often through eco-lodges or guided tours that focus on nature. They’re not everywhere, so if this is something your family wants to do, it’s best to plan your stay with a lodge or operator that includes it.
4. Cycling through the countryside
The Mekong Delta is mostly flat, making it perfect for family cycling. Many homestays and lodges provide free bikes, and it’s a great way to explore small villages, fruit orchards, and quiet back roads. Cycling allows families to move at their own pace and stop whenever something catches the kids’ attention — from a farmer leading his buffalo to children flying kites in the fields.
When cycling with kids, keep in mind that bikes at homestays are often very basic, with one-size frames that may not suit younger children. Some resorts and better lodges offer child seats or a wider range of bike sizes, but dedicated kids’ bikes are less common. For a smoother experience, consider booking a guided tour that provides higher-quality bicycles.
Ben Tre and An Binh Island near Vinh Long are two of the most pleasant areas for cycling, with shady paths, coconut groves, and little traffic compared to busier towns.
5. Visit local villages and workshops
Visiting small workshops and local villages is a family-friendly way to see how everyday items are made in the Mekong Delta. Coconut candy factories, honey farms, and rice paper workshops are some of the most popular stops, and many allow kids to watch or even try a step of the process themselves. Local markets also provide a colorful setting where children can taste tropical fruits or watch the bustle of trading.
For kids, these visits are usually hands-on and engaging — trying fresh honey, rolling out rice paper, or simply seeing giant pots of bubbling coconut caramel. Parents should note that while most workshops are safe, they are working environments, so supervision is needed around hot stoves or sharp tools.
These kinds of experiences are available across the region, especially around Cai Be, Vinh Long, and Ben Tre, where many homestays and tours include them as part of a day’s activities.
6. Picking your own fruit at orchards
Orchards are everywhere in the Mekong Delta, and many welcome visitors to walk among the trees and pick ripe fruit. Depending on the season, families might find mangoes, rambutans, longans, or star apples ready to harvest. It’s a simple activity but often a highlight for children who love tasting something fresh straight from the tree.
For families, it’s also a good way to break up sightseeing with a relaxed stop in the shade. Just keep in mind that fruit-picking is usually seasonal, and outside of peak harvest times, orchards may only offer tastings rather than letting visitors pick their own.
Some of the best-known orchard areas include Cai Be and Vinh Long, though you can find small family orchards throughout the Delta, often included in day tours or offered by homestays.
7. Join locals with hands-on activities
One of the most engaging parts of the Mekong Delta for kids is trying out local activities alongside families who live there. Popular options include helping catch fish in a pond with nets, rolling out rice paper, or joining a cooking session where children can make pancakes or spring rolls.
These activities tend to be lighthearted and playful, not formal lessons, which makes them especially fun for children. Parents should be ready for a bit of mess — catching fish often means mud, and cooking can be sticky — but that’s part of the appeal.
Such experiences are widely offered through homestays and small local tours, particularly in Ben Tre and Vinh Long. They are best booked in advance if your children are especially eager to take part, as not every place offers the same options.
8. Stay in a lodge with a pool
While homestays are a big part of the Mekong Delta’s charm, families with kids often appreciate the option of staying somewhere with a swimming pool. A pool provides an easy way for children to cool down after a day in the heat and gives parents a chance to relax while the kids play safely.
For younger children, this downtime can be just as important as sightseeing. It helps balance active tours with simple rest, making the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Pools are most common in mid-range lodges or boutique resorts, especially around Can Tho, Cai Be, and Ben Tre. Homestays with pools are less frequent but do exist, and they often combine comfort with a family atmosphere.
9. Folk games & playful countryside challenges
In rural areas of the Mekong Delta, traditional folk games are still part of community life, and some homestays or tours let visitors join in. A classic example is crossing a narrow “monkey bridge” over a small canal, which kids often find exciting (and parents may find a little nerve-racking). Other playful setups might include bamboo seesaws or balance games.
These activities are safe when set up for visitors, but supervision is always needed, especially with younger children. The fun is less about competition and more about laughter and trying something unusual that you won’t find back home.
You’ll usually encounter these folk games at homestays or during organized family tours, rather than by wandering around on your own.
10. Stroll a wetland boardwalk and climb a birdwatching tower
The Mekong Delta is not just rivers and orchards — it also has wetland reserves where families can walk along raised boardwalks surrounded by water and greenery. These areas often have simple birdwatching towers where children can climb up and enjoy a wide view over the landscape.
For kids, it’s a mix of nature and light adventure: spotting birds, looking for fish in the water, or just enjoying the walk. For parents, it’s a calmer activity compared to busier markets or tours, and a nice way to connect with the natural side of the Delta.
Wetland experiences are best found in areas like Tra Su Cajuput Forest in An Giang or smaller reserves in Dong Thap. They usually require a half-day trip, so they fit best into multi-day visits rather than short day tours.
11. Colorful temple & pagoda spotting
Temples and pagodas may not be the first places you think of for children, but in the Mekong Delta, many are brightly decorated and unusual enough to catch kids’ attention. Some have colorful statues, dragon motifs, or quirky details that feel almost playful. Khmer temples in particular are often striking, with golden stupas and vivid wall paintings that make for memorable photos.
That said, temples are active places of worship, so visits should be kept respectful and fairly short — not spaces to run or play. A quick stop while moving between other activities usually works best for families, giving kids just enough time to look around without getting restless.
You’ll find temples in almost every town and village in the Delta, so it’s easy to add one or two into your trip without making them the main focus.
What is the best area to visit with kids?
Choosing where to go in the Mekong Delta with kids depends a lot on how much time you have. A single day from Ho Chi Minh City will give you a quick taste of the Delta, while a multi-day trip allows for a deeper, calmer experience with more variety. If you can spare the time, an overnight or two is usually more rewarding for families, but even a day trip can be fun for children.
Best areas for a day trip
My Tho
My Tho is the closest gateway to the Delta, only 1.5–2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Because of this, it’s the most touristy option, with many tours following a set route that feels somewhat curated rather than fully authentic. Still, the scenery is pleasant, and the activities — boat rides, orchards, and workshops — are enjoyable for kids. If your family only has one day, My Tho is the most straightforward choice.
Classic Mekong Delta Day Tour (My Tho)
- Experience: Sampan boat ride, orchard visit, and coconut candy-making in My Tho.
- Highlights: Vinh Trang Pagoda and tastings of fruit and honeybee tea.
Ben Tre
Just a little further than My Tho, Ben Tre is known for its coconut groves and peaceful canals. It offers a more laid-back feel, and cycling or boat rides here can be quieter and less crowded than in My Tho. Ben Tre works well for families who want a day trip that feels a bit more local and green, without adding too much extra travel time.
Multi-day trips
Can Tho
Can Tho is the largest city in the Delta and one of the best bases for families staying overnight. It combines comfortable accommodation with easy access to classic Delta highlights: floating markets, orchard visits, and small canal boat rides. While the city itself is busy, the surrounding countryside offers exactly the kind of experiences most travelers imagine when thinking of the Mekong Delta.
The Real Mekong Delta Homestay Experience & Floating Markets Tour
- Experience Homestay in Can Tho with cycling through villages and rice fields.
- Highlights Cai Rang & Phong Dien floating markets with early-morning boat trip.
Cai Be
Cai Be is a smaller, calmer option compared to Can Tho, and it’s well known for its orchards and traditional markets. Families can stay in homestays or riverside lodges and enjoy boat trips that include hands-on workshops. The floating market here is much smaller than in Can Tho, but the overall atmosphere can feel more relaxed and personal, which works well for families.
Mekong Lodge Local Experience in Cai Be
- Experience: Riverside bungalow stay with cycling, sampan boat ride, and cooking class.
- Highlights: Cai Be boat tour and local handicraft workshops included.
Ben Tre
Ben Tre also works well as a multi-day base if you prefer not to travel as far as Can Tho or Cai Be. Staying overnight here gives families more time to enjoy cycling, boat trips, and the coconut-growing countryside at a slower pace. It’s less known for floating markets but makes up for it with peaceful scenery and a relaxed feel that many parents find easier with children.
Practical tips for visiting the Mekong Delta with kids
Traveling through the Mekong Delta with children can be smooth and enjoyable if you plan around the region’s climate, distances, and rural setting. Here are some practical tips to help families avoid stress and make the most of their trip.
Best season to visit with kids
The dry season (roughly December to May) is the easiest for families, with sunny days, fewer mosquitoes, and less chance of sudden downpours interrupting tours. The rainy season (June to November) is still possible with kids, but families should be ready for short, heavy showers and muddier paths. On the upside, the rainy season brings greener scenery and sometimes livelier floating markets.
Packing essentials for the Delta
Mosquito repellent, sun hats, sunscreen, and light clothing are must-haves. A compact raincoat or poncho is useful during the wet season. Families traveling with younger kids might also consider bringing their own child-sized life jacket, since many boat operators only stock adult sizes.
Ideal length of stay with children
A day trip gives a quick taste but often feels rushed, with more time spent in the car than exploring. Staying two to three nights allows children to enjoy the slower pace, join hands-on activities, and have downtime between outings. For many families, an overnight trip strikes the best balance.
Choosing kid-friendly accommodation
Homestays provide an authentic, cultural experience, but they can feel rustic for families used to more comfort. Lodges and boutique resorts often offer extras like swimming pools, larger rooms, and better facilities for children. For young kids, having space to play and unwind is just as important as sightseeing.
Managing travel distances
The Mekong Delta is bigger than it looks on the map. Drives from Ho Chi Minh City range from 1.5 hours (My Tho) to 4+ hours (Can Tho). With younger kids, long stretches can be tiring, so it’s worth planning rest breaks or choosing a closer province if you only have a short window.
Transport choices
For families, a private car is usually the most convenient way to reach and explore the Delta. Group buses are cheaper but less flexible, and long waits can be hard on children. Boats are a highlight once you’re in the Delta, but they rarely replace the need for a car transfer.
Meal planning
Food in the Delta is fresh and varied, but it may not always suit picky eaters. Families often find it helpful to carry snacks, as small workshops and orchards may not offer much beyond fruit. Larger towns and lodges generally cater better, with rice, noodles, and simple dishes that work well for children.
Keeping kids cool in the heat
The tropical sun can be draining. Frequent breaks in shaded spots, regular hydration, and access to a pool make a big difference. Plan outdoor tours for the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are lower, and leave the hottest part of the day for rest.
Combining the Delta with other destinations
Many families combine a trip to the Mekong Delta with time in Ho Chi Minh City or a beach holiday in Phu Quoc. This balance of culture, countryside, and relaxation works well for kids and avoids too much time in one type of environment.
Planning downtime
Children tire quickly if every hour is filled with activities. Building in unstructured time — whether it’s swimming, cycling near a lodge, or simply relaxing in a hammock — helps keep the trip enjoyable. Downtime also gives parents a chance to recharge.
Safety around rivers and boats
The Delta is full of water, and while it’s usually calm, families need to stay alert. Always supervise kids closely near canals and rivers, and double-check the availability of life jackets before boarding boats. With these precautions, boat rides remain a safe and fun highlight of the trip.
