If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam in April, the Mekong Delta should be at the top of your list. This extensive river network in southern Vietnam shows its best face during this time of year, making it an ideal season to explore its waterways, villages, and lush landscapes. This guide will give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Mekong Delta in April – from weather conditions and costs to activities and insider tips that will help you experience this unique region like a local.
Mekong Delta Weather in April
Temperature
April brings warm temperatures to the Mekong Delta. The average daily temperature ranges from 26°C to 35°C (79°F to 95°F). Mornings start pleasantly warm, while afternoons can get quite hot. The evenings cool down slightly but remain warm, typically around 27-28°C (80-82°F). Light, breathable clothing is essential during this time.
Rainfall and Humidity
April is firmly in the dry season in the Mekong Delta. You can expect very little rain, with only 1-3 rainy days in the entire month and average rainfall of just 15-30mm. This makes April excellent for outdoor activities. Humidity levels hover between 70-80%, which is moderate for this tropical region but can make the heat feel more intense during midday.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
The Mekong Delta in April enjoys plenty of daylight with approximately 12.5 hours per day. The sun typically rises around 5:45 AM and sets around 6:15 PM. You can expect 9-10 hours of sunshine daily, offering plenty of time for river cruises, market visits, and outdoor exploration. The abundant sunshine makes April perfect for photography in the delta.
Wind and Air Quality
April sees gentle breezes in the Mekong Delta, with wind speeds averaging 8-12 km/h (5-7 mph). These light winds provide some relief from the heat, especially near the water. Air quality is generally good during this month as the burning season hasn’t started yet, and the lack of rain keeps dust levels low.
Other Travel Considerations
- Water levels in the Mekong are low but still sufficient for boat travel, creating calm waters ideal for cruising
- Fruit season is in full swing, with mangoes, jackfruit, and rambutans available fresh from local orchards
- UV index is very high in April, so sun protection is essential
- Mosquitoes are present but not at peak levels; evening repellent is still recommended
- Clear skies make April ideal for witnessing spectacular sunsets over the delta waterways
>>> Read more about Mekong Delta weather: Weather in Mekong Delta Vietnam: When is the best time to visit?
Cost and Crowd
April brings a mix of advantages and considerations for travelers in terms of both pricing and visitor numbers. As a shoulder season month, April offers a good balance between favorable prices and manageable crowds, though with some variations across the region.
Cost
April brings reasonable prices to the Mekong Delta region. As the high tourist season winds down from March, you’ll find many accommodations, tours, and services start to offer better rates. Guesthouses and mid-range hotels reduce their prices slightly, while higher-end resorts maintain steady rates due to the excellent weather conditions. Food remains affordable year-round, but April sees fresh fruit prices drop as many varieties come into season.
Transportation costs for boats, buses, and motorbike rentals hold steady, with occasional deals from tour operators looking to maintain business as high season ends. Package tours may offer better value in April compared to peak months. Overall, April provides good financial value while still delivering optimal weather and experiences.
Crowd
April sees a moderate number of visitors in the Mekong Delta. The major international tourist rush of winter has subsided, but the excellent weather still attracts travelers. Popular floating markets like Cai Rang and Cai Be see fewer tour groups in April compared to February and March, allowing for a more authentic experience.
Weekends can still get busy with domestic tourists, especially on major holiday weekends. Lesser-known areas of the delta remain peaceful throughout April. River cruises and boat tours operate with smaller groups, giving you more space and attention from guides. Overall, April offers a pleasant balance – enough fellow travelers to create a lively atmosphere but not so many that sites feel overwhelmed.
Best things to do in April in the Mekong Delta
Visit Floating Markets
The floating markets of the Mekong Delta shine in April’s clear weather. These colorful gatherings of boats loaded with fresh produce, flowers, and local goods offer a glimpse into the authentic trading traditions that have defined the region for generations. The dry conditions and stable water levels make April an excellent time to witness these markets in full swing.
- Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho) – The largest and most famous market, best visited early morning (5-7 AM) when hundreds of boats gather to trade wholesale fruits and vegetables
- Cai Be Floating Market (Tien Giang) – A more intimate market experience with boats displaying their goods on long poles, combined with nearby handicraft villages
- Phong Dien Floating Market (Can Tho) – A smaller, less touristy market offering a more authentic glimpse of local trading
- Nga Bay Floating Market (Hau Giang) – Located at the junction of seven waterways, this market features a wide variety of boats and goods
- Long Xuyen Floating Market (An Giang) – A working market where locals trade agricultural products without much tourist infrastructure
Take a Mekong Cruise
April’s dry, sunny days create perfect conditions for exploring the Mekong Delta’s waterways. From narrow canals shaded by water coconut trees to the wide main branches of the Mekong River, a cruise lets you experience the region from its most natural perspective. The low water levels in April actually make this an excellent time to explore smaller canals that might be too rough during rainy season.
The stable weather conditions ensure reliable departures and smooth sailing. Multi-day cruises in April offer comfortable overnight temperatures and stunning sunrise and sunset views across the water. Tour options range from basic rowboat trips through small canals to luxury multi-day journeys with stops at villages, orchards, and cultural sites.
Many cruises combine waterway exploration with cultural experiences like visits to local homes, handicraft workshops, and fruit gardens. The gentle pace of river travel suits the leisurely rhythm of delta life, giving you time to observe the daily activities along the banks and interact with locals who depend on the river.
>>> Maybe you wanna read more: Best Mekong River cruises for 2024-2025
Take a bike tour to discover local life
April’s dry paths and moderate morning temperatures make this the perfect month for cycling through the Mekong Delta’s countryside. Biking lets you access narrow paths between rice fields and orchards that larger vehicles can’t reach, bringing you closer to authentic village life.
Cycling routes typically follow small concrete paths that wind through orchards, cross small bridges over canals, and connect rural hamlets. The flat terrain makes cycling accessible to people of various fitness levels. Local guides can lead you to hidden spots like family-run coconut candy workshops, rice paper producers, or honey farms that larger tours miss.
Bikes allow you to stop spontaneously when you spot interesting activities – perhaps farmers harvesting rice, children fishing in canals, or families making traditional crafts. April’s abundance of ripening fruits means you’ll cycle past orchards heavy with jackfruit, mangoes, and other tropical treats, with opportunities to stop and sample fresh produce.
Visit sacred sites in Mekong
April’s clear skies create perfect conditions for exploring the Mekong Delta’s diverse religious sites. The region features a fascinating mix of Buddhist, Cao Dai, Hoa Hao, and Catholic influences, reflecting its complex cultural history. These spiritual centers often occupy the most beautiful locations in the delta, built on hilltops or surrounded by gardens.
The Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc draws thousands of pilgrims seeking the blessings of the Lady of the Realm. Nearby Sam Mountain hosts numerous Buddhist pagodas with sweeping views of the delta plains extending into Cambodia. The Vinh Trang Pagoda near My Tho blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer architectural styles with beautiful gardens and giant Buddha statues.
In Soc Trang, the Clay Pagoda (Chua Dat Set) and Bat Pagoda (Chua Doi) showcase Khmer influences, with the latter famous for the thousands of bats living in its trees. The Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh (at the edge of the delta) displays this uniquely Vietnamese religion’s colorful iconography and impressive architecture.
Catholic churches dot the delta landscape, with notable examples like the Gothic-inspired Cha Tam Church in Cho Lon and the pink church in Sa Dec. April visitors benefit from cooler mornings for comfortable exploration of these sites, many of which require removing shoes and modest dress for entry.
Visit fruit orchards
April marks the beginning of fruit season in the Mekong Delta, making it an ideal time to visit the region’s famous orchards. The delta’s fertile soil produces some of Vietnam’s best tropical fruits, and orchard visits let you see how they’re grown, harvested, and enjoy them freshly picked.
- Cai Be Fruit Orchards (Tien Giang) – Extensive gardens growing multiple fruit varieties with guided tours and fruit tasting sessions
- Vinh Kim Fruit Orchard (Tien Giang) – Famous for its star apples and mangosteens, with farm-to-table experiences
- Phong Dien Fruit Orchards (Can Tho) – Family-run gardens offering intimate tours through longan and rambutan trees
- My Khanh Tourist Village (Can Tho) – A large fruit plantation with over 20 varieties of tropical fruits and cultural performances
- Hoa Loc Mango Gardens (Dong Thap) – Specialized orchards growing the premium Hoa Loc mango variety, particularly lush in April
- Lai Thieu Fruit Gardens (Binh Duong) – Historic orchards north of Ho Chi Minh City with durian and mangosteen varieties
How to choose the best Mekong Cruise in April?
Cruise based on Price
Luxury Cruise – These high-end options offer air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, gourmet meals featuring local specialties, and personalized service. April’s clear weather makes the spacious sun decks particularly enjoyable. Expect comfortable bedding, cultural performances, and knowledgeable English-speaking guides who can provide deeper insights into delta life.
Deluxe Cruise – These mid-range options provide comfortable accommodations with good amenities at more accessible prices. Cabins are clean and pleasant though smaller than luxury options. April’s warm evenings make the open-air dining areas on these cruises especially pleasant. Activities typically include visits to villages, cooking demonstrations, and fruit tasting sessions.
Private & Charter Boat – Perfect for families or small groups, these personalized experiences let you set your own pace and itinerary. April’s reliable weather makes last-minute charters less risky. You can choose to visit less-frequented spots, stay longer at places that interest you, and customize meal options. Local guides can tailor explanations to your specific interests.
Cruise based on duration
Day Cruise – These 6-8 hour journeys cover key attractions close to major hubs like Can Tho or My Tho. April’s abundant daylight hours let these cruises pack more sightseeing into a single day. Typical highlights include a floating market visit, stops at cottage industries, and lunch at a local garden. These cruises work well for travelers with limited time or as an introduction to the delta.
Overnight Cruise – Spending one night on the water lets you experience the delta’s magical early mornings and evenings. April’s low mosquito count makes sleeping on board more comfortable. These cruises typically visit two different floating markets and several villages. Evening activities often include cooking classes or cultural performances beneath the stars.
Multi-day cruise – Ranging from 2-7 nights, these comprehensive journeys can take you from Vietnam to Cambodia or explore the delta’s more remote regions. April’s stable weather ensures smooth sailing between distant points. These cruises include visits to remote villages, sacred sites, and nature reserves that day-trippers never see. The leisurely pace allows for deeper cultural exchange and more authentic experiences.
Travel tips for April in the Mekong Delta
- Start your day early (around 5 AM) to visit floating markets when they’re most active and before the midday heat
- Wear a hat, and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen regularly – April sun is strong in the delta even on cloudy days
- Choose lightweight, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits
- Bring a light rain jacket despite it being dry season – brief afternoon showers can occur
- Carry small denominations of Vietnamese dong for purchases at local markets
- Pack a reusable water bottle – plastic waste is a growing problem in the delta waterways
- Try the fresh coconut water sold everywhere – it’s perfectly safe and very refreshing in April’s heat
- Ask permission before taking photos of locals, especially in smaller villages
- Bring a good camera with zoom lens for wildlife spotting in nature reserves
- Try riding a “xe loi” (modified motorcycle taxi) for short distances – it’s how locals get around
- Book accommodations with air conditioning – April nights can remain warm
Suggested itinerary in April in Mekong Delta
This 4-day journey takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mekong Delta during its April prime. The route connects major highlights while including off-the-beaten-path experiences that showcase the region’s diversity.
- Day 1: Saigon – My Tho – Xeo Quyt – Cao Lanh (Dong Thap)
- Day 2: Cao Lanh – Sa Dec – Can Tho
- Day 3: Can Tho – Chau Doc
- Day 4: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh
This is just a recommended itinerary based on April’s ideal traveling conditions in the Mekong Delta. If you want more trip ideas for visiting the Mekong Delta and other parts of Vietnam, please contact us by filling out this form on our website or emailing resa@luxurycruisemekong.com. Our local team can create a customized journey that matches your interests, time frame, and travel style.
April truly stands as one of the best months to visit the Mekong Delta. The combination of dry weather, manageable heat, low water levels perfect for navigation, and abundant fruit makes this an ideal time to explore this water world. From the lively floating markets to peaceful boat rides through narrow canals, the Mekong Delta in April offers experiences that showcase the unique lifestyle of southern Vietnam.
Mo Nguyen – From Luxury Cruise Mekong
