In the past decades, the nature of the Mekong Delta region has suffered heavily due to development for agriculture and industry. No longer the natural paradise it once was, it nonetheless contains some small islands of natural serenity amidst the sea of human activity now present here.
Gorgeous floating market in the Delta.
The area is home to a stunning number of undiscovered animal species, with roughly 1400 brand new species discovered in the decade or so between 1997 and 2009.
Tuc Dup Hill is both a historical and natural wonder, being the site of a famous battle during the war, and featuring some truly alien-looking rock formations.
The Delta is home to a wide range of bird species.
The biggest patch of untouched nature left in the delta is Tra Su Nature Reserve, complete with its own bird sanctuary. There are more bird species here than anywhere else in Vietnam, with more than 80 separate documented species. There is also an old observation tower within the reserve, which offers stunning views of both the park and the nearby town of Nui Sam. Also famous for its birds is Tram Chim National Park, smaller than Tra Su, but still lovely and great for bird-watching.
In short, while the nature in the area has been heavily encroached on in recent years, there are still some left, and we recommend you schedule a tour here before the last remnants disappear in favour of human development.