Mekong Delta 2-Day Tour: Cai Rang Market & River Cruise

Summary

Mekong River Boat Trip & Floating Market Experience

If you want to see real Mekong life up close—floating markets at dawn, riverside villages, hands-on food experiences—this two-day trip packs it all in without feeling rushed. You’ll meet locals, try fresh fruit right off the tree, cruise quiet canals by boat, and get plenty of time to just soak up river life.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt thick with early morning mist as we waited outside our hotel in District 1. Our guide—friendly, easygoing—greeted us by name and handed out cold bottles of water before we hopped into the van. The drive to My Tho was quiet at first, just the hum of traffic and the odd rooster crowing somewhere behind a shopfront. Once we reached Vinh Trang Pagoda, I noticed the scent of incense drifting through the gardens and monks in saffron robes tending to lotus ponds. The pagoda itself is a wild mix of colors and carvings—Vietnamese dragons curling around Chinese-style gates, little details everywhere you look.

We boarded a wooden boat in Ben Tre, where coconut palms line the riverbanks so thick you can barely see past them. Our guide pointed out floating houses and kids waving from tiny canoes. At a family-run coconut candy workshop, I tried pulling warm candy from sticky trays (harder than it looks) while the owner’s dog napped underfoot. The bee farm smelled sweet—almost too sweet—and they let us taste honey straight from the comb. Lunch at Viet Nhat Eco-Resort was laid-back; hammocks swung between fruit trees and some folks tried cycling along narrow paths while others just lounged with fresh coconut water.

By late afternoon, we rolled into Can Tho and checked into a comfy hotel with soft beds—a relief after all that sun. Dinner was on a river cruise: tables set up on deck, city lights flickering across the water, local musicians playing quietly in one corner. It’s not fancy but it feels special watching boats drift past while you eat.

The next morning started early—really early—but worth it for Cai Rang Floating Market. Boats everywhere, piled high with pineapples or pumpkins or noodles; sellers shouting prices over old engines sputtering away. Our guide explained how traders hang samples on long poles so buyers know what’s for sale from far off. We stopped at a noodle workshop tucked behind the market where steam filled the air and everything smelled like rice flour. Later at My Khanh Tourist Village, I wandered through fruit orchards (the guava was ripe), watched kids feed goats at the mini-zoo, and peeked inside an old wooden house that’s been standing for over 100 years.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho

• Meet tour guide and driver in Ho Chi Minh City
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho
• Boat trip and activities in Ben Tre
• Check in hotel and dinner on Ninh Kieu Cruise in Can Tho

Day 2 — Can Tho Floating Market and Return

• Visit Cai Rang Floating Market and Hu Tieu noodle workshop
• Explore My Khanh Tourist Village and have lunch

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids can join all activities safely—there are infant seats available and prams are welcome on board.

Do I need to bring anything special?

Just comfortable clothes and maybe sunscreen or a hat—the rest (water, meals, raincoats) is provided.

Are meals included? What kind of food will we have?

All main meals are included: expect local Vietnamese dishes with lots of fresh fruit and snacks along the way.

Is this accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes—the transport options and most areas are wheelchair friendly; let us know if you have specific needs.

What’s included

Your trip covers all main meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinner), entrance fees to every site listed above, private boat rides through the Mekong Delta’s canals, bottled water and tissues throughout each day, plus handy extras like raincoats and life jackets if needed. There’s also a small gift waiting for you at check-in—and yes, everything is arranged so you can just relax and enjoy each stop.