Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Floating Market 2-Day Tour

Summary

Early mornings on the Mekong, floating market buzz and riverside food

You’ll ride boats through shaded canals, wake up with locals at Cai Rang Floating Market, taste honey tea and fresh noodles right on the water, and try your hand at making Vietnamese pancakes before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City. It’s two days full of small surprises and real moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that deep green of rice fields as we left Ho Chi Minh City behind. Our guide, Minh, kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed: water buffalo half-hidden in the grass, kids waving from the road. The air got heavier as we reached My Tho, kind of sweet with river water and something floral I couldn’t place. We stopped at Vinh Trang pagoda and honestly, I just wanted to sit under one of those huge trees and listen to the monks chanting. But there was more to see (always more), so we piled into a boat for the Mekong River. Floating along those coconut-shaded canals felt unreal — like being inside a postcard but with the hum of an old engine and laughter from our group when someone almost lost their hat to a low-hanging branch.

Lunch was simple but perfect: fish fresh from the river, rice, vegetables, and this honey tea that tasted like summer. At Ben Tre, we watched women making coconut candy by hand — sticky-sweet and warm when you try it right off the table. Minh introduced us to his friend’s family; they played music for us while we ate fruit I still can’t name (one tasted like perfume). That night in Can Tho I wandered along the riverfront with some new friends from the tour. The city was busy but not overwhelming — just locals out walking, kids playing badminton under streetlights.

The next morning started way before sunrise. We climbed into another boat while it was still dark — Cai Rang Floating Market wakes up early. There were dozens of boats already trading: pineapples stacked high, someone grilling noodles over a tiny stove. A woman handed me coffee in a glass cup right there on her boat; it was strong enough to wake anyone up. Minh joked that if you can eat noodles on a rocking boat at 6am you’re officially Vietnamese now (I tried — spilled half of it on my shirt). Later we visited a rice noodle factory where everything smelled faintly smoky and warm flour clung to my hands.

On the way back toward Ho Chi Minh City we stopped at this old house — 10 Vo ancient house — with carved wood everywhere and sunlight coming through patterned shutters. We tried making bánh xèo pancakes (mine fell apart but tasted fine anyway). By then everyone was tired but happy in that way you get after seeing too much in too little time. I still think about that early morning light on the river sometimes — how alive everything felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho via Mekong Delta

• Depart Ho Chi Minh City at 8:00AM
• Visit Vinh Trang pagoda
• Boat cruise on Mekong River
• Sampan ride through coconut canals
• Explore village and enjoy local music
• Have local lunch
• Tour coconut farm in Ben Tre
• See coconut candy and rice paper making
• Travel to Can Tho City
• Check in hotel and free time

Day 2 — Cai Rang Market and Return to HCM City

• Visit Cai Rang Floating Market at 6:00AM
• Boat tour with vermicelli and coffee stop
• 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
• Bike ride around local area
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City by 4:00PM

Top questions

What time does the Cai Rang Floating Market tour start?

The visit to Cai Rang Floating Market starts around 6:00AM on day two.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mekong Delta tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in central District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City (except Dakao & TanDinh).

Are meals provided during the 2-day tour?

Yes, two lunches and one breakfast are included; vegan options are available.

Do I get to stay overnight in Can Tho?

Yes, accommodation for one night at a 3-star hotel in Can Tho is included (Van Phat Riverside Hotel or Senior Hotel Can Tho).

Can I try local foods during this trip?

Yes, you'll taste fruits, honey tea, coconut candy, vermicelli noodles at Cai Rang market, and even make bánh xèo pancakes.

Is there any cycling or hands-on activities?

If you have energy after lunch on day two, you can take a leisurely bike ride around local villages.

How do I book a triple room or single supplement?

You can request a triple room at no extra cost or pay a small supplement for single occupancy; contact after booking for upgrades.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your journey covers hotel pickup and drop-off in central District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, all boat rides along the Mekong River including stops at My Tho and Ben Tre coconut farms, two lunches plus breakfast (vegan food available), entry fees to Vinh Trang Pagoda and 10 Vo ancient house, hands-on pancake making experience, one night’s stay at a selected 3-star hotel in Can Tho with free time to explore by yourself or join optional cycling with your local guide before returning late afternoon.