Mekong Delta fruit: what to try and when
Take a boat through the Delta’s canals and you’ll pass orchards heavy with fruit – and boats piled high with it on their way to market.
The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s fruit basket: rambutan, mangosteen, longan, pomelo, dragon fruit, mango, jackfruit and durian, depending on the season. Buy at markets, floating markets or orchards, and ask “Bao nhiêu một ký?” (how much per kilo). A small bag of fruit usually costs 20,000–60,000 VND. Bring a cloth bag.
At a glance
How to order
“Bao nhiêu một ký?”
“How much per kilo?” Then say cho tôi nửa ký (half a kilo, please) and point.
What to try
Rambutan and mangosteen are easy to peel and sweet. Pomelo is like a mild, sweet grapefruit. Dragon fruit is refreshing but gentle. Durian is famous for its smell – some hotels ban it, so eat it at the market.
Floating markets
The biggest floating markets start at dawn. Wholesale boats hang samples of what they sell on a tall pole. Go early, and choose a boat trip that doesn’t leave rubbish in the river.
Questions travellers ask
What is the best time to visit Mekong floating markets?
Early morning, around sunrise, when trading is busiest.
How do I ask the price of fruit in Vietnamese?
“Bao nhiêu một ký?” – how much per kilo?
When is fruit season in the Mekong Delta?
Many fruits peak in the hot months from about May to August, but something is in season all year.
Can I bring durian into my hotel?
Many hotels don’t allow it because of the smell – eat it at the market.
Prices are typical ranges we’ve seen and change often; tourist areas can charge more. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it. Last updated 2026-09-30.
