For travelers staying in Ho Chi Minh City, a day trip to the iconic Mekong Delta is a non-negotiable bucket-list experience. But if you are short on time and want to see the absolute best of the region without spending long, exhausting hours on a bus, the neighboring provinces of My Tho and Ben Tre offer the perfect solution.
Located just a comfortable 2-hour drive south of Saigon, a Mekong Delta My Tho Ben Tre tour delivers the quintessential delta experience in a single, action-packed day.
From gliding down narrow canals lined with water coconut palms to tasting fresh tropical fruits and artisanal candies, this classic itinerary takes you deep into the heart of southern Vietnam’s vibrant river culture. Here is exactly what your day will look like.
The Ultimate My Tho & Ben Tre 1-Day Itinerary
This seamless day plan is optimized to keep you moving comfortably, avoiding the mid-day heat while ensuring you see all the classic highlights.
| Time Block | Activity | Experience Highlights |
| 07:30 AM – 08:00 AM | Hotel Pickup | Depart Saigon in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. |
| 09:45 AM – 10:30 AM | Vinh Trang Pagoda | Explore the largest and most beautiful ancient temple in My Tho. |
| 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM | Tien River Cruise | Board a motorized boat to cross the river; stop at a local honey bee farm. |
| 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | Hand-Rowed Sampan | Glide through hidden, peaceful canals shaded by water coconuts. |
| 12:30 PM – 01:45 PM | Authentic Riverside Lunch | Feast on traditional regional specialties like Elephant Ear Fish. |
| 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM | Ben Tre Artisan Villages | Visit a family-run coconut candy workshop and enjoy tropical fruits. |
| 03:30 PM – 05:30 PM | Return Journey | Relax on the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City for hotel drop-off. |
Tour Highlights: A Day on the Mighty Mekong
1. The Majestic Vinh Trang Pagoda
Before hitting the water, our tour stops at the spectacular Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho. Built in 1849, this architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends traditional Vietnamese design with European, Angkor Wat, and colonial elements. Walking through the perfectly manicured bonsai gardens, you will be greeted by three massive, gleaming Buddha statues-the laughing Buddha, the standing Buddha, and the reclining Buddha—making it a photographer’s paradise.
2. Island Hopping on the Tien River
Upon arriving at the My Tho pier, we board our spacious motorized boat to cruise across the sprawling Tien River. Your guide will point out the four famous islands named after mythical creatures: Dragon (Dragon Island), Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. We step ashore on Unicorn Island to visit a local bee farm, where you can sip warm, soothing honey tea infused with fresh lime and royal jelly straight from the hive.
3. The Iconic Hand-Rowed Sampan Ride
This is the moment every traveler waits for. We trade our larger boat for a small, traditional hand-rowed sampan.
As a local guide in a conical hat (non la) gently paddles you down a labyrinth of quiet, narrow creeks, you will be completely surrounded by a dense canopy of wild water coconut palms. The gentle splash of the wooden oars and the cool river breeze offer a serene glimpse into daily life as it has existed for generations.
4. A Culinary Journey: Elephant Ear Fish Lunch
No trip to the delta is complete without tasting its famous cuisine. At a peaceful garden restaurant right on the riverbank, you will be served a stunning local feast. The star of the show is Mekong Elephant Ear Fish (Ca Tai Tuong), fried to a perfect crispness and served upright. Your guide will show you how to pull the tender meat apart and roll it into fresh rice paper with rice vermicelli, cucumber, and aromatic local herbs.
5. Ben Tre: The Land of Coconuts
After lunch, we cross into Ben Tre province, celebrated across Vietnam as the capital of coconuts. Here, you will visit a rustic, family-run workshop to watch the mesmerizing process of cooking, setting, and hand-wrapping sweet coconut candy. You will also sit back beneath a shaded orchard to enjoy a platter of fresh, seasonal tropical fruits (like longan, rambutan, and pineapple) while listening to Don Ca Tai Tu-soulful, live traditional folk music performed by local villagers.
Why Choose Our My Tho & Ben Tre Tour?
The Most Efficient Route: Because My Tho and Ben Tre are the closest major delta destinations to Ho Chi Minh City, you spend less time on the road and more time exploring.
All-Inclusive Hassle-Free Travel: No hidden fees. Your private or small-group transport, boat rentals, rowboat tips, entrance tickets, and lunch are completely taken care of.
Passionate Local Guides: Our English-speaking guides don’t just state facts; they share personal stories of growing up along the river, connecting you directly with the culture.
Secure Your Mekong Delta Experience Today
Immerse yourself in the colors, tastes, and timeless landscapes of Vietnam’s river country. Spots on our comfortable My Tho and Ben Tre day tours are limited and book out quickly during peak seasons
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