Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City: Boat rides, coconut kingdom

My Tho and Ben Tre by boat: from pagoda to coconut kingdom in one day

A full-day Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City includes limousine pickup, visits to Vinh Tràng Pagoda and My Tho, motorboat and sampan rides through rural waterways, and a stop in Ben Tre's coconut region where you can sample local sweets and watch traditional production methods. The tour runs roughly 8 hours with an English-speaking guide, Vietnamese lunch, and hotel drop-off in central districts. Choose between a shared group tour or a private option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Vinh Tràng Pagoda1h
2. My Tho2h

Mekong Delta cultural and boat tour

• Pick up from Ho Chi Minh City
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda
• Boat and sampan ride in My Tho
• Enjoy local music and tropical fruits
• Cruise to Ben Tre Coconut Kingdom
• Sample coconut delicacies and activities
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City

The experience

Pickup happens in the morning from your hotel in District 1, 3 or 4, and the limousine heads south toward Tien Giang province. The first stop is Vinh Tràng Pagoda, a late-19th-century Buddhist temple that blends Vietnamese and Chinese architecture: one of the largest pagodas in the country. After that, you move into the heart of the delta at My Tho, where the motorboat launches into the Mekong's network of canals. The sampan ride that follows is narrow and slow enough to drift past tropical fruit orchards and see how locals live along the water. You'll hear local music, taste regional food and drinks, and get a sense of daily life in the delta that a car ride would never show.

The route continues to Ben Tre, known as the Coconut Kingdom because coconut trees cover the region and locals have built their economy around them for generations. Here you can sample coconut candy and other sweets made locally, and watch or take part in hands-on coconut production if you choose. Lunch of Vietnamese cuisine, with vegan options available, happens during the day. The limousine returns you to your hotel around 5:30pm.

What’s included

• Limousine pickup and drop-off from hotels in District 1, 3 or 4.
• motorboat and sampan rides through the Mekong Delta.
• entry to Vinh Tràng Pagoda.
• lunch of Vietnamese cuisine with vegan options available.
• English-speaking tour guide throughout the day.

Options for this experience

2 options

VIP Group TourGuide in English · 08:00Limousine transfers for a VIP group of up to 9 people, with hotel pickup and drop-off in the center of District 1, 3 and 4. Pickup is included.

VIP Private TourGuide in English · 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00Limousine transfers for the VIP private tour: you are collected from and returned to your hotel or private address in Ho Chi Minh City. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Viet Nam Adventure Tours JSC

Is this one for you?Book the private tour if you want the flexibility to move at your own pace and skip stops without waiting for a group. The shared group tour keeps costs lower and works well if you're traveling solo or want to meet other visitors. Both options follow the same route and timing, so the choice depends on whether you prefer the group experience or traveling with your own party.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between the VIP Group Tour and the VIP Private Tour?

The group tour shares the limousine and boat rides with other travelers. The private tour is for your party alone. Both include the same stops, guide, meals and inclusions.

What exactly happens during the sampan ride in My Tho?

The sampan is a small traditional boat that takes you slowly through the Mekong's canals past tropical fruit orchards. You observe local life along the water, listen to local music, and sample regional food and drinks during the ride.

Is lunch included, and what if I'm vegan?

Yes, lunch of Vietnamese cuisine is included. Vegan food is available. Let the operator know your dietary needs when you book.

How long is the full tour, and what time does it end?

The tour runs from around 8:00am to 4:45pm, with arrival back at your hotel around 5:30pm. The total time is roughly 8 hours.

What is Ben Tre known for, and what will I do there?

Ben Tre is called the Coconut Kingdom because it's one of Vietnam's largest coconut-producing regions. You can sample coconut candy and local sweets, and watch or participate in traditional coconut production methods.