The Mekong Delta officially starts about 60 miles (100 kilometers) to the west and south of Ho Chi Minh City. The floating markets on the delta are really in full-flow early morning. A long day on the river can be hot and unshaded, even with refreshment stops - so take precautions!This is an area of lush, tropical and fertile lands. It is often referred to as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam due its huge production of rice crop. Vegetables, exotic fruits (coconuts, mangoes, rambutan) and fishing also feature prominently here. Life in the delta revolves around the river, and as such this is the only real way to view and understand it.
