Mekong Delta: Day Tour with Sampan Ride, Pagoda & Lunch

Summary

Pagodas, coconut candy & canal rides in the Mekong Delta

You’ll taste coconut candy warm from the factory, sip honey tea with locals, glide quietly through shaded canals by sampan boat, and share lunch beneath mango trees—all in one day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. If you’ve ever wondered what river life really feels like, this tour gives you just enough time to find out.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that statue over there? She’s older than my grandmother," our guide Tam grinned as we stepped into Vinh Trang Pagoda. The air smelled faintly of incense and something sweet—maybe the lotus blossoms floating in little bowls by the door. I’d seen photos before, but standing there under the tiled eaves, hearing monks chanting somewhere behind a wall, it felt different. The drive from Ho Chi Minh City was long enough for me to doze off once or twice (Tam joked that’s how you know you’re leaving the city behind), but worth it for this first stop alone.

After that, we crossed Rach Mieu bridge—Tam pointed out fishing boats below us—and rolled into Ben Tre. There was a sticky warmth in the air, but getting on the motorized boat felt like someone turned on a giant fan. We drifted past palm trees and houses on stilts until we reached Unicorn Island. The coconut candy factory was louder than I expected; machines clacking and women laughing as they wrapped sweets faster than I could blink. I tried to say “dừa” (coconut) properly—Li laughed at my attempt and handed me a still-warm piece straight from the tray. It tasted like childhood summers somehow.

Later came honey tea and fruit in someone’s garden—honestly I lost track of which island by then—and some local musicians played a song about river life. It was one of those moments where you don’t understand every word but you get the feeling anyway. Then we squeezed into tiny sampan boats for a canal ride through water coconut groves. The paddles made soft plopping sounds, and for a few minutes everything went quiet except for birds and the splash of water against wood.

Lunch happened in an orchard under mango trees—a simple meal but fresh in that way food never is back home. After wobbling along on three-wheeled bikes (I nearly tipped over), we piled back into the van for Ho Chi Minh City. I kept thinking about that silence on the canal, how it sticks with you more than any photo does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Delta cultural and nature tour

• Travel from HCMC to Tien Giang
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda
• Pass Rach Mieu bridge to Ben Tre
• Board cruise to Unicorn and Phoenix Islands
• Visit coconut candy factory
• See local honey making process
• Taste fruits, honey tea, and honey wine
• Listen to traditional music and chat with locals
• Take sampan boat trip through canals
• Ride three-wheeled bike to orchard garden
• Enjoy lunch and fresh local fruit
• Return to HCMC by van

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta?

The tour lasts about one full day with around 2 hours each way by van between Ho Chi Minh City and Tien Giang.

Is lunch included on this Mekong Delta day tour?

Yes, lunch is served in a tropical orchard garden during the tour.

What are some highlights of this Mekong Delta sightseeing tour?

You’ll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, cruise by motorized boat to Unicorn and Phoenix Islands, see coconut candy making, try honey tea and fruit, ride a sampan through canals, and enjoy lunch in an orchard.

Are pickup and transport included?

Yes, transportation by luxury tour bus is included along with all boat rides during the trip.

Is this day trip suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

An expert local guide provides commentary throughout your journey.

Does this Mekong Delta day trip include drinks or snacks?

Bottled water, tea, seasonal fruits, wet tissue, coconut candy tasting, and honey wine are included along with lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Ho Chi Minh City by comfortable bus plus all boat rides—motorized cruise and traditional sampan—throughout Ben Tre’s islands. You’ll have an expert local guide sharing stories at every stop; entry to Vinh Trang Pagoda; tastings of fresh coconut candy and honey tea; seasonal fruits; wet tissues for sticky hands; three-wheeled bike ride; and a home-style lunch served in an orchard before heading back to town.