The Mekong Delta: Vietnam's Most Iconic Natural Film Set
The Mekong Delta has long been celebrated as more than just a land of fertile floodplains, winding waterways, and warm-hearted people. Its untamed natural scenery, century-old artisan villages, sweeping cajuput forests, and an intricate web of canals and rivers flowing like the lifeblood of the southern plains have made the Mekong Delta one of Vietnam's most coveted natural film sets — a location no visionary director can afford to overlook.
From internationally acclaimed cinematic masterpieces to beloved multi-generational TV series, the Mekong Delta has graced the silver screen as a living, breathing character — vivid, soulful, and unmistakably authentic. Today, a growing wave of domestic and international travelers are journeying to these iconic locations, driven by the desire to step inside the very landscapes they once fell in love with through the lens of Vietnamese cinema.
In this guide, The Rice Travel Group takes you on a journey from screen to reality — uncovering the top Mekong Delta destinations immortalized by Vietnam's most celebrated films, where the scenery is not only picture-perfect but alive with cultural stories and unforgettable cinematic memories.
The Southwestern region of Vietnam boasts abundant, poetic, and captivating natural beauty that enchants any visitor.
1. Moc Hoa Sedge Grass Fields, Long An — The Living Soul of "Floating Lives" (Cánh Đồng Bất Tận)
Location: Moc Hoa District, Long An Province
Featured Film: Floating Lives / Canh Dong Bat Tan (2010) — Directed by Nguyen Phan Quang Binh, adapted from the acclaimed short story by renowned Vietnamese author Nguyen Ngoc Tu.
When it comes to Vietnamese films that have left an indelible mark on audiences across generations, Floating Lives stands in a class of its own. And the vast, horizon-stretching sedge grass fields of Moc Hoa District in Long An Province are the very soul of this extraordinary film.
Visiting Moc Hoa means immersing yourself in the pristine, absolute stillness of the Dong Thap Muoi (Plain of Reeds) — one of Vietnam's most ecologically significant wetland regions. Endless fields of sedge and reed grass dissolve into the sky, their reflection shimmering on glassy floodwater surfaces, composing a landscape that is simultaneously serene, vast, and achingly poignant — perfectly mirroring the spirit of Nguyen Ngoc Tu's celebrated literary work.
Why Moc Hoa Belongs on Every Traveler's Itinerary
Beyond its extraordinary cinematic legacy, Moc Hoa captivates visitors with its remarkable medicinal herb ecosystem. This is a land where rare wetland flora thrives — from sedge and reed grass to a diverse array of medicinal plants native to the Plain of Reeds. Travelers can join guided eco-tours, gliding through narrow canals aboard traditional flat-bottomed sampan boats (xuong ba la), observing flocks of water birds, and discovering how local communities harvest and process these natural medicinal resources.
What makes this destination truly special, however, is something increasingly rare in today's fast-paced world: absolute silence. Standing amid the boundless fields of Moc Hoa, you begin to understand why Nguyen Ngoc Tu chose this landscape as the backdrop for her story of wandering, rootless souls. The scenery is vast and wild, yet unmistakably warm — carrying the unhurried, genuine spirit of the Vietnamese South.
Best Time to Visit: November through April (dry season) — for the easiest access and the most stunning views of the sedge grass fields.
2. Dinh Yen Sedge Mat Village, Dong Thap — A Tapestry of Color in "Face Off 6" (Lật Mặt 6)
Location: Dinh Yen Commune, Lap Vo District, Dong Thap Province Featured Film: Face Off 6: The Fateful Ticket / Lat Mat 6: Tam Ve Dinh Menh (2023) — Directed by Ly Hai.
When Face Off 6 shattered Vietnamese box office records, grossing over 170 billion VND and becoming a nationwide phenomenon, Dinh Yen Mat Village in Dong Thap Province was suddenly thrust into the travel spotlight. Mesmerizing scenes of vibrantly dyed sedge strands spread across open ground and the nimble hands of master weavers left millions of viewers in awe — a discovery of cultural beauty that had long flown under the radar.
Dinh Yen is one of Vietnam's oldest and most prestigious traditional mat-weaving villages, with a heritage spanning over 100 years. Hundreds of local families continue to practice this ancient handcraft, faithfully passing down traditional techniques from generation to generation.
Dinh Yen Sedge Mat Village
Why Dinh Yen Is an Unmissable Cultural Experience
A visit to Dinh Yen draws you deep into the distinctive rhythm of artisan village life: bundles of sun-dried sedge arranged on earthen floors, traditional hand-operated weaving frames clicking in steady cadence, and finished mats bearing beautiful geometric patterns stacked neatly, ready for market. The vivid spectrum of dyed sedge — from bold reds and golds to deep blues and purples — creates a stunning visual tableau that photographers and culture lovers alike will find irresistible.
Yet what truly sets Dinh Yen apart is its extraordinary intangible cultural heritage: the legendary "Ghost Market" (chợ chiếu ma) — an age-old trading fair that convenes from midnight until the first pale light of dawn, before the roosters crow and while river mist still clings to the air. Born in an era when villagers traded by night to escape the punishing midday heat, this nocturnal market has since been recognized by Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Visitors can tour the weaving workshops, try their hand at the loom alongside seasoned artisans, bring home a handwoven mat as a meaningful souvenir, or stay up late to experience this extraordinary night market — an encounter with living tradition unlike anything else in Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round — though a visit around the Lunar New Year (Tết) is especially memorable, when artisans weave elaborately patterned festive mats for the holiday market.
3. Tra Su Cajuput Forest, An Giang — Emerald Serenity in "Legends of the Southern Land" (Đất Rừng Phương Nam)
Location: Van Giao Commune, Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province Featured Film: Legends of the Southern Land / Dat Rung Phuong Nam (2023) — Directed by Nguyen Quang Dung, adapted from the classic novel by Doan Gioi.
If one image from Legends of the Southern Land left millions of viewers breathless, it was the sight of small wooden boats gliding silently across an endless carpet of vivid green duckweed, deep within the Tra Su Cajuput Forest — one of the most visually stunning and ecologically significant inland wetland forests in the entire Mekong Delta.
Spanning over 845 hectares, Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a protected nature reserve within the Long Xuyen Quadrangle wetlands, boasting one of the richest and most biodiverse ecosystems in southern Vietnam. During the annual flood season (July through November), rising waters submerge the forest floor while duckweed and water hyacinth blanket the surface in a breathtaking shade of emerald — the very landscape that graced the screen in such unforgettable fashion.
Why Tra Su Cajuput Forest Is a Natural Wonder Not to Be Missed
The most cherished experience at Tra Su is boarding a traditional wooden boat and drifting through the forest, as towering cajuput trees arch overhead to form a cathedral of living green, while below, the duckweed-covered water reflects dappled light in a dreamlike shimmer. This gentle, magical sensation is simply beyond words — it must be felt in person.
Tra Su is also a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, home to thousands of white egrets, whistling ducks, and numerous rare water bird species. In the early morning or at dusk, when great flocks of egrets rise simultaneously from the treetops and wheel across the sky, the spectacle is heart-stopping — a panoramic natural tableau that no camera can fully capture.
Beyond boat tours, visitors can explore elevated bird-watching platforms, stroll along wooden walkway bridges winding through the forest, and savor distinctive An Giang specialties such as braised snakehead fish with sugarcane, sautéed water lily flower with shrimp, and the famous Mekong-style sizzling pancake (bánh xèo).
Best Time to Visit: August through November (flood season) — for the most vibrant duckweed coverage; November through January — for spectacular bird-roosting displays.
Tra Su Cajuput Forest, An Giang
4. Binh Thuy Ancient House, Can Tho — Colonial Elegance in "The Lover" (L'Amant)
Location: 26/1A Binh Thuy Street, Binh Thuy Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City Featured Film: L'Amant / The Lover (1992) — Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, adapted from the semi-autobiographical novel by French literary icon Marguerite Duras.
If the Mekong Delta is known to the world of international cinema through a single architectural landmark, it is the Binh Thuy Ancient House — a gracious 150-year-old villa in Can Tho that featured prominently in Jean-Jacques Annaud's acclaimed 1992 film The Lover, based on Marguerite Duras's celebrated novel.
Constructed around 1870, the Binh Thuy Ancient House is widely regarded as one of the finest remaining examples of French-Vietnamese colonial architecture in the entire Mekong Delta. The villa exudes unmistakable European elegance — classical columns, louvred shutters (bách diệp), and delicately sculpted decorative reliefs — while its interiors maintain a beautiful harmony with Vietnamese tradition through rosewood furniture sets and gilded lacquer panels bearing classical inscriptions.
Binh Thuy Ancient House, Can Tho
Why the Binh Thuy Ancient House Is a Journey Through Time
Stepping through the ornate iron gates of this storied villa is stepping into another era — one where time slows, and an atmosphere of dignified tranquility envelops every room. Visitors are invited to admire an exceptional private collection of antiques spanning the 18th to 20th centuries: fine porcelain, vintage timepieces, period artworks, and original hardwood furnishings — all preserved with extraordinary care across multiple generations of the same family.
The surrounding garden, with its century-old shade trees, an ancient well, and ornamental plantings, creates a space of timeless, unhurried beauty — quintessentially old Mekong Delta. The house is also one of the most coveted locations for wedding photography and film shoots, prized for its irreplaceable romantic and classical atmosphere.
The Binh Thuy Ancient House has been officially designated a National Architectural and Artistic Heritage Site by Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism — a testament to its enduring historical and cultural significance.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round — ideal as part of a broader exploration of Can Tho City.
5. U Minh Ha Cajuput Forest, Ca Mau — The Legendary Wilderness of "Legends of the Southern Land" (1997 Series)
Location: Vo Doi Hamlet, Tran Hoi Commune, Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau Province (Da Bac – Vo Doi Area) Featured Film: Legends of the Southern Land / Dat Rung Phuong Nam (TV Series, 1997) — Directed by Nguyen Vinh Son.
For generations of Vietnamese viewers, U Minh Forest is a name inseparable from the pages of Doan Gioi's classic novel and the beloved 1997 television adaptation — the timeless story of young An, adrift and searching for belonging in the wild, war-torn wetlands of southern Vietnam during the years of resistance.
U Minh Ha Cajuput Forest in Ca Mau Province is one half of the legendary U Minh Forest (together with U Minh Thuong in Kien Giang Province) — a primeval landscape rooted in deep peat soil, recognized as one of the most ecologically vital freshwater swamp forests in all of Southeast Asia. The entire area is strictly protected as part of U Minh Ha National Park and has been designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
U Minh Ha National Park
Why U Minh Ha Is Vietnam's Most Evocative Wild Frontier
Entering U Minh Ha Forest is entering a world entirely apart. Tall cajuput trees stand in perfect rows like silent sentinels. The forest waters run a characteristic deep amber-red, stained by tannins from decomposing cajuput leaves. And an enveloping silence reigns, broken only by the calls of forest birds and the gentle murmur of water through the canals.
Travelers can engage in a range of outstanding eco-tourism experiences: navigating the interior canal network by traditional boat, visiting honey farms harvesting prized cajuput forest honey (one of Ca Mau's most celebrated specialties), fishing for wild freshwater fish, and savoring authentic forest cuisine — from earthen-roasted snakehead fish and wild fermented shrimp paste to salt-pickled mud crabs (ba khia) and eel stewed with nhau leaves.
The Da Bac – Vo Doi area is the most beloved destination within the U Minh Ha system — a landscape of raw, magnificent beauty and pristine air quality. This is precisely the terrain that inspired the wild, heroic imagery of the forest in the iconic 1997 series.
Best Time to Visit: November through April (dry season) — for easier access and the forest at its most beautiful. Avoid the rainy season (May through October) due to heightened fire risk and challenging terrain.
Essential Travel Tips for Your Mekong Delta Journey
To ensure your "from screen to reality" adventure in the Mekong Delta is truly seamless and unforgettable, keep the following in mind:
Getting Around: Renting a motorbike or self-drive car offers the greatest flexibility for exploring the Mekong countryside. For deep-forest destinations such as Tra Su and U Minh Ha, we strongly recommend booking a full guided tour package with local expert guides for safety and the richest experience.
Cuisine: The Mekong Delta is a culinary paradise. Don't miss iconic regional specialties: My Tho noodle soup (hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho), Mekong sizzling pancakes (bánh xèo), fermented fish hot pot (lẩu mắm), braised snakehead fish with sugarcane, Chau Doc fish noodle soup (bún cá Châu Đốc), and raw cajuput honey. Always eat locally — the flavors here are incomparable.
What to Wear: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, UV-protective layers, and a wide-brimmed hat. For forest and boat excursions, bring mosquito-repellent clothing and waterproof footwear.
What to Bring: A high-capacity power bank and large-memory camera storage are non-negotiables for capturing the stunning visuals at each destination.
Respect the Heritage: Many destinations — including Binh Thuy Ancient House and Dinh Yen Mat Village — are living cultural heritage sites. Please treat all spaces, artifacts, and local residents with care and respect.
When traveling to the Mekong Delta, tourists should wear comfortable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect themselves from the sun.
The Mekong Delta: Where Cinema and Reality Become One
A journey through the cinematic landscapes of the Mekong Delta is far more than a checklist of famous film locations. It is an invitation to truly listen to the heartbeat of this extraordinary land — to hear the soft lap of a paddle across the emerald waters of Tra Su, to feel the texture of hand-dyed sedge between your fingers at Dinh Yen, to sit beneath an ancient cajuput in U Minh as morning mist rises from the forest floor, or to stand in silence amid the boundless fields of Moc Hoa and realize, with quiet certainty: the Mekong Delta needs no silver screen to be magnificent — it is, in its own right, a masterpiece.
It is precisely this harmony — between the art of cinema and the living beauty of southern Vietnam's nature, culture, and people — that makes every journey to the Mekong Delta an experience that lingers long after you've returned home.
Join The Rice Travel Group today to discover the simple yet captivating beauty of the Mekong Delta and enjoy unforgettable experiences!
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Booking & Contact Information
Address: Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Hotline: +84 962.333.621 & +84 962 333 641 (Zalo / WhatsApp)
Email: daiviettherice@gmail.com
