Hello everyone, I’m Morin and I just finished my trip to Mekong Delta, visiting Can Tho, Sadec, and Long Xuyen in 4 days. This experience was truly a heartwarming adventure! As someone passionate about nature, authentic experiences, and culinary discoveries, this journey exceeded all my expectations. Can Tho, Sadec, and Long Xuyen captivated me with their authentic natural beauty, the kindness of their people, and their fresh, delicious cuisine — an unmissable experience when visiting the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. I’m excited to share my 4-day itinerary in Can Tho, Sadec, and Long Xuyen, designed by the Vietnam travel agency Autour Asia.
My 4-day trip to Can Tho, Sadec, and Long Xuyen took place in December. Having experienced Hanoi’s freezing winter, I was truly surprised upon arriving in southern Vietnam, where the warmth of the sun shines everywhere.
Moreover, the warm, joyful, and enthusiastic welcome from the locals left a deep impression on me. The region’s wild natural landscapes and unique riverine cuisine created unforgettable memories.
During these 4 days in Can Tho, Sadec, and Long Xuyen, what impressed me the most was the simplicity of daily life — yet so vibrant and dynamic. This lifestyle blends perfectly with the poetic beauty of the river landscape, offering a sense of serenity and connection with nature. The region is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual values, with historical sites and unique traditional activities.
During my journey, I had the chance to explore the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho, where boats filled with goods created a lively and iconic scene of the Mekong Delta. Then, in Sadec, I wandered through the colorful flower village and visited the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, featured in the famous novel The Lover. To conclude the trip, I visited the Truc Lam Phuong Nam Monastery in Long Xuyen, a place rich in culture and spirituality, typical of southwestern Vietnam.
4 days in Can Tho, Sadec, and Long Xuyen were enough to explore the Mekong Delta’s culture. Each day, I discovered new places in these cities. This well-balanced itinerary provided unique experiences for several reasons:
Peaceful yet full of life: The Mekong Delta captivates with its soothing atmosphere while remaining extremely vibrant. From endless rice fields to bustling floating markets, every moment paints a vivid picture, both authentic and simple.
Immersion in river culture: The Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho offered a deep dive into the daily life of delta residents. Navigating through countless boats filled with goods and interacting with friendly vendors was unforgettable. Despite minor language barriers, the sellers always smiled and did their best to communicate.
Remarkable cultural heritage: In Sadec, I explored the vibrant flower village and the historic house that witnessed a famous love story. In Long Xuyen, ancient temples and historical sites enriched my journey with cultural and spiritual depth.
Authentic Southern Vietnamese cuisine: From the flavorful bun ca (fish noodle soup) and crispy banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake) to refreshing palm sugar juice, every dish left me wanting more. The unique flavors of the Mekong Delta made my trip both satisfying and exciting.
Can Tho, Sadec, and Long Xuyen are more than just nature-based deétinations — they offer a deep dive into the cultural and human richness of southern Vietnam. I’m convinced that anyone visiting the Mekong Delta for 4 days will find both serenity and unforgettable memories.
Four days were enough for me, but another traveller, Lago, spent six days on the same Can Tho, Sadec and Long Xuyen route, and the extra time gave each town its own day:
The main difference is the pace: six days leave room for the Cham village, the communal house and Binh Thuy, which the 4-day plan has to skip.
I began my Mekong Delta 4-day itinerary early in the morning, departing from Ho Chi Minh City towards Can Tho. Along the way, I made a brief stop in My Tho to visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, an architectural marvel that harmoniously blends Asian and European styles. Afterward, I took a boat to explore the canals of My Tho.
In the afternoon, I arrived in Can Tho. I enjoyed a pleasant stroll along the Hau River, which offers a superb view and a tranquil moment to admire the sunset.
I ended my day at a local restaurant where I savored regional specialties, including the famous “lau mam”, a traditional fermented fish hotpot.
The second day of my Can Tho, Sadec and Long Xuyen 4 days journey began early in the morning with a visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market. I observed the bustling maritime trade, where merchants offer a variety of fresh regional products. It was a fascinating experience to witness local life unfolding on the water.
For breakfast, I tasted delicious local dishes, such as freshly baked “banh mi” and “hu tieu”, while cruising along the canals.
Afterward, I headed to Sadec to visit the Huynh Thuy Le house, made famous by Marguerite Duras’s novel “The Lover”. Then, I explored the Sadec flower gardens, a true paradise for nature lovers, with an explosion of colors and scents.
For an authentic local experience, I chose to stay in a homestay that evening. This gave me the opportunity to directly experience the culture and customs of the region.
On the third day, I started with a delicious breakfast of homemade dishes, offering an authentic taste of the Mekong Delta. After lunch, I took the road to Long Xuyen, a road trip of about 2 hours through the enchanting panoramas of the Mekong Delta.
Upon arrival in Long Xuyen, I visited Tiger Island (Cù lao Ông Hổ in Vietnamese), a historic site known for being the birthplace of President Ton Duc Thang. It was fascinating to discover a place rich in Vietnamese history and culture.
In the afternoon, I explored the Long Xuyen local market, a market much less known to tourists. It was the perfect opportunity to taste fresh tropical fruits and local specialties. Then, I embarked on a boat ride, enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the calm of the Mekong Delta.
On the last day, I had some free time. It was the perfect opportunity to explore the surroundings or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation before returning. After lunch, I headed back to Ho Chi Minh City, a journey of about 3 to 4 hours.
Along the way, I paused at a local craft workshop. I had the chance to acquire authentic souvenirs from the region, meticulously handcrafted. A wonderful opportunity to bring home a small part of the Mekong Delta culture.
I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon, concluding a magnificent 4-day adventure through Can Tho, Sadec, and Long Xuyen, filled with unforgettable memories and experiences in the Mekong Delta.
In conclusion, I experienced a fascinating 4 days itinerary to Can Tho, Sadec and Long Xuyen and viewed the beauty of Mekong Delta. Although my adventure has ended, the memories of this region remain etched in my mind. I will surely return, as this destination always has something new and exciting to offer.
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