If you are looking for an escape from the relentless pace of city life — a journey that soothes the soul amid unspoiled nature and living folk traditions — the Mekong Delta tour is an experience you simply cannot afford to miss. Stretching from the poetic city of My Tho to the lush, coconut-lined riverbanks of Ben Tre, this one-day itinerary delivers vivid, authentic, and deeply moving experiences that go far beyond sightseeing. This is not merely a tour — it is your chance to genuinely immerse yourself in the everyday life of the people of Vietnam's Southern Delta.

The tour departs daily from The Rice Travel Group on Bui Vien Walking Street, Ho Chi Minh City, guiding you across golden rice paddies, fruit-laden orchards, and the intricate web of canals aboard traditional wooden sampans — where every step is a discovery and every moment becomes a cherished memory.

The Rice Travel Group's Mekong Delta Tour: My Tho - Ben Tre

My Tho – Serene Pagodas and Endless Emerald Rice Fields

The first stop on the Mekong Delta tour is My Tho — the capital city of Tien Giang Province, situated approximately 70 km west of Ho Chi Minh City. Geographically close yet worlds apart in atmosphere, My Tho offers a completely different kind of beauty: calm, verdant, and steeped in the soul of rural Southern Vietnam.

The ancient Buddhist pagodas of My Tho are among the region's most compelling attractions. The tranquil air, the gentle waft of incense smoke, the resonant toll of temple bells drifting across bright green rice fields and fruit orchards — these are sensations that words can hardly capture. Whether or not you are a Buddhist, stepping into these sacred spaces leaves every visitor feeling lighter, quieter, and more at peace.

The landscape surrounding My Tho is a quintessential canvas of the Mekong Delta: sweeping rice paddies extending to the horizon, interspersed with orchards heavy with longan, rambutan, durian, and mangosteen — all nourished by the mineral-rich waters of the mighty Mekong River. This is a land truly blessed by nature, where every glance offers a picture-perfect view.

A highlight of this leg of the Mekong Delta tour is a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda — one of the most celebrated and spiritually significant temples in Tien Giang. Built in the 19th century, the pagoda is distinguished by its remarkable architecture, a harmonious fusion of Asian and European design elements featuring intricately carved facades, majestic Buddha statues, and expansive tree-shaded grounds. It is as much an architectural masterpiece as it is a place of worship.

Vinh Trang Pagoda (or Serene Pagoda) - a renowned sacred site in Tien Giang province

Ben Tre – The Land of Coconut Palms and Peaceful Waterways

Where My Tho enchants with its spiritual calm, Ben Tre captivates with the open-hearted vitality of its river landscape. Known affectionately as the "Coconut Land", Ben Tre is a province where endless rows of palm trees lean gracefully over crystal-clear canals, painting a scene of extraordinary natural poetry.

The defining highlight of the Ben Tre portion of the Mekong Delta tour is gliding along its vast network of waterways aboard a traditional wooden sampan. As you drift through narrow, shade-dappled canals flanked by coconut groves and rustic stilt homes, the gentle river breeze, the soft lapping of water against the hull, and the sweet fragrance of tropical blossoms combine to create an experience utterly unlike anything the city can offer.

For those who want to go beyond admiring the scenery, there is also the opportunity to take the oar yourself and row a small sampan through the narrow green tunnels beneath the coconut palms. This activity is particularly beloved by younger travellers and groups — the thrill of navigating the waterways under your own power, finding your way through the hidden corners of the Delta, is a joy no passive tour can replicate.

Ben Tre - a land famous for its natural rivers and waterways

Must-Do Experiences on the Mekong Delta Tour with The Rice Travel Group

The Mekong Delta tour is far more than a visual journey — it is a full sensory experience in which guests participate directly in activities that have defined Southern Vietnamese culture for generations.

Coconut Candy Making – Ben Tre's Sweetest Tradition

Ben Tre has been synonymous with coconut candy craftsmanship for hundreds of years. On this Mekong Delta tour, you will watch — and participate in — the entire artisanal process: shredding fresh coconut flesh, simmering the coconut milk with sugar and ginger, and hand-pulling the candy into bite-sized pieces. The workshop buzzes with warmth and laughter, filled with the irresistible aroma of caramelised coconut. And naturally, you will taste the fruits of your labour — still warm from the pan, fresher and more fragrant than any candy you have ever bought in a shop.

Honey Bee Farm Visit – Nature's Sweetness in the Coconut Groves

One of the most enchanting stops on the Mekong Delta tour is a visit to a traditional honey bee farm nestled within the coconut palm groves. Local beekeepers will walk you through the art of tending their hives and harvesting raw, organic honey. You are invited to taste the honey straight from the comb — pure, floral, and utterly delicious — before relaxing with a chilled glass of honey-lemon tea, the most refreshing possible antidote to the tropical afternoon heat.

Traditional Music Performance – The Living Soul of the Mekong Delta

No Mekong Delta tour would be complete without the haunting beauty of "Don Ca Tai Tu" — the Southern Vietnamese chamber music recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Seated aboard a gently drifting sampan, you will listen to the plaintive melodies of the dan tranh zither and dan kim lute, accompanied by the silky, heartfelt vocals of local musicians. These melodies — equal parts melancholic and mesmerising — will stay with you long after you have returned to the city, a lingering echo of the Delta's timeless soul.

Tuk-Tuk Village Ride – The Most Charming Way to Explore the Countryside

A highlight that never fails to delight is the tuk-tuk ride through winding village lanes flanked by coconut palms and rice paddies. With the warm breeze rushing in, you will glimpse the authentic rhythms of daily life in the Mekong Delta — elderly villagers resting in the shade of their doorways, children laughing beneath the palms, small wooden boats gliding silently along the canals. It is the most intimate and joyful way to discover the countryside, and a guaranteed favourite for travellers of every age.

Banh Khot Cooking Class – Hands-On Vietnamese Street Food

Among the most enjoyable culinary activities on the Vietnam Mekong tour is learning to make banh khot — the beloved crispy mini rice pancakes that are a cornerstone of Southern Vietnamese street food. Guided by warm and patient local women, you will mix the batter, ladle it into the cast-iron moulds, and cook each pancake to a perfect golden crisp before enjoying them fresh with fresh herbs and a tangy, family-recipe dipping sauce. There is nothing quite like eating food you made yourself in the open air of a riverside garden.

Speedboat Cruise with Fresh Coconut Water – Scenic Delta at Its Best

As the tropical sun climbs higher, nothing refreshes quite like skimming across the gleaming surface of a Delta canal aboard a motorboat, a chilled coconut in hand. The vibrant green of the palm fronds, the deep ochre of the alluvial banks, the flawless blue sky reflected in the water below — together they compose a panorama of extraordinary natural beauty found nowhere else on earth but the Mekong Delta.

Tourists can experience many exciting activities when participating in The Rice Travel Group's Mekong Delta tour.

An 8-Course Riverside Lunch – The Culinary Heart of the Mekong Delta

After a morning packed with activity, the Mekong Delta tour invites you to sit back and savour an exceptional eight-course lunch served at a riverside restaurant — where exquisite local cuisine and a serene waterfront setting come together in perfect harmony.

Every dish is prepared from the freshest ingredients the Delta has to offer: grilled snakehead fish wrapped in rice paper with garden herbs, sour soup with elephant-ear fish and tamarind, eel braised in coconut milk, lotus stem salad with prawns and pork, grilled tiger prawns with chilli salt, and several other specialities of the region. Each course tells its own story — of the rivers, the soil, and the people who have tended this land for generations. The food is honest and unpretentious, yet layered with a quiet sophistication that only true regional cooking possesses.

Seated at the water's edge, cooled by the river breeze, sipping fresh fruit juice and working your way through eight remarkable courses — this is, without question, one of the most memorable meals you will ever have in Vietnam. It is also the perfect moment to relive the highlights of the morning with your fellow travellers.

Why Choose The Mekong Delta Tour: My Tho – Ben Tre?

Rich and varied programme: In a single day, you visit an ancient pagoda, cruise the canals by sampan and motorboat, make coconut candy, visit a bee farm, hear traditional music, cook banh khot, ride a tuk-tuk, and enjoy a multi-course feast. Every hour is purposeful and rewarding.

Genuine and unscripted: This Mekong Delta tour does not traffic in tourist theatre. You engage with real artisans, real families, and real village life — experiencing Southern Vietnamese culture as it has always been lived, not as it has been packaged for outside consumption.

Suitable for all travellers: Whether you are travelling with young children, a group of friends, or as a couple seeking a romantic escape, the Mekong Delta tour adapts effortlessly to every dynamic and delivers joy for every type of traveller.

Convenient day-trip from Ho Chi Minh City: With only 1.5 to 2 hours of travel each way, you can experience the full depth of the Mekong Delta and be back in the city before evening — no overnight stay required.

Genuine cultural value: Beyond leisure, this is a journey of discovery — into traditional crafts, intangible musical heritage, regional gastronomy, and a way of life defined by harmony with nature. You will return home knowing Vietnam just a little more deeply.

Suggested Itinerary – Mekong Delta One-Day Tour with The Rice Travel Group

07:30 – 08:00:  Pick-up from your hotel or The Rice Travel Group office on Bui Vien Walking Street, Ho Chi Minh City. Depart for the Mekong Delta.

09:30 – 10:00:  Arrive in My Tho. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda — admire the 19th-century architecture and enjoy the tranquil temple grounds.

10:00 – 10:30:  Board a motorised sampan and cruise the canal network. Sip fresh coconut water while soaking in the riverside scenery.

10:30 – 12:00:  Cross into Ben Tre — participate in coconut candy making, visit the honey bee farm, enjoy a Don Ca Tai Tu performance, make banh khot with local villagers, and explore the countryside by tuk-tuk.

12:00 – 13:30:  Eight-course riverside lunch at a local restaurant, featuring the signature dishes of the Mekong Delta.

13:30 – 14:30:  Row your own sampan through the shaded canal tunnels beneath the coconut palms.

15:30 – 17:00:  Return journey to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive refreshed, fulfilled, and full of stories to tell. 

See Also: War Remnants Museum – The #1 Ranked Museum Worth Visiting In Asia

Practical Tips for Your Mekong Delta Tour

Dress comfortably:  Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics suited to the warm, humid Delta climate. Bring a light rain jacket or poncho if visiting during the wet season (May to November).

Sun protection is essential:  Pack a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protection sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen — especially important during the open-water boat rides.

Keep your devices charged:  The scenery is breathtaking and photo opportunities are constant. Carry a portable power bank to ensure your camera or smartphone lasts the whole day.

Stay open-minded:  Be ready to try everything — from gripping the oar to rolling candy dough to tasting an unfamiliar dish. The best memories are made when you say yes.

Best season to visit:  The dry season (December to April) offers the most reliable weather, stable water levels, and clearest skies. That said, the wet season (May to November) brings its own magic — flooded paddies shimmering to the horizon and lush greenery at its most vivid. 

Here are some tips to help tourists have a more fulfilling Mekong Delta tour

The Mekong Delta Tour – A Journey That Stays With You

The Mekong Delta tour from My Tho to Ben Tre is far more than a standard day excursion. It is an invitation to slow down — to listen to the water moving through the canals, to breathe in the rich scent of fertile Delta soil, to feel the warmth and sincerity of a people who have lived in harmony with their rivers for centuries. In a world that grows ever faster and more digital, a day in the Mekong Delta is a rare and restorative gift.

When you find yourself sitting in a wooden sampan, coconut water in hand, watching the palms drift past and their reflections ripple in the dark green water, you will understand why people fall in love with Southern Vietnam. It is not merely a love for a place — it is a love for a way of being: unhurried, genuine, and quietly joyful.

Make the Mekong Delta tour with The Rice Travel Group your next destination. We'll see you on the river!

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CONTACT THE RICE TRAVEL GROUP

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

Hotline / Zalo / WhatsApp: +84 962.333.621