From HCM: 2-Day Mekong Delta Floating Market exit Phu Quoc

A Closer Look at the 2-Day Mekong Delta Floating Market Tour

This 2-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc offers a fascinating glimpse into the life along the Mekong River, with highlights like visiting the Vinh Trang Pagoda, exploring the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, and enjoying a boat cruise through peaceful creeks. The trip costs $201 per person and spans two days and one night, making it a substantial yet manageable way to see the Mekong’s most iconic sights.

What we love about this experience is how it balances culture with relaxed moments—you get a taste of local life, especially with visits to coconut islands, where honey tea and tropical fruits are served. Plus, the boat rides are generally gentle and scenic, perfect for those wanting a less hectic, more authentic look at rural Vietnam.

One consideration is the transportation quality—some past travelers have pointed out that the bus to Phu Quoc and the hotel accommodations could be better, especially if you prefer comfort and modern amenities. The schedule is quite packed, so if you’re looking for unstructured downtime, this might feel a bit intense.

This tour suits travelers interested in authentic Mekong experiences, especially those eager to explore floating markets and rural village life in a compact, guided setting. If you enjoy sampling local foods, live performances, and boat trips, you’ll find plenty to love here.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Mekong Experience: Discover floating markets, traditional crafts, and local cuisine.
• Comfortable boat rides: Cruise along the Mekong River, exploring fish cages and floating houses.
• Cultural highlights: Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda and local markets for insight into Vietnamese spirituality and daily life.
• Tropical treat sampling: Enjoy seasonal fruits, honey tea, and coconut candies, especially at Unicorn Island.
• Well-organized itinerary: Includes multiple stops, boat trips, and traditional performances, making the most of two days.
• Questionable hotel quality: Past reviews note the hotel in Can Tho was basic, so consider your comfort expectations.

In-Depth Review of the 2-Day Mekong Delta Tour

This tour offers a well-structured adventure into the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, with a focus on floating markets, local crafts, and rural scenery. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, it takes you through a series of highlights, with enough variety to keep the experience lively but manageable within two days.

Day 1: From Ho Chi Minh City to the Heart of the Mekong

Your journey begins early, with a 7:30 AM pickup. From there, you’ll head out to Vinh Trang Pagoda, a grand Buddhist temple that’s the largest in the Mekong area. This stop is a peaceful introduction, offering a glimpse into Vietnamese religious architecture and spirituality. You’ll want to keep your camera ready for some great photos.

Next, the trip continues to My Tho, where the real Mekong magic begins. A boat cruise along the river reveals fish cages and floating houses, giving you a peek into local livelihoods. We loved the way these boats and houses seem to float as a community, a vivid reminder of how people live in harmony with the river.

One of the highlights here is a hand-rowed boat through tranquil creeks—perfect for escaping the busier parts and observing village life up close. It’s a calm, scenic ride that feels genuinely authentic. The visit to Coconut Island in Ben Tre stands out, especially the workshop that shows how coconut candy is made—an edible souvenir from your journey.

At Unicorn Island, you can expect a multi-sensory experience: a quick motor cart ride, live Vietnamese music, and tasting of seasonal tropical fruits. We appreciated the chance to sample honey tea at a bee farm, a simple yet sweet highlight. The outdoor lunch, served under shady trees, features special Vietnamese dishes—refreshing and flavorful, if a bit basic.

In the evening, you’ll arrive in Can Tho for your overnight stay. The hotel’s quality has been a point of contention; some found it lacking, so if comfort is key, plan accordingly. Still, the opportunity to stroll through Can Tho’s lively streets at night adds a nice local flavor.

Day 2: Floating Markets and onward to Phu Quoc

Bright and early, the second day kicks off with a breakfast at the hotel. The day’s star is the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most animated in the Mekong. A boat tour here offers a vivid look at how locals buy and sell fresh produce, with vendors calling out from their boats. As one traveler put it, “It was a lively, colorful scene—very authentic.”

After exploring the market, you’ll visit a rice noodle-making shop and a local market in the city center, adding depth to your understanding of rural commerce.

The journey then takes you by car to Rach Gia—a drive with a stop for lunch along the way. The final leg involves a boat transfer from Rach Gia to Phu Quoc, arriving around 4:00 PM. The trip concludes here, making it a seamless link between Vietnam’s mainland and the island paradise.

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Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses an air-conditioned bus—generally comfortable, though some reviews mention the bus being quite old and less comfortable. The group size is limited to 14 participants, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable. The small group aspect encourages interaction and personal attention from your guide.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour fee covers transport, entrance fees, two lunches, a dinner, and breakfast, along with boat trips, bike rides, fruit tastings, honey tea, and coconut candy samples. The hotel stay in Can Tho is included, but past guests have expressed disappointment with its basic standards. The boat transfer to Phu Quoc is also part of the package, making it easy to continue your adventure on the island.

Extra expenses include additional meals, personal expenses, and the single room supplement if you prefer private accommodations.

What Past Travelers Say

The general consensus is that the tour is well-organized with lots of highlights. One traveler praised the “good guide” and “smooth transport,” but noted that the hotel was “very low quality” and “far from the pier.” Conversely, another flagged the bus’s age and discomfort and mentioned feeling pressured to buy at stops, which some travelers find tiresome.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Bring comfortable shoes, especially for bike rides and walking around markets.
• Pack a hat and sunscreen—shade can be sparse, and the sun can be intense.
• A camera is essential to capture the floating markets and river scenery.
• Carry some cash for small purchases or tips, especially at local workshops.
• Expect an early start and a full schedule—this trip maximizes sightseeing but can feel rushed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re seeking an immersive snapshot of Mekong River life, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. It’s particularly suited for food lovers and culture enthusiasts who want to see floating markets, sample tropical fruits, and enjoy traditional performances. The inclusion of local crafts and markets makes it appealing for those curious about rural livelihoods.

However, if you prioritize high-end accommodations or a more relaxed pace, you might find the hotel standards and schedule a little tight. It’s also ideal for small groups who appreciate guided insights and want to avoid the hassle of organizing transportation themselves.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour provides a solid introduction to the Mekong Delta, balancing scenic boat rides, cultural sights, and delicious food. While the accommodations may not match luxury standards, the experience is authentic and packed with memorable moments. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the river’s vital role in Vietnamese life and a handful of tasty souvenirs.

It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who don’t mind an early start and a busy schedule, and for those eager to experience the vibrant floating markets and rural villages firsthand. For anyone wanting a meaningful peek into Vietnam’s river-based culture, this trip delivers plenty of value.

FAQ

How long is the tour from start to finish?
The tour lasts two days and one night, with departures starting around 7:40 AM on Day 1 and returning to Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc on Day 2 in the late afternoon.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, entrance fees, two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast, boat trips, bike rides, tropical fruit tastings, honey tea, coconut candy samples, and a hotel stay in Can Tho.

Are there any optional extras I should expect?
Extras like additional meals or drinks beyond what’s listed, personal expenses, or a single room supplement are not included in the base price.

Is the transportation comfortable?
The bus operates with air conditioning, but some travelers have noted it’s quite old. The group size is small, which helps, but overall comfort varies depending on your expectations.

What is the quality of hotel accommodation?
Past reviews mention the hotel as being basic and far from the pier, with some beds described as hard. If comfort is a priority, consider bringing earplugs or requesting specific room preferences if possible.

Can I request a pickup from my hotel?
Yes, you can choose to be picked up at your hotel in District 1 or proceed directly to the meeting point at 243 Thám Street.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, as long as participants are comfortable with early mornings, boat rides, and walking. The pace can be brisk, so plan accordingly for children or seniors.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, camera, water, and perhaps a small backpack for day gear. It’s best to be prepared for outdoor activities and sun exposure.

This 2-day Mekong Delta tour combines the best of Vietnam’s river life, local cuisine, and scenic beauty, offering an authentic and engaging experience for curious travelers. Though accommodations and some travel aspects could be more refined, the vibrant markets, traditional music, and tropical fruits make it a worthwhile adventure for those who want to taste real Vietnam.

You can check availability for your dates here: