Ben Tre is a favorite for travelers wanting to experience the Mekong Delta without jumping into long, complicated trips. What makes Ben Tre special? Its peaceful riverside villages, coconut plantations, and authentic local life stand out. Many tours include boat rides through quiet canals, visits to local workshops, and tasty tropical fruits. We especially like tours that combine immersive experiences with good value — like the Mekong Delta 2 Days 1 Night – Shared Tour for its authentic overnight stay, or the From Ho Chi Minh: Less tourist 2D tour Ben Tre-Can Tho for its quieter, more genuine vibe. These tours give a real sense of local life away from the crowds. For a comprehensive look at the floating markets, the From Ho Chi Minh: 2-Day Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Market Tour is perfect.
Below, you’ll find four standout options, each with its own style and focus — from full-on immersive overnight trips to more relaxed day tours. Whatever your travel style, there’s a good fit here.
1. Mekong Delta 2 Days 1 Night – Shared Tour
At number 1, this shared overnight tour offers a full immersion into the Mekong Delta’s charm. For around $101 per person, you get two days packed with boat trips, local workshops, and authentic interactions. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a genuine experience without a hefty price tag. The tour includes exploring the Mekong River, riding a rowing sampan, and tasting tropical fruits and drinks directly from the region’s bounty.
The trip emphasizes authentic Mekong life — staying overnight in a local guesthouse rather than a fancy hotel, which adds a layer of immersion you won’t get on day trips. The boat rides through narrow canals and visits to local workshops, where you’ll see how tropical fruits are processed or how rice paper is made, make this tour memorable. The guide shares stories and insights about local customs, which helps you connect with the community.
The main strength? It strikes a solid balance between affordability and authentic experience. It’s suitable for travelers eager to step off the tourist trail and spend a night in the countryside. The reviews are mixed, with a 3.7/5 rating based on six reviews, mainly praising the immersive activities but noting some logistical room for improvement.
Bottom Line: If you want an authentic Mekong Delta experience that includes overnight stays and local workshops without breaking the bank, this tour hits the spot.
$101 per person
2. HCMC: Mekong Delta 2-Days My Tho–Ben Tre & Cai Rang Market
Coming in at number 2, this two-day tour offers a relaxed pace with a mix of cultural visits and scenic boat rides. For just $78 per person, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a broad overview of the Mekong Delta. The trip highlights include a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda, cruising past islets on the Tien River, and exploring coconut-lined canals by sampan.
You’ll enjoy a set-menu lunch in a garden restaurant, and there’s free time for optional cycling — a great way to see local life up close. The tour also includes visiting a honey tea and seasonal fruits stand, plus a boat trip into the tributaries of the Lower Mekong River. In the evening, a dinner cruise on Can Tho River with folk music adds a relaxing touch to the experience.
While it doesn’t include an overnight stay in Ben Tre, it offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s highlights, including the Cai Rang Floating Market, which is one of the most iconic sights in the delta. The reviews are nearly as high as the previous tour, with a 3.6/5 rating based on seven reviews, making it a popular pick for those seeking value and variety.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, affordable overview of the Mekong with cultural highlights and a comfortable pace.
$78 per person
3. From Ho Chi Minh City: Less tourist 2D tour Ben Tre-Can Tho
Occupying the top spot at number 3, this less-touristy two-day tour is perfect for travelers craving a quieter, more authentic Mekong experience. For $334 per person, this is more of an investment, but it offers a deeper, less crowded exploration of Ben Tre and Can Tho. The tour features cycling through picturesque villages, visits to Cocoa trees, and hands-on chocolate-making — a sweet touch that sets it apart. You also explore the Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve via boat, giving you a peaceful escape into nature.
The tour’s reviews are outstanding, with a 4.7/5 rating based on reviews that praise the personal touch and unique activities. Guides are well-informed, sharing stories about local crafts and traditions. The overnight in Can Tho allows for a relaxed visit to Cai Rang Floating Market at dawn, which is less crowded than other markets and offers a more genuine look at local commerce.
This tour suits travelers who want to escape the crowds and experience the natural beauty and local craftsmanship of the Mekong Delta. It’s more suited for those comfortable with a slightly higher price point and looking for a richer, more intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who prioritize authentic, quieter experiences and don’t mind paying a bit more for a personalized, in-depth journey.
$334 per person
4. From Ho Chi Minh: 2-Day Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Market Tour
Rounding out our list at number 4, this two-day tour is a solid, straightforward option for exploring Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in Southeast Asia. At $74 per person, it offers good value for travelers who want to see the vibrant floating market scene along with other classic Mekong highlights.
The tour includes a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda and cruises along the Tien River, taking in four sacred islets. You’ll explore Thoi Son Island, with stops at honeybee farms, fruit gardens, and coconut candy workshops. The boat rides through coconut canals are peaceful and give a real sense of the region’s craftsmanship and rural life. The highlight is definitely the visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market, where morning is best for vibrant sights and bustling activity.
While reviews are not available, the itinerary’s content suggests it’s a good choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, hands-on Mekong experience at a very reasonable price. The mix of cultural, natural, and market visits makes this a practical pick for those seeking a classic Mekong delta experience without added frills.
Bottom Line: Best suited for budget travelers who want a full day of Mekong sights, especially the famous floating market, with a straightforward itinerary.
$74 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a Mekong Delta tour, consider your budget, preferred pace, and interests. If authentic overnight stays and local workshops appeal, the Mekong Delta 2 Days 1 Night – Shared Tour offers a solid, immersive experience. For those who want a relaxed, broad overview, the HCMC: Mekong Delta 2-Days is a good option. Travelers seeking quieter, more personal adventures should look at the Less tourist 2D tour, especially if they value small-group intimacy and natural beauty. Meanwhile, the Cai Rang Market tour fits those who want to see the iconic floating market at a budget-friendly price.
Timing also matters — early morning is best for floating markets, and booking ahead is wise, especially for the more popular tours. Consider your fitness level, too: cycling, walking, or boat rides vary in intensity.
Final Thoughts
Ben Tre offers a variety of 2-day tours that cater to different interests and budgets. For a full, authentic experience with overnight stays, the shared overnight tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a relaxed itinerary with cultural highlights, the less tourist tour might be your best choice. Budget travelers eager to see the floating market and enjoy simple river cruises will find the Cai Rang Market trip ideal.
Whatever you pick, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on the best experiences. Whether you’re after a deep cultural journey or a scenic boat ride, Ben Tre’s calm waterways and friendly villages won’t disappoint.