Ben Tre motorbike and sailboat tour: countryside and Mekong river

Drift through coconut-shaded canals and savor home-cooked Mekong flavors

A full-day Ben Tre tour from Ho Chi Minh City combines motorbike exploration of countryside villages, a sailboat cruise through coconut-shaded canals, and lunch prepared by a local family—with an English-speaking guide, pickup from your hotel, and time to rest in a hammock between activities. The route stays off the main tourist trail, moving through sleepy settlements and quiet waterways instead of crowded markets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mekong Delta exploration and local experiences

• Pick up guests early morning
• Drive 2.5 hours to Ben Tre
• Stop 30 minutes at Mekong Restop
• Meet local guide in Ben Tre
• Motorbike ride through countryside
• Cruise along winding river tributary
• Enjoy Mekong Delta lunch and hammock rest
• Explore Ben Tre markets by scooter or tuk-tuk
• Drop off at Saigon city location

The Experience

The day starts with a 7 to 8 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Ben Tre. A 30-minute stop at Mekong Restop breaks up the journey. Starting early means you avoid the afternoon rain and traffic, and you're back in the city before dinner. Once you arrive in Ben Tre, you meet a local guide who stays with you for the rest of the day.

You hop on a motorbike with an experienced driver and ride through the countryside—past coconut palms, canals, and sleepy villages. The route winds through the lush green landscape of the Mekong Delta, and the guide points out local life as you pass by. After the motorbike ride, you board a quiet sailboat and cruise along a winding tributary. You'll see tropical fruit trees, humble settlements, and children playing along the banks as the tide shifts. The sailboat moves slowly enough that you can actually watch what's happening on the water and the land.

Lunch is abundant—four to five dishes of Mekong Delta cuisine, cooked by a local family who runs the kitchen. You get specialty coffee or fresh coconut juice with kumquat, and the host is passionate about sharing the food and the region. After eating, you rest in a comfortable hammock in serene surroundings. In the late afternoon, you explore Ben Tre city's markets and backstreets by scooter or tuk-tuk, stopping at street food stalls and discovering hidden spots. The guide can recommend places or let you wander—it stays flexible. At the end of the day, you can be dropped at Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Street, or Saigon Opera House in District 1.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off by car or minibus from your hotel.
• English-speaking local guide for the full day.
• motorbike ride with an experienced driver and safety helmet.
• sailboat cruise on the Mekong River and quiet canals.
• abundant lunch with four to five Mekong Delta dishes.
• specialty coffee or fresh coconut juice with kumquat.
• hammock rest time.
• local fruit drinks like coconut or sugarcane juice during the journey.
• time to explore Ben Tre city markets and backstreets by scooter or tuk-tuk.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mekong ZigZag

Is this one for you?Choose the private option if you want to set the pace and ask the guide about local life without a schedule; the shared trip works if you're happy to meet other travelers and split the cost. Either way, the early start and fixed itinerary mean you see the countryside before the heat peaks and the afternoon rain arrives, so you're back in the city with time to spare.

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Top questions

How long is the full day, and when do I need to be ready?

The tour runs 11 to 12 hours total. Pickup happens between 7 and 8 a.m. from your hotel, so you'll be back in Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon or early evening.

Do I ride the motorbike myself, or do I ride as a passenger?

You ride as a passenger with an experienced driver who knows the countryside routes. The driver handles the bike; you sit behind and take in the scenery. Safety helmets are provided.

What kind of food will I eat, and can you handle dietary preferences?

Lunch features four to five dishes of authentic Mekong Delta cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients by a local family. All dietary preferences are welcomed, so let the guide know what you need when you book.

Is this tour crowded with other tourists, or is it small and local?

The tour is designed to stay off the beaten path and away from tourist crowds. You travel with a local guide and experience the region like a local—the group stays intimate, and the guide treats it like hanging out with a friend rather than a formal tour.

Can I choose a private tour, or does it have to be shared?

You can book either a private day trip or a shared trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Both include the same activities, guide, and pickup; the difference is whether you travel alone or with other guests.