Southern Vietnam's Mekong Delta is one of Southeast Asia's most captivating destinations — a world of winding waterways, lush tropical orchards, and a vibrant river culture unlike anywhere else. The Rice Travel Group's Mekong Delta – Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho tour invites you to experience the raw, authentic beauty of this legendary region over an immersive 2-day, 1-night journey. Beyond sightseeing, this tour gives you the rare opportunity to make and taste authentic Southern Vietnamese banh khot with your own hands — creating food memories you'll carry long after you return home.

Traveling the Mekong Delta with The Rice Travel Group is more than a standard sightseeing trip — it's a deep cultural immersion. With a dedicated private tour vehicle, a 7-seater car exclusively for your group, and a team of passionate local guides, you'll experience the delta at your own pace and on your own terms. And with our professional photography service included, every unforgettable moment is preserved in stunning detail.

Private tour of the Mekong Delta - Cai Rang, Can Tho with The Rice Travel Group

Day 1: Setting Off on Your Mekong Delta Adventure

Your journey begins in Saigon, boarding a comfortable private 7-seater vehicle that carries you toward the first highlights of the tour. The first stop is the Mekong Rest Stop — a chance to stretch, refresh, and build anticipation for the experiences that lie ahead.

Vinh Trang Pagoda, My Tho

The next destination is Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho — a landmark that defines any authentic Mekong Delta itinerary. Dating back to the 19th century, this extraordinary temple is one of the finest examples of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture fused with European colonial aesthetics in the entire region. Wander through its expansive, tree-shaded grounds and let the tranquility of the space settle over you. Your Rice Travel Group guide will share the fascinating stories behind the pagoda's construction and its enduring spiritual significance to the communities of the Mekong Delta.

Vinh Trang Pagoda - a famous and sacred temple with a peaceful and serene atmosphere in the Mekong Delta.

From the pagoda, the tour continues into My Tho city, where life is lived in close relationship with the Tien River. Step aboard a traditional wooden boat and drift along the gentle current, taking in sweeping views of fruit orchards, water coconut groves, and classic stilted riverbank homes. The air is clean and cool; birdsong mingles with the soft murmur of the current to create a natural harmony you won't find in any city.

Here, you can experience a relaxing boat ride on the Tien River.

Thoi Son Island — Tropical Orchard Trail

Thoi Son Island, nestled in the middle of the Tien River, is a must-visit highlight of the 2-day Mekong Delta tour. This lush island is famous for its abundant tropical fruit orchards, and a stroll along its quiet village paths feels like stepping back in time. Visit gardens of coconut, mango, rambutan, and longan, and savor the pleasure of picking and eating sun-ripened fruit straight from the tree — tasting the natural sweetness that defines the Mekong Delta's fertile landscape.

Tourists can take a tuk-tuk ride on Thoi Son Island.

Lunch: A Feast of Mekong Specialties

Lunch is served at a beloved local restaurant, with a menu showcasing the bold, soulful flavors of Southern Vietnamese river cuisine: grilled elephant ear fish wrapped in banana leaf, sour catfish soup, fresh shrimp and pork spring rolls, and an array of other regional classics. These are the tastes that define the Mekong Delta — rustic, vibrant, and deeply satisfying.

Evening in Can Tho

As the afternoon winds down, the group checks in to a comfortable 2–3 star hotel before enjoying free time to explore Can Tho city independently. The Rice Travel Group recommends a leisurely evening stroll through the city center, soaking in the energy of the Mekong Delta's largest and most dynamic urban hub. Dinner at Ninh Kieu Wharf — eating riverside specialties beside the romantic Hau River, cooled by the evening breeze — is an experience that lingers in the memory long after the trip ends.

See More: Explore Southern Vietnam with Ease from Bui Vien Street — The Rice Travel Group

Day 2: Cai Rang Floating Market, Orchard Paddling & the Banh Khot Cooking Experience

Dawn at Cai Rang Floating Market

Day two begins before the sun is fully up. Breakfast is served at the hotel at 6:00 AM, with departure to the boat dock at 6:30 AM for the morning's main event: Cai Rang Floating Market — one of the most iconic and photographed destinations in the entire Mekong Delta.

Cai Rang is the living, breathing heart of the delta's river trading culture. Hundreds of wooden ghe bau (traditional cargo boats) converge here each morning, loaded with fresh produce sourced from across the Mekong Delta region. As your boat threads between the bobbing vessels, you'll witness commerce in its most elemental form — entirely afloat. Bundles of leafy greens and towers of tropical fruit — mangoes, rambutans, dragon fruits, watermelons, pineapples — hang from tall bamboo poles, each one serving as the seller's colorful, unmistakable calling card.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Cai Rang experience is buying directly from the farmers themselves. Your Rice Travel Group guide will facilitate introductions and help you negotiate prices, turning each purchase into a genuine moment of cross-cultural connection.

Paddling Through the Canals

After the floating market, the tour moves to the surrounding fruit orchards, where you can sample more seasonal delicacies before climbing into a traditional sampan to paddle through narrow waterways shaded by rows of water coconut palms. Gliding through this serene green labyrinth at your own pace offers a rare, meditative connection with the Mekong Delta's natural landscape — an experience far removed from the buzz of the floating market.

Don Ca Tai Tu — Southern Vietnamese Folk Music

A cultural highlight of the morning is a live performance of Don Ca Tai Tu — the traditional chamber music genre born in Southern Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The delicate, layered sounds of the dan tranh (16-string zither), dan bau (monochord), and song lang (woodblock percussion) weave together melodies that speak of river life, love, and the timeless soul of the Mekong Delta. Local master musicians perform with warmth and artistry, offering a window into a living tradition that has endured for generations.

Don Ca Tai Tu - the traditional chamber music genre born in Southern Vietnam

Make Authentic Banh Khot — A Hands-On Cooking Experience Exclusive to The Rice Travel Group

The defining highlight of this Mekong Delta tour is a fully guided banh khot cooking class — an experience you will only find with The Rice Travel Group.

Banh khot is one of Southern Vietnam's most beloved street foods: small, golden, crispy rice flour pancakes with a soft, coconut-cream center and a plump, sweet shrimp nestled on top. Learning to make them — and then eating them fresh — is a memory that outlasts the trip itself.

The Banh Khot Experience, Step by Step

Making the batter: Rice flour and tapioca starch are blended with fresh coconut milk to create a smooth, naturally golden batter. Fresh shrimp are peeled and deveined with tails left intact for presentation, and spring onions are finely sliced to add fragrance and color.

Filling the molds: Guided by patient local home cooks, you'll learn to ladle batter into the traditional cast-iron mold — a pan with multiple small, circular wells — at exactly the right thickness. Too thin and the pancake loses its signature chew; too thick and it won't crisp properly. A single shrimp and a pinch of spring onion top each round.

Controlling the flame: Cooking banh khot over a charcoal fire requires attentiveness and a practiced eye. You'll learn to read the heat and adjust accordingly, aiming for a perfectly golden, crispy base without any risk of burning. The sizzle of batter hitting hot iron, the warm fragrance of coconut milk and fresh seafood rising together — this is a sensory experience as rich as the food itself.

Plating and serving: Once your banh khot are golden and ready, you'll carefully lift each one from the mold to preserve its neat, rounded shape. They're served with a fresh spread of crisp lettuce, fragrant herbs, and sliced cucumber, alongside a bright, zesty dipping sauce of fish sauce, sugar, fresh lime, chili, and pounded garlic.

Nothing quite compares to eating something you've made yourself. The crispy exterior gives way to a creamy, coconut-scented interior; the sweet shrimp on top completes a flavor combination as distinctive and memorable as the Mekong Delta itself. This is the moment that makes the whole journey worthwhile.

Experience making banh khot (Vietnamese savory pancakes) while participating in a tour of the Mekong Delta - Cai Rang, Can Tho.

Shopping for Authentic Mekong Delta Souvenirs

After a hearty lunch of Mekong Delta specialties, you'll have time to browse for genuine local products to bring home. Ben Tre coconut candy is the quintessential Mekong souvenir — handcrafted from fresh coconut milk, palm sugar, and all-natural ingredients, and recognized across Vietnam for its distinctively sweet, rich flavor.

Coconut candy and pastry workshop

Look out too for cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, canned coconut cream, toasted coconut cakes, and a range of beautifully made artisan gifts. These locally produced items make for thoughtful, meaningful presents — and a delicious way to keep the flavors of the Mekong Delta alive back home.

The Rice Travel Group only recommends vendors with verified product origins, consistent quality, and honest pricing. Your guide will direct you to the most trustworthy shops and help you secure the best value.

You can buy some handmade items as gifts for friends and relatives.

Why Choose The Rice Travel Group for Your Mekong Delta – Can Tho Tour?

Private Tours with Premium Comfort

The Rice Travel Group is a leader in private, high-quality Mekong Delta tours. Unlike standard group packages where you move at someone else's pace, our private tours are built around you — flexible, relaxed, and fully personalized. No waiting for strangers; just the destinations, experiences, and rhythm that suit you best.

Your private 7-seater vehicle is equipped with full-power air conditioning, comfortable reclining seats, a quality sound system, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Our experienced drivers know the Mekong Delta roads intimately and maintain an unwavering focus on passenger safety throughout every leg of the journey.

Expert, Passionate Local Guides

Our guides are not simply route-planners — they are knowledgeable local companions who bring the Mekong Delta to life. Born and raised in the region, they hold a deep, lived understanding of its history, folklore, cuisine, and culture. Their engaging storytelling and genuinely warm personalities create meaningful connections between travelers and the land they're exploring.

All guides are trained in communication, basic first aid, and emergency response — equipped to support guests in any situation, from answering curious questions and advising on shopping, to providing care and reassurance whenever it's needed.

Professional Photography & Videography

One of The Rice Travel Group's most distinctive offerings is our professional photography and videography service, included with every tour. We know the moments you experience in the Mekong Delta are rare and worth preserving with care.

Our travel photographers are seasoned professionals who understand both technique and location — knowing precisely which angles, light conditions, and moments best capture the spirit of each stop. Natural candid portraits at Cai Rang Floating Market, joyful action shots during the banh khot cooking class, sweeping orchard panoramas — every image is crafted with skill and intention.

We also produce short social-media-ready video clips, edited to a high standard with clear audio and polished visuals — so your memories are ready to share the moment you arrive home.

Authentic Mekong Culinary Experiences

Mekong Delta cuisine is at the center of every Rice Travel Group tour — not just as a backdrop, but as a primary experience. We don't simply take you to well-known restaurants; we create hands-on opportunities for you to participate in the preparation of iconic Southern Vietnamese dishes.

The banh khot cooking class is a proprietary experience developed exclusively by The Rice Travel Group, in collaboration with traditional family kitchens. The full program covers the cultural origins of the dish, hands-on ingredient preparation, guided cooking instruction, and the reward of sitting down to eat what you've made.

Every meal throughout the tour is carefully curated from long-established local restaurants and eateries. Menus are rich with Mekong Delta favorites: grilled elephant ear fish, sour catfish soup, braised chicken, sautéed morning glory with garlic, and much more.

Practical Information & Booking Details

The Rice Travel Group's 2-day, 1-night Mekong Delta tour is designed for all traveler types — families with young children, friend groups seeking adventure, and couples looking for a romantic, off-the-beaten-path escape. The pace is easy and unhurried, yet packed with memorable experiences from start to finish.

Departure is flexible from Ho Chi Minh City, with complimentary hotel pick-up or collection from any location you prefer. Punctuality is guaranteed, and you'll receive precise timing confirmations in advance.

Accommodation is at a carefully selected 2–3 star hotel, chosen for cleanliness, comfort, and a convenient location in Can Tho city. All rooms include air conditioning, hot water, complimentary Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Special room requests or upgraded accommodation can be arranged — simply discuss your preferences with our team at the time of booking.

What to pack: Light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes are ideal. Bring a sun hat, UV-protection sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect against the strong Mekong Delta sun. Personal cameras are always welcome alongside our professional photography service.

Experience the journey to explore the West with us to fully feel the cultural beauty, people and typical rhythm of life of this river region.

Service Commitment & Booking Policies

The Rice Travel Group is committed to delivering premium-quality Mekong Delta tours at transparent, competitive prices. There are no hidden fees — all inclusions and exclusions are communicated clearly at the time of booking, so you can plan with complete confidence.

Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist guests before, during, and after their trip. All inquiries, feedback, and concerns are handled promptly and with genuine care.

We offer a flexible cancellation policy to accommodate a wide range of circumstances. In the event of adverse weather that poses a safety risk, The Rice Travel Group will proactively adjust the itinerary or reschedule the tour to ensure the wellbeing of all guests comes first.

Conclusion: A Mekong Delta Journey Worth Taking

The Rice Travel Group's 2-day, 1-night Mekong Delta – Can Tho tour is far more than a sightseeing excursion — it's a genuine immersion into the living culture, flavors, and spirit of Southern Vietnam. From the energetic commerce of Cai Rang Floating Market and the joy of crafting banh khot by hand, to the serenity of paddling through palm-shaded canals and the warmth of traditional folk music, every element of this journey is designed to leave a lasting impression.

Travel the Mekong Delta with us and experience the attentive care of expert local guides, the artistry of professional travel photography, and the genuine hospitality that defines this remarkable corner of Vietnam. A rich collection of memories — and a deeper connection to a world few travelers truly get to know — awaits you.

Contact The Rice Travel Group today to book your Mekong Delta tour. The delta is waiting.

Contact The Rice Travel Group today to experience the Mekong Delta!

Contact & Booking Information

Address: Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hotline: +84 962.333.621 (Zalo / WhatsApp available)

Email: daiviettherice@gmail.com