The Mekong Delta, a peaceful land with lush green rice fields and beautiful rivers, is the highest point in southern Vietnam. In the Mekong Delta, the local people are honest and hospitable, nature is abundant, the food is fresh and delicious, the intangible beauty avoids words, and the tangible makes you silent.
If you fall in love with the Mekong Delta, it’s time to plan your trip. This article is the first step in your plan, which concerns the weather and the best time to visit.
Climate of the Mekong Delta
Vietnam’s southernmost region, the Mekong Delta, has a system of intertwining canals throughout the vast alluvial plain. It shares the same climate as southern Vietnam: a tropical monsoon climate characterized by warm, humid air. The average annual temperature ranges from 23 to 34 degrees Celsius.
However, the temperature difference between day and night is small. There aren’t many storms or weather disturbances but like the rest of Vietnam, there are two distinct seasons. You guessed it: rainy and dry season.
Ninety percent of the year’s precipitation occurs during the wet season, the dry season sees almost no rain.
Rainy season
The rainy season usually begins at the end of April – beginning of May and ends at the end of November. At this time, low pressure tropical currents occur over mainland Asia and the southwest monsoon barges, creating heavy rain.
The rain in the Mekong Delta changes unexpectedly. Sometimes it rains lightly while the weather is nice, which is a sign of termite mushroom season ( nam me ). Sometimes it rains for a few minutes then stops and continues to do so all day. Other times, heavy rains last for half a day.
After a few months of rain, a flood occurs in the Mekong Delta, called flood season. During the flood season, a large amount of water from small and large rivers flows into the rice fields. The water is full of sediment which provides abundant nutrients for rice and can create a bumper harvest. Therefore, farmers in the Mekong Delta are happy when flooding is severe, unlike other Vietnamese provinces.
Tips during the rainy season
If you are riding a motorbike in the Mekong Delta, it is quite dangerous to cross high bridges such as Rach Mieu or My Thuan Bridge when it rains heavily. The wind being too strong at this time, you and your motorcycle could be knocked over. Wait until the rain is lighter to continue.
Check the weather forecast in advance and your trip will go smoothly. If it rains heavily all day, staying home is a better idea. If the rain is light, you can go.
Due to unexpected rain, a raincoat is necessary. If you are going to the Mekong Delta for a day, a disposable raincoat is enough and is inexpensive (less than 1 USD-20,000 VND). If you are traveling in the Mekong Delta for several days, it is best to have a high-quality raincoat for around USD 5 (VND 100,000), so that you can use it several times during your trip. Raincoats are sold by street vendors during the rainy season.
I recommend bringing t-shirts, pants, slippers and a hat. Hot temperature coupled with unexpected rain creates an uncomfortable environment. Lightweight clothing wicks away sweat and keeps you cool. A hat is also necessary to protect you from the sun’s rays. You can buy a normal hat or a conical hat, a traditional Vietnamese hat.
Sunscreen is another important item. You need to protect your skin from UV rays and strong sun here in Vietnam. Foreigners should be especially aware of this, as they are often unfamiliar with hot and humid weather. I advise you to buy sunscreen before coming to Vietnam, it is often more expensive here and may contain whitening agents.
The rainy season in the Mekong Delta produces a lot of mosquitoes, so mosquito repellent is also extremely helpful. Sleep with a mosquito net to avoid bites and itching that disrupt your sleep and travel.
Dry season
The dry season begins in November and ends in April. At this time, the presence of strong pressures from the Siberian-Mongolian region and the northeast monsoon affects the climate. Rainfall in the dry season is very low, accounting for only about five to ten percent of the total precipitation throughout the year.
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are necessary, this never really changes in Vietnam. Again, I advise you to buy both before embarking on your trip.
This kind of weather will make you extremely dehydrated in a way you’re not used to. Carry a disposable water bottle with you and refill it at every opportunity. You can also supplement this by drinking cane sugar juice, smoothies, fruit juices or a bowl of pho . Try not to do a lot of activities at midday. If you do, take advantage of the shade and take the necessary rest.
Best time to visit
The dry season is the best time to visit the Mekong Delta, as you can go outside and enjoy the day without an onslaught of rain. Cruise on the boat with the blue sky and calm water, stroll and take photos among the rice fields, cycle through the villages, taste sweet fruits in the garden, catch fish in the nearby canal and visit brick and noodle factories while you’re there.
Additionally, Lunar New Year, which occurs in late January or early February, is Vietnam’s most important and lively holiday. Locals begin to prepare everything half a month before the holiday. On the way to the Mekong Delta, flower gardens stretch across the street, many types of jams and cakes are displayed in grocery stores, markets overflow traditional dishes like Vietnamese sausages ( lap xuong ), small marinated leeks. ( cu kieu ), and a Vietnamese cylindrical glutinous rice cake ( banh tet).
Local people work hard to prepare enough food and items to use during the holiday. At the same time, they enjoy their evening with karaoke and parties. The atmosphere during this time is lively and lively.
The Mekong Delta is an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists in Vietnam.
There are 13 provinces and each province has its highlights, such as the four islands of Ben Tre, the floating market of Can Tho, the flower village of Sa Dec, the Ba Chua Xu temple of Chau Doc, the mangrove forest of Tra Su in An Giang, Phu Quoc. island in Kien Giang and Cape Mau in Ca Mau.
