Canals, coconut-candy workshops, fruit orchards and rowing-boat rides among the islands of the Mekong's upper delta.
My Tho is the closest Mekong Delta gateway and the basis of most day tours. Standard itineraries include a boat ride to Thoi Son (Unicorn) Island, a canal paddle in a small rowing boat, visits to coconut-candy and honey workshops and a lunch of elephant-ear fish. Ben Tre, a further 30-40 minutes, is quieter and known for coconuts and back-canal homestays.
Tours typically depart at 07:30-08:00 and return about 17:30. Expect to pay 350,000-800,000 VND (~$13.31-30.42) for a small-group day tour including lunch, with private tours priced higher.
| Distance | About 70 km / 43 miles to My Tho |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5-2 hours each way |
| Getting there | Guided day tour, limousine bus to My Tho, or private car |
| Cost | Group tours from about 350,000 VND (~$13.31) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | My Tho City, Tien Giang Province and Ben Tre Province |
How to get there
- Group day tour (about 350,000-800,000 VND / ~$13.31-30.42)
- Limousine bus from Mien Tay Bus Station to My Tho (about 80,000-110,000 VND / ~$3.04-4.18)
- Private car with driver (about 1,400,000-2,000,000 VND / ~$53.23-76.05 for the day)
Location
My Tho City, Tien Giang Province and Ben Tre Province
10.3600, 106.3600 View on map
Highlights
- Boat ride to Thoi Son (Unicorn) Island
- Canal paddle in a small rowing boat
- Coconut-candy and honey workshop visits
- Lunch of elephant-ear fish
- Quieter back-canal scenery around Ben Tre
Tips for visiting
- Small-group tours cost about 350,000-800,000 VND including lunch.
- Departures run at 07:30-08:00 with a return around 17:30.
- Choose a tour that includes Ben Tre for quieter canals.
- Bring sun protection; boat rides have little shade.
- Limousine buses from Mien Tay Bus Station reach My Tho for independent travel.
When to visit
December to April is driest; go on a morning departure for cooler canal rides and calmer water.
Accessibility
Boat boarding and uneven jetties make the trip difficult for wheelchair users, though the My Tho town stops are mostly flat.
Frequently asked questions
How far is My Tho from Ho Chi Minh City?
My Tho is about 70 km southwest, roughly 1.5-2 hours each way by road.
Is My Tho or Ben Tre better?
My Tho is closer and the basis of most tours, while Ben Tre is a further 30-40 minutes and quieter, known for coconuts and homestays.
Is lunch included?
Most small-group day tours include lunch, commonly elephant-ear fish, in the quoted price.