Mekong Tour: My Tho – Ben Tre 1 day by DGT

If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City and craving a taste of rural Vietnam, this Mekong tour offers a full-day escape into the lush landscapes and vibrant local life of the Mekong Delta. The experience is carefully curated to combine scenic boat rides, cultural stops, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine—all packed into roughly nine hours. It’s a great way to see a different side of Vietnam without the hassle of planning, thanks to the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides.

What we really love about this tour is its seamless combination of sights and activities. From visiting the iconic Vinh Trang Pagoda to cruising along the canals in a traditional sampan, there’s a wonderful variety that keeps the day interesting. The inclusion of a delicious, locally-sourced meal at a riverside restaurant is another highlight, giving you a real taste of the region’s flavors.

One thing to consider is the early start time—begins at 7:30 am and involves a about 90-minute drive each way. For some, this is perfect as it maximizes the day, but others might find the journey a bit lengthy, especially if traffic is heavy. Nevertheless, the trip is generally well-loved by travelers seeking an authentic, value-packed Mekong experience. If you’re after a vibrant, educational, and delicious day out from Ho Chi Minh City, this tour is likely a good fit.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines cultural sights, scenic boat rides, and local cuisine.
• Excellent value: For $45, you get a full day of activities, transport, and meals.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Vinh, Dan, and Sarah are praised for their friendliness and depth of knowledge.
• Authentic stops: Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, explore small islands, and walk through local villages.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned mini-vans and boat trips ease the journey and add comfort.
• Great for first-timers: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive Mekong Delta introduction.

An In-depth Look at the Mekong Tour Experience

Easy Booking and Convenient Pickup

Starting at just $45 per person, this tour offers surprising value considering everything included—from transportation to meals. It’s especially appealing that pickup is offered from district 1 and 3 hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, saving you the hassle of figuring out how to get there. Booking generally opens about 20 days in advance, which means it’s popular enough to fill quickly, yet accessible enough for last-minute plans.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Vinh Trang Pagoda – Your day begins with a 30-minute stop at this stunning temple, which is unique for blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Cambodian architecture. It’s a peaceful introduction to the region’s spiritual life and provides great photo opportunities. Reviewers mention that the admission is free, making it a worthwhile, no-cost cultural highlight to kick off the day.

My Tho – Upon arriving at the harbor, you’ll hop onto a boat to explore the small islands and waterways of the Mekong. Expect to sample fresh local fruits and sip honey tea while cruising past lush rice paddies and palm-lined channels. One reviewer appreciated the “great experience” of riding a sampan through the tiny canals, while another pointed out the fun of tasting homemade coconut candy along the way. Most travelers find these boat rides both scenic and relaxing, offering a break from the busy city streets.

Local Village Walk and Lunch – After the boat trip, you’ll walk through a small village in Ben Tre, where the pace slows down. The highlight here is the authentic 7-course set menu offered at a riverside restaurant. Reviewers describe the lunch as “fantastic,” especially mentioning the fish wrap with rice paper, which stands out as a regional specialty. The meal provides a satisfying end to the morning activities, with many noting it’s more than enough food to fuel the rest of the day.

Additional Highlights and Activities

Coconut Candy Tasting – This small but delightful stop showcases the region’s famous coconut-based treats. It’s a fun, interactive way to learn about local snacks—perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Sampan Rides – Gliding through the small canals in a traditional boat is a favorite moment for many guests. These rides offer close-up views of the river life, floating markets, and fishing activities. The experience is often described as peaceful, with some reviewers mentioning the lively, bustling scenes being a stark contrast to the serene boat rides.

Guides and Atmosphere

Throughout the reviews, guides like Vinh, Dan, Steven, and Sarah are praised for their friendliness, humor, and local knowledge. One reviewer fondly mentions their guide “Vinh” made the hassle-free pickup process a breeze and answered every question with enthusiasm. Another reviewer appreciated the guide “Hurricane Honey” for keeping the day lively with humor and positive energy.

The small group size—max 12 travelers—creates an intimate environment, allowing for more personalized attention and easier interaction with guides and locals. Many travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and the feeling of being part of a close-knit group.

Transportation and Timing

The tour begins early at 7:30 am, with pickup from central hotels, and departs for My Tho around 8 am. The drive is approximately 90 minutes, which some find a bit long but necessary to reach the delta. Travelers consistently comment on the comfort of the air-conditioned van, which helps manage the early start and lengthy travel time.

The entire experience lasts roughly nine hours, including all stops and meals, with some reviewers mentioning that the full day can be tiring but highly rewarding. The boat rides, village walks, and cultural activities keep the day dynamic, so packing light and comfortable shoes is advisable.

Food and Drink

The included lunch is often highlighted as a standout feature—seven courses of local specialties served at a riverside restaurant. In addition, guests are provided with tropical fruits and honey tea during the boat rides. The tour also supplies bottled mineral water and wet tissues, keeping hydration and cleanliness in check.

While drinks are not included beyond water, many travelers find the meals and snacks plentiful and satisfying, making the price a good value for the comprehensive experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see the Mekong Delta’s highlights without the fuss of organizing logistics themselves. It offers a well-rounded mix of cultural sights, scenic boat rides, and tasty local food, making it perfect for those wanting an authentic yet manageable day trip.

It suits travelers interested in learning about regional customs, exploring small villages, and enjoying a variety of activities in a short period. Family groups, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a small-group setting will find it especially pleasant.

However, if you’re a seasoned Mekong Delta explorer or prefer off-the-beaten-path adventures, this tour might feel a bit curated or touristy. Also, those sensitive to long drives or early mornings should consider how the start time and travel distance fit into their plans.

The Sum Up

This Mekong tour from Ho Chi Minh City offers a well-balanced, authentic experience that combines scenic beauty, cultural insights, and delicious local food—all for a very reasonable price. The guides’ enthusiasm, the variety of activities, and the intimate group size help create a memorable day that captures the essence of the Mekong Delta.

It’s perfect for those new to the region, families, or anyone looking for a hassle-free way to explore Vietnam’s iconic waterways and villages. The included meals, boat rides, and cultural stops make it a rewarding choice, especially when you want to maximize your time and experience without breaking the bank.

If you’re after a comprehensive, engaging, and authentic Mekong adventure close to Ho Chi Minh City, this tour ticks all the right boxes.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:30 am, with pickup from your hotel in districts 1 or 3 in Ho Chi Minh City between 8:00 and 8:30 am.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you are picked up and dropped off in an air-conditioned mini-van, making the journey comfortable and convenient.

What is included in the price?
The $45 fee covers transportation, an English-speaking guide, boat trips, tropical fruits, honey tea, a 7-course lunch, bottled water, and wet tissues.

Are there any additional costs?
Personal expenses and beverages other than water are not included. Tips are optional but appreciated, with some reviews mentioning guides politely requesting tips for boat operators.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 9 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and meals.

What are the main highlights?
Highlights include visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda, cruising the Mekong canals in a sampan, tasting coconut candy, and enjoying a local lunch by the river.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the small group setting and variety of activities make it suitable for families, especially those with children who enjoy boat rides and cultural visits.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and sensible shoes are recommended, especially for walking through villages and temple visits.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and local flavors, making it a valued choice for those wanting a true taste of the Mekong Delta in just one day.