When travelers talk about islands in the Mekong Delta, they are often not referring to offshore landmasses, but to something far more distinctive: the river islets known locally as cồn or cù lao. These fertile sandbanks were shaped slowly by the Mekong River itself, formed from layers of nutrient-rich silt carried downstream over centuries.
Scattered throughout the delta’s vast waterways, these islets offer a window into a riverside world defined by fruit orchards, narrow canals, stilt houses, and a daily rhythm closely tied to the rise and fall of the water. Exploring them is one of the most immersive ways to understand life in southern Vietnam.
What Are “Cồn” and Why Do They Matter?
Unlike coastal islands, most Mekong Delta “islands” sit right in the middle of the river system. They are typically low-lying, flat, and extremely fertile, making them ideal for agriculture. Over time, many have developed into self-sufficient communities with their own villages, gardens, and traditions.
These islets serve several important roles:
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Agricultural hubs, producing tropical fruits such as rambutan, longan, mango, pomelo, and durian
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Residential communities, where families depend on farming, fishing, and river trade
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Tourism gateways, easily reached by boat and offering visitors close contact with local culture
Together, they form the heart of the Mekong Delta’s river-based lifestyle.
Popular Mekong Delta Islets to Visit
The Four Holy Animal Islets (Near My Tho & Ben Tre)
Located on the Tien River, this cluster of four islets is named after sacred animals from Vietnamese mythology: Unicorn, Phoenix, Tortoise, and Dragon. Thanks to their proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, they are among the most frequently visited stops on day tours into the delta.
Thoi Son Islet (Unicorn Islet)
Thoi Son is the most developed for tourism and often considered the “classic” Mekong Delta experience. Visitors typically enjoy:
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Walking through fruit orchards and tasting seasonal produce
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Visiting small bee farms and sampling honey tea
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Listening to southern folk music performed in garden settings
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Taking a peaceful sampan ride through palm-lined canals
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Watching coconut candy being made by hand
The experience is carefully organized, making it ideal for first-time visitors with limited time.
Phung Islet (Phoenix Islet)
Located nearby but belonging to Ben Tre province, Phung Islet reflects the region’s deep connection to coconuts. Highlights include:
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Relics of the unusual Coconut Religion, founded in the 1960s by the “Coconut Monk”
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Coconut candy workshops and handicrafts made from shells, wood, and fibers
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Opportunities to sample coconut-based drinks and sweets
Phung Islet stands out for its mix of local industry and curious modern history.
Quy & Long Islets (Tortoise and Dragon)
These two islets are less commercialized and are often passed by rather than visited. Dominated by banana groves, mango orchards, and fishing activities, they offer a quieter, more authentic glimpse of delta life, though they lack organized tourist facilities.
An Binh Islet – A Slower, Deeper Experience
Further downstream in Vinh Long province, An Binh Islet offers a more relaxed alternative to the busy My Tho–Ben Tre circuit. Rather than a single island, it is a network of lush islets nestled between major branches of the Mekong.
An Binh is especially known for:
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Narrow canals winding through dense fruit orchards
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Homestays run by local families, ideal for overnight stays
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Flat paths perfect for cycling at an unhurried pace
Here, travelers can spend more time observing daily life, sharing meals with hosts, and exploring independently.
Common Experiences on Mekong Delta Islets
Although each islet has its own character, many activities are shared across the region:
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Sampan rides through quiet canals shaded by nipa palms
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Fruit tasting directly from orchard gardens
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Local craft visits, including coconut candy and rice paper workshops
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Southern folk music performances in informal, community settings
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Cycling and walking, especially on quieter islets like An Binh
These experiences focus less on spectacle and more on atmosphere and interaction.
How to Visit the Mekong Delta Islets
Organized Tours
Most visitors choose guided tours, particularly for short trips from Ho Chi Minh City. These usually include transportation, boat rides, entrance fees, meals, and an English-speaking guide. One-day tours focus on Thoi Son and Phung islets, while multi-day options may include homestays or floating markets.
Independent Travel
Traveling independently is possible but requires more effort. Hiring private boats, negotiating prices, and overcoming language barriers can be challenging, especially around popular tourist hubs. Independent travel tends to be easier in places like Vinh Long and An Binh, where homestays are accustomed to welcoming solo travelers.
Practical Tips for Visitors
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Expect tourist-oriented experiences on popular islets; seek quieter areas for authenticity
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Carry cash in small denominations, as ATMs are unavailable
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Agree on prices in advance and bargain politely when appropriate
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Dress modestly when visiting homes or religious sites
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Protect yourself from sun and insects with sunscreen, hats, and repellent
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Be mindful of the environment and avoid littering waterways
Final Thoughts: Life Shaped by the River
The islets of the Mekong Delta are more than scenic stops—they are living landscapes shaped by water, soil, and tradition. Whether you glide through canals on a sampan, sample fruit freshly picked from a tree, or spend the night with a local family, these river islands offer rare insight into a way of life deeply connected to nature.
From quick day trips near My Tho to slow, immersive stays on An Binh Islet, exploring the Mekong’s cồn is one of the most rewarding ways to experience southern Vietnam.