OVERVIEW OF MEKONG DELTA CULTURE

Below are some prominent themes when discussing the culture of the Mekong Delta (ĐBSCL), which reflect the unique customs, practices, and lifestyles of the people in the Southwest region of Vietnam:

1. Floating Market – A Unique Trade Activity
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   • Characteristics and history of floating markets (Cai Rang, Phung Hiep, Cai Be…).
   • Methods of exchange and trade on the river; the diversity of products (fruits, vegetables, specialties).
   • The role of floating markets in tourism development and the preservation of waterway culture.
2. Don Ca Tai Tu – Traditional Art of the Mekong Delta
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   • The origins of "đon ca tai tu" are related to the court music of Hue and the people of the South.
   • Types of instruments: "đon kim," "đon tranh," "đon co," and "ghi-ta phim lom…
   • The "tai tu" performance style is characterized by improvisation and interaction.
   • Recognition of " đon ca tai tu " as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity and current preservation efforts.
3. Mekong Delta Cuisine – Flavors of the Waterways 
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   • Characteristics: uses fresh ingredients (fish, shrimp, eel, frog, fruits...), many sweet dishes and various types of fish sauce.
   • Famous dishes: fish sauce hotpot, Vietnamese pancakes, grilled snakehead fish, sour soup, noodle soup...
   • The custom of "homegrown," with cuisine linked to family farming and animal husbandry.
   • Dining spaces under coconut trees, on boats, or at riverside eateries.
4. Festivals and Folk Beliefs
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   • The Ngo boat racing festival of the Southern Khmer (Sóc Trăng, Trà Vinh) reflects the tradition of harmony and cultural exchange.
   • The Kỳ Yên festival (temple worship) is rich in the identity of the worship of the guardian spirit, praying for a bountiful harvest.
   • The fish worship festival and the offering to the Whale God in coastal provinces (Bạc Liêu, Cà Mau) express gratitude to the sea and seek blessings for fishermen.
   • Traditional festivals (Chôl Chnăm Thmây of the Khmer people), Vu Lan, and the moon worship festival (Ok Om Bok) reflect the diversity of the community.
5. Proverbs, Folk Songs, and Fairy Tales of the River Region
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   • The images of rivers, ferry docks, rice fields, and orchards frequently appear in the folk songs of the Mekong Delta.
   • The lyrics and verses are simple and witty, reflecting human emotions and love for the homeland.
   • The fairy tales are connected to the pioneering and settlement stories in the new southern land.
6. Traditional Architecture and Housing
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   • Thatched houses, stilt houses by the river, designed to catch the wind, cool and adapted to the flooding season.
   • Villages by the river, canals, life closely tied to boats and landings.
   • Changes in architecture: walled houses, modern houses but still maintaining spacious gardens and fish ponds.
7. Craft Villages
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   • The craft villages of rice paper and coconut candy (Bến Tre), making hủ tiếu (Sa Đéc), and ornamental flowers (Chợ Lách, Sa Đéc)…
   • A unique handmade process that preserves traditional secrets, connected to community life.
   • The connection between craft villages and experiential tourism (visiting workshops, making products yourself)..
8. Community Life and Communication Culture
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   • The personality of the people from the Southwest: gentle, hospitable, ready to share, "in times of need, we help each other".
   • Lifestyle: festivals, singing, working together in the fields, fishing, and harvesting.
   • Open communication culture, straightforward language, mixed with humor and simplicity.
9. Cultural Interactions Among Ethnic Groups
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   • The Kinh, Khmer, Hoa, and Cham communities live together, creating a vibrant picture of ethnic and religious diversity.
   • Cuisine, customs, festivals, and languages blend together, reflecting a high degree of integration.
   • Notable cultural destinations include Khmer temples (Dơi Temple, Chén Kiểu Temple), Chinese markets, and Cham villages along the river.
10. Cultural and Ecotourism Activities

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• Explore the waterways, visit the orchards, experience "draining the pond to catch fish," and listen to traditional music.
• Participate in regional festivals, the flood season (from August to November in the lunar calendar), and the fruit harvest season.
• Enjoy homestay tourism, ride bicycles to explore the village roads, and engage with the local cuisine and lifestyle.

The above themes fully reflect the distinctive features of the culture of the Mekong Delta, from daily activities, religious rituals, musical and artistic life, to culinary values, architecture, and traditional heritage. This cultural foundation is deeply rooted in the local riverine environment while also embodying an open and interactive spirit, contributing to the diverse and rich cultural identity of Vietnam.