Indulge in the agricultural bounty of the Mekong Delta by visiting one of its numerous lush fruit orchards, often located on fertile islands like Thoi Son (near My Tho) or scattered throughout provinces like Vinh Long, Cai Be, and Ben Tre. These visits offer a chance to wander through gardens heavy with tropical fruits, learn about local farming, taste seasonal produce fresh from the tree, and often enjoy a unique cultural performance. It’s a relaxing and flavourful part of the Delta experience.
Depending on the season, you might see (and taste!) fruits like rambutans, longans, jackfruit, mangoes, pomelos, mangosteens, and dragon fruit growing abundantly. Orchard owners often guide visitors through the gardens, explaining different fruit varieties. A highlight is typically sitting down in a simple pavilion within the orchard to enjoy a platter of freshly cut, seasonal fruits, often accompanied by hot tea and sometimes local snacks like banana candy.
Many orchard visits also include a performance of Đờn ca tài tử, traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Musicians playing traditional instruments like the đờn kìm (moon lute) and đờn tranh (zither) accompany singers performing lyrical folk songs, adding a beautiful cultural dimension to the peaceful orchard setting. This combination of fresh fruit tasting and traditional music provides a delightful sensory experience representative of the Mekong Delta's rich culture.