Mekong Delta Discovery – Day Trip From HCMC
Overview
Trip Highlights
Discover the Mekong Delta’s Beauty on a Memorable Day Trip from HCMC
Experience the heart of Mekong Delta on our unforgettable Mekong Delta Discovery day trip from HCMC. Discover the charms of My Tho, a coconut haven, and immerse yourself in the idyllic rural lifestyle of the Mekong Delta.
Scheduled Times & Route:
PICK UP: 07:30 – 08:00 (pick-up only available at district 1 – depending on your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City). Other areas, please, garther on time at our brand office – 112 Tran Hung Dao street, Pham Ngu Lao ward, Distict 1, HCMC)
RETURN: 17:30
TRAVEL ROUTE: HCMC – My Tho – Ben Tre – HCMC
Special Highlights:
- Enjoy a scenic journey along the Express Trung Luong Highway.
- Cruise around Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands.
- Sample freshly picked fruit in picturesque orchards.
- Experience a traditional rowing boat ride through Ben Tre’s charming water-coconut palm canals.
- Pedal through Tan Thach village, immersing yourself in the local way of life or opt for a tranquil hammock experience, reveling in the serene Mekong ambiance.
Book now and delve into the beauty of Mekong Delta – a journey filled with culture, nature, and unforgettable memories!
Itinerary
In the morning :
Leave the bustling city behind as you depart for My Tho, located 90km away from Saigon. Enjoy a comfortable 2-hour drive along the scenic Express Trung Luong Highway.
Upon arrival in My Tho, visit the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, which dates back to the late 19th century. Admire its stunning architecture and serene surroundings.
Board a traditional sampan and cruise along the Mekong River, passing by four beautiful islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands.

Stop at Unicorn Island and take a leisurely walk along country lanes, where you’ll discover charming orchards. Sample fresh tropical fruits and enjoy folk songs performed by friendly locals. Visit a fruit plantation to learn more about the region’s agriculture
Experience the traditional rural lifestyle of the Mekong Delta inhabitants with a hand-rowed sampan ride through Thoi Son Canal. Take in the picturesque scenery and visit a family-run business. Explore a honeybee farm and indulge in a tasting of honey tea and coconut candy.
Savor a delicious local lunch at a nearby restaurant. Take a break and relax after your morning adventures.

In the afternoon :
In the afternoon, get active and hop on a bicycle to explore Tan Thach village. Meet friendly local villagers and immerse yourself in their daily life in the Mekong Delta. For those who prefer relaxation, enjoy a peaceful hammock session and savor the cool breeze.

After a day filled with exploration and cultural experiences, return to Ho Chi Minh City, leaving the Mekong Delta behind.Please note that the drop-off time may vary due to traffic and weather conditions
The trip includes :
- Air-conditioned van pick-up from centrally located hotels in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Transfer and sightseeing as per the program.
- Boat trip in the Mekong Delta.
- English-speaking guide.
- All entrance fees.
- Local lunch with a set menu.
Important Notes:
- Pick-up and transfer services are provided only for centrally located hotels/accommodations in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- The tour operator is not responsible for your lateness.
- Infant rates apply if they do not occupy a seat and enjoy the tour inclusions. Please inform the supplier if you have an infant when booking your tour.
The trip excludes :
- Other food and beverages not mentioned in the program.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
- Tax and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Mekong Delta day trip focuses on the “Four Islands” (Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise). Highlights include a sampan boat ride through narrow, coconut-fringed canals, visiting a traditional honey farm, and seeing how local coconut candy is made. You will also experience Southern Vietnamese folk music (Don Ca Tai Tu) and enjoy a “farm-to-table” lunch featuring the famous Elephant Ear Fish
The journey from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (approximately 70km). When booking with Golden Holiday Travel, we use the modern expressway and private, air-conditioned vehicles to ensure your travel time is comfortable and efficient, allowing more time for exploration on the water.
While the Delta is vast, a well-organized day trip to the Ben Tre or My Tho area provides a comprehensive “discovery” experience. You will see the essential elements of Delta life: river-based commerce, fruit orchards, and traditional handicrafts. For those seeking even deeper isolation, Golden Holiday Travel can customize private itineraries that venture into less-visited canals away from the main tourist hubs.
Since you will be transitioning between motorized boats, rowing sampans, and walking through orchards, we recommend comfortable, non-slip footwear. Bring sun protection (hat and sunscreen) and insect repellent for the canal areas. While we provide bottled water, bringing a personal fan or a light scarf can help keep you cool in the tropical humidity of Southern Vietnam.
Absolutely. The Mekong Delta is the “rice bowl” of Vietnam and produces an incredible variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Golden Holiday Travel works closely with local riverside restaurants to provide delicious alternatives for vegans, vegetarians, and those with gluten sensitivities. Simply inform us at the time of booking so we can arrange a specialized menu.
As a licensed tour operator, we prioritize the “Discovery” aspect of the Delta. Our private tours offer flexibility—if you want to spend more time cycling through a village or less time at a workshop, your guide adapts to you. We ensure high-quality boat safety standards and provide expert English-speaking guides who can explain the complex ecology and history of the Mekong River.
Good to Know
Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.
Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.
If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
- All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions
We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.
Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.
As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:
- Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
- Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
- Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.
International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.
For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.
Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.
Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.
If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:
- Collect your checked luggage after landing.
- Complete immigration and customs procedures.
- Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
- Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.
Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.
Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.


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Mekong Delta Discovery – Day Trip From HCMC