My Tho is a gateway to exploring the Mekong Delta, a region famous for its lush landscapes, bustling floating markets, and friendly locals. Its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City makes it an ideal base for day trips and longer adventures. What makes My Tho especially appealing is the variety of tours available—some focus on cultural sites like Vinh Trang Pagoda, while others dive into rural life with biking, boat trips, or even overnight stays. We particularly enjoy the From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta Day Trip with Lunch for its perfect blend of history, local experiences, and a tasty meal. It’s a well-rounded option for travelers short on time but eager to see what makes the Mekong so special.
Whether you prefer a quick half-day trip or a more immersive two-day adventure, My Tho offers something for every traveler. We’ll walk you through the top tours, highlighting what makes each one unique and which might suit your interests best.
1. From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Day Trip with Lunch
At number 1 on our list, this popular day trip from Ho Chi Minh City hits the mark for its blend of cultural highlights and relaxing boat rides. The tour includes a visit to the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple with a mix of architectural influences, perfect for understanding the spiritual side of the region. The boat cruise along the Mekong River takes you past the Tortoise, Dragon, and Phoenix islands—classic symbols of Vietnamese folklore—and is a highlight for many travelers. A visit to a local family offers a chance to sample fruits, honey tea, and local wine, all while listening to traditional music.
The tour’s coconut farm visit, where you see how coconut candy and rice paper are made, is a favorite for its hands-on experience. Relaxing on a hammock or biking around the village in Ben Tre showcases the slow pace of rural life. Reviewers praise the guide’s friendliness and the small group setting—making the trip feel intimate. The only downside noted is the limited lunch options, which some found not to their taste.
Bottom Line: This tour offers an excellent introduction to the Mekong Delta, especially if you value cultural insights and a chance to relax in a rural setting.
2. From Ho Chi Minh: Explore Mekong Delta & Vinh Trang Pagoda
At number 2, this full-day tour emphasizes local culture and countryside flavors. It starts with a visit to the honey bee farm, where you can taste fresh honey tea with lemon—a simple pleasure that captures the rural spirit. Watching fishing boats return from the sea along the Mekong River sets a tranquil tone, and a hands-on stop at a coconut candy workshop adds a tactile element to the day.
Taste a carefully prepared meal with eight dishes featuring regional ingredients, complemented by fresh tropical fruit and folk music. The tour is appreciated for its detailed explanations, with one reviewer calling their guide Steven “très impliqué,” and highlighting the visit to the pagoda as a must-see. This experience is ideal for those interested in authentic regional cuisine and traditional crafts.
Bottom Line: For travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural, culinary, and scenic experiences, this tour delivers a memorable day with rich local flavors.
3. MeKong Delta Tour
Number 3 on our list is a straightforward full-day Mekong Delta that emphasizes discovery and local excitement. It’s a more flexible experience, with a focus on getting out on the water and exploring the region’s wonders. The tour lasts about 8 hours, with a departure at 7:30 am, and is suited for those looking for a quick but lively immersion.
The guide “Linh” is praised for doing a great job, making this tour a solid choice for travelers who want a lively, engaging experience without too many frills. It’s a good pick for budget-conscious visitors who want to tick off the main Mekong sights.
Bottom Line: This tour is best for travelers wanting an energetic, straightforward introduction to the Mekong, with a focus on local scenery and authentic waterways.
4. From Ho Chi Minh: 2-Day Mekong Delta Tour: Cai Rang & Cai Be
Number 4 offers an immersive two-day experience, perfect for those wanting to go deeper into rural life and floating markets. Starting with visits to the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the tour then takes you on boat trips along the Mekong River, passing fish cages and floating houses—an authentic glimpse into local livelihood.
Overnight in Can Tho allows plenty of time to explore the Cai Rang floating market, early in the morning, to see the bustling trade of fruits and goods on the water. The trip provides a comprehensive view of the delta’s diversity, with stops at local family homes and villages. Reviewers note this tour’s high value for its detailed itinerary and local insights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking an in-depth look at Mekong life, with overnight comfort and a focus on floating markets.
5. Mekong Delta Cruise & Explore Bicycle Full Day Small Group
Number 5 combines cruising and cycling for a full-day adventure. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll cycle through the countryside, passing local villages, coconut farms, and orchards. The tour includes a delicious Vietnamese lunch and covers cultural insights into local families and traditions.
The small group size makes it easier to connect with your guide, who will share stories about daily life in the delta. Reviewers emphasize the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to see small villages away from tourist hotspots. It’s perfect for active travelers who enjoy combining land and water experiences.
Bottom Line: For those who want a hands-on, active day exploring the Mekong’s countryside, this tour is both fun and educational.
6. From Ho Chi Minh: Delta Full-Day Tour
Number 6 offers a simple, budget-friendly full-day experience that focuses on nature and local architecture. The highlight is the Vinh Trang Pagoda, and the tour includes a local lunch and tropical fruits, making it a relaxing way to see the delta without overloading your day.
It’s a good choice for those wanting a short, peaceful escape from the city, especially if you’re interested in traditional pagodas and a gentle cruise. The 3.5-star reviews indicate it’s a dependable option for budget travelers.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a low-key, affordable day with cultural and scenic highlights.
$22 per person
7. 2-Day Mekong Delta: My Tho, Ben Tre, Cai Rang Floating Market
Number 7 takes you deeper with a two-day trip, including visits to My Tho, Ben Tre, and the famous Cai Rang floating market. The itinerary includes cruising along the Tien River, visiting local workshops, and experiencing an overnight stay in Can Tho with dinner.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to soak up authentic southern Vietnamese culture and see the delta in its full glory. The review mentions the chance to explore small canals and villages with a private guide, making it very personalized.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, multi-day experience to understand the rich life of the Mekong region.
$82 per person
8. Ben Tre Coconut Village: Biking & Boat Tour from Ho Chi Minh
Number 8 offers a quieter, more local-focused adventure. You’ll bike through villages, ride a sampan along mangrove canals, and visit local workshops like coconut candy and honey farms. Sharing a homemade lunch with a local family adds a personal touch.
This tour is perfect if you want to avoid overly touristy spots and enjoy the slow pace of Vietnam’s Coconut Kingdom. Reviewers highlight the peaceful cycling routes and the chance to meet friendly locals.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers looking for a genuinely local experience outside the busy tourist areas.
$32 per person
9. Best Seller Tour – Explore Mekong Delta Day Trip with Lunch
Number 9 is a popular, well-rated day trip that hits many highlights: Vinh Trang Pagoda, a boat trip to an islet, visiting a coconut candy maker, and enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch. It emphasizes waterways and local crafts, making it suitable for first-timers.
The small group size and detailed itinerary make it a reliable choice. Reviewers appreciate the balance of culture and scenery and the chance to bike around the village afterward.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a comprehensive Mekong experience with a focus on local industry and scenic waterways.
$24 per person
10. 1-Day Experience Mekong Delta – Small Group By Van
Number 10 offers a small-group van-based tour that combines highlights like Vinh Trang Pagoda and a Mekong guided tour**. The focus is on short, engaging visits with plenty of time for photos and local interactions.
This tour is ideal for travelers who prefer less cycling and want a comfortable, guided experience. Its 4.8-star rating speaks to its popularity among those seeking a balanced, well-organized day.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a manageable, scenic day with cultural insights and minimal physical activity.
$50 per person
11. From HCM: Mekong Delta Cai Be Vinh Long Cooking Class Kayak
Number 11 is a one-of-a-kind full-day tour blending culture, nature, and active fun. Join boat rides, explore fruit orchards, watch chocolate making at Kimmy Chocolate Manufacture, and try kayaking in tranquil waters.
It’s a more expensive option, but perfect for travelers craving an interactive and varied experience. The tour’s reviews praise its diversity and the opportunity to participate in local crafts.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active, curious travelers who want a mix of culinary, cultural, and outdoor activities.
$262 per group up to 1
12. From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta 2D1N – Cai Rang Floating
Number 12 offers a comfortable two-day tour, perfect for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the Mekong Delta. It includes visits to the largest pagoda, Cai Rang floating market, and passing through small tributaries.
Overnight stays in Can Tho allow for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration. No reviews are available, but the itinerary suggests a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking an in-depth, multi-day adventure that covers the region’s highlights comfortably.
$95 per person
13. Vietnam: 10-Day Guided Tour with Domestic Flights
Finally, at number 13, this comprehensive 10-day tour covers Vietnam’s key sights—from Hanoi to Saigon, with domestic flights included. While it’s broader than just My Tho, it’s perfect for those wanting a full Vietnam experience, including visits to Halong Bay, Hoi An, and other highlights.
If you prefer a curated, guided trip with all logistics taken care of, this is an excellent choice. It’s suited for travelers with a longer timeframe and an interest in seeing a wide array of sights.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a deep dive into Vietnam in one seamless package, this tour offers exceptional value and convenience.
$268 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour in My Tho
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, time, and specific interests. For a quick overview of regional culture and scenery, the day trips and combo options are perfect. If you want to spend more time exploring local markets and villages, the 2-day tours or full overnight experience will suit you better.
For travelers interested in active pursuits and hands-on experiences, the kayaking and cooking class is hard to beat. Budget travelers may prefer the shorter, more straightforward full-day options, while those craving comfort and depth should look at the multi-day or guided tours.
Remember to check availability, especially for popular tours during peak season, and book early to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
My Tho offers a wide variety of tours tailored for different interests and travel styles. If you’re after a quick cultural fix, the day trip with lunch provides a great introduction. For a more immersive experience, the 2-day Mekong adventure truly lets you see the region’s vibrant life. Active travelers will enjoy the biking and kayaking tours, while those seeking comfort and convenience can opt for the small-group van tour.
No matter which you choose, booking early guarantees your spot. My Tho’s tours offer a genuine, hands-on peek into the Mekong Delta’s wonders—ready when you are to explore Vietnam’s river life.