Mekong Delta: Small-Group Day Trip & Sampan Boat Ride

Summary

From Ho Chi Minh to Vinh Trang Pagoda by boat & bike through Ben Tre

You’ll wander temple gardens at Vinh Tràng Pagoda, drift through narrow Mekong waterways by sampan boat, sip honey tea after lunch in My Tho, and pedal gently through Ben Tre’s coconut groves — all with a local guide and hotel pickup included. Expect small surprises: laughter with villagers, new flavors on your tongue, moments where time slows down.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the gold Buddha glinting through a tangle of trees as we pulled up at Vinh Tràng Pagoda. It was quieter than I expected — just the soft clatter of sandals and a faint whiff of incense that somehow stuck to my clothes for hours. Our guide, Minh, pointed out carvings I’d have missed (I still can’t pronounce half the names), and there was this old lady sweeping leaves who grinned at us like we were long-lost relatives. I liked that.

After that, we headed down to the river. The Mekong Delta tour really starts when you step onto those wooden boats — they’re painted blue and red, chipped here and there but steady enough. The water smelled earthy, not exactly fresh but not bad either, just alive. We floated past houses on stilts, some kids waving from a dock with mango juice stains on their shirts. Minh told us about the coconut palms lining the banks; apparently Ben Tre is famous for them. At one point a rooster crowed somewhere behind the reeds and everyone laughed for no reason.

Lunch was in this open-sided place under palm leaves — rice, fried tofu (vegan for me), fish for others. The honey tea at the bee farm tasted sweet but there was something floral in it too; maybe lychee? We tried fruit I’d never seen before (the dragonfruit looked like something out of a cartoon). Some locals played music while we sat on low stools. It wasn’t a showy thing — more like someone’s family gathering you happened to wander into.

I nearly fell off my bike in Ben Tre because I got distracted by these pink flowers growing wild along the path. No one seemed to mind. The ride was easy, flat roads with glimpses of people working in coconut groves or napping in hammocks strung between trees. On the way back to Ho Chi Minh City, I kept thinking about that moment on the river when everything went quiet except for paddles dipping into water — you know how sometimes silence feels full instead of empty?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Delta cultural and boat tour

• Start journey from Ho Chi Minh City
• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda
• Board boat at nearby pier
• Cruise Mekong River and sampan waterways
• Stop at bee farm, enjoy honey tea and local fruits
• Listen to traditional village music
• Have local Vietnamese lunch
• Boat trip to Ben Tre coconut plantations
• Bike ride through countryside
• Learn about coconut product production
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Mekong Delta day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from central hotels in District 1 (except Dakao & TanDinh).

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

The drive from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho typically takes about 1.5 hours.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a Vietnamese lunch is included with vegan options available.

What activities are included in the Mekong Delta tour?

The tour includes visiting Vinh Tràng Pagoda, boat rides on the Mekong River and canals, tasting honey tea and fruits at a bee farm, listening to traditional music, cycling in Ben Tre, and learning about coconut production.

Are public transportation options nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near departure points.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are infants allowed on this Mekong Delta day trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes travel insurance, air-conditioned transfers with pickup from most central District 1 hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (except Dakao & TanDinh), entry to Vinh Tràng Pagoda and other stops along the way, an English-speaking guide throughout your Mekong Delta journey, a Vietnamese lunch with vegan choices if needed, bottled water plus tropical fruits and honey tea at local farms before returning to the city office drop-off point.