Mekong Delta: Speedboat Day Trip, Village Lunch & Local Tastings

Summary

Saigon river to Ben Tre island by speedboat, cycling village paths, local flavors and music in the Mekong Delta

You’ll taste fresh coconut candy in a family workshop, cycle along village roads where kids wave from doorways, row shaded canals with your local guide nearby, and share a riverside lunch on Ben Tre island. Expect laughter over honey tea and music drifting across the water — this Mekong Delta day trip leaves more than one flavor behind.

What’s the experience like?

Hands sticky from the coconut candy — I didn’t even mean to eat so many pieces, but our guide Mai just kept laughing and pushing the plate closer. The Mekong Delta feels like it’s always moving: water slapping the boat hull, someone singing somewhere behind a banana grove. We’d left Saigon early (I almost forgot my hat), zipped along the river by speedboat with that cool morning air that smells half like diesel and half like wet grass. It’s louder than you think, but somehow peaceful too.

Walking through Long An’s market was a blur of colors and voices. Mai pointed out dragonfruit I’d never seen before — she said the name in Vietnamese and waited for me to repeat it. I tried; she grinned and shook her head. After that we cycled along these narrow paths where kids waved at us from doorways, their hands still sticky with breakfast rice cakes. There’s something about riding past houses on stilts while a rooster crows somewhere you can’t see.

I didn’t expect to like honey tea (too sweet?) but it was perfect after rowing through those shaded canals — the air thick with river mud and something floral I couldn’t place. Lunch on Ben Tre island felt endless: elephant ear fish (Mai showed me how to wrap it in rice paper), all these little dishes coming out one after another until I lost count. Someone played traditional music nearby; sometimes you could hear it over the clatter of chopsticks.

The ride back felt slower, or maybe I just wanted it to be. There’s this moment when you’re drifting past palm trees leaning into the water, sun catching on everything green — I still think about that view sometimes. So yeah, if you’re looking for a Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh City that isn’t just ticking boxes, this one lingers with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mekong Delta and local culture

• Leave Ho Chi Minh City
• Walk inside Long An local market
• Enjoy traditional music and cycling
• Row a boat and savor honey tea
• Ride Vietnam Lambro Tuk Tuk
• Visit coconut candy factory
• Have traditional Vietnamese lunch

Top questions

How long does the Mekong Delta speedboat tour take?

The tour is a full-day experience departing from Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and returning in the afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on this Mekong Delta day trip?

Yes, a traditional Vietnamese set lunch is included on Ben Tre island with several courses such as elephant ear fish.

Does the tour include cycling or boat rowing?

Yes, you'll cycle village roads and row a small boat through shaded canals during the tour.

Where does pickup happen for this tour?

Pickup and drop-off are provided at Saigon Waterbus Station (Bach Dang pier).

Are there vegetarian or special meal options available?

You can request special dietary requirements at booking; surcharges may apply for some accommodations.

What should I bring for weather conditions?

An umbrella is recommended from May to October; a light jacket is useful from December to February.

Is this Mekong Delta tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the departure point at Bach Dang pier.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at Saigon Waterbus Station (Bach Dang pier), an English-speaking local guide throughout, insurance on board plus life jackets provided, bottled Lavie water and wet towels when you need them most, seasonal fruits and bakery cake from Sugar Town along the way, all activities like cycling and rowing boats in villages, plus a full Vietnamese set lunch on Ben Tre island before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City by speedboat.