Mekong Delta Floating Village Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City

Summary

Explore Floating Villages & Island Life in the Mekong Delta

If you want to see real Mekong Delta life up close—floating villages, lush orchards, friendly locals—this tour packs it all into one day. You’ll eat homemade food, try your hand at cycling quiet island lanes, and get stories straight from people who live here.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off early with a drive out of Ho Chi Minh City—just as the city was waking up, we were already heading south. The road to My Tho is lined with rice paddies and small roadside coffee stands where locals sip their morning brew. By the time we reached the river, the air felt heavier, thick with that sweet scent of tropical fruit and a hint of river mud.

We climbed aboard a wooden sampan, its engine humming quietly as we set off along the wide Mekong River. Our guide, Linh, pointed out clusters of floating fish farms and houseboats—some families have lived on these for decades. Passing Tan My and Thoi Son Islands, I noticed kids waving from their porches while fishermen hauled in nets. The water’s surface shimmered under the sun, broken only by passing boats and drifting hyacinths.

At one of the floating farms near My Tho, we hopped off to meet a local fisherman. He showed us how he feeds his fish—just handfuls of pellets tossed into the water—and talked about how life on the river changes with each season. Switching to a smaller rowing boat, we drifted through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms. It was quiet except for birds calling overhead and the soft splash of oars. We traded boats for bicycles next; riding along bumpy paths through orchards bursting with grapefruits, coconuts, bananas—even durian if you can handle the smell! We stopped at a family’s mushroom farm where they explained how they grow them in stacked bags—pretty clever setup.

Lunch was served right in someone’s garden under a patchwork canopy of jackfruit trees. The hostess showed us how she makes “banh khot”—tiny savory pancakes cooked over hot coals and topped with shrimp. We tried honey tea from their bee farm (watch out for curious bees) and sampled some home-brewed rice liquor that’s been in their family for three generations. Down another lane, we met an older woman weaving baskets from water hyacinth—her hands moved so fast it was hard to keep up.

After all that food and exploring, getting back on the boat felt like a relief—the breeze off the river cooled us down as we headed back toward My Tho. Our captain gave us a quick wave before we piled into the van for Ho Chi Minh City again, tired but happy (and maybe just a little sticky from all that fruit).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Delta Exploration

• Drive to My Tho and sampan cruise
• Visit floating farm and rowing boat ride
• Lunch and explore cottage industries by bike
• Return cruise and drive back to Ho Chi Minh

Top questions

Is this Mekong Delta tour suitable for kids?

Yes! The activities are family-friendly but let us know your children's heights when booking so we can prepare bikes that fit them.

What should I wear or bring for this trip?

Wear comfy clothes you don’t mind getting dirty (linen or quick-dry fabrics work best), closed shoes for biking—not flip flops—and bring sunscreen plus a hat.

I’m vegetarian—can you provide special meals?

No problem! Just mention any dietary needs when booking so our hosts can prepare something tasty for you.

How long is the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho?

It usually takes about two hours each way depending on traffic. There are rest stops along the route if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees, bottled water throughout, lunch with local specialties (including banh khot), bicycle rental sized just for you (let us know your height!), English-speaking guide who knows every shortcut in My Tho, motorized boat rides across the Mekong River plus rowing boat trips through small canals—and round-trip transfers between Saigon and My Tho. Just show up ready to explore!