Mekong Delta Day Trip: Private Boat, Fruit Farms & Lunch

Summary

From Saigon to My Tho by boat, fruit gardens and local flavors

You’ll leave Ho Chi Minh City behind for a Mekong Delta day trip full of real moments: cruising by private boat past fish farms, tasting fruit straight from island gardens, learning how coconut candy is made (and sampled), then relaxing over lunch with local dishes before heading home with new stories to tell.

What’s the experience like?

We met up outside the Saigon Opera House — still half awake, honestly — and our guide Tam was already waving us over with this big grin. The city noise faded as we drove out toward My Tho. I remember the windows fogging a bit from the morning humidity, and Tam pointing out how the houses got smaller and greener as we left Ho Chi Minh behind. It’s a weird feeling, watching the city just disappear like that.

When we finally got to the riverbank, there was this old longtail boat waiting for us. The engine rattled so much I thought my teeth would chatter out of my head (Tam just laughed). On the Mekong River, everything slowed down — except the smell of fish farms drifting over every now and then. We stopped at one and watched these guys feeding catfish with this rhythm I couldn’t quite figure out. Then onto an island where we wandered under trees heavy with jackfruit and dragonfruit. They handed us slices to try; sticky sweet juice running down my hand before I even realized it.

I didn’t expect to care about coconut candy but watching them pour the hot syrup into molds was kind of hypnotic. I tried saying “kẹo dừa” (coconut candy) and Tam nearly choked laughing at my accent — fair enough. After that, we bumped along in a xe loi cart to a bee farm (I’m still not sure how those tiny boats don’t tip over). There was this moment in one of the canals where all you could hear were oars dipping into water and some bird calling somewhere close by. Everything else just went quiet for a second.

Lunch at Vuon Dau felt like a reward after all that moving around: Elephant Ear fish crispy on the outside, pancakes you wrap in herbs (I never get those right), sour soup that made me blink twice from the tang. We sat there sweaty but happy, picking at rice while Tam told us about growing up nearby. The ride back to Ho Chi Minh felt longer somehow — maybe because I kept replaying that silent canal in my head.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Delta boat tour and local visits

• Meet guide at Saigon Opera House
• Travel to My Tho
• Board private boat on Mekong River
• Visit fish farm
• Stroll tropical fruit gardens on island
• Visit coconut candy factory
• Ride motorized cart to bee farm
• Explore small canals by rowing boat
• Enjoy lunch at Vuon Dau restaurant
• Return to My Tho
• Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho?

The drive takes about 2.5 hours each way by private transportation.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mekong Delta tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in your booking.

What food is served for lunch on this tour?

The set menu includes Elephant Ear fish, Vietnamese pancake (Bánh Xèo), Mekong Lobsters, sour soup, braised pork in coconut juice with quail eggs, and rice.

Are dietary requirements catered for?

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets can be accommodated if requested 24 hours in advance.

What activities are included on the Mekong Delta day trip?

You’ll cruise by private boat, visit fish farms, taste fruit on an island garden walk, see coconut candy made, ride a motorized cart to a bee farm, row through small canals, and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes—children aged 6+ are welcome; infants can join in prams or strollers.

Does the tour include entrance fees?

Yes—all entrance fees are included in your booking price.

How many people are usually on this group tour?

This is a small group tour; exact numbers may vary but groups are kept limited for comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ho Chi Minh City and return drop-off after exploring My Tho by private longtail boat. Entrance fees are covered throughout stops at fish farms and island gardens; you’ll sample fresh tropical fruits and coconut candy along the way. A motorized cart ride takes you to a bee farm before rowing through quiet canals. Lunch is served at Vuon Dau restaurant with classic Mekong Delta dishes before heading back home in comfort.