Mekong River sailboat cruise Ben Tre: Coconut canals at sunset

Drift past coconut palms on a tributary, then climb one to watch the sun drop over the delta.

A sailboat cruise on the Mekong River and its canals near Ben Tre, lasting 90 minutes, with motorbike pickup from your accommodation and a local boat captain steering through coconut groves and past working villages. The boat includes comfortable beanbags, and you get water and fried banana. An English-speaking assistant meets you at the pier. Pickup and drop-off cover Ben Tre city and surrounding areas, or Saigon if you're staying in Ho Chi Minh City.

Step-by-step itinerary

Relaxing Mekong River boat cruise

• Pick up by motorbike drivers
• Sail along winding river tributary
• Observe local life and nature
• Drop off at Ben Tre

The experience

The boat leaves from a small village on the river's banks, and the captain steers into a winding tributary lined with coconut palms and tropical fruit trees. You'll pass settlements where farmers work the fields and children play, watching the tide rise and fall as you move deeper into the delta. The pace is slow enough to take it in without rushing.

As the sun lowers, you climb a swaying coconut tree to watch it set over the water. It's the kind of moment that feels removed from the usual tour rhythm: no schedule, no crowds, just the angle of light and the sound of the river. Back on the boat, you get water and fried banana while the captain brings you back to the pier.

Motorbike or tuk-tuk pickup happens from your hotel or accommodation in Ben Tre. If you're staying in Ho Chi Minh City, the driver can collect you there instead. The beanbags on deck are there so you can settle in without perching on a bench for the whole ride.

What’s included

• Motorbike or tuk-tuk pickup and drop-off in Ben Tre (or Ho Chi Minh City if you're staying there).
• sailboat cruise with a local boat captain.
• comfortable beanbags on deck.
• water and fried banana.
• English-speaking assistant at the pier.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 16:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 26 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mekong ZigZag

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you want to move slowly through the delta without a fixed itinerary of stops: the 90 minutes on the water are built around drifting and watching the light change, not checking landmarks off a list. If you're staying in Ho Chi Minh City, the same boat and pickup work. Just let the operator know your hotel when you book.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What's the boat like on the Mekong?

A sailboat with a local captain steering through the canals, fitted with comfortable beanbags so you can recline while drifting past the coconut groves and settlements. The pace is relaxed: no racing between stops.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the boat?

No. Motorbike or tuk-tuk pickup is included from your accommodation in Ben Tre, or from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City if that's where you're staying. The driver drops you at the pier and collects you when the cruise ends.

What happens on the boat besides sailing?

You drift through coconut groves and past working villages, then climb a swaying coconut tree to watch the sunset. Water and fried banana are served while you're on deck.

How long is the whole thing, start to finish?

The cruise itself is 90 minutes. With pickup and the ride to the pier, plan on two to two and a half hours from your accommodation.

Is there a guide on the boat?

Yes, the boat captain is there and speaks English. An English-speaking assistant also meets you at the pier when you arrive.