Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh: Floating Markets, Tra Su Forest & Local Food

Summary

Floating markets, forest canopies & riverside flavors from Saigon to Cambodia

You’ll drift through Cai Be’s waterways, taste coconut candy still warm from the pan, bike past waving kids in fruit orchards, wake up early for Cai Rang Floating Market’s chaos, then glide silently beneath Tra Su Forest’s green canopy—all with local guides who share stories as easily as they offer snacks. It’s not always comfortable or predictable—but that’s exactly why it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along in the van out of Ho Chi Minh City when I realized I’d forgotten my hat. The road south towards Cai Be is lined with all these little roadside shrines and fruit stands—our guide, Linh, kept pointing out which ones had the best mangos. By the time we reached the river, it was humid enough that my shirt stuck to my back. But stepping onto that wooden boat, hearing the slap of water against the hull and seeing those tangled green palms overhead—suddenly I didn’t care about the heat or my hat. Linh explained how Cai Be’s floating market isn’t what it used to be (she said her grandma used to sell pineapples here), but you still see boats loaded with jackfruit and onions, and people calling out prices in voices that carry over water. I tried a piece of sticky coconut candy straight from the mold—still warm—and honestly I could’ve eaten a whole tray.

Lunch was this home-cooked spread under a mango tree on Tan Phong Island. We rolled our own spring rolls (mine fell apart but nobody minded), and Linh showed us how to use fresh herbs I'd never even seen before. Afterward we biked through tiny villages where kids waved and chased our bikes for a bit—one old man shouted something friendly at me from his hammock but I only caught “hello!” The ride was bumpy but peaceful; rice paddies stretched out on either side, and every so often you’d catch a whiff of wood smoke or ripe guava. That evening in Can Tho, wandering along the riverfront with tired legs and sticky fingers from eating too many rambutans… I felt like I’d finally slowed down enough to notice how soft dusk feels here.

The next morning started early (I’m not a morning person but it was worth it) for Cai Rang Floating Market. Boats everywhere—some selling noodles right off their deck, others stacked high with pomelos or dragonfruit. Our guide flagged down a coffee boat; Vietnamese coffee on the river tastes different somehow—maybe sweeter? Or maybe it’s just being half-awake while everything around you moves with purpose. Later we watched rice noodles being made by hand in this steamy little workshop; the smell of wet rice flour clung to my clothes for hours after.

I didn’t expect Tra Su Forest to feel so quiet after all that bustle—a small sampan gliding under green canopy, water birds darting away as we passed. There was this moment where sunlight broke through the trees and everything went gold for just a second… hard to describe but it felt important somehow. We finished up in Chau Doc with dinner full of dishes I couldn’t pronounce (the grilled fish was my favorite). Some folks continued by fast boat up the Mekong River into Cambodia—I stayed behind another day, but part of me wishes I’d gone on just to see what Phnom Penh smells like at sunrise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho City

• Pickup from Ho Chi Minh City hotel
• Travel to Cai Be
• Boat journey on Tien River
• Explore Mekong Delta villages and antique house
• Visit family-run confectionery and taste fruits
• Boat trip through Upper Mekong Delta canals
• Enjoy Mekong Delta cooking class and lunch
• Leisurely bicycle ride on Tan Phong Island
• Boat ride back to Cai Be
• Transfer to Can Tho City and hotel check-in

Day 2 — Can Tho to Chau Doc Province

• Breakfast at hotel
• Boat excursion on Bassac River
• Visit Cai Rang Floating Market
• Tour traditional noodle factory
• Visit Munir Ansay Pagoda
• Boat trip to Con Son and cake-making workshop
• Explore fruit orchard and taste seasonal fruits
• Visit Tra Su Forest by sampan
• Visit Ba Chua Xu Temple
• Dinner and overnight in Chau Doc

Day 3 — Chau Doc to Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City

• Optional transfer to boat meeting point
• Visit Hang Temple on Sam Mountain
• Explore floating village and Cham Village
• Visit Chau Doc Market
• Enjoy Mekong Delta cuisine at local restaurant
• Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh

Top questions

How long does the Mekong Delta tour from Saigon to Phnom Penh take?

The tour lasts three days, starting in Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Phnom Penh if you choose that option.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mekong Delta trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for centrally located hotels in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City (except Tan Dinh and Da Kao wards).

What are some highlights of this 3-day Mekong Delta tour?

You’ll visit Cai Be village, Cai Rang Floating Market, Tra Su Forest near Chau Doc, local temples, fruit orchards, and have hands-on food experiences.

Can I continue directly to Phnom Penh after Chau Doc?

Yes, there is an option for a fast boat transfer from Chau Doc directly to Phnom Penh at the end of the tour.

Are meals included during this Mekong Delta trip?

Yes, several meals are included featuring regional specialties; there’s also a cooking class experience on day one.

Is this group or private tour? How big are groups?

This is a group tour with a maximum of 25 participants per group.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels or similar standard hotels in Can Tho City and Chau Doc Province.

Are vegetarian options available on this tour?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at time of booking.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from central District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City (except Tan Dinh and Da Kao), all entrance fees along the route, air-conditioned transport between stops, guided boat trips through Cai Be and Cai Rang markets plus Tra Su Forest by sampan, hands-on cooking class with lunch using fresh local ingredients (vegetarian possible), overnight stays at comfortable 3-star hotels in Can Tho and Chau Doc provinces with breakfast daily—and if you’re heading onward into Cambodia, your fast boat ticket direct to Phnom Penh is sorted too.