From HCM: Mekong Delta Can Tho Floating Market 2-Day Tour

Experience the Mekong Delta in Two Days: A Practical, Authentic Tour

A trip to the Mekong Delta offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s lush countryside, vibrant waterways, and daily village life. This 2-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City (around $100 per person) takes you through My Tho, Ben Tre, and Can Tho, showcasing iconic floating markets, colorful fruit gardens, and traditional crafts. The tour is designed for those looking to see a more relaxed, rural side of Vietnam, away from the hustle of the city.

What we like most about this tour is the chance to explore local industries, like honey production and coconut candy making—hands-on experiences that bring the culture to life. Plus, the boat trips on the Mekong River and its tributaries provide a peaceful, scenic perspective that’s hard to match from land.

However, travelers should be aware that some reviews mention tourist traps and disorganization, especially concerning activities that feel rushed or overly commercialized. For those expecting a fully authentic experience, it’s worth keeping a critical eye on how much time is spent shopping or being sold souvenirs.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a taste of rural Vietnam with guided support, but those seeking a deeply immersive or untouched local interaction may want to do additional research or consider alternative options. Still, if you’re comfortable with some touristy elements in exchange for convenience and a broad overview, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines cultural sights, boat rides, and local village visits.
• Value for money: At $100, including meals and transportation, it offers a comprehensive option.
• Highlights include: Floating market, Vinh Trang pagoda, honey farm, and Cai Rang market.
• Potential drawbacks: Some activities may feel rushed or geared toward shopping.
• Guides and food: Guides are generally enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and meals often highlight local flavors.
• Suitable for: Travelers wanting an accessible introduction to the Mekong Delta with some authentic moments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Mekong Delta Tour Experience

Getting There and the General Flow

The tour departs early from Ho Chi Minh City, with pick-up from hotels near Ben Thanh Market between 7:30 and 8:30 AM. This timing is typical for day trips and allows you to maximize your time in the Mekong region. The journey to My Tho and Ben Tre takes about 2-3 hours, giving you a chance to relax and get into the scenic mindset.

Transportation is by new, air-conditioned bus, which makes the long drive more comfortable. The tour also includes boat rides — a highlight for many — with options like rowing boats and larger cruise vessels. The mix of land and water transport helps keep the experience dynamic.

The First Day: Exploring My Tho and Beyond

Once you arrive in My Tho, your first stop is at the Mekong Restop, where you can stretch your legs, buy snacks, or use the restroom—small touches that can make your trip smoother. From there, you visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a notable religious site built in the 19th century. It’s an impressive example of southern Vietnamese architecture, with intricate carvings and peaceful gardens.

Next, a boat takes you along the Tien River, passing four islets: Long, Lan, Qui, and Phung. These provide lovely photo opportunities and a sense of how the locals live along the riverbanks. Walking through Lan Island, you’ll see traditional houses, fruit gardens, and learn about honey bee farming—an authentic detail that adds flavor to the journey.

The coconut candy workshop is a particular highlight. We loved the chance to observe how these sweet treats are made by hand, a fun and tasty lesson in local craftsmanship. The activity also includes tasting honey lemon tea and enjoying the natural beauty of the gardens.

In the afternoon, visitors can relax with options like fish-feeding crocodiles, crossing the famous “Monkey Bridge,” or cycling around the village. These choices add some variety for different energy levels and interests. Lunch is served at a local restaurant with a set menu, focusing on Vietnamese dishes.

The Evening in Can Tho

After heading to Can Tho, the overnight stay is at a 3-star hotel in the city center—convenient for exploring at night. The evening’s highlight is a dinner cruise on the Can Tho river, where you can enjoy Western-style cuisine and listen to local amateur music. This provides a leisurely, scenic end to the day, especially pleasant if you like river views and a gentle breeze.

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Day Two: Floating Markets and Rural Adventures

Early morning, a boat cruise takes you to Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the biggest in the Mekong Delta. Here, vendors sell fresh produce directly from their boats, creating a lively, bustling scene. It’s a favorite for many, offering a glimpse into the commercial life that sustains the region.

You also visit the My Khanh Ecotourism Village, where you can stroll through fruit gardens and flower beds, and see an ancient house over 100 years old. This stop balances the commercial aspect of the floating market with a more relaxed, scenic experience.

Lunch is at the local My Khanh tourist village, where you can relax, take photos, and enjoy the rural atmosphere. The final stop is the Purple House film studio, a recent addition that’s been gaining attention. It’s a quirky, highly stylized attraction with a purple theme that’s especially popular on social media.

Your return to Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled for late afternoon, around 5:30 PM, completing a rundown of the delta’s sights and rural charm.

What the Reviews Say: Authenticity and Disappointments

While many travelers find value in the tour’s scenic boat rides and cultural stops, some express frustration. Gabriel, for example, describes the experience as a “scam from start to finish,” criticizing the tour for being dominated by Vietnamese language and forced sales. He also mentions that the “floating market” was more like a shop by the water, and the activities felt rushed and commercialized.

Others, like a traveler from GetYourGuide, praise the “varied program” and the “great guide,” suggesting a generally enjoyable trip. Yet, a different reviewer notes that the experience can feel “too touristy,” with an emphasis on sales pitches rather than authentic cultural exchanges.

This mixed feedback highlights the need for realistic expectations. If you’re seeking a well-organized, scenic overview, this tour can deliver. But if you’re after a deeply authentic or untouched local experience, it might fall short.

Transportation, Duration, and Value

The use of a new, air-conditioned bus ensures comfort during the transfers, which are quite lengthy — about 2-3 hours to reach the delta, and a similar return trip. The boat rides are central to the experience, giving you a peaceful perspective on life along the river.

Cost-wise, $100 includes meals, boat tickets, and guide services, which is reasonable considering the scope. However, beware of optional extras and additional costs at various stops, especially souvenirs or activities that are not included in the package.

The hotel stay in Can Tho offers a decent base for exploring at night, and the dinner cruise adds a nice touch. The guided commentary is described as enthusiastic and attentive, enhancing the overall experience.

Authenticity, Practical Tips, and Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour offers a structured glimpse into rural life with organized stops that are suitable for first-time visitors. It’s particularly good for those who want an easy-to-book, guided experience with a mix of cultural sites, scenic waterways, and local markets.

That said, some activities may feel somewhat touristy — a common trade-off for convenience and broad coverage. If your main goal is to see unguided local life or explore off the beaten path, you might want to supplement this tour with independent travel or smaller, more local-focused excursions.

For travelers on a budget, the inclusive price and the chance to visit multiple sites in two days make it a value-packed option. Just be prepared for some busy moments and potentially hurried visits to certain attractions.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re seeking a comfortable, well-supported introduction to the Mekong Delta, this tour is a solid choice. It offers scenic boat rides, visits to key sights like Cai Rang Floating Market, and the chance to experience local crafts and foods. The guides are generally praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, which can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the trip.

However, if you’re after authenticity without the touristy feel, or if you’re highly sensitive to commercial tactics, this might not be your preferred option. Keep in mind that some reviews mention overexposure to sales pitches and rushed activities. It’s always worth setting expectations: this is a curated experience, not an untouched slice of rural Vietnam.

This tour offers a practical, scenic, and educational snapshot of the Mekong’s rivers and villages—ideal for curious travelers who want to see the highlights without fuss.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation in a new, air-conditioned bus, boat rides (including rowing boats), tickets to the My Khanh tourist area, meals (2 lunches and 1 breakfast), a guide, life jackets, and some small gifts like fruits and folk games.

How long is the journey from Ho Chi Minh City?
The drive to the Mekong Delta takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. The return trip is about the same length, making the total travel time quite substantial.

Are meals provided?
Yes, the tour includes two set-menu lunches and a breakfast on the second day. These meals are typically Vietnamese dishes, often including local specialties.

What are the main attractions?
Highlights include Vinh Trang Pagoda, Lan Island, coconut candy workshop, Cai Rang floating market, and My Khanh ecotourism village. The evening cruise and Purple House studio are additional highlights.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it can be suitable for families, especially those comfortable with guided bus and boat trips. Keep in mind the long travel times and potential for busy, touristy spots.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, sun protection, and a hat. Bring cash for small purchases, sunscreen, and a camera. Life jackets are provided for boat rides.

In sum, this 2-day Mekong Delta tour offers a practical overview of southern Vietnam’s waterways, markets, and rural life. It’s heavy on convenience and scenic highlights, but with some caveats about commercialization and activity pacing. For travelers eager to see the delta’s famous floating markets and lush landscapes without the hassle of planning, it can be a worthwhile choice—just keep expectations aligned with the tour’s organized nature.

You can check availability for your dates here: