Mekong Delta Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh: My Tho & Ben Tre Islands

Summary

Mekong Delta River Tour: Local Life, Fruit Gardens & Boat Ride

You’ll cruise quiet rivers, snack on tropical fruit in real gardens, listen to local folk music, and see how coconut candy’s made—all in one day from Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s the experience like?

The city noise faded fast after we left Ho Chi Minh at 8 AM. Our driver took us past endless green rice fields—some folks napping on hammocks under banana trees, others already out tending the paddies. By the time we reached My Tho, the air felt heavier and sweet, almost sticky with the scent of river water and ripe fruit.

We hopped onto a motorboat at the Tien River dock. The boat chugged past floating fishing huts and a couple of old wooden boats patched up with blue tarps—our guide, Linh, pointed out the Dragon, Phoenix, and Unicorn islets as we passed. On Qui Islet (locals call it Tortoise Island), we wandered into a small village where kids waved at us from behind mango trees. There was this one spot where you could hear folk music drifting through the leaves—turns out it was a group of islanders playing for visitors in a fruit garden. We sat down for fresh pineapple and longan while listening to their songs; honestly, it felt like time slowed down there.

Linh showed us around a bee house (the honey’s got this wildflower taste), then someone handed me a snake to hold—wasn’t expecting that! Lunch came right in the middle of an orchard: simple rice dishes and fried fish with lemongrass. Afterward, our boat drifted into Ben Tre province—the “land of coconuts.” The coconut candy shop smelled like caramel and wood smoke; you can watch them pour hot syrup onto trays before cutting it up. Later, we squeezed into tiny rowboats for a ride under thick water coconut palms—just the sound of paddles hitting water and cicadas buzzing overhead. Before heading back to Saigon, some folks lounged in hammocks while others pedaled rusty bikes around the island paths. We got back just as dusk started to settle over the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Delta and Island Tour

• Drive from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho
• Boat trip on Tien River to Qui Islet
• Visit fruit garden, enjoy folk music, and lunch
• Visit bee house and coconut candy shop
• Rowing boat trip and bike ride on island
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Top questions

Is this Mekong Delta tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes! The activities are relaxed and there are options like infant seats available. Kids usually love the boat rides and fruit tasting.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Light clothes, sunblock, hat, maybe mosquito repellent if you’re sensitive. A camera’s handy for all those river scenes!

Are meals included? What kind of food is served?

Lunch is included—expect classic Vietnamese dishes served in an orchard garden setting. Vegetarian options can be arranged if you let us know ahead.

How long does the tour last?

The trip usually takes about 8-9 hours including travel time from Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (selected areas), comfy transport with business-class seats, all boat rides, lunch in an orchard garden, plus a friendly local guide who knows every shortcut along the river.