From Ho Chi Minh: Delta Full-Day Tour

A Full Day in the Mekong: A Practical Look at the Delta Tour from Ho Chi Minh

A full-day trip to the Mekong Delta, priced at just $22 per person, offers a chance to see the countryside, learn about local life, and enjoy some scenic boat rides. The tour, organized by Phu Quoc Green Travel, starts early with hotel pickups near Ben Thanh Market, and lasts around 9 hours. It’s a budget-friendly way to break away from the busy city streets for a taste of rural Vietnam, with stops at Vinh Trang Pagoda, island villages, and floating markets.

What we really like about this trip are two specific aspects: first, the chance to see Vinh Trang Pagoda’s unique architecture, blending European and Asian styles, and second, the opportunity to experience local crafts like coconut candy-making and honey harvesting. The tour also includes a local Vietnamese lunch with six dishes, tropical fruits, and honey tea—adding flavor to the day in more ways than one.

However, a potential consideration is the mixed quality of the experience—some reviews mention issues with guides and inclusions, such as water or extra charges. If you’re seeking a highly polished, seamless experience, this might be a point to keep in mind. That said, it’s a decent choice for travelers wanting a cost-effective glimpse into the Delta’s natural and cultural treasures, especially if you don’t mind a busy schedule and some variability.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy cultural sights, scenic boat rides, and local village visits without needing a luxury experience. It’s also handy for those wanting to keep costs low while still exploring the Mekong’s highlights.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $22, including meals and most activities.
• Visits to iconic sites like Vinh Trang Pagoda and Thoi Son island.
• Cultural experiences such as honey tea tasting, coconut candy making, and folk music.
• Boat rides along the Mekong River and small canals provide scenic views and local insights.
• Mixed reviews highlight great guides and value but caution about guides’ focus and inclusions.
• Long day with a packed schedule, so suitable for those prepared for a full-on adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Morning Pickup and Departure

The trip begins early—between 7:30 and 8:30 AM—with pickup from your hotel near Ben Thanh Market. The early start is typical for Mekong Delta tours, giving you a full day’s worth of sights. The journey to My Tho is straightforward, and the bus ride is usually comfortable enough. Be sure to bring a camera, comfortable shoes, and light clothes, as you’ll be sitting for some time and walking on uneven village roads.

Rest Stop at Mekong Restop

First stop is at Mekong Restop, where you can buy snacks and use the restroom. It’s a brief but welcome break after the bus ride, and a chance to stretch your legs. Not much to report here—just a quick refresh before heading to the next destination.

Visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda

The highlight in town is Vinh Trang Pagoda—a true architectural gem built in the 19th century. It combines European and Asian architectural elements, making it visually fascinating. The pagoda is considered the third most important in southern Vietnam, and it’s a peaceful spot with ornate decorations and lush gardens. We loved the way it offers a glimpse into religious art and architecture that’s both historic and visually captivating.

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Traveling by Boat to Thoi Son Island

Next, we board a boat at My Tho Cruise Port to cruise along the Tien River, passing by floating fish farms, Rach Mieu Bridge, and four islets: Long, Lan, Qui, and Phung. This part of the tour provides excellent photo opportunities, especially as you pass floating markets and fish farms. The boat ride is relaxing, and the scenery along the river sets the mood for the day.

Island Village Life & Local Crafts

At Thoi Son Island, you walk along village roads, visiting local houses and fruit gardens. You might enjoy taking photos of the lush tropical plants and simple village life. The visit to the honey bee farm is charming—here, you can sample honey lemon tea and learn about honey harvesting. Several reviews highlight this as a genuine, authentic experience that offers insight into local livelihoods.

Cultural Entertainment and Canal Rowing

The atmosphere shifts as you listen to Don Ca Tai Tu, southern folk music—a lively soundtrack to your afternoon. Then, you board rowboats to glide through narrow canals, where coconut trees line the banks and the landscape feels untouched. It’s a calming moment amid the day’s busier activities, and a chance to see traditional rural scenery.

Coconut Candy and Handicrafts

Back on land, visitors can tour a coconut candy shop, witnessing the process of making traditional treats. Some travelers enjoy learning handcrafted techniques and seeing how coconut shells are repurposed into crafts. These stops are often highlights, especially if you enjoy hands-on experiences or want souvenirs.

Lunch and Free Time

The included lunch is a set menu of six dishes, with vegetarian options available. Some reviews mention extra charges for fish—so if seafood is important to you, clarify this beforehand. The meal offers a decent taste of local cuisine and is enough to fuel the afternoon activities. Post-lunch, you can relax in a hammock, fish for crocodiles, walk across the monkey bridge, or rent a bicycle to explore more of the village at your own pace.

Return Trip and Drop-off

By 2:30 PM, you start heading back to My Tho by boat, then return to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around 5 PM. The bus drops you off near Ben Thanh Market, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to your accommodation.

Authentic Experience vs. Touristic Flaws

While the tour offers many authentic sights—local homes, fruit orchards, folk music—some reviews highlight issues like guide favoritism and extra costs. One traveler noted that “the guide seemed to be catering specifically to one family,” which can feel isolating or dismissive. Others mentioned pressure to tip and extra charges for water and certain foods, which can detract from the overall value.

That said, many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the value for money. The inclusion of most activities, entrance fees, boat rides, and lunch makes it a budget-friendly option, especially when you consider the variety of sights packed into the day.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking on village roads and inside the pagoda.
• Bring a camera to capture riverscapes, local life, and architecture.
• Light clothing and sun protection are advisable, as there’s little shade during outdoor stops.
• Prepare for a busy schedule; the day is long and filled with activities.
• Clarify meal details if dietary restrictions are important, especially regarding extra charges for seafood.
• Bring a small amount of cash for souvenirs or tips, but note that most included items are covered.
• If you have mobility issues or require a wheelchair, this tour might not be suitable due to uneven terrain and walking distances.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for budget travelers wanting a broad overview of the Mekong Delta’s highlights without breaking the bank. It suits those comfortable with a full schedule and some bus travel, eager to see both cultural and scenic sights. If you prefer guided local insights and don’t mind some variability in service, this is a solid pick. However, travelers seeking a luxurious or highly organized tour with flawless service might find the experience a bit uneven.

Final Thoughts

The From Ho Chi Minh: Delta Full-Day Tour offers a cost-effective way to get a taste of southern Vietnam’s rural life, scenic waterways, and historic sites. It’s a busy but rewarding day that balances cultural visits, scenic boat rides, and interactive local experiences. While some reviews point out guidance and inclusion inconsistencies, many travelers appreciate the authenticity and value.

If you’re looking for an affordable introduction to the Mekong’s beauty and people, and are okay with a full, sometimes hectic day, this tour could work well for you. Just go with an open mind, pack comfort, and don’t expect perfection—what you’ll get is a snapshot of life along one of Vietnam’s most iconic waterways.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off at hotels near Ben Thanh Market, making it convenient for city center stays.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 9 hours, starting around 7:30-8:30 AM and returning by 5 PM.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and lightweight clothing are recommended. Remember to bring some cash for extra expenses or souvenirs.

Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, the included lunch has vegetarian options. It’s advisable to clarify dietary preferences beforehand.

Is water provided during the day?
Some reviews suggest that water is not always supplied, even though the description states it’s included. It’s best to carry a bottle.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not ideal for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to uneven paths and walking distances.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What kind of guides will I have?
The tour includes an experienced English-speaking guide, although experiences with guides may vary, as some reviews indicate.

This Mekong Delta tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Vietnam’s river life, local crafts, and scenic beauty. It’s a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers eager to see a lot in one day, with the understanding that some details might not always be seamless. Pack your curiosity and sense of adventure—it’s a day filled with sights, sounds, and tastes you won’t forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: