Full-day Mekong Delta and My Tho tour from Ho Chi Minh City

A Complete Guide to the Full-day Mekong Delta and My Tho Tour from Ho Chi Minh City

Planning a trip to Vietnam and want to experience its iconic waterways, lush landscapes, and bustling river life without breaking the bank? This full-day Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City offers just that — for around $24 per person. Led by friendly guides, you’ll explore My Tho, Unicorn Island, Ben Tre, and more, with plenty of opportunities to see fishermen at work, visit local craft workshops, and taste delicious regional specialties.

What do we love most? First, the scenery cruise along the Mekong’s scenic canals, where the views of rice paddies, floating villages, and fruit orchards make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Vietnamese painting. Second, the chance to visit Unicorn Island, a peaceful spot with traditional crafts and lush landscapes, offers a genuine look at local life away from tourist crowds.

The main consideration? The itinerary can feel somewhat rushed, especially if your expectations include deeper exploration into the Delta’s more remote areas like Ben Tre or Cai Rang floating markets. This tour primarily stays close to My Tho and the islands directly in front of it, which might leave travelers wanting more expansive excursions.

This tour suits first-time visitors eager to get a snapshot of the Mekong’s everyday life, budget travelers appreciating good value, or anyone wanting a comfortable, well-organized day trip that hits the highlights without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $24, it offers excellent value with lunch, transportation, and activities included.
• Scenic Canal Cruising: Experience the beauty of the Mekong’s waterways aboard boats, both motorized and traditional rowboats.
• Authentic Cultural Stops: Visit islands, orchards, and craft workshops for a glimpse into local Vietnamese life.
• Taste Regional Food: Sample tropical fruits, candies, and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
• Guide and Transportation: Led by an English-speaking guide with air-conditioned bus and safety-equipped boats.
• Group Size: Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Mekong Delta Tour

The Starting Point and Early Morning Pickup

The tour begins early at 7:45 am from Viet Fun Travel’s office in District 1. The comfortable, air-conditioned bus whisks you out of the city into the countryside, a ride that itself is a calming start to the day. We found that most travelers appreciate the small group size, capped at 20, which keeps things intimate and easy to follow.

First Stop: My Tho and Unicorn Island

Once in My Tho, the first highlight is the cruise along scenic canals. The tour involves both motor boats and traditional rowboats, giving you a varied perspective of life on the water. The scenery is nothing short of picturesque—banana trees, floating fish farms, and villagers going about their day. One reviewer raved about the “amazing trip in Mekong Delta”, noting how the guide Nguyen made the experience memorable.

At Unicorn Island, visitors explore craft workshops and orchards. The island offers a peaceful escape with opportunities to see local artisans at work and sample regional candies. Many reviews emphasize how genuine and local this stop feels, with one guest saying, “This was our best tour in Vietnam, great guide with good English, real local experience.”

Second Stop: Phoenix Island and Fruit Gardens

Next, the group visits Ben Tre’s Phoenix Island, a spot known for its tropical fruit gardens. Here, you’ll get a quick taste of Vietnamese tropical produce, often accompanied by comments on the freshness and variety of fruits. It’s a brief stop, about 15 minutes, but enough to appreciate the lush greenery and enjoy some sweet snacks.

Vinh Trang Temple: A Cultural Highlight

The tour also includes a 15-minute visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda—a beautiful, centuries-old Buddhist temple. Note that admission isn’t included, so if you want to explore inside, you might have to pay a small fee. This adds a nice cultural touch, offering insight into local religious practices.

Lunch and Additional Activities

The tour includes a delicious Vietnamese lunch, with options for vegetarians if you request in advance. Many reviewers highlight the quality and value of the meal, which features regional specialties in a local restaurant setting. Bottled water and safety equipment for boat rides are provided, making the day comfortable and safe.

Why This Tour Works Well

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guidance—the guides are friendly and often speak good English, offering storytelling and local insights that elevate the experience. Several reviews mention how guides like Nguyen and Thuy enhanced their understanding of the culture through humor and stories, making the trip more personal.

The scenery and authentic interactions are the tour’s biggest draws. You’ll see local villagers farming, fishers tending their boats, and families enjoying the river—rare moments of genuine life, far from the tourist spots.

In terms of value, for just $24, the tour includes transportation, boat rides, lunch, and all activities, which many travelers agree is a reasonable price for such a comprehensive experience. The small group size also means less waiting around and more personal attention.

Possible Drawbacks

Some reviews mention that parts of the itinerary feel rushed. If you’re hoping to explore Ben Tre or reach floating markets further into the Delta, this tour might be too limited. It stays close to My Tho and its immediate islands, so enthusiasts of more extensive Delta exploration might want to consider longer or different tours.

Is This Tour for You?

If you’re after a cost-effective introduction to the Mekong River’s life and scenery, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors, families, or those who prefer a comfortable, organized day with plenty of authentic sights and tastes.

Practical Details You Should Know

• Duration: Approximately 8 hours, from early morning pickup to late afternoon return.
• Price: Just $24 per person, including lunch and all activities.
• Meeting Point: Viet Fun Travel office in District 1, easy to reach via public transport.
• What’s Included: Guide, air-conditioned bus, boat rides, lunch, bottled water.
• What’s Not: Additional food or drinks, hotel drop-off.
• Weather: The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.
• Group Size: Limited to 20 travelers, fostering a relaxed environment.
• Booking: Most travelers book about 9 days in advance, indicating good planning and demand.
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before, perfect for flexible travelers.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Mekong Delta tour balances affordability, authenticity, and comfort. You’ll get a taste of Vietnamese river life, see beautiful scenery, and enjoy a delicious local lunch, all in a well-organized package. While it might not satisfy those seeking deep exploration into the entire Delta or floating markets further downstream, it’s a reliable choice for a first trip or a quick, meaningful glimpse into the Mekong’s daily rhythm.

It’s especially ideal if you appreciate local craftsmanship, scenic boat rides, and engaging guides who add a personal touch. For the curious traveler wanting a well-rounded, value-packed experience that captures the essence of the Mekong without the fuss, this tour is a solid pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:45 am, with pickup from the specified meeting point in District 1.

Does the price include lunch?
Yes, the tour includes a Vietnamese lunch, with vegetarian options available if requested at the time of booking.

Are the boat rides safe?
Absolutely. Boats are equipped with safety equipment, and guides prioritize safety throughout all water activities.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather. Since the tour operates regardless of weather, bring rain gear if necessary and wear sun protection.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, but the meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to access.

How big are the tour groups?
Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and personal.

Can I visit the floating market?
This tour stays close to My Tho and doesn’t venture into the deeper floating markets like Cai Rang, which require a longer trip.

What if it rains?
The tour runs in all weather conditions, so be prepared for rain or shine.

What makes this tour a good choice?
You’ll love the scenic boat rides, the chance to see local life firsthand, and the included delicious lunch—all at a very reasonable price.

In summary, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic Mekong Delta experience ideal for those seeking good value, scenic beauty, and cultural insights, all with the comfort of organized logistics. It’s a great way to enjoy the river’s charm without the complexity of planning your own day trip.