Mekong Delta in November: Floating Markets, Harvest Season & Gentle Sunshine

The Mekong Delta in November is full of life and color. The rainy season has ended, the rivers are calm again, and farmers are busy with the harvest. It’s a month of gentle sunshine, floating markets, and the soft scent of ripe fruits in the air. If you want to see the real countryside of Vietnam, November is one of the best times to visit the delta — when everything feels peaceful, green, and alive.

Weather in the Mekong Delta in November

• Average daytime temperature: 24–31°C (75–88°F)
• Night temperature: 21–24°C (70–75°F)
• Rainfall: ~100–150 mm across 6–9 days
• Humidity: Around 70–75%

Weather verdict: November brings clear skies and mild sunshine. Rainfall is minimal, rivers are full, and it’s pleasantly warm for boat rides and cycling. The weather is stable — not too hot, not too humid — perfect for exploring the delta’s villages and waterways.

Why Visit the Mekong Delta in November

• Ideal weather – Warm and sunny, with calm waterways.
• Harvest season – Fruit gardens and rice fields at their most abundant.
• Floating markets in full swing – Bustling early mornings and local trading scenes.
• Authentic countryside life – Daily routines unfold along the rivers, with fewer tourists around.

Best Things to Do in the Mekong Delta in November

Seasonal Highlights

1. Visit Floating Markets – Cai Rang (Can Tho) and Cai Be (Tien Giang) are lively at dawn with boats full of fruits and goods.
2. Cruise the Canals – Boat rides through shaded coconut groves in Ben Tre are especially scenic now.
3. Cycle through the Villages – Flat, dry roads make November perfect for cycling.
4. Fruit Picking – Try pomelo, rambutan, star apple, and guava fresh from the orchard.

Year-Round Experiences

• Homestay by the River – Stay in a local home to learn traditional cooking and fishing.
• Khmer Pagodas in Tra Vinh & Soc Trang – Peaceful cultural sites less visited by tourists.
• Boat to Tan Lap Floating Village – A quiet alternative with lotus ponds and stork colonies.
• Taste Mekong Cuisine – Try canh chua (sour soup), grilled snakehead fish, or coconut candy.

Festivals & Events in November

• End of Buddhist Lent (Kathina Festival) – Khmer communities celebrate with colorful processions and offerings at pagodas.
• Vietnam Teachers’ Day (Nov 20) – Students offer flowers and small gifts across schools and temples.

What to Pack for the Mekong Delta in November

• Light, breathable clothing – It’s warm but not too hot.
• Hat & sunscreen – For boat rides under open skies.
• Insect repellent – Useful for rural areas.
• Comfortable sandals or walking shoes – For wet markets and small boats.

Suggested Itinerary for November

2–3 Days in the Mekong Delta

• Day 1: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre; coconut boat tour, overnight homestay.
• Day 2: Visit Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, explore orchards and noodle workshops.
• Day 3: Return via Vinh Long or Tra Vinh, visit a Khmer pagoda.

4–5 Days (Extended Stay)

• Add Chau Doc for Sam Mountain views or Ca Mau for the southernmost tip of Vietnam.
• Combine with Phu Quoc Island via the Ha Tien ferry.

Travel Tips for November in the Mekong Delta

• Start floating market tours before sunrise for the most vibrant scenes.
• November is mosquito season’s end — still bring repellent for evenings.
• Bring small bills for market snacks and souvenirs.
• Locals are very welcoming — don’t hesitate to join family-style meals or river chats.

Related Guides (Internal Links)

• Vietnam in November
• Mekong Delta Travel Guide
• Mekong Delta in October
• Phu Quoc Travel Guide
• Phu Quoc in November
• Ho Chi Minh City in October