Mekong Delta Day Tour: My Tho & Ben Tre with Boat, Lunch

Summary

Explore My Tho & Ben Tre: Canal Cruise, Pagoda Visit, Local Food

You’ll get to see real Mekong life up close—pagodas, canal rides, home-cooked food, and friendly locals who actually live here. If you want more than just photos, this day trip gives you stories to bring home.

What’s the experience like?

The air was already warm when our guide picked us up in District 1—he greeted us by name and double-checked our WhatsApp details before we set off. The drive out of Ho Chi Minh City felt quick; the city noise faded into open fields dotted with water buffalo and rows of dragon fruit trees. I noticed the roadside stalls selling fresh coconuts—our driver pointed out that the best ones come from Ben Tre.

First stop: Vinh Trang Pagoda. It’s not like any temple I’ve seen before—there’s this mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Cambodian touches everywhere you look. The scent of incense hangs in the air, and you’ll probably hear monks chanting softly if you arrive early enough. Our guide shared a bit about its history (over 170 years old!) and pointed out the mosaic dragons curling along the roof.

At My Tho harbor, we hopped onto a wooden boat—nothing fancy but sturdy—and drifted down the wide brown river. The breeze felt good after the bus ride. We stopped at a little island where women sliced up jackfruit and pomelo for us to try; honestly, I’d never tasted honey tea as sweet as theirs. There’s this faint hum from bees nearby—they keep hives right behind the tables.

A quick walk through a coconut candy workshop (the smell is unreal—like caramel and toasted coconut) led us to narrow canals shaded by palms. Rowing in those tiny sampans is quieter than you’d think; all you hear is water slapping against wood and birds somewhere overhead. We finished with lunch at a family-run spot in a small village—seven courses, mostly fish and veggies from their own garden. If you’re vegetarian or have allergies, just let them know ahead—they were super accommodating with another guest at our table.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Delta Highlights

• Pick up in District 1 or 3
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda
• Boat trip to small island, fruit tasting, honey tea, coconut candy, sampan rowing
• Walk in small village and lunch at local restaurant

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for all areas?

Pickup is free in Districts 1 & 3. If you're staying elsewhere, let us know—we'll help arrange something or suggest a nearby meeting point.

What should I wear or bring?

Light clothes are best—it gets humid fast! Bring sunscreen, a hat, maybe insect repellent for the canals. Water's provided but an extra bottle never hurts.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Absolutely! The pace is relaxed and there are plenty of breaks. Just let us know if anyone needs special assistance so we can help out.

I’m vegetarian/allergic to something—can lunch be adjusted?

No problem at all! Just mention your dietary needs when booking or tell your guide in the morning—they’ll make sure you’re looked after.

What’s included

Your day covers pickup/drop-off (Districts 1 & 3), English-speaking guide, boat rides through canals and rivers, fresh tropical fruit tastings, honey tea stop, coconut candy sampling, a seven-course local lunch (with veggie options), bottled water, wet tissues—all sorted so you can just enjoy.