Mekong Delta Ricefield Lodge

This place is really nice for an escape if you’re looking to relax. The river cruise is good.

It’s really far out of town and not a lot to do in the area. There’s an 8pm curfew so you can’t leave to go to town for dinner and come back. The dinner and other activities onsite are quite expensive in comparison to what you can get in town.

Located among rice fields and fruit farms in the heart of the Mekong Delta with direct access to the backwaters, the Ricefield Lodge is spotlessly clean, very comfortable and extremely welcoming. Communication with Martin before arrival was clear and prompt. The information given was helpful for planning. One of Martin’s taxi drivers was waiting for me at the airport; Vi, who welcomed me on arrival at the Lodge was the epitome of Vietnamese hospitality; Mymy’s cooking was sooooo delicious-probably the best I’d eaten on my trip. Everything at the Lodge was delivered in a relaxed way and with a smile and a story. I’d recommend taking the advice given regarding transport, doing the short cycling tour around the ‘neighbourhood’, doing the day tour with Mr Lay and of course Martin’s own speedboat tour of the Floating Markets. It was lovely to see the positive relationship he has built up with the locals in the floating markets. There are few places left where you can be right in the heart of ‘local living’ with all the comforts you might want: the Ricefield Lodge delivers on this. I’d wholeheartedly recommend it and hope I can return sometime soon.

Nothing!

Staying at Ricefield Lodge is an excellent introduction to life in the Mekong Delta region and an experience in itself. The accommodation is great. Large comfortable bungalows and rooms with terraces and verandahs to relax on after a day out and about. The swimming pool is well maintained and very refreshing. Meals are communal which is a great way to meet fellow guests and to learn about the region from Martin. The food is beautifully prepared by MyMy and is varied and healthy...and you will not go hungry. The highlight is the boat trip. Martin's boat is fast, but also quiet and it is such a peaceful feeling to cruise the waterways early in the morning under the stars. The river life is fascinating and enjoying a breakfast from the floating markets is a great experience. Martin has scooters for hire and bicycles for free and plenty of suggestions for things to see in the area. The whole team here is kind, welcoming and very, very helpful. Martin and Vi are always ready to explain and share their local knowledge. I strongly recommend you allow Martin to arrange your transport to the Lodge. Local drivers are quite mystified by the location, which is 'in the middle of nowhere!' Staying at Ricefield Lodge was such an interesting, relaxing and highly entertaining 3 days for me.

Nothing.

Loved the whole experience, amazing food, great room, great pool, amazing boat trip, bicycle tour, motorbike trip, just everything

Nil

I had such a wonderful and relaxing time at the lodge. Martin’s exceptional hospitality and commitment to his guests really make the lodge the amazing place that it is, and he is always trying to make sure you are happy. The rooms are spacious and comfy and equipped with mosquito nets, so I never had any problems with mosquitos at night even though I often get bit (definitely bring mosquito repellent for the other areas though). There is a huge lounging area to sit around and chill, and drinking water is provided through a water cooler. The bikes provided by Martin are also geared and in excellent condition. Taking the bike out for a short ride, going past the neighbouring homes and getting a sense of what life was like there, was one of my favourite things to do there. It is clear that Martin and his staff are like a big family — the banter between them is fun to watch and everyone there will always greet you with a smile. A special mention must also go to Vi, who welcomed me with her friendship and kindness, and MyMy, who cooked such wonderful meals using local products and vegetables and fruits from the garden. The dogs are super friendly as well and well taken care of. The boat tour is definitely a must — you get so well fed and you really see what life is like on the Mekong Delta! I would really recommend coming here if you are coming to the Can Tho region and looking to relax and unwind, and to get an understanding of what life is like here. Thank you Martin and Vi for the great time!

Everything

We recently had the pleasure of staying at Mekong Delta Ricefield Lodge and it was truly a memorable experience. The highlight of our stay was definitely the exceptional hospitality provided by Martin, our host. Martin's warm and welcoming demeanor, coupled with his sense of humor, made us feel right at home. We were also blown away by the delicious food prepared by Martin's talented cook, a local lady who has been with him for 6 years. Not only was the staff incredibly hospitable and attentive to our needs, but the speed boat tour to the floating markets was an absolute thrill. Thanks to Martin's fastest boat in the Mekong Delta, we were able to explore the markets in style and comfort. One thing that truly stood out to us was Martin's commitment to involving and empowering the local community. His efforts to teach them about environmental conservation and sustainability are commendable and greatly appreciated. Overall, our stay at Mekong Delta Ricefield Lodge was nothing short of amazing. We highly recommend this unique and enriching experience to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of the Mekong Delta. Thank you, Martin, and the entire staff, for making our stay unforgettable.

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I haven't wanted to review the Mekong Delta Ricefield Lodge because I am selfish and don't want the world to know how amazing this place is! But I promised Martin... We stayed two nights at the Ricefields Lodge and being based in this little oasis, in a back block village of Can Tho, was the best experience we had in 10 weeks of travelling Vietnam. The food was all sourced locally, much even grown in Martin's Garden of Eden! The kitchen staff were even able to cater to my coeliac needs (gluten free). We ate like happy kings and queens every night with a range of delicious, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented dishes. Martin's speedboat tour of the Mekong floating markets was personal and niche - unlike the usual mass market tours on offer. We ate delicious chicken Pho prepared on a boat, coffee from the Coffee Lady and fruit at the Pineapple Boat. We saw two floating markets and one land market, where Martin, in a good mood, spoiled us with coconut and sticky rice sweets. Back at the lodge we swam in the pool and then cycled around the farmlets and tributaries, crossing bridges and being greeted by every man, woman and child. The whole minibreak at the Ricefield Lodge, was such an awesome highlight. And I haven't even mentioned anything about the incredible menangerie of pets. But now you've been told!!!

Travelling Vietnam is always an adventure. When we arrived in Can Tho and tried to get a Grab to Mekong Delta Ricefield Lodge we encountered a baffled and confused driver. Google Translate, Google Maps, WhatsApp messaging and every other meanas of trying to communicate where the Lodge was, met with the same confusion. But Dong talks! We were also super anxious that we wouldn't have enough Dong to pay for the meals and tour at the Lodge because it is a lot more remote than we expected - no ATM's - and the food and tour were an additional cost to the accommodation - but very well worth every single cent. Just be sure to arrive with cash.