Mekong Delta: Rowing, Tuk Tuk & Biking Tour with Lunch

Summary

Row through coconut canals, cycle past fruit gardens and taste the Mekong

You’ll glide by boat along coconut-lined canals, bike through sleepy villages past fruit gardens, sample honey tea and fresh tropical fruits while folk music drifts in the air. With a local guide handling all logistics (hotel pickup included), you’ll find yourself slowing down to match the gentle pace of life here—maybe even forgetting what time it is.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to feel so thick and sweet when we stepped off the van in My Tho — it hit me right away, this sort of lazy warmth that makes you slow down. Our guide, Minh, grinned as he handed out bottled water and pointed at the boats waiting by the canal. “Don’t worry,” he said, “the rowing is easy — just listen for the birds.” I could hear them already, somewhere behind the palm leaves. The boat felt wobbly at first but then I got used to it; water slapping gently against wood, a faint smell of river mud mixed with something floral I couldn’t name.

We drifted past Tortoise Islet and Minh told us stories about how each island got its name — Dragon, Phoenix, Unicorn. The names sounded almost too magical for real places but there they were, green and quiet except for the occasional fisherman waving from his little wooden boat. At one stop we tried coconut candies (still warm somehow) and honey tea that tasted like summer afternoons. There was this old lady who played a dan tranh while we ate tropical fruit — her fingers moved so fast it made me laugh. I think she noticed because she winked at me.

The tuk tuk ride through the village was bumpy in a way that made everyone start talking louder just to hear each other. We biked past gardens heavy with jackfruit and dragonfruit — I nearly crashed into a chicken but nobody seemed to mind. Lunch was simple rice and fish but honestly after all that biking it tasted better than most things back home. It’s funny how quickly you get used to being sticky with sweat here; by afternoon I’d stopped caring about my hair or my shoes or anything except what was happening right in front of me.

I still think about that moment when everything went quiet on the canal — just us drifting under low branches, sunlight flickering on water. It wasn’t what I expected from a day trip Mekong Delta tour out of Saigon (I mean Ho Chi Minh City), but maybe that’s why it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Village visit and fruit garden experience

• Walk into the village
• Visit fruit garden
• Enjoy tropical fruits with folk music

Top questions

How long does this Mekong Delta tour last?

This is a full-day trip departing from Ho Chi Minh City with morning pickup and evening drop-off.

Is lunch included on the tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip in the Mekong Delta.

Are hotel pickups available for all hotels?

Pickup is included for selected hotels in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City only.

What activities are part of this day trip?

You’ll go on a boat trip along canals, take a tuk tuk ride, bike through villages, visit fruit gardens and taste local specialties like coconut candies and honey tea.

Is this Mekong Delta tour suitable for children?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; some physical activity is involved so moderate fitness is recommended.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at time of booking.

What should I wear or bring for this tour?

Wear light clothing suitable for biking and walking; bottled water is provided but sunscreen and hats are useful.

Is there live music during the tour?

You’ll hear Southern Vietnamese folk music performed during your visit to a village fruit garden.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from selected District 1 hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, all entry fees and taxes covered, bottled water throughout the journey, a professional local guide leading you by boat along Bao Dinh Canal to several islets (like Tortoise Islet), plus time biking through villages before sitting down to lunch—vegetarian option available if you ask ahead—before heading back in the evening.