Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Floating Market: 2-Day Tour with Pancake Cooking

Summary

Boat rides, floating market breakfast and hands-on food in the Mekong Delta

You’ll wake up early for Cai Rang Floating Market’s colors and noise — eating noodles right on the water — then visit villages by boat and try your hand at making Vietnamese pancakes. With local guides leading you through markets and riverside towns, this 2-day Mekong Delta trip from Ho Chi Minh City is all about real flavors and small moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to set an alarm,” our guide joked as we left Can Tho before sunrise, but honestly, I was already awake. The city was still half asleep when we climbed onto a little boat — the kind that rattles just enough to remind you you’re not at home. The air smelled like river water and something sweet, maybe fruit? I’m not sure. As we drifted into the chaos of Cai Rang Floating Market, I kept thinking how it’s nothing like any market I’ve seen — vendors calling out from boats piled high with pineapples or dragonfruit, kids waving from hammocks strung between crates. Our guide, Linh, waved down a noodle vendor for us; she handed over bowls of steaming vermicelli and grinned when I tried to order coffee in Vietnamese (I definitely butchered it). It tasted earthy and strong, perfect for the early hour.

The first day had already felt long by then — My Tho’s pagoda with its incense haze, sampan rides under coconut trees where sunlight flickered on the water. There was a moment in a village where an old man played traditional music while we sipped honey tea; his voice cracked but everyone clapped anyway. Lunch was simple but so good — rice, fish, something green I couldn’t name. At night in Can Tho, we wandered along the riverfront and watched locals play badminton under streetlights. It’s funny how quickly you forget about your phone out here.

After Cai Rang, we stopped at a rice noodle factory — the smell of steamed rice hit me right away. Watching them stretch and cut those noodles by hand made me appreciate my breakfast even more (I still think about that texture). Later at 10 Vo ancient house, we tried making bánh xèo pancakes. Mine stuck to the pan but Li laughed and said it looked “authentically homemade,” which is probably code for “messy.” We ate together under a fan that barely moved the hot air around. Some folks biked around afterward; I just sat for a bit and listened to chickens somewhere nearby.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Mekong Delta and explore

• Pick up from Ho Chi Minh City hotels
• Bus ride to Mekong Delta with guide
• Stop at Vinh Trang pagoda
• Boat trip along Mekong River
• Sampan ride through coconut canals
• Explore village on foot
• Visit local families for fruits and music
• Enjoy traditional lunch
• Travel to Can Tho and check in hotel
• Free time to explore Can Tho city

Day 2 — Cai Rang market and return to HCMC

• Early visit to Cai Rang Floating Market
• Boat tour with stop for vermicelli and coffee
• Visit Rice Noodle Factory
• Explore local market
• Return to hotel for breakfast and check-out
• Stop at 10 Vo ancient house
• Make traditional Vietnamese pancakes
• Enjoy local lunch
• Optional bike ride around area
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Top questions

What time does the Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Floating Market tour start?

The tour departs around 7:45am from central Ho Chi Minh City hotels.

Is hotel pickup included in this 2-day Mekong Delta tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in District 1 (except TanDinh & Dakao).

Do you visit Cai Rang Floating Market early in the morning?

Yes, you visit Cai Rang Floating Market around 6:00am on Day 2 for peak activity.

Are meals included during the tour?

The tour includes two lunches and one hotel breakfast; vegan options are available.

Will I get to make Vietnamese pancakes (bánh xèo)?

Yes, there is a hands-on bánh xèo cooking experience at 10 Vo ancient house.

What type of accommodation is provided in Can Tho?

You stay overnight at a 3-star hotel such as Van Phat Riverside Hotel or Senior Hotel Can Tho.

Is there free time during the trip?

You have free time to explore Can Tho city at night after checking into your hotel.

Can I upgrade my hotel or request special room arrangements?

You can request triple rooms or upgrade to a 5-star hotel after booking; extra fees may apply for single rooms.

What’s included

Your two days include roundtrip transfers by air-conditioned van or bus from Ho Chi Minh City with pickup at most central hotels. All boat trips through the Mekong Delta are covered, plus visits to Vinh Trang Pagoda, Cai Rang Floating Market with breakfast on board, a rice noodle factory tour, hands-on bánh xèo pancake cooking at an ancient house, two local lunches (with vegan options), one night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Can Tho with breakfast included — all guided by an experienced English-speaking local who keeps things running smoothly without rushing you along.