Mekong Delta hotels and guesthouses guides
There is a fantastic array of tourist accommodation
Since the Mekong Delta is not frequented by large numbers of tourists, the towns that are well-equipped to accommodate visitors are limited to Can Tho (biggest town in the Delta), Chau Doc and Ha Tien, the last two of which cater predominantly for budget travellers.
That is not to say there are no hotels in other towns. In fact there are places with reasonable standards throughout the Delta, though where tourists are thin on the ground, front desk staff tend to speak little English. Still, you don’t need many language skills to look at a room and negotiate a rate.
For this reason, the Delta is ripe for adventure. If you head for one of the smaller towns such as Vinh Long, Long Xuyen or Ca Mau, you can find decent lodgings that are completely foreigner-free, yet comfy enough for a few days’ exploration of the area.
For a full-on encounter with Vietnamese culture in the Delta, contact tour operators in Ho Chi Minh City and enquire about home-stays in the Delta. If you sign up for this experience, the operator will help arrange transport to and from the chosen location, which is usually a farm or fruit orchard in the middle of nowhere.
You will then spend one or several days with a typical Vietnamese family, sharing their food, following the rhythms of their daily life and indulging in phrase-book or sign-language conversations. This can be a wonderful experience, but perhaps not for those who crave the hectic pace of city life.
Mekong Delta hotels in Can Tho
Kim Tho: this smart new place enjoys a choice riverfront location and provides plenty of comforts as well as fantastic views. US$40-120. 1A Ngo Gia Tu, tel: +84 (0710) 322 2288.
Phong Nha: one of the best budget deals in town, this spotless place has rooms with smart bathrooms and strong air-con at rock-bottom prices. US$8-15. 70 Nguyen An Ninh, tel: (0710) 382 1615.
Ninh Kieu: Set in a spacious compound on the riverfront, this place has two wings, of which the newer is the pricier but more attractive. The good-sized rooms are well-equipped and rates include breakfast. US$30-80. 2 Hai Ba Trung, tel: (0710) 382 4583...More details and booking
Victoria Can Tho Hotel: One of half a dozen Victoria hotels in Vietnam, providing luxury accommodation a cut above the rest. This colonial-style property is tucked away from the town’s busy traffic and its airy rooms and inviting pool create a relaxing ambience. US$120-250. Cai Khe Ward, tel: +84 (0710) 381 0111...More details and booking
Mekong Delta hotels in Chau Doc
Delta Floating Hotel: Since you’re surrounded by water in the Delta, why not sleep above it at this neat hotel, which is actually fixed to the bank, not floating. Great for photos of the constant parade of boats. US$25-40. Tourist jetty, Le Loi. tel: +84 (076) 356 3810.
Trung Nguyen: Set right in the heart of town near the market, this small hotel features compact but clean rooms, all with air-con and small balconies. Staff can help with travel plans; bike rental too. US$12-17. 86 Bach Dang, tel: +84 (076) 386 6158.
Mekong Delta hotels in Ha Tien
Ha Tien: this centrally located place features carpeted rooms with solid furnishings that are good value. US$20-30. 36 Tran Hau, tel: +84 (077) 385 1563.
