Mekong Delta: Boat Tour, Khot Cake Cooking & Vinh Trang Pagoda

Summary

Boat rides, coconut candy and a quiet moment at Vinh Trang Pagoda

You’ll float through Mekong Delta villages by boat, taste honey tea with locals on Unicorn Island, try your hand at bánh khọt during a hands-on cooking class, and pause for reflection at Vinh Trang Pagoda. With lunch included and pickup from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll feel both welcomed and gently surprised by small moments along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Hands sticky with coconut candy, I tried to remember the name of the island — Ky Lan? Our guide Linh grinned and nodded, though I’m pretty sure my pronunciation was off. The morning had started in Ho Chi Minh City with that sleepy bus ride through fields so green it almost looked fake. By the time we reached My Tho, the air was thick and sweet, and I could hear the river before I saw it. There’s something about watching those floating houses drift by — laundry flapping, kids waving from the decks — that makes you want to slow down and just watch for a while.

We stopped at Vinh Trang Pagoda first. It’s bigger than photos make it seem, all layered roofs and those bright mosaics catching sunlight. I stood there longer than planned, mostly because it was so quiet except for birds and someone sweeping leaves near the gate. After that we climbed into a boat for our Mekong Delta tour — engine puttering as we passed fish cages bobbing in the water. On Unicorn Island (that’s what Linh called it), villagers handed us slices of jackfruit and poured honey tea into chipped cups. Someone played a dan tranh nearby; it sounded both cheerful and kind of sad at once.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much making bánh khọt cakes — my first one came out lopsided but nobody seemed to care. The batter sizzled in tiny pans while a breeze carried smells of lemongrass and smoke from someone’s cooking fire next door. Lunch was outside under trees, rice warm against my palm, everything just…unhurried. There was time after to wander or take a bike around; I ended up just walking slowly along the paths because honestly my legs needed it more than my sense of adventure right then.

On the way back to Saigon I kept thinking about that moment in the shade with tea still sweet on my tongue and Linh telling stories about growing up near Ben Tre. Sometimes travel is loud but sometimes it’s these quieter hours that stick with you longest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Delta boat and village tour

• Meet guide at SST Travel or hotel
• Travel by bus to My Tho city
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda
• Boat trip along Mekong River
• Disembark at coconut island in Ben Tre
• Walk around village and visit local home
• Taste tropical fruit, honey tea, and wine
• Watch traditional Vietnamese music
• See coconut candy making and handicrafts
• Enjoy lunch under trees
• Relax, walk, or bike ride in village
• Return to Saigon by bus

Top questions

How long is the Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?

The tour lasts around 9-10 hours including travel time from central Ho Chi Minh City.

Is hotel pickup included in this Mekong Delta boat tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is available for guests staying in District 1 or you can meet at SST Travel office.

What food is served during lunch on this tour?

The included lunch features Vietnamese dishes; vegan options are available upon request.

Do I get to make bánh khọt myself?

Yes, there’s a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to make bánh khọt cakes with local experts.

Are bikes provided for riding around Unicorn Island?

Bikes are available if you’d like to explore after lunch; cycling is optional.

Does this tour visit Vinh Trang Pagoda?

Yes, there is a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda where you can explore its architecture and gardens.

Is this Mekong Delta day trip suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for most ages but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; check health restrictions if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or meeting point transfer from District 1, entrance fees to all sites like Vinh Trang Pagoda, a boat trip along the Mekong River with stops on Unicorn Island, hands-on bánh khọt cooking class led by local experts, fruit tasting with honey tea, bottled water throughout the journey, motorized rickshaw ride (xe-lam), professional English-speaking guide support all day long, plus a traditional Vietnamese lunch (vegan options available) before heading back to Saigon in late afternoon.