Mekong Delta Day Tour: My Tho, Ben Tre & Sampan Ride

Summary

From Ho Chi Minh to the Mekong’s quiet canals and coconut sweets

You’ll leave Ho Chi Minh City behind for a day of coconut-scented air, slow boat rides through palm canals, and shared laughter over Mekong specialties like elephant ear fish. With local guides leading you through workshops and riverside villages, you’ll get close to real Delta life — not just watch it float by.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sweet, almost grassy smell drifting from the coconut workshop in Ben Tre. Our guide, Hanh, handed me a piece of warm candy right off the press — I’ll be honest, it stuck to my teeth but tasted like nothing I’d had before. The drive from Ho Chi Minh City felt long at first (maybe because I skipped breakfast), but when we stopped at Vinh Trang Pagoda with its mix of bright colors and giant Buddha statues, I forgot about being tired. There were locals lighting incense and laughing softly with each other — not for show, just living their day.

We boarded a wooden boat in My Tho and drifted past floating fish farms and those legendary islets — Dragon, Turtle, Unicorn, Phoenix. Hanh pointed out how each one’s got its own story (I only half-remember them now). The air was thick but breezy on the water; you could hear kids calling from shore and see fishermen mending nets. At some point we switched to tiny sampans — low enough that your hand could skim the water if you wanted. The palm trees made this green tunnel overhead. It was quiet except for the splash of oars and once, someone’s ringtone playing “Gangnam Style” (not kidding).

Lunch was at a riverside place — elephant ear fish arrived looking almost prehistoric on the plate. We wrapped it up with rice paper and herbs; honestly, I still think about that taste sometimes. There was folk music too — Đờn Ca Tài Tử — played by locals who didn’t seem to mind us fumbling with chopsticks or asking questions about honey wine. Afterward we biked through a village lane where old women waved from their porches and a dog barked at our group like he owned the road. The sun got heavy but no one rushed us back to the bus.

I didn’t expect to feel so far from city life in just a few hours — or to remember small things like how cool the tiles felt under my feet at Vinh Trang Pagoda or how everyone seemed to know each other along the riverbanks. It wasn’t perfect (I spilled coconut water on my shirt), but maybe that’s why it sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City

• Pick up from hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
• Drive to My Tho (1.5-2 hours)
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda
• Boat trip along the Tien River
• Visit coconut workshop in Ben Tre
• Rowing boat ride through canals
• Enjoy tropical fruits and folk music
• Lunch at riverside restaurant
• Bicycle ride or walk in village
• Return to My Tho by boat
• Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City
• Drop off at hotel and end tour

Top questions

How long does the Mekong Delta day tour take?

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

Is hotel pickup included in this Mekong Delta tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Ho Chi Minh City is included.

What food is served for lunch on this day trip?

You’ll have Vietnamese dishes like elephant ear fish, spring rolls, and clay pot fish at a riverside restaurant.

Do you visit both My Tho and Ben Tre?

Yes, the tour includes stops in both My Tho and Ben Tre.

Are there vegetarian options available?

Vegetarian meals are available upon request during booking.

What activities are included besides boat rides?

You’ll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, sample coconut candy, listen to folk music, bike or walk through a village, and see local workshops.

Is this Mekong Delta tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages including infants; prams or strollers can be used.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads the group throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ho Chi Minh City in an air-conditioned vehicle; all boat trips including rowing sampan; entry to Vinh Trang Pagoda; an English-speaking guide; visits to coconut candy workshops plus fruit tasting with traditional folk music; choice of cycling or walking through village lanes; a full Vietnamese lunch (vegetarian available); drinking water and even a fresh coconut along the way before returning by late afternoon.