Tan Lap Fishing Tour: New Year Joy in Mekong Delta

A Mekong Delta New Year’s Thrill: Chasing Giants in Tan Lap Floating Village (Happy New Year 2026!)

The air crackles with anticipation, carrying the promise of a Happy New Year 2026 and the earthy scent of the wetlands. Forget the crowded city lights; this year, my band of fishing buddies and I traded concrete for the wild, embarking on one of the most immersive Vietnam fishing trips 2026 imaginable: a journey deep into the heart of the Mekong River Delta to the legendary Tan Lap Floating Village in Long An, part of the magnificent Southwest region Viet Nam. This isn’t just a holiday; it’s a dedicated Mekong Fishing Tour, a pilgrimage to where the water meets the forest, promising both serenity and a thrilling fight on the line.

Our adventure began in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:30 AM, our Vietnam Fishing Tours guide ready to usher us toward the vast 135-hectare expanse of Tan Lap. As the kilometers peeled away, the urban landscape melted into the emerald green of rice paddies and the dense, flooded forest of the Đồng Tháp Mười region—the very soul of the Mekong Fishing Trip.

Tan Lap Floating Village fishing trips 2026

tan-lap-floating-village-southwest-viet-nam-fishing-travel-tour-trip-adventure-new-year-2026 — Tan Lap Floating Village fishing tours 2026

Day 1: Into the Melaleuca Labyrinth – Where the Wild Fish Roam

Stepping into Tan Lap Floating Village after our journey felt like entering a different world. It’s a spectacular labyrinth of stilt houses, winding canals, and the iconic, towering Melaleuca trees. This is the ultimate destination for anyone serious about Fishing in Mekong or Fishing in Viet nam, offering a rare glimpse into traditional Vietnamese fishing life.

Mekong Fishing Trip: Tan Lap’s New Year 2026 Thrill

The first order of business after a quick, fortifying local breakfast was the main event: exploring traditional Vietnamese fishing techniques and hunting for the region’s signature species. The sheer excitement of the catch is what drives every fishing tour in Vietnam. Our target list was ambitious and uniquely miền Tây (Western Vietnam):

The Vicious Snakehead Fish (Cá Lóc): The highlight was undoubtedly learning the traditional method for targeting the Snakehead fish. This is often done by casting frogs or using specialized lures to imitate their prey in the dense water hyacinth and shallow water. The strike of a Snakehead is explosive, a true adrenaline rush that tests your gear and your nerves.
The Elusive Chitala Fish (Cá Thác Lác): These wild, shimmering giants are prized not just for their challenging fight but for their exquisite, boneless meat. Hunting for them, known locally as “hunt for wild Chitala fish,” requires stealth and precision, a testament to the skill involved in Fishing in vietnam.
The Mighty Mekong Catfish (Cá Tra/Basa): Though often farmed, catching a wild or semi-wild Mekong Catfish is a battle of strength. Their powerful runs in the deep channels remind you exactly where you are—in the heart of the great Mekong system.
The Stubborn Climbing Perch (Cá Rô): Though smaller, these fish offer consistent action and are a true local delicacy.

Midday offered a truly unique experience. Our check-in was at hotel rooms built inside a 38-meter-high watchtower—a breathtaking vantage point to admire the grandeur and vastness of the forest canopy. We enjoyed a rustic, satisfying pinic lunch right in the forest, the sounds of the wetlands providing the perfect soundtrack.

As the afternoon light softened, we continued our fishing trip in Vietnam, refining our casts and celebrating every catch, big or small.

A Night of Tradition and Thrills

The evening brought the second great joy of the Mekong: the food. Dinner at the Tan Lap restaurant was a humble feast of local, folk dishes. We savored Lẩu Cá Lóc Bông Điên Điển (Snakehead fish hotpot with Sesbania sesban flowers)—a dish that perfectly captures the pure, seasonal flavor of the Delta. Another highlight was Cá Lóc Nướng Trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish with straw), cooked simply but yielding unbelievably tender, smoky meat. These traditional, unassuming flavors are what define the true culinary heart of the Southwest region Viet Nam.

But the night was far from over. After dinner, we returned to the water for the iconic overnight fishing in Tan Lap Floating Village, specifically targeting the Snakehead fish according to traditional Vietnamese style, often involving patient waiting and a keen ear for the tell-tale splash. Under the vast, starlit sky, with the deep, whispering silence of the Melaleuca forest surrounding us, the excitement for the approaching New Year was palpable. This was more than just a fishing tour in Viet Nam; it was a deeply restorative experience, preparing our spirits for 2026.

Day 2: Casting Towards a Bright New Year

The second morning dawned with the sounds of the Delta: bird calls, the gentle lapping of water, and the renewed sense of hope that comes with the turning of the year. After a quick, delicious local breakfast, our final hours were dedicated to more Fishing in Mekong and soaking up the natural beauty.

The distinctive landscape of the Mekong Delta—the flooded forests, the emerald waterways, the simplicity of the stilt houses—offers a stark contrast to modern life. This unique, fragile beauty is the heart of the Southwest region Viet Nam, a natural masterpiece where the river defines all life.

We shared our final midday meal, reminiscing about the battles won and the laughs shared. As we checked out and began our return journey to Ho Chi Minh City, we weren’t just leaving a fishing spot; we were leaving a sanctuary.

Welcoming 2026 with a Line in the Water

This Mekong Fishing Trip was the perfect send-off for the old year and a powerful welcome for the new. The exhilaration of hooking a wild Snakehead, the quiet beauty of the Melaleuca forest, and the simple, profound taste of the local cuisine combined into a memorable celebration.

From the thrilling strikes to the rustic charm of the Tan Lap Floating Village, our Vietnam fishing trips 2026 adventure has set the hook for a year filled with happiness, health, and more adventures. The Delta’s tranquility and the fierce fight of its fish were the ultimate way to ring in a Happy New Year 2026. See you later, Tan Lap—the giants of the Mekong await our return!