Finding the right accommodation while you’re exploring the Mekong Delta plays an important part in making your trip a success. There are many accommodation options in the many provinces of Delta for all budget brackets. To find out about some great hotels, hostels and homestays in the Delta’s top destinations and what to watch out for while you are booking, keep reading as we will outline exactly what you need to know in order to make your time in Vietnam’s breathtaking south unforgettable.
Hotels vs. Homestays
Since the Mekong Delta attracts many visitors, there is a wide variety of accommodations available. Depending on your budget and travel style you will appreciate that there are fancy resort hotels, simple hostels, and cozy homestays.
If you are looking for a blissful retreat where you can enjoy the wonderful scenery around you and take advantage of great facilities such as swimming pools and spas, then, of course, a hotel or resort would be the way to go for you.
For travelers wanting to get up close and personal with the residents of the Mekong Delta, a homestay is probably the best option. This means that you will be staying at someone’s house, sharing meals with them and will maybe even go for a private tour with your host.
Needless to say, this is the best way to get to see the Mekong Delta through the eyes of a local and understand how they live their daily lives.
But as with tours, not all homestays are the same. Some hosts will have one single room that they rent out to only 1-3 travelers at a time. Others will have set up multiple rooms on their land, making it more like a family-run bed and breakfast.
If you’ve opted for a homestay, be aware that houses are likely to be a good bit more basic than the hotels or hostels you’re used to. It’s important to be respectful of that. While a shared bathroom or a bedroom without A/C might not be your favorite part of the trip, the experience you’ll be making is totally worth it, so the best is to just go with the flow and make the most of everything.
What to Watch Out For
The Mekong Delta is a highly popular destination for tourists, both from Vietnam and abroad. This has made it possible for many kinds of activities and types of accommodation to be made available for guests. Also, locals are familiar with the idea of visitors coming to explore the region they call home. Due to the sheer volume of tours and excursions on offer, however, there are going to be some that are simply not worth your time and money, no matter how cheap they are. Calling them a scam might be a bit harsh, but they can definitely be considered a waste.
While there are several serious operators and even private guides that offer guests wonderful experiences of the real Mekong Delta, you have to watch out to not fall into a tourist trap and end up feeling like you’re herded through overcrowded attractions without any time to venture out and take in your fascinating surroundings.
When you’re booking, do your homework. Read the reviews people have left on TripAdvisor and the like to get a good idea of where they booked and how their experiences were. Going through some travel blogs can also really help you find information on off-the-beaten-track locations and activities.
Also, be aware of the size of your tour group. If you’re going to be with only a handful of other people, that’s fine, but if you find yourself on a bus with 30 others, things quickly get less fun. A good way to do that is to book from smaller operators. Try to find out of they are just resellers of bigger tours or if they are offering their own services. The latter is usually a good sign and deserves a closer look as you’ll be likely to find good deals and real local experiences there.
And while going for an established-looking tour operator might seem tempting, it doesn’t always mean you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Often it will end up with you feeling like you’ve lost time and money when you realize your trip didn’t let you experience the real essence of the place you’ve visited.
Sa Dec
If you’re headed to the Mekong Delta and you want to get away from the crowds, Sa Dec is a great option. Being the former capital of Dong Thap province, this peaceful city is characterized by its tree-lined streets, colonial villas, blooming orchards and colorful flower markets. Along with this town’s many waterways, you’ll find countless flower nurseries which are a sight to see especially right before Tet, when crates over crates of flowers are loaded onto boats to be transported to customers. To find out more about Sa Dec and what to do there head over to this blog post.
Phuong Nam Hotel
Right in the middle of Sa Dec, you will find Phuong Nam Hotel. It offers basic, comfortable rooms at a reasonable rate. All accommodations come with A/C and Wi-Fi. Thanks to its great location, this place is the ideal base when you want to explore the town of Sa Dec as well as the surroundings.
The hotel is only a short bicycle or motorbike ride from the beautiful flower markets that have made this city so famous and the scenic countryside is also not far. If you value staying in a place with your own en-suite bathroom and solid internet, then Phuong Nam Hotel has you covered at a fair price.
Maison en Bambou Phong-Le Vent
Somewhere between a hotel and a homestay, the Maison en Bambou Pong-Le Vent is one of the most popular places to stay in Sa Dec. It has several beautiful bamboo bungalows offering room for couples and families. Located a bit outside of the town, the surroundings are quiet and offer a relaxing place to stay and rest after a full day of touring the nearby flower markets and nurseries.
If you’re the active type, grab a bike (they offer free rental), or if you prefer, you can ask to book a motorcycle tour, so you don’t get too tired from all the pedaling. The hosts here are also known to prepare delicious meals, so make sure you have space in your tummy come dinner time! Book Maison en Bambou Phong-Le Vent with Booking.com.
Flower & Frog Homestay
A slightly larger homestay (around 20 beds), the Flower & Frog Homestay is nestled in the middle of a colorful flower market on the outskirts of Sa Dec. While its rooms and bathrooms are very simple, the surroundings are what make this place so special. The family who operates this homestay runs a nursery on top of the guest house so when you get up in the morning, the first thing you will see is lush greenery and fragrant flowers all around you.
To get to town or explore the flower market and the nearby countryside, rent a bicycle from the hosts and be on your way. Return for a delicious homecooked dinner of local specialties and head to bed looking forward to a breakfast of traditional Vietnamese rice cakes and other goodies.
While the hosts themselves speak little English, they hire extras, usually university students, to help make sure guests who don’t speak Vietnamese are comfortable and have everything they need.
My Tho
As the capital of Tien Giang province, My Tho is an important market town in the Mekong region. Being a local trading hub has made this city quite busy compared to some of the quieter destinations in the area. This makes it an interesting place to visit and see the day-to-day bustle of the many local shops and stalls. It’s also a great place to start from if you want to see the famous floating markets which are located on the way to Can Tho. To learn more about all the markets in this area, head over to our comprehensive market guide.
The Island Lodge
Looking for a place to relax after spending the day exploring? Then the Island Lodge in My Tho is the perfect place for you. Located just a little outside of town, this hotel is quiet and offers the perfect place to unwind. Rent one of their twelve beautiful bungalows and hop in the pool for a refreshing dip before having dinner at their restaurant or heading back to the city for some fresh seafood. To make sure you enjoy your trip, the hotel staff will also be happy to help you plan tours and excursions, organize a guide and point you to some great hidden spots.
Book Now: https://www.booking.com/hotel/vn/the-island-logde.vi.html
The World Hotel
A more budget-friendly option than the Island Lodge is the World Hotel. It’s about a kilometer from the main pier, making it a bit hard to get to (but nothing you can’t do on a quick motorbike ride). But the comfort and cleanliness this hotel offers at very moderate rates are absolutely worth it. All rooms come with A/C and are newly furnished, giving it a modern, classy look. The staff here are also known to be very friendly and helpful, giving you good advice on where to go, how to get there and who to get as a guide for your day trips.
Happy Farm Tien Giang Homestay
A short distance outside the town of My Tho, this place offers a total of four rooms. Here Oanh and her family welcome guests to a tranquil homestay in the midst of a lush green garden full of tropical fruit trees. What makes this place special is the host’s warmth and willingness to help guests organize their stay and plan trips that will show them the most charming corners of the area.
Meals are available for guests if they would like to eat on site and spend more time getting to know their hosts. Families are welcome, and kids will have a wonderful time exploring the gardens and meeting Oanh’s many pets including ducks, chickens, and horses to name only a few. Book Happy Farm Tien Giang Homestay with booking.com.
Ben Tre
Just a short ride beyond My Tho and its many visitors, you will find quiet Ben Tre, a picturesque province that is not popular among the crowds. Stay here for a few days and let this area’s languid pace inspire you to slow down and take in the wonderful natural surroundings full of tropical flowers and dense green foliage along tranquil waterways.
Ben Tre Riverside Resort
Looking to spoil yourself on this trip? Then book a room at the Ben Tre Riverside Resort. Located right on the banks of the river, this resort is a great place to escape the bustle of Vietnam’s noisy cities and their motorbikes. Since it’s not far from the city center and all the busy markets, it’s great that the hotel offers guests free bicycles to tour the area.
For a guide, ask the hotel staff and they will gladly recommend someone to show you around. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail on the terrace and watch as the setting sun colors the riverbanks in various shades of red and gold.
Link booking: https://www.booking.com/hotel/vn/ben-tre-riverside-resort.vi.html
Hung Long Hotel
If the value for money is your thing, then Hung Long Hotel is a great option for you. This new hotel features nicely appointed rooms with modern furniture and free Wi-Fi. Rooms can accommodate up to three people, so they are ideal for small families or groups of friends traveling together. All rooms include an en-suite bathroom.
Since the staff speaks English well, they will be easily able to help you book tours, find good local guides and get around the area. Also, get tips from them about good local restaurants so you can try all the delicious specialties of the Mekong Delta.
Quoc Phuong Riverside Homestay
Situated a fair distance outside of Ben Tre town but well worth the trip is Quoc Phuong Riverside Homestay. As the name says, it’s right next to a small waterway where guests can see small boats and fishermen glide by during the early morning hours. If you’re in search of a real, local experience, this is where you want to book. The amazingly friendly hosts will be more than happy to show you around and make your time with them extra special.
The simple rooms come fully furnished to ensure you have a good night’s sleep and are ready to go out and explore more the next morning. Enjoy some delicious breakfast before heading out and be sure to come home hungry for dinner as more local delicacies will await you.
Book with Booking.com: Booking link
Now that you know where to stay, you can make the most of your trip here and be sure that after exploring colorful flower markets and narrow bike paths in the countryside, you will have a welcoming place to come back to and reenergize for the next day. For more great ideas and information about the area, check out our article on what to do and see in the Mekong Delta.
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