From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta Tour to My Tho & Ben Tre 1Day

Travelers looking to leave the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City behind and discover the peaceful beauty of the Mekong Delta will find this full-day tour appealing. For $45, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring the waterways, visiting charming islands, and sampling local treats. The trip starts early, with pickup from your hotel, and offers a well-rounded introduction to southern Vietnam’s lush landscape and rural life.

What we particularly enjoy about this tour are the opportunities to cruise through palm-lined canals on a sampan and the chance to taste fresh tropical fruits while listening to UNESCO-recognized folk music. It’s a blend of scenic calmness and vibrant local culture that makes the Mekong Delta so special.

One potential consideration is that the tour is quite structured—everything is timed to keep the schedule running smoothly. If you prefer the flexibility to linger longer at certain spots or explore on your own, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural insight, and relaxed boat rides. It’s ideal for those wanting a comprehensive yet manageable taste of the Mekong without venturing into longer, more complicated excursions.

Key Points

• Authentic boat experiences: Sampans and rowing boats offer close-up views of canal life.
• Cultural highlights: Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda and enjoy traditional folk music recognized by UNESCO.
• Local flavors: Taste coconut candy, honey tea, and tropical fruits in scenic settings.
• Rural lifestyles: Ride a Lambro or horse cart through villages and see how local products like candy are handmade.
• Convenient logistics: Pickup and drop-off from Ho Chi Minh make for a stress-free day.
• Value for money: At $45 with plenty of highlights, this tour offers good bang for your buck.

If you’ve ever wondered what life looks like along one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic waterways, this tour gives you a manageable snapshot. It’s designed for travelers who want a taste of rural Vietnam, traditional crafts, and scenic waterways without hours of travel or a long-term commitment.

Starting early at 7:30 a.m., the journey begins with a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the countryside. We find this drive especially pleasant because it’s a chance to see Vietnam’s lush, green landscape rolling past as your guide points out local sights and stories. It’s a reminder of how different and tranquil the Mekong region is compared to the city’s hustle.

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Vinh Trang Pagoda: A Cultural Gem

The first stop is the Vinh Trang Pagoda, built in 1849, which is a striking example of the area’s blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer architecture. We loved the gardens full of exotic plants and the more than 60 Buddha statues crafted from various materials—an impressive display of religious art. This stop offers quiet reflection and a chance to appreciate the spiritual side of Vietnamese life.

Unicorn Island and the Mekong River Cruise

After the pagoda, you’ll hop on a motorboat that whisks you along the Mekong River, offering sweeping views of the water and countryside. The boat ride itself is peaceful and gives a sense of how vital these waterways are for local transportation and commerce.

Unicorn Island, one of the four islands visited, is where the tour shines. Here, you’ll find a local bee farm where you can sip honey tea made from nectar collected by thousands of bees—a surprisingly sweet and refreshing experience. The farm visit features a quick walk through lush tropical fruit gardens, giving you the chance to see and smell the bounty of the region.

Listening to traditional Ca Tài T music—a UNESCO-recognized folk style—adds a layer of cultural richness. As the tunes float over the island, you can sample fresh tropical fruits like mango, dragon fruit, and rambutan. These moments of music and fresh produce highlight how the delta maintains its traditions amid modern tourism.

Exploring Canals and Local Life

Next, the tour takes a more intimate turn with a small rowing boat through narrow canals lined with nipa palms. We loved this part—the serenity, the close-up views of everyday life along the waterways, and the chance to see locals going about their routines. It’s a window into a way of life that’s been largely unchanged for generations.

This peaceful cruise also exemplifies the importance of water in the delta’s lifestyle—transport, food, and community all revolve around these waterways.

Ben Tre and Coconut Candy Making

Heading into Ben Tre province, known as the “land of coconuts,” the tour offers a glimpse into rural craft and industry. Visiting a coconut candy workshop, you’ll see how locals turn fresh coconuts into sweet treats. Be sure to sample the handmade coconut candies—they’re delicious, with a natural sweetness and chewy texture.

For a nostalgic experience, you’ll ride on a Lambro motor tricycle or a horse cart through quiet village roads. This slow-paced ride takes you past local homes, farms, and coconut groves, giving you a feel for the rural rhythm of life. As one review notes, this nostalgic ride allows for a real glimpse into the simple, friendly, and unhurried world of the delta.

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Local Cuisine and Relaxation

Around noon, the tour pauses for a lunch at a local restaurant. The menu features regional specialties such as caramelized clay-pot fish and spring rolls—simple dishes, but packed with flavor. We appreciated the opportunity to sit in a local setting and taste authentic food rather than touristy fare.

Post-lunch, travelers often take a moment to relax—perhaps in a hammock or wandering around the village by bike. It’s a quiet way to absorb the slower pace of delta life, which many reviews find to be a highlight.

Return Journey and Reflection

In the afternoon, it’s time to cruise back along the Mekong River to the pier, then hop on the bus for the 1.5-hour return to Ho Chi Minh. The entire day wraps up around 5:00 p.m., leaving you with lasting impressions of the peaceful waterways and warm smiles of the local people.

This tour operates with two pickup options—either in District 1 or District 4—making it accessible regardless of where you stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Pickup arrangements are confirmed via WhatsApp or email, and the tour guide (speaking both English and Vietnamese) ensures you’re well-informed throughout.

The price of $45 includes transportation, entry fees, a boat cruise, and some local tastings. It’s a price point that offers good value considering the variety of experiences packed into a single day. Keep in mind, the tour is quite structured, so if you prefer to explore independently or linger longer, you might find it a bit rushed.

We also note that the tour is shared with other travelers, which helps keep costs down but can sometimes mean a busier atmosphere. The schedule includes a 30-minute stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, a 2-hour visit to Unicorn Island, and 2.5 hours in Ben Tre, which balances sightseeing and leisure.

What Reviewers Say

One traveler summarized the experience as “Very good, that’s interesting,” appreciating the variety and scenic views. Another reviewer felt that the tour was “very touristy and well-oiled,” noting that “everything is calculated to link up to the minute,” but still found the guide to be nice and appreciated the local food.

These reviews suggest that while the tour is quite organized, it provides a solid overview of the Mekong’s highlights, especially for first-timers or those with limited time.

This trip is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to the Mekong Delta’s sights, sounds, and flavors. It suits travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, cultural sites, and local food, but do not want to spend days in the region.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic experiences with a touch of comfort and convenience, you’ll find this tour well worth the price. It offers a good balance of sightseeing, cultural insight, and relaxation—perfect for a day trip that feels fulfilling but not exhausting.

This tour provides an accessible and well-organized way to experience the true essence of the Mekong Delta. You’ll enjoy tranquil boat rides, fascinating local crafts, and the chance to taste delicious regional food—all within a manageable, single-day itinerary. It’s a great choice for those new to Vietnam or travelers who want the highlights without the complication of longer excursions.

While it’s a structured tour, that’s often a benefit when you want to see the main sights efficiently. The friendly guides and scenic waterways create lasting memories of Vietnam’s lush south.

If you’re eager for a taste of rural life, traditional music, and tropical bounty, and prefer a comfortable, straightforward day, this tour will deliver. It’s particularly suitable for those wanting a good value experience that combines cultural insight with natural beauty.

What time does the tour start?
Pickup begins around 7:30 a.m., with a drive to My Tho. Exact times may vary based on your hotel location.

How long is the drive from Ho Chi Minh City?
The transfer takes about 1.5 hours each way, giving you some scenic views of the countryside en route.

What attractions are included?
You’ll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, cruise on the Mekong River, explore Unicorn Island, and visit a coconut candy workshop in Ben Tre.

Are meals included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a Mekong Delta lunch with regional dishes.

What type of transportation is used?
Transport includes a motorboat for river cruising, a small rowing boat through canals, and a Lambro or horse cart for village rides.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
Yes, but keep in mind the boat rides and walking involved; younger children or those with mobility issues should consider this.

Can I customize or extend the tour?
This tour follows a fixed schedule, but you can discuss special needs or preferences with your guide beforehand.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and possibly a hat and sunglasses are recommended. High heels are discouraged.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, from pickup in the morning to hotel drop-off in the late afternoon.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, it’s designed for small groups, and solo travelers often find the shared experience welcoming and easy to join.

In all, this Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh offers a practical, scenic, and culturally rich snapshot of Vietnam’s most iconic waterway—and at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a first-timer or want a reliable introduction, it’s a trip that balances comfort with authentic charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: