Where to go and what to eat during flood season in the West? Full suggestions for you

The flood season in the West is the ideal time to experience the immense beauty of the rivers and the simple life of the people here. When floodwaters flow from upstream, the entire delta seems to put on a new coat: rich, lush and full of life. At this time, visitors have the opportunity to weave through the cajuput forest by sampan, admire the wild natural scenery and enjoy a series of specialties only available during the flood season.

Việt Nam•11/09/2025

So what is so special about the West during the flood season that everyone should experience at least once? Let’s explore in the article below.

The West in flood season – Where to go to see all the beauty of the rivers?

Outstanding destinations during flood season in the West that you should not miss. (Photo: Huynh Phuc Hau)

The West in the flood season offers visitors a colorful journey between rich nature and rustic life. No need to look far, right in An Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho or Long An , you will easily encounter images of vast rivers, flooded forests, bustling floating markets and dishes bearing the mark of the flood season. Below are the destinations not to be missed if you want to fully enjoy the beauty of the West in the flood season.

An Giang – The brilliant flood season in Tra Su cajuput forest

Tra Su is one of the iconic destinations of the flood season. (Photo: Collected)

An Giang is one of the places that most clearly shows the beauty of the West during the flood season. At Tra Su cajuput forest, the paths are covered with green duckweed, the straight rows of cajuput trees reflect on the water surface, creating a picturesque scene. Sitting on a small boat winding through the forest, you will be able to watch birds flying, enjoy the fresh air and strangely peaceful. In addition, Chau Doc raft village and natural linh fish fields are also memorable stops.

Dong Thap – Lotus fields and birds of Tram Chim

The flood season in Dong Thap attracts tens of thousands of migratory birds to take shelter, creating a spectacular scene. (Photo: Collected)

Dong Thap is not only famous for lotus but also one of the places that preserves the wild beauty of the West during the flood season. At Tram Chim - Tam Nong, you can go by boat, watch the birds flying through the flooded sky, feel the closeness of nature and completely relax. Visit Sa Dec, the city of flowers all year round, you will feel the charming and poetic beauty of this land.

Can Tho – Floating market life in flood season

Cai Rang floating market becomes more bustling than ever during the flood season. (Photo: Collected)

Can Tho, the “capital” of the West, also becomes more special during the flood season. Cai Rang floating market is even more bustling on high water days. Hundreds of boats are anchored on the river, selling all kinds of agricultural products, fruits, and breakfast dishes right on the water. This is a great opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the real life of the people of the West during the flood season, simple but full of vitality. In addition, you can also experience making traditional cakes, cooking Western dishes or staying at a homestay along the river.

Long An – Tan Lap floating village is magical in the early morning mist

Tan Lap is a destination that is gradually becoming more popular thanks to its poetic and quiet beauty amidst flooded cajuput forests. (Photo: VNA)

It is impossible not to mention Long An with Tan Lap floating village - a very popular destination in the journey to explore the West during the flood season. Wooden paths through the cajuput forest, high observation tower overlooking the flooded forest and quiet space make this place a favorite check-in spot for souls in need of peace.

Unmissable experiences during the flood season in the West

Experiencing the flood season: drifting on a small boat, picking senna flowers, catching linh fish. (Photo: Collected)

One of the reasons why the West during the flood season is so special is the local, simple yet interesting experiences. Not just sightseeing, a trip during the flood season is a journey for you to truly “slow down”, fully enjoying the natural beauty and human life here.

Sitting in a sampan weaving through the cajuput forest or the sesban flower fields is a very unique feeling. There is no sound of car horns, no noise of the city, just the sound of oars splashing water, the chirping of birds and the endless green of the trees. If you go in the early morning, you can also see the light mist on the water, creating a magical and heartbreaking scene.

Many tourists choose to try their hand at the daily activities of the locals such as picking lotus, harvesting sesbania flowers, setting traps to catch fish or making traditional cakes. These experiences not only help you understand more about the life in the river area, but also provide an opportunity to connect with the culture of the West in a very real and very close way.

An afternoon on a small boat in the middle of a flooded field, enjoying a bowl of hot rice with braised fish and water mimosa flowers, watching the red sun gradually disappear behind the cajuput trees - that is a moment that anyone who has traveled to the West during the flood season will remember forever.

Western specialties during flood season – Eat once, remember for life

Cuisine during flood season: linh fish, fish sauce hotpot, banh xeo and unique seasonal specialties. (Photo: Collected)

Western cuisine during the flood season is a harmonious combination of seasonal ingredients and the rustic, creative cooking methods of the people of the river region. The appearance is not elaborate, but the flavor is rich, authentic and memorable.

Below are some typical delicious dishes you should try when visiting the West during flood season:

Crispy fried linh fish with tamarind fish sauce: Early season linh fish has soft meat, few bones, fried crispy and served with sweet and sour tamarind fish sauce, delicious as a snack or with rice.
Sour soup with linh fish and water mimosa flowers: The harmonious combination of the sour taste of tamarind, the soft fatty taste of linh fish and the crunchiness of water mimosa flowers – this dish is almost the “soul” of the flood season.
Fish sauce hotpot: A hot pot with broth made from linh fish sauce, sac fish sauce, served with all kinds of wild vegetables, wild fish, shrimp, meat... A rustic dish but can be "addictive" to anyone who loves strong flavors.
Western Vietnamese pancakes: Big, crispy pancakes filled with shrimp, meat, bean sprouts and sometimes water mimosa flowers, rolled with raw vegetables, dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce – a dish that is both familiar and strange.
Grilled field mouse: A “curious” but very popular dish in the West during the flood season. Field mouse meat is firm, fragrant, thoroughly cleaned and grilled over charcoal until golden brown.
Snakehead fish noodle soup: Noodles with clear, sweet broth, shredded boiled snakehead fish, served with bitter vegetables and banana blossom – an ideal breakfast dish for people in the West.
Lotus and shrimp salad: A refreshing salad with the characteristic crunchiness of lotus, the sweetness of shrimp and a harmonious sweet and sour dressing.

Each dish is not only made from fresh seasonal ingredients but also contains the hospitality and generosity of the Western people. And only at the right time in the West, during the flood season, can these dishes reach their true freshness and richness.

Experience of traveling to the West during flood season: Prepare properly, enjoy fully

Suggested preparations, schedules, time, means of transport and notes when traveling during the flood season. (Photo: Collected)

The West during the flood season is beautiful in its own way, but it is also a time when nature changes dramatically. To have a complete trip, you need to know some small but important experiences.

The ideal time to go

The flood season in the West usually lasts from late August to early November. However, the best time is usually in September and October - when the water level is just right, the landscape is lush, the weather is pleasant and there are many activities to experience.

How to move?

Depending on your starting point, you can:

From Ho Chi Minh City, take a bus or drive yourself to provinces such as An Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho (4-6 hours)
If you have time, combine the route: Long An → Dong Thap → An Giang → Can Tho

The Western routes are easy to travel, with many stops. However, you should avoid traveling at night because many roads are not well lit and quite deserted.

What to wear and what to bring

Light, airy clothing, easy to move in humid weather
Flip-flops, sandals or waterproof sneakers
You should bring a light jacket, raincoat, waterproof bag for phone and camera.
Prepare extra insect repellent and sunscreen.

Accommodation and tour booking

You can choose:

Riverside homestay to experience true Western life
Central hotel if you want convenient transportation and food
Some places like Tra Su cajuput forest, Tram Chim or Tan Lap have package tours with boat, tour guide, and meals – you can book 1-2 days in advance to avoid running out of seats on weekends.

Notes when traveling during flood season

High water can flood many small roads, need to check the route before moving.
Avoid traveling at night across rivers or narrow canals if you are unfamiliar with the terrain.
Respect nature, do not litter in the water, do not pick lotus/sesbania flowers indiscriminately
For strange dishes like field mice and early-season linh fish, you should ask the locals carefully before trying if you have sensitive skin.

The West in the flood season, though rustic, always leaves a deep impression on visitors – thanks to the natural beauty and the friendliness of the people here. Just prepare carefully, you will have a journey that is both easy to go and memorable.

Suggested itinerary for traveling to the West during flood season

Itinerary to explore the West during flood season: 2 days 1 night and 3 days 2 nights full of experiences. (Photo: Collected)

Below are suggested itineraries for two popular options, suitable for both independent and tour travelers:

2 days 1 night itinerary – Go fast, still complete

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City → Tra Su (An Giang)

Morning: Depart early from Ho Chi Minh City (5am–6am), have breakfast on the way
Noon: Arrive in Chau Doc, have lunch with braised linh fish with sugarcane, sour soup with water mimosa flowers
Afternoon: Visit Tra Su cajuput forest - go by motorboat + rowboat
Evening: Stroll around Chau Doc, eat Western-style pancakes or fish sauce hotpot

Day 2: Chau Doc → Can Tho → Ho Chi Minh City