My Tho Mekong Delta Tour: What to Expect, Costs and How to Choose the Right Experience

A tour to the tour My Tho Mekong Delta Tour is usually a day tour from Ho Chi Minh City. It is a favorite choice, as it is located approximately 70 km distance, so the traveling is relatively short. In this article, Lily’s Travel will discuss the costs and the exciting experiences that await you!

Why My Tho is one of the most popular gateways to the Mekong Delta

My Tho was selected as the gateway to the Mekong Delta primarily due to its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, located about 70 km away, or a 1.5 to 2-hour journey under favorable traffic conditions. It is one of the most accessible options for travelers wishing to experience the Mekong Delta in a single day without an overnight stay.

My Tho is situated along the Tien River, one of the main branches of the Mekong river system in Vietnam. From the city, visitors can take boat trips to river islands, most notably Thoi Son Island (Unicorn Island), and then proceed into smaller canals via traditional rowing boats. It is this combination of convenient road access and a landscape of rivers, islands, and fruit orchards that makes My Tho a popular tourist destination.

My Tho has been an important trading center in the Mekong Delta since the 17th century. Its location close to Saigon also made it a natural gateway to the region. In 1885, the Saigon–My Tho railway opened as Vietnam’s first railway, strengthening the connection between the two cities. As river tourism grew, My Tho gradually became one of the main starting points for Mekong Delta trips from Ho Chi Minh City.

What does a typical My Tho Mekong Delta tour include?

A typical the tour is a full-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Most itineraries include round-trip transportation, a motorboat ride along the Tien River, and a sampan trip through the smaller canals. You may also visit a river island, sample seasonal fruit, listen to Don Ca Tai Tu, and stop at a coconut candy workshop or honeybee farm. Lunch and Vinh Trang Pagoda are included in some tours, but not all.

• Pick-up in Ho Chi Minh City: Most all-inclusive tours pick up guests in the morning, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, before traveling to My Tho by tourist bus or minivan. The actual travel time is generally around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the pick-up location and traffic conditions.
• Arrival in My Tho and boarding the boat: A motorboat takes guests out onto the Tien River, marking the start of the river-based portion of the tour. Along this route, visitors can view the river islands and observe riverside daily life before transitioning to smaller waterways.
• Visits to islands and orchards: Thoi Son Islet (Unicorn Island) is the most common stop on My Tho tours. Visitors typically walk through orchards, taste seasonal fruits, and listen to Don Ca Tai Tu music. Fruit varieties vary by season but often include mangoes, guavas, rambutans, jackfruit, or pomelos.
• Sampan ride through nipa palm canals: This is often the highlight for many visitors. Small rowboats navigate narrow canals lined with nipa palms, offering a stark contrast to the open expanse of the Tien River motorboat ride.
• Visits to a honey bee farm and coconut candy workshop: These stops showcase the region’s specialties, ranging from honey tea to coconut candy. However, itineraries can differ significantly at this stage, as some tours prioritize local experiences over shopping time. 
• Lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City: Full-day tours typically conclude their main activities in the afternoon before heading back to the city. Under a standard itinerary, travelers can expect to return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon or early evening.

The main attractions and experiences you can expect in My Tho

If you are visiting My Tho for the first time, there is no need to cram too many stops into a single day. The highlights of a My Tho Mekong Delta tour lie in the blend of river islets on the Tien River, orchards, nipa palm-lined canals, and hands-on experiences with local crafts and culture.

Unicorn Island (Thoi Son)

Unicorn Island (known locally as Con Thoi Son) offers the quintessential river experience on My Tho tours. Situated on the Tien River, the island has been developed for tourism with orchards, craft workshops, village paths, and narrow canals perfect for rowing boat rides. This is why Thoi Son is a staple in the itineraries of Mekong Delta tours departing from Ho Chi Minh City.

The experience here is not merely a visit to a single “spot.” You will typically disembark to walk through orchards, sip honey tea, and listen to Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern amateur music) before switching to a sampan ride along the nipa palm canals. A well-planned tour allocates several hours to the island area rather than just a quick photo stop.

Read more: Day Trip to Mekong Delta from Saigon: What to Expect and Is It Worth It?

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Vinh Trang Pagoda is the most prominent cultural landmark in the My Tho area, located about 3 km from the city center. Rebuilt in 1849, the pagoda stands out for its unique architectural blend of Vietnamese, Asian, and European influences. It is currently recognized as a national historical and cultural relic.

Vinh Trang Pagoda is not included in this day trip to Mekong itinerary. Some tours spend most of the day on the river and around Thoi Son Island instead. If you want to visit the pagoda, check the tour itinerary before booking. Otherwise, you may find that the boat trip is included but Vinh Trang is not.

Coconut Candy & Honey Tea Workshops

Coconut candy workshops and honey tea tasting sessions are popular stops for learning about local agricultural products. Here, visitors can typically watch the coconut candy-making process, sample freshly made candy, and enjoy honey tea; some tours also showcase various honey and fruit-based products.

This stop is ideal for travelers interested in seeing how coconut and fruit products are processed right in the Mekong Delta, though one should not expect large-scale industrial factories. The facilities visited are usually small-scale operations linked to community-based tourism. This is one reason why itineraries for this tours can vary significantly: some focus on hands-on experiences, while budget tours often allocate considerable time to stops where local products are sold.

My Tho vs Ben Tre: Which Mekong Delta tour is better?

If you only have one day for a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho is the more practical option, but if you want to spend more time in the countryside and don’t want to feel like you are on a “touristy” trip, Ben Tre is worth looking into. My Tho is about 70km from Ho Chi Minh City while Ben Tre is around 85km. Both are doable as day trips, but My Tho has the benefit of a shorter journey time.

Currently, full-day My Tho–Ben Tre tours on the market range from approximately US$20 to US$35 for standard group tours, with prices varying based on group size and specific activities included.

It is worth noting that My Tho and Ben Tre are not entirely separate experiences; many tours departing from Ho Chi Minh City combine both destinations into a single day, so be sure to check the itinerary to see exactly where you will be going.

If you are visiting the Mekong Delta for the first time and have only about 9–11 hours, My Tho is a great choice due to the shorter travel distance and an itinerary that easily integrates visits to Vinh Trang Pagoda, Thoi Son Islet, and boat trips along the Tien River. Conversely, if you have already taken a standard Mekong tour or prefer coconut groves, narrow canals, and a more relaxed pace of life, Ben Tre is well worth the extra time.

Different types of My Tho Mekong Delta tours and who they suit

Not all the tours offer the same experience. Key differences lie in duration, group size, and whether the itinerary focuses solely on My Tho or extends deeper into Ben Tre and other provinces.

Half-day tour

A half-day tour is best suited for travelers with a tight schedule in Ho Chi Minh City or those wishing to spend the remainder of the day exploring the city itself. Some half-day tours combine a visit to My Tho with river experiences, sampan rides, and visits to traditional craft villages.

However, this is not the ideal choice if you want a truly comprehensive Mekong Delta experience. Once travel time to and from Ho Chi Minh City is factored in, the actual time spent on the river islands is quite limited. Half-day tours are better suited for business travelers, transit passengers, or those simply wanting a brief glimpse of the region.

Full-day tour

For most first-time visitors, a full-day tour is just right. Typical itineraries are between 9 and 11 hours long and include plenty of time for the drive from Ho Chi Minh City, a boat trip on the Tien River, island visits, sampan rides, fruit tasting, Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern folk music) performances, and visits to places such as coconut candy workshops or Vinh Trang Pagoda. 

This is a great option for families, couples, and solo travelers with a free day. Families with young children should seek tours that include hotel pick-up and drop-off and avoid itineraries packed with shopping stops. Solo travelers might opt ​​for standard group tours to save money, while couples could consider small-group tours for greater flexibility and less waiting time.

2-day/1-night tour

If you have an extra night, a 2-day, 1-night trip gives you a chance to see more of the Mekong Delta without rushing back to Ho Chi Minh City the same day. Depending on the tour, you may continue from My Tho to Ben Tre, Vinh Long, or Can Tho, stay at a homestay or hotel, and fit in activities such as cycling, boat trips, or a floating market visit. This option works particularly well for couples and travelers who would rather slow down and spend more time in the countryside.

Read more: Homestay Mekong Delta: Where to Stay for an Authentic Local Experience

Private or luxury tour

Private tours give you much more control over the day. You can usually choose when to leave, spend longer at places you enjoy, and avoid waiting for a large group. Most come with a private vehicle and guide, although the exact setup depends on the operator.

The price can be quite different from one tour to another. For example, one private full-day tour is currently listed at around US$150 per person, while other options may cost less or more depending on the number of people, vehicle, and level of service.

For a family traveling with grandparents and children, a group of 3–6 friends, or a couple who wants a quieter day, the extra cost can be worthwhile. If you are traveling alone or watching your budget, however, a group tour will usually make more sense.

Group tour

Group tours are the most economical and popular option departing from Ho Chi Minh City. Standard tours can start from around US$20–30 per person, while small-group or luxury group tours are priced higher.

The main downside is that you have to follow the group’s schedule. You may not get much extra time at a place you like, and you will usually have to wait for everyone before moving on. Still, this is often the easiest option for solo travelers, students, first-time visitors, and anyone trying to keep the cost down.

If you do not mind sharing the trip with other people, a group tour can work well. But if large groups and shopping stops are not your thing, paying a little more for a small-group tour is usually worth it.

How much does a My Tho Mekong Delta tour cost?

Group day trips to My Tho in the Mekong Delta cost around US$20-40 per person based on current listed rates, and half-day trips start at around US$25-35. Private and luxury trips can be between US$70 and over US$100 per person, depending on the group size and services offered. Prices vary based on season, number of guests, transportation and inclusions.

These are reference prices rather than fixed market-wide rates. Current listings on tour platforms show that standard group tours to My Tho and Ben Tre range from approximately US$26 to US$40, while small-group or luxury tours can cost between US$50 and US$80, or even more, with some high-end private tours exceeding US$100 per person.

If you come across a trip tour priced at only US$15–20, do not focus solely on the cost. Check whether the price includes hotel pickup, lunch, entrance fees, the boat trip, and the sampan ride. Conversely, a tour costing US$40–60 is not necessarily expensive if it is a small-group tour featuring high-quality vehicles, minimal shopping stops, and a more comprehensive range of services.

What the experience is really like: pros, cons and common surprises

A My Tho Mekong Delta tour is an accessible option, especially for first-time visitors to the region, though the actual experience may differ somewhat from promotional images.

Pros

Easy access from Ho Chi Minh City: With a travel time of just 1.5–2 hours each way, My Tho is one of the most convenient choices for a Mekong Delta day trip.

• Diverse one-day itinerary: A standard tour typically combines a boat ride on the Tien River with visits to Thoi Son Islet, fruit orchards, and stops for sampan rides, honey tea, coconut candy, and Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern amateur music) performances.
• Ideal for first-timers: There is no need to navigate boat piers, arrange transport, or locate individual attractions yourself; tour operators usually handle most logistics starting from Ho Chi Minh City.
• Manageable costs: Group tours often bundle transportation, a guide, boat rides, some entrance fees, and lunch into a single price.
• Variety of options: Travelers can choose from budget group tours, small-group tours, or private tours depending on their budget and desired level of privacy. Small-group tours may limit the number of participants to around 9–12 people.

Cons

Potential for overcrowding: Thoi Son Islet and tour boat piers often see multiple groups arriving simultaneously, especially during peak hours. Consequently, the experience of a “quiet countryside” may not apply to the entire journey.

• Fixed itinerary: Group tours generally operate on a set schedule for the entire party. If you prefer lingering in an orchard, taking photos, or chatting with locals, the time allotted at each stop might feel rushed.
• Commercial elements: The tour often features presentations on honey tea, coconut candy, dried fruits, and other local products. While not necessarily a negative, travelers should be aware that parts of the itinerary may involve sales activities.
• Weather impact: Outdoor activities and boat rides can become quite hot around midday. The rainy season can alter the atmosphere of the trip, even though tours generally run as scheduled.

Not all tours venture deep into the Mekong Delta, most day trips from Ho Chi Minh City focus on the My Tho–Ben Tre area. To see floating markets or more remote rural regions, you will need to choose a longer itinerary.

Common Surprises

Many travelers do not realize that a “My Tho tour” does not necessarily mean the entire experience takes place within the city of My Tho itself. A typical itinerary might begin at Vinh Trang Pagoda, include a boat ride around the islets of the Tien River, and a stop at Thoi Son Islet before proceeding to activities in the Ben Tre area.

Another surprise is the difference between large boats and sampans. The boat trip down the Tien River offers a sense of space and openness, and the sampan ride thru narrow canals offers the authentic “Mekong” experience. But these narrow passages can become crowded very quickly if several tour groups arrive at the same time.

Finally, do not expect every stop to be an authentic, traditional craft village. Honey bee farms and coconut candy workshops are experiences designed for tourists, so product demonstrations and sales are integral parts of the business model. If you wish to minimize this aspect, consult the tour operator before booking.

Common mistakes travelers make when booking a My Tho tour

Some mistakes made when booking a My Tho Mekong Delta tour stem not from choosing the wrong destination but from failing to carefully read the itinerary. By checking a few details before payment, you can avoid most experiences that fall short of expectations.

• Choosing a tour solely based on the lowest price: Low prices can come with downsides like large tour groups, limited time at each stop, or frequent stops at sales outlets. Compare what is actually included in the price rather than just looking at the final cost.
• Failing to check group size: A “group tour” can vary significantly in size. If you dislike waiting for a large group to board or disembark from boats, look for a small-group tour with a clear limit on the number of participants.
• Assuming a My Tho tour always includes Cai Be Floating Market: Cai Be is not a standard stop on My Tho itineraries. If you want to visit the floating market, check the specific destinations and timing in the itinerary before booking.
• Not asking if lunch is included: Many full-day tours include lunch, but menus and beverage policies vary. Some tours offer only a basic set menu, with drinks charged separately.

• Not checking the departure time: Tours from Ho Chi Minh City usually start in the morning. A late pickup could mean less time at the final stops or a late return to the city due to traffic.
• Overlooking the cancellation policy: Weather can affect outdoor activities and the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City. Review the terms for rescheduling or cancellation before making a payment.
• Not checking if Vinh Trang Pagoda is included: If you want to combine cultural sightseeing with a river experience, verify this in the itinerary. Some tours focus exclusively on the river islands and boat rides.
• Not asking about shopping stops: If you prefer not to spend much time shopping for local products, ask the tour operator directly before booking. This is often a key difference between budget tours and small-group or private tours.

Is a My Tho day trip worth it or should you explore deeper into the Mekong Delta?

Yes. A day trip to My Tho is a good choice if you are based in Ho Chi Minh City and only have one free day. The journey is short enough to fit a full day of river trips, island visits, fruit tasting, and local activities without adding a night to your itinerary. If you want to see a floating market or spend more time around the waterways, it is better to stay overnight and continue to Can Tho.

Tips for choosing the best My Tho Mekong Delta tour

There is no single “best” tour to My Tho that suits everyone. The best tour is one that aligns with your schedule, budget, and desired experience, specifically regarding group size and the number of commercial stops.

• Check the group size first: If the tour doesn’t specify a maximum number of guests, ask directly. Small-group tours are worth considering if you want to minimize waiting times and have more interaction with the guide.
• Read the itinerary rather than just looking at the tour name: A “Mekong Delta Tour” might include My Tho, Ben Tre, or both. Look for specific locations such as Thoi Son Island, Vinh Trang Pagoda, the Tien River, and a sampan ride.
• Inquire about commercial stops: If you prefer not to spend a lot of time at honey bee farms, coconut candy workshops, or specialty shops, ask the tour operator before booking.
• Prioritize early departure times: Starting early helps you avoid the midday heat and provides a buffer in case traffic is slow on the return trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Some tours now depart around 7:30–8:00 AM.
• Check details about the guide: For English-language tours, don’t just look for the phrase “English-speaking guide.” Read recent reviews to see if guests actually praised the guide’s communication skills and ability to explain things.

• Verify exactly what is included: At a minimum, check for hotel pickup, transportation, the boat trip, the sampan ride, entrance fees, and lunch. Some tours include fruit and honey tea but charge separately for drinks during lunch.
• Read recent reviews, not just the overall rating: Prioritize feedback from the last 6–12 months and look for keywords like “group size,” “shopping stops,” “guide,” “lunch,” “pickup,” and “sampan.” These offer a better indication of actual tour quality than a simple numerical score.
• Check the cancellation policy: If your Vietnam itinerary involves multiple connecting legs, the tour’s change or cancellation policy may be more important than a small difference in price.

Frequently asked questions about My Tho Mekong Delta tours 

Planning a Mekong Delta tour often comes with a few practical questions, from how much time you need to what is included and whether a day trip is enough. Here are the answers to the questions travelers most commonly ask before booking.

What is the best time of year to visit My Tho?

The weather is usually drier from December to April, so these months are a good bet for a My Tho Mekong Delta tour. You are less likely to have rain interrupt a boat trip or other outdoor activities. The rest of the year is still worth considering. May to November is wetter, but the countryside looks greener and fruit orchards are often full of seasonal produce.

Is one day enough to see the Mekong Delta from My Tho?

Yes, one day is enough for a first introduction to the Mekong Delta from My Tho. A full-day itinerary can cover the Tien River, Thoi Son Island, sampan rides, fruit orchards, coconut candy workshops, and traditional folk music. However, a day trip will not cover deeper destinations such as Can Tho or Cai Rang Floating Market.

If you want to experience the rivers, islands, fruit orchards, local workshops, and traditional culture of the Mekong Delta but don’t have several days to spend away from Ho Chi Minh City, then a My Tho Mekong Delta tour is a practical option. 

At Lily’s Travel, we can help you choose or customize a Mekong Delta itinerary according to your available time, preferred travel style, and group size. Our team can suggest an itinerary that allows you to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time experiencing the Mekong Delta, whether you prefer a small-group day trip or a more private experience.