Ben Tre offers a lively tapestry of local markets, floating shops, and culinary delights that make it a perfect destination for anyone eager to experience Vietnam’s real everyday life. Unlike typical tourist traps, these tours dive into the heart of Mekong Delta culture, blending vibrant market visits, hands-on cooking experiences, and scenic boat rides. We particularly like the half-day scooter market tour for its authenticity and fun pace, but for those with more time, the multi-day adventures offer a deeper look into the region’s unique floating markets and island life. If you’re looking to get your hands dirty in the kitchen or explore floating markets in style, these tours deliver.
Quick Overview
Below, we’ve curated the best shopping and market tours in Ben Tre based on their authenticity, value, and unique experiences. From local street food tastings to multi-day cruises, each offers something different:
– A half-day scooter tour that’s perfect for a taste of local life and cooking []
– A 2-day Mekong tour combining boat rides, market visits, and cultural stops []
– An immersive 3-day experience exploring islands, floating markets, and traditional villages []
– And a 2-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City focusing on floating markets and local crafts []
1. Cooking class & Vibrant Mekong Market by Scooter (Half-Day)
For anyone craving a hands-on experience of Mekong Delta flavors, this half-day scooter tour is a standout. It’s not just a cooking class; it’s a lively exploration of Ben Tre’s local markets, street food, and family recipes. Starting with a visit to the local market, you get to see firsthand what’s in season, select ingredients, and learn about local produce. The guide then takes you back to a traditional kitchen where you can whip up dishes based on what the market offers—flexibility is key, so you might be cooking something spicy or sweet depending on the day.
What makes this tour special isn’t just the food, but the local atmosphere. You’ll ride through small streets, sample street food, and chat with vendors. The guide’s relaxed style makes everything approachable, and the reviews are glowing—people love the authentic feel and the chance to share a meal they cooked themselves. Priced at just $49 per person, it offers great value for a truly immersive experience in Ben Tre.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers who want a quick, genuine taste of Mekong life with a bit of adventure.
2. HCMC: Mekong Delta 2-Days My Tho–Ben Tre & Cai Rang Market
This 2-day tour is ideal if you want a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and markets without overloading your schedule. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll enjoy visits to Vinh Trang Pagoda and cruise through the coconut-lined canals, giving you a real feel for the region’s agricultural and spiritual landscape. The boat trip takes you deep into the tributaries of the Lower Mekong River, where narrow waterways are lined with fruit trees and floating houses.
The tour’s highlight is the Cai Rang Floating Market, where vendors sell everything from fresh fruit to souvenirs directly from their boats—an image you won’t forget. The inclusion of a lunch in a garden restaurant and options for optional cycling mean you can relax or be active, whichever suits your mood. The review score is a modest 3.6/5, but many appreciate the comprehensive itinerary and the chance to see the region’s everyday life.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded snapshot of Mekong life—without staying overnight.
$78 per person
3. Ho Chi Minh: Mekong 3D2N- Cai Rang Floating Market, Ca Mau
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Mekong Delta’s culture, cuisine, and floating markets, this 3-day, 2-night tour delivers. It’s a more leisurely and detailed dive into the Mekong’s island life, starting with visits to four different sacred islets—Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix—each offering unique panoramas and local stories. You also visit the Sea’s Lady Temple, where locals ask for happiness, adding a spiritual dimension.
The tour’s highlight is the Cai Rang Floating Market, where early mornings see vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and local crafts out of boats—an icon of southern Vietnam. The final stop at Ca Mau—the country’s southernmost tip—adds a sense of adventure and discovery. This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, multi-day exploration of the Mekong’s diverse landscape and culture, and the reviews praise the depth of experience.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers with time and curiosity to explore multiple islands and floating markets in detail.
$179 per person
4. From Ho Chi Minh: 2-Day Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Market Tour
This 2-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City focuses on visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market and exploring the local countryside. It includes a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, a stunning example of Vietnamese architecture, and a cruise along the Tiên River, passing by four sacred islets—Long, Lan, Quy, and Phung. The tour offers a chance to row through coconut canals and visit local workshops for honey, fruit, and coconut candies.
The highlight is definitely the Cai Rang Floating Market, where you’ll see markets in full swing early in the morning, with boats laden with produce. The tour balances cultural sights and authentic market scenes, making it suitable for visitors who want a taste of everyday Mekong life. The reviews are not provided, but the itinerary’s combination of nature, markets, and local crafts makes it a solid choice for first-timers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers short on time but eager for a full Mekong experience with a focus on floating markets.
$74 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time, and interests. The Cooking class & Market tour is ideal if you love food and want a hands-on cultural experience. The 2-day Mekong trips offer more in-depth exploration, with boat rides and visits to islands and floating markets. If your schedule allows, the 3-day tour provides a comprehensive look at the Mekong’s islands, markets, and spiritual sites, especially suitable for those who want a relaxed pace with plenty of sights.
For those on a tighter schedule, the shorter 2-day options still offer authentic market scenes and river cruises. Keep in mind that booking early is recommended—these experiences fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. If you’re interested in local cuisine and vibrant markets, the cooking class provides a fun, memorable way to connect with Ben Tre’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
Ben Tre’s markets and floating scenes provide a vivid snapshot of southern Vietnam. Whether you prefer a quick, lively cooking class, a multi-day cruise through the waterways, or a focused trip exploring floating markets, there’s a tour to fit your style. For a short trip, the half-day scooter tour offers genuine local flavor with an element of fun. If you want more immersion, the longer tours like the 3-day Mekong experience will give you a deeper appreciation of the region’s culture, cuisine, and landscape.
Our best advice? Book early, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. Consider your interests—food, culture, scenery—and pick the tour that matches your pace. No matter which you choose, you’ll come away with a richer understanding of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta—and some unforgettable memories.