Mekong Delta Day Trip: My Tho, Ben Tre & Cooking Class

Summary

Pagodas, coconut groves and slow boats through the Mekong

You’ll drift by boat through quiet canals near My Tho and Ben Tre, taste fresh honey on Unicorn Island, try making your own banh xeo pancake for lunch, and watch locals craft coconut candy by hand. This Mekong Delta day trip includes hotel pickup from Saigon, three different boats, and plenty of small moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You sort of blink and suddenly you’re standing in front of Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho, with the air thick and a little sweet—jasmine maybe? Our guide, Linh, waved us over to look at the dragons curling along the roof (she joked they keep away bad luck but not mosquitoes). I tried to follow her story about the monk who built this place—my mind wandered a bit because the gold Buddhas inside are almost too much for your eyes all at once. There were locals praying quietly in corners. I didn’t want to intrude so I just watched how they moved—slow, careful steps on cool tiles.

The first boat was bigger than I expected. There’s something about the way the Mekong River smells—muddy but alive. We passed kids waving from the banks and then ducked into these narrow water coconut canals where everything got hushed except for oars tapping wood. The rowing part was…well, let’s just say my technique could use work. Our boat lady grinned at me like she’d seen it all before. At Unicorn Island we tasted honey straight off a spoon (sticky fingers for hours) and listened to music that sounded both sad and happy at once. Not sure how else to put it.

Ben Tre is all about coconuts—seriously, even the air tastes faintly sweet there. We watched women stretch coconut candy by hand; I tried some still warm and nearly lost a filling but worth it. Lunch was at someone’s home—I’m not sure whose—and we made banh xeo pancakes together around a low table. Mine fell apart but everyone laughed and ate it anyway. Linh said “no perfect pancakes in Vietnam,” which made me feel better.

I skipped the bike ride after lunch (too full), just lay in a hammock listening to distant boats and someone chopping wood nearby. On the way back through another canal, light flickered through palm leaves onto our faces and I caught myself thinking—I could get used to this slow river time. The drive back to Saigon felt long but my head was still somewhere between those green banks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Delta tour with boat rides

• Pick up guests in city center
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda
• Boat cruise to Unicorn Island
• Taste local honey and fruits
• Rowing boat ride in coconut canal
• Visit floating fishing farm
• Travel to Ben Tre
• See coconut candy production
• Lunch and Banh Xeo cooking class
• Optional bicycle ride or relax
• Boat ride back to station
• Return to Saigon city

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Mekong Delta tour?

Yes, pickup is included from central Districts 1 & 4 in Saigon.

How long does the day trip to My Tho & Ben Tre last?

The tour starts with morning pickup and returns to Saigon around 4:30–5:00 PM.

Do you visit Vinh Trang Pagoda on this day trip?

Yes, Vinh Trang Pagoda is one of the first stops on the itinerary.

What food is included during the tour?

A Southern Vietnamese set menu lunch is served, including a DIY banh xeo cooking class plus fruit and coconut juice tastings.

Are there different types of boats used on this tour?

Yes, you’ll travel by large boat on the river, traditional rowing boat through canals, and another boat or tuk-tuk in Ben Tre.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap during transfers.

Can I join if I'm not staying in District 1 or 4?

If you're outside those districts you'll meet at a designated spot in central Saigon for pickup.

Is cycling required during the village visit?

No, cycling is optional—you can relax instead if you prefer.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Saigon districts, all entry fees and taxes covered throughout My Tho and Ben Tre visits, three different boat rides along rivers and quiet canals, use of bicycle if you want it, fresh fruit tastings with local honey and coconut juice breaks along the way, plus a five-course Southern Vietnamese lunch with a hands-on banh xeo cooking class before returning by late afternoon.