From HCM: Mekong Delta Floating Market 3 days exit Phu Quoc

Exploring the Mekong: From Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc in 3 Days

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beaches of Phu Quoc while exploring the heart of the Mekong Delta offers a blend of bustling markets, tranquil river scenes, and traditional Vietnamese culture. This 3-day tour, priced at $181 per person, takes you through My Tho, Ben Tre, Can Tho, and eventually to Phu Quoc, combining boat rides, cultural stops, and local cuisine.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to see the floating houses and fish cages along the Mekong River — a glimpse into how locals live and work. Plus, the visit to Cai Rang Floating Market lets you witness the lively trade on the water, a quintessential Mekong sight.

A possible consideration is the itinerary’s pace; with multiple stops and long travel stretches, some moments may feel rushed, or not as authentic as you’d hope. This tour suits travelers eager for a rundown of the Mekong’s floating markets and villages, especially those comfortable with boat rides and multi-day travel.

Key Points

• Cultural immersion with visits to floating markets, craft villages, and local workshops.
• Scenic boat rides offer authentic views of river life, houses, and fish cages.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights into local traditions and history.
• Multiple stops include rice noodle making, coconut candy workshops, and tropical fruit tastings.
• Flexible options for ending in Rach Gia or directly to Phu Quoc, with overnight stays included.
• Price point offers good value considering transport, meals, and accommodation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Mekong 3-Day Tour

This tour is designed for those wanting a balanced experience of the Mekong Delta — not just the touristy highlights but enough local flavor to make it worthwhile. The itinerary starts in Ho Chi Minh City, with an early morning pickup, and takes you on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to My Tho.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho, Ben Tre & Can Tho

The journey kicks off with a visit to the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the largest in the Mekong region, where the architecture features a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. It’s a peaceful start that sets the tone for the cultural richness ahead.

Next, the boat trip along the Mekong River offers iconic views: floating houses, fish cages, and the small waterways where locals go about their daily lives. You’ll cruise on a hand-rowed boat through narrow creeks lined with coconut trees, a scene that really captures the peaceful rhythm of river living.

One of the tour’s charming moments is a visit to a coconut island in Ben Tre, where you learn about coconut candy making. Tasting candies and exploring local handicrafts give you a taste of rural craftsmanship. The stop at Unicorn Island (Cn Thi Sn) is filled with traditional Vietnamese music performances and tropical fruit tastings, offering both entertainment and photo opportunities.

The lunch at a local restaurant introduces you to regional flavors, and a visit to a bee farm where you can sample honey tea adds a sweet touch to the day. You also have free time in the village to walk or cycle, giving a relaxed feel before heading to Can Tho for the night.

Reviewers note that the tour is generally well-organized, with enthusiastic guides explaining the sights. One traveler appreciated that the driver “was great,” which often makes or breaks a multi-day trip.

Day 2: Cai Rang Floating Market & Cultural Stops

Early morning, you visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most colorful of the Mekong markets. You’ll see boats piled high with fruits, vegetables, and local produce, bustling with activity. The experience of barging through the market is lively, but some reviews suggest that arriving earlier might reveal even more of the bartering and market hustle.

A highlight is a rice noodle workshop on the boats, where you can see how a staple of Vietnamese cuisine is made. Sampling pineapple on the water adds a fresh, tropical note. Later, you explore a traditional market onshore, where locals shop daily.

The visit to Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery offers a peaceful contrast to the busy markets, and the lunch at My Khanh Restaurant provides a hearty meal. The afternoon includes free time to explore the tourist village or relax, before the group ends the day in Rach Gai for overnight stay.

One traveler mentioned that the guide’s English was not perfect, and the overall experience felt somewhat “touristy,” with short stops at attractions that seemed set up for visitors rather than genuine local life.

Day 3: To Phu Quoc or Rach Gia

The final day offers a choice: either continue directly to Phu Quoc via boat or, if you prefer, first travel to Rach Giai and then the ferry to Phu Quoc. The boat departs around 8:00 AM, arriving on the island at noon, marking the end of a busy but rewarding journey through the Mekong.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

For the price, you get air-conditioned bus transport, entrance fees, meals, boat trips, biking, fruits, honey tea, candy, and accommodation in comfortable twin rooms. The guides are fluent in English, Vietnamese, and Chinese, which helps with understanding the sights and stories.

Extras include personal costs, drinks outside the program, and single-room surcharges. Note that meals outside the scheduled program aren’t included, so you may want to budget for additional snacks or drinks.

The Experience in Perspective

Some reviews highlight highlights like the knowledgeable guides who explain local customs and history, making the tour more meaningful. Others point out that some activities — like a paddle boat ride or visits to tourist-oriented spots — can feel a bit staged or superficial.

The long travel stretches and busy schedule mean this isn’t for travelers seeking deep immersion or tranquil moments. Instead, it’s suited for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of the Mekong life in a relatively short time.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a well-organized way to see the Mekong Delta’s key highlights, including floating markets, craft villages, and scenic river views, this tour offers good value. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate guided commentary, want a mix of cultural sights and local flavor, and don’t mind a packed schedule.

However, if your priority is authenticity over convenience or you prefer a slow pace with lots of free time, you might find this tour a bit too rushed or touristy. The experience is best suited for those who value knowledgeable guides and the convenience of transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 2 to 3 days, depending on whether you choose to stay in Rach Gai or go directly to Phu Quoc.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner), entrance fees, boat trips, biking, fruits, honey tea, candy, and hotel stays in air-conditioned rooms.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour follows a set schedule, but options are available for ending in Rach Gia or directly in Phu Quoc. The itinerary is designed for convenience and efficiency.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, camera, and some cash for personal expenses. Expect some outdoor activities and boat rides, so be prepared for heat and humidity.

Are the guides fluent in English?
Yes, the guides speak English, along with Vietnamese and Chinese, helping bridge language gaps and providing context for the sights.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for kids, the activities such as boat rides and village visits can be enjoyable for families, provided children are comfortable with travel and water.

How is the accommodation?
Hotels are described as clean with hard beds. They provide basic comfort, but some travelers might find the beds a bit firm.

What is the main highlight?
Most travelers agree the Cai Rang Floating Market and the scenic river views are the highlights, offering a real taste of Mekong life.

In summary, this tour provides a solid overview of the Mekong Delta’s unique water-based culture, with lively markets and scenic boat rides. While some may find it a bit touristy or rushed, it delivers a value-packed experience for those eager to see the Mekong in a relatively short time, especially if you want guidance and convenience combined with authentic sights. Perfect for first-timers or those wanting a structured introduction to southern Vietnam’s waterways.

You can check availability for your dates here: