Mekong Delta 2 Days 1 Night – Shared Tour

A two-day tour exploring the Mekong Delta offers a chance to see Vietnam far beyond its bustling cities—think quiet waterways, lush fruit orchards, and friendly villagers. For $101 per person, this shared trip takes you from Ho Chi Minh City through colorful floating markets, traditional workshops, and peaceful countryside. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll get a real feel for rural life and local craftsmanship, with plenty of photo-worthy moments along the way.

We especially loved the boat trips along the Tien River and the visits to coconut workshops, which give you a taste of authentic local industry. The overnight in Can Tho, with its lively market and calm river views, is also a highlight—giving you time to relax and soak in the area’s tranquil rhythm. On the downside, some travelers find the second day less organized, with schedules that can feel a bit rushed or inconsistent.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic waterways, local culture, and a taste of traditional Vietnamese village life. If you’re curious about rural commerce, enjoy boat rides, and don’t mind the occasional busy schedule, you’ll find plenty to love here. However, if you’re seeking a purely nature-oriented experience or very seamless flow, this might not be your perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines boat rides, local workshops, and cultural visits, giving you a genuine look at Mekong life.
• Rich in Scenery: Stunning views of river life, lush fruit gardens, and vibrant floating markets.
• Guided Expertise: Knowledgeable guides, like Lana, enhance understanding and engagement.
• Varied Activities: Mix of sightseeing, hands-on workshops, and local food tasting.
• Some Schedule Variability: Reviewers note that the second day can feel less organized, especially around meal timing.
• Value for Price: At about $101, including accommodations and most activities, it offers a decent balance of cost and experience for most travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Balanced Look at the Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour

Starting Off in Ho Chi Minh City

The tour begins with a convenient pick-up from your meeting point in Ho Chi Minh City. Expect a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride of about 1.5 hours, passing through green rice fields and rural scenery. This short trip sets the tone, promising a break from city chaos and a glimpse into Vietnam’s countryside.

First Day: From My Tho to Ben Tre

The first stop is Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho, a colorful, sprawling Buddhist temple that blends Vietnamese, Khmer, and European architectural influences. It’s a fine place to get your bearings and absorb some local spiritual ambiance. We loved the architecture influenced by multiple cultures, making it quite unique among Vietnamese pagodas.

Next, you’ll hop onto a motorized boat on the Tien River. The boat cruise is a highlight, taking you past fishing ports, stilt houses, and boat-building workshops. Keep your camera ready for views of Dragon, Phoenix, and Unicorn Islets, which add a whimsical touch to the landscape.

The boat then navigates through Bao Dinh Canal into Ben Tre, known as the “coconut land”. Here, you’ll visit a coconut candy workshop and enjoy some honey tea—simple, sweet treats that showcase local craftsmanship. The boat ride continues into small canals, shaded by water coconuts, a peaceful moment that many travelers find especially memorable.

Lunch and Village Life

A lunch in an orchard garden is part of the experience, allowing you to savor fresh, tropical fruits and local dishes amid nature. Afterward, you’ll take a leisurely walk through a village, visiting a fruit garden and listening to Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by villagers. This part of the tour is about connecting with the local rhythm and daily routines.

We appreciated the chance to see local life firsthand—from picking fruits to participating in traditional activities. One reviewer noted that “fully covered by the water coconuts trees and cool breezes is something you should not miss”, highlighting the sensory pleasure of the boat rides.

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From Ben Tre to Can Tho

After the village activities, you’ll cruise back along Tan Thach natural canal before transferring to your bus heading toward Can Tho City. The evening check-in at a 3-star hotel gives you free time to explore or relax. The accommodation is a practical base for the second day, with some travelers noting the option to upgrade for more luxury.

Day Two: Floating Market and Local Life

The morning begins with a boat trip to explore the tributaries of the Mekong River, offering scenic views of the river’s calm waters and lively boats. The highlight is the Cai Rang Floating Market, a bustling hub of activity where vendors sell everything from produce to household goods directly from their boats.

Most travelers find the floating market a photogenic and lively place—though some mention it’s become quieter compared to years past, with fewer boats and vendors, as one review notes that the floating markets were “much less numerous than 6 years ago”. Still, it’s an icon worth seeing.

You’ll also get a chance to see how Vietnamese vermicelli noodles are made and walk through a village where passing the “Monkey Bridge”—a bamboo crossing—is a fun, if slightly daring, experience.

Lunch at My Khánh Tourist Village

The second day includes a lunch at the tourist village, which offers another chance to try local dishes and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Afterward, the bus takes you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Experience and Review Highlights

Guides like Lana often make a difference, providing insights into local industries and traditions. One reviewer praised the knowledgeable guides, saying they made the experience engaging and informative. Conversely, some found the schedule less smooth, with less organization on the second day, including early mornings and some unplanned downtime.

The tour’s value lies in its combination of scenic boat rides, cultural visits, and local workshops, all for a reasonable price. Including meals, entrance fees, and a night’s stay in a decent hotel, it appeals to travelers looking for a comprehensive Mekong experience without breaking the bank.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an authentic taste of Mekong village life and enjoy scenic waterways. If you’re drawn to local crafts, floating markets, and rural landscapes, you’ll find plenty to delight in. The inclusion of local music, fruit tasting, and workshop visits makes it a well-rounded cultural experience.

However, if you prefer a more seamless or nature-focused trip, or dislike shop-heavy stops, you might find some parts less satisfying. The second day’s schedule, especially after the floating market, can feel a bit rushed or disorganized, according to some reviews. It’s best suited for those who enjoy an active, engaging itinerary rather than a relaxed, purely scenic escape.

Final Thoughts

This Mekong Delta tour offers a solid balance of scenery, culture, and local life at a reasonable price point. The boat rides and visits to coconut workshops and floating markets are highlights, supported by good guides who deepen your understanding of the region. The accommodations and meals are straightforward, providing comfort without luxury, which keeps the focus on the experience itself.

While not all reviews are glowing—some mention scheduling issues or a shift toward shopping—the core experience remains authentic and visually stunning. It’s best for curious travelers eager to see Vietnam’s rural heart, and who enjoy interactive activities and scenic waterways.

If you’re after a comprehensive Mekong experience that balances sightseeing with culture—this tour offers a meaningful taste of the delta’s tranquil beauty and vibrant livelihood.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers can join with the surcharge of 400,000 VND, paid directly to the guide. The group setting offers a chance to meet like-minded travelers.

How long is the bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City?
The initial bus trip takes approximately 1.5 hours, passing through lush rice fields and rural scenery.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides 2 lunches and 1 breakfast, with options to upgrade or add dinners at an extra cost. Meals are served at local spots and the orchard garden.

What are the accommodation details?
You’ll stay overnight in a 3-star hotel in Can Tho. Upgrades to 5-star are available for an additional fee.

What activities are included on the second day?
The main activities include exploring tributaries of the Mekong River, visiting Cai Rang floating market, seeing how vermicelli noodles are made, and walking through local villages.

Is the floating market worth visiting?
Most travelers find the floating market a lively and picturesque experience, though some note it’s less bustling than in the past. Expect scenery and authentic market scenes rather than a major shopping hub.

Can I expect a very organized schedule?
Reviews suggest that while the first day is well-structured, the second day can feel a bit rushed or less organized, especially regarding breakfast timing and activity planning.

You can check availability for your dates here: