Overview
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the river world with our professional Mekong Delta Tour 1 Day. This full-day journey to My Tho and Ben Tre offers a perfect blend of spiritual heritage, traditional crafts, and authentic river life. From the intricate architecture of the Vinh Trang Pagoda to the peaceful rhythm of a hand-rowed sampan beneath coconut canopies, guided by Mekong Smile, you will discover why this region is known as the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam.
Highlights
- Admire the stunning 19th-century Vinh Trang Pagoda, a unique architectural blend of Asian and European styles.
- Cruise the mighty Mekong River by motorboat to witness the daily life of local fishing villages and floating houses.
- Drift peacefully on a hand-rowed sampan through narrow, palm-fringed canals for an authentic Delta experience.
- Discover traditional workshops where locals produce artisanal coconut candy, rice paper, or rice wine.
- Enjoy a live performance of Vietnamese folk music while savoring fresh, seasonal tropical fruits at a local home.
- Savor a flavorful 5-course Vietnamese set-menu lunch at a charming riverside restaurant.
Itinerary
08:30 – 10:30 | Departure from Saigon & Scenic Drive
Mekong Smile provides pickup services from several central hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) starting at 08:30 AM. Meet your expert guide for a comfortable 1.5 to 2-hour drive toward My Tho. Along the way, we will make a short rest stop to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and enjoy the transition from the bustling city to the lush green landscapes of the Mekong Delta.10:30 | Mekong River Motorboat Cruise
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the Mekong’s gentle rivers and peaceful atmosphere. Your journey today captures the essence of the Delta through a series of immersive activities as you begin exploring its cultural and scenic treasures. Board a local motorboat for a scenic cruise along the Tien River. As you navigate the winding waterways, enjoy the calm beauty of the four famous islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. Observe the floating fish farms and the bustling river commerce that defines the character of My Tho.
Hand-Rowed Sampan Journey
Switch to a smaller, traditional hand-rowed sampan for a quiet drift through narrow, shaded canals. Gliding beneath the canopy of water coconut trees, this experience allows you to truly feel the tranquility and the authentic "hidden" beauty of the Delta's smaller waterways.
Traditional Workshop & Coconut Candy Making
Cross over to Ben Tre province, the "Kingdom of Coconuts". Visit local family-run workshops to see the traditional process of making delicious coconut candy, rice paper, or local rice wine. You will have the opportunity to sample these warm, artisanal treats straight from the production line.
Vietnamese Folk Music & Tropical Fruits
Visit a friendly local family home to experience the famous "Don Ca Tai Tu" (Vietnamese folk music), recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Relax and enjoy the music while savoring a variety of fresh seasonal fruits picked straight from the surrounding orchards.
Vinh Trang Pagoda Exploration
Step into a world of spiritual serenity at the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a 19th-century architectural treasure. This is one of the most famous pagodas in the region, remarkably blending Vietnamese, Khmer, Chinese, and European influences. Marvel at the giant Buddha statues and the intricate mosaics that tell stories of the land’s diverse heritage.
5-Course Riverside Lunch
Enjoy a well-deserved break with a flavorful 5-course Vietnamese set menu at a charming riverside restaurant. The menu features regional specialties like "Elephant Ear Fish," providing an authentic taste of the Mekong’s culinary traditions in a peaceful setting by the water.
16:00 – 18:00 | Return Journey to Ho Chi Minh City
After a full day of discovery, we begin the 1.5 to 2-hour drive back to Saigon. At the end of the tour, Mekong Smile will drop you off at your original pick-up point or any central location of your choice, concluding your memorable Mekong adventure.Things to Know
Includes
Tour Included
- Central Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Shared Air-con Minivan.
- Boat Trips (Motorboat & Hand-rowed boat).
- Vietnamese-English speaking expert tour guide.
- Snacks (fruits, candy, honey tea…).
- Lunch (5-course Vietnamese Menu).
- Bottled drinking water.
- Travel insurance.
- VAT.
Tour Excluded
- Personal expenses.
- Tips and Gratuities (recommended).
- Drinks (beer, soft drinks…).
Additional Info
Note
- All prices are quoted per person in Vietnamese Dong (VND).
- The itinerary may be adjusted without prior notice due to weather, tide levels, or other operational factors.
- Standard refund terms and conditions apply to all bookings.
- Special requests (diet or vegetarian…) must be submitted before your departure date.
- For the fastest processing, please select the payment method that best suits your needs.
Child regulations
- Free of charge for 01 kid under 5 years old. Parents are requested to pay the incurred costs themselves.
- Two adults can only accompany 01 child. The second child accompanying will be charged at the Child rate.
Cancellation policy
- Due to weather conditions, a full refund.
- Due to personal reasons from customers, no refund.
- The following charges will be levied on any cancellation if you cancel your trip at any time, provided you notify the company in writing:
- 30 days or more before the departure: 30% of the deposit
- 15 – 30 days before the departure: 50% of the deposit
- 8 – 15 days before the departure: 80% of the tour cost
- 1 – 07 days before the departure: 100% of the tour cost
- The tour cancellation time is on working days, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays.
Pricing & Packages
| Group Tour (min 2 persons) | Adult | Child (06-10) | Kid (01-05) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price/person | 48 USD (1,190,000 VND) | 35 USD (865,000 VND) | FOC |
Meeting & Pickup
Start time: 08:30 AM
Pickup point: Hotels in Ho Chi Minh city center
Mekong Smile provides pickup services from several central hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) starting at 08:30 AM
FAQ
Is the Mekong Delta Tour From Ho Chi Minh City suitable for seniors?
+Absolutely. Mekong Smile ensures the pace of the tour is relaxed. The boat transfers and walking paths are manageable, and there are plenty of shaded spots to rest and enjoy the scenery.
What should I wear for the Mekong Delta Tour From Ho Chi Minh City?
+We recommend comfortable, light clothing and sturdy walking shoes or sandals. For our visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda, Mekong Smile asks that you wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Are the meals on the Mekong Delta Tour From Ho Chi Minh City suitable for vegetarians?
+Yes, Mekong Smile can easily accommodate vegetarian or vegan dietary requirements. Please inform us at the time of booking so we can prepare a delicious local plant-based menu for you.
Do all entrance fees and boat trips come included in the Mekong Delta Tour From Ho Chi Minh City?
+Yes, Mekong Smile includes all entrance fees to the pagoda, workshops, and all boat/sampan trips in the tour price. There are no hidden costs for the activities mentioned in the itinerary.
What happens if it rains during the Mekong Delta Tour From Ho Chi Minh City?
+Saigon and the Delta often have brief tropical showers. Mekong Smile provides rain ponchos, and our boats are equipped with covers to keep you dry. Most activities, like the lunch and workshops, are held in sheltered areas.
Can I be dropped off at a different location after the Mekong Delta Tour From Ho Chi Minh City?
+Certainly! Mekong Smile can drop you off at any central location in District 1 or 3, such as the Ben Thanh Market or a specific restaurant, to help you continue your evening in the city.
28 reviews for Mekong Delta Tour 1 Day | Authentic My Tho & Ben Tre Trip
Note: for review to be approved, please refer to General Terms of Use
Lily Thompson Verified booking
The guide kept everything smooth and shared fascinating insights about Mekong culture.
harlow_sanders_09 Verified booking
Watching coconut candy being made in Bến Tre was surprisingly fun and the samples were delicious.
Aiden Howard Verified booking
Cruising the Mekong River with the breeze and panoramic views was one of my highlights.
ruby.dawson_05 Verified booking
Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda was stunning and unlike any pagoda I had seen before, especially with its mixed architectural styles.
Oliver Bennett Verified booking
Visiting the honey farm was sweet and fun, especially getting to try honey tea made right there.
Harper Reed Verified booking
The folk music performance during the fruit tasting added a lovely cultural touch.
xavier.dixon_06 Verified booking
I loved the shaded canals lined with water coconut trees; it felt magical.
Liam Patterson Verified booking
Seeing daily Mekong Delta activities from the boat really gave insight into how people live along the river.