My Tho is the gateway city to the Mekong Delta, about a two-hour drive southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, and it's the most common starting point for a day trip onto the river. Tours typically put you on a small boat past coconut-palm islets, then swap to a narrower sampan paddled through canals lined with water coconut palms, with a stop at a workshop where coconut candy or rice paper is made by hand.
My Tho sits on the Tien River, a branch of the Mekong, about 70 km southwest of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and is the most common starting point for Mekong Delta day trips from the city. Organised tours leave District 1 around 7:30-8:00am and reach the My Tho waterfront in 1.5 to 2 hours. From the pier, a motorised boat crosses the river to small islands such as Thoi Son, where visitors walk through orchards and stop at family workshops making coconut candy, rice paper and honey products, often with a tasting of tropical fruit and tea. A traditional music performance of southern Vietnamese folk songs is common, and the highlight for many is a short ride in a small rowed sampan along a narrow canal shaded by water coconut palms. Lunch is usually included and features local specialities such as elephant-ear fish or fried rice. Some tours also visit Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho town, known for its large Buddha statues. The full day returns to District 1 in the early evening. Tours vary between a standardised, tourist-focused route and smaller-group or private options that spend more time on quieter canals, and those who want less crowding may choose the latter or a longer two-day trip to Ben Tre or Can Tho. The dry season, December to April, brings the most comfortable weather and calmer boating, while the rainy season from May to November brings afternoon showers and a greener, lusher landscape. Visitors should bring sun protection, insect repellent and small notes for tips and purchases.
| Admission | Organised day tours from 700,000-1,500,000 VND (~$27-$57) per person including boat and lunch |
|---|---|
| Hours | Day tours typically depart District 1 around 7:30-8:00am, returning by early evening |
| Typical visit | Full day |
| Best time | Dry season (December-April) for the most comfortable boat travel |
| Getting there | Tour bus from District 1 about 1.5-2 hours; independent travelers can take a bus from Mien Tay Bus Station to My Tho |
| Address | My Tho (tour piers on the Tien River waterfront), Dong Thap Province (formerly Tien Giang Province) |
Location
My Tho (tour piers on the Tien River waterfront), Dong Thap Province (formerly Tien Giang Province)
10.3542, 106.3643 View on map
Highlights
- Boat ride on the Tien River past coconut-palm islets
- Rowed sampan through narrow canals lined with water coconut
- Workshops making coconut candy and rice paper
- Folk music performance and fruit tasting on the islands
Tips for visiting
- Choose a small-group or private tour to avoid the largest crowds
- Bring sun protection, a hat and insect repellent
- Carry small notes for tips to sampan rowers and purchases
- Start early in the day to reach the delta before the midday heat
- Consider an overnight trip to Ben Tre or Can Tho for a slower pace
When to visit
The dry season (December-April) brings the most comfortable boating weather. Early morning departures avoid the midday heat.
Accessibility
Boarding boats and sampans involves uneven piers and steps, and paths on the islands are narrow, so the tour is difficult for wheelchair users. Visitors with limited mobility should discuss options with the tour operator in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a My Tho Mekong Delta tour?
A day tour takes about 8 to 10 hours, including 1.5 to 2 hours of travel each way from District 1.
Is the Mekong Delta tour good for kids?
Yes, children usually enjoy the boat and sampan rides. The long travel time and midday heat can be tiring for younger ones.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed everywhere on the tour. Visitors should ask before photographing individuals at workshops or in local homes.