TOP 5 Mekong Delta Half-Day Tours (Update 2024)

The Mekong Delta is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and captivating natural scenery. A visit to this region offers moments of relaxation through unique and memorable recreational activities. Even with limited travel time, you can still explore the culture and nature of the vast Southwestern region. 

Discover our top 5 Mekong Delta half day tour from Ho Chi Minh City with Joy Journeys!

My Tho & Ben Tre – A classic Mekong Delta half day tour from Ho Chi Minh

My Tho and Ben Tre, located near Ho Chi Minh City, are ideal choices for tourists with limited travel time.

Overview

My Tho, the central city of Tien Giang, boasts well-developed infrastructure. It experiences the typical hot and humid climate of southern Vietnam year-round. With its enchanting natural beauty and rich historical landmarks, My Tho is the perfect destination for anyone seeking to explore the unique culture and charm of the Mekong Delta.

Ben Tre, known as ‘Vietnam’s Coconut Land,’ is a fertile province famous for its abundant coconut trees. Located just a 90-minute drive from Ho Chi Minh City, this captivating destination draws both domestic and international tourists with its river and garden eco-tourism experiences.

Activities

• Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda: Recognized as a national monument since 1984, this pagoda showcases a unique blend of Asian and European architecture. A visit to the pagoda offers insights into the spiritual life of the local people.

• Arrive at Thoi Son Islet: It is also known as Lan Islet, located in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province. Covering 1,200 hectares, it is the largest of the four Long-Lan-Quy-Phung Islets.
  • Visiting a craft village on the islet allows you to engage in cultural activities like exploring local gardens and discovering traditional crafts. Gaining insight into these crafts offers a deeper connection with the Mekong Delta and its people.
  • Additionally, you can learn about beekeeping, a common occupation in the region. Skilled farmers produce honey, royal jelly, and other bee products, which you can sample and purchase as souvenirs.

• Discover Phung Island: It offers tourists the chance to explore fruit gardens and enjoy delicious regional dishes. The islet also captivates visitors with local daily activities, especially handicrafts made from coconut, such as coconut flowers, coconut bowls, etc.

Duration

This 7-hour trip is ideal for tourists with limited time and flexibility, as My Tho and Ben Tre are very close to Ho Chi Minh City. Despite the short duration, these two locations offer enough opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the Southwest region and immerse yourself in its cultural charm. 

Can Tho floating market experience

Cai Rang Market, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, is a must-visit spot in the Mekong Delta.

Overview

The Cai Rang floating market, established in the early 20th century, earned recognition as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2016. Around 300-400 boats gather at the market each day. 

A distinctive feature is the local marketing method of ‘hanging what you sell’: goods are displayed on a pole called ‘Cay Beo,’ allowing visitors to view items from a distance. Typically, each boat specializes in selling a single type of product.

Traveling from the center of Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho takes about 4 hours, and it’s best to depart early, as the market is most vibrant between 6-9 am. Despite the early start, visiting the Cai Rang floating market is a completely worthwhile experience.

Activities

• Enjoy breakfast at Cai Rang Floating Market: Begin your day with local specialties such as crab paste vermicelli soup, Can Tho noodles, or crispy fried rice noodles, all served right on the boat. Pair your meal with a cup of Vietnamese milk coffee to awaken your senses and start your day comfortably.

• Visit the noodle factory: Some of the rafts on the river serve as noodle factories, producing ingredients for local dishes.
• Experience shopping on the boat: In addition to sightseeing, visitors can also participate in buying and selling activities, engaging in bargaining just like the locals. 

Duration

The Cai Rang floating market tour offers a well-paced experience of around 6 hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure. It’s one of the top-rated Mekong Delta tours departing from Ho Chi Minh City, offering plenty of time to immerse yourself in the local culture without feeling too long.

Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reservation – a haven wild natural beauty

If you’re passionate about nature, Lung Ngoc Hoang is a must-visit destination. 

Overview

This stunning wetland ecosystem, spanning 28 km², is the largest forest area in Hau Giang province. It is home to over 330 plant species and 206 animal species, making it a treasure trove of biodiversity. The reserve is dedicated to both preserving this natural beauty and developing sustainable tourism, ensuring that visitors can enjoy its wonders while contributing to its conservation.

Activities

• Rent a boat to glide through the tranquil waters and immerse yourself in the peaceful natural landscape of the reserve.
• Climb the watchtower, which rises over 20 meters high, for breathtaking views and observe flocks of birds as they soar gracefully around.
• Engage in folk games like fishing or cycling across charming wooden bridges, adding a touch of local culture and interactive fun to your visit.

Duration

The tour of Lung Ngoc Hoang Reserve is perfect for a half-day getaway, lasting about 4 hours. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to experience the enchanting nature of the Mekong Delta without committing to a full day. Whether you’re an avid nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape, this tour offers a delightful glimpse into the region’s wild beauty.

Tra On floating market and local village tour

If you prefer a quieter experience than the bustling Cai Rang Market, consider visiting Tra On Market, which is nearby.

Overview

Floating markets are a distinctive cultural feature of the Mekong Delta. Notable markets like Cai Rang, Ca Mau, and Nga Bay draw numerous domestic and international visitors daily. Among them, Tra On Floating Market stands out as a historic market with over a century of tradition, continuing to highlight unique cultural aspects of trade in the Mekong Delta.

Located just 250 meters from the Tra On estuary, this Floating Market comes alive at sunrise with numerous boats trading along the 300-meter-long Hau River. 

In the early morning, the market attracts hundreds of boats from Vinh Long Province and nearby areas to trade and exchange goods. Along with An Binh Islet, Tra On Floating Market is one of the region’s most attractive tourist destinations, celebrated for its unique charm.

Activities

• Admire the beauty of the floating market: Tra On Floating Market epitomizes the vibrant and unique charm of the Mekong Delta. Visitors come not only for trading but also to relish the tranquil ambiance of the Tien River.
• Experience the cultural richness: This offers a vivid representation of the Mekong Delta culture. Each boat provides a glimpse into the life and traditions of the local people, showcasing the serene connection between them and the Tien River.
• Enjoy the specialties: The market is a culinary delight, with offerings like grilled bread, pancakes, fish hotpot, and fresh squid hotpot. Unique flavors such as bamboo rice, grilled snakehead fish, and stingray salad promise an unforgettable taste experience.

Duration

This discovery tour lasts about 6 hours, offering you half a day to explore the Cai Rang floating market. During this time, you can experience the unique river shopping, interact with locals, and learn more about their vibrant river culture.

Tan Phong island – a rural retreat

Blessed by nature, Tan Phong Islet is a perfect spot to experience life on the Tien River and savor its delightful local produce.

Overview

Situated between the Tien River and the right bank of the Cai Be Floating Market, Tan Phong Islet is a well-known tourist destination. Situated just over 20 km from My Tho City, it is famous for its fruit-growing region. 

The islet offers fresh fruit year-round, especially the specialty fruits of the Southwest region. Tan Phong Islet is composed of six smaller islets: Trich, Ngam, Dai Dien, Tre, Bau, and Ca Ngat.

Activities

• Enjoy seasonal fruits: Visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious fruits grown here year-round, particularly those native to the Southwest region.
• Take a boat to see the natural scenery: Visitors can sit on a boat, enjoy the lush fruit gardens and the daily life of people living along the riverbanks.
• ‘Don Ca Tai Tu’: Don’t miss this traditional art form that is typical of the Southwest. Folk music artists will guide you and help you learn more about ‘Don Ca Tai Tu.’

Duration

Reaching Tan Phong Islet from Ho Chi Minh City takes over 2 hours, making your trip around 10 hours long.

FAQs about top Mekong Delta half day tours departing from Ho Chi Minh City

What is the best month to visit the Mekong Delta?

The Mekong Delta can be visited year-round, but two periods stand out for a more complete experience:

• November to April: This period marks the transition from the rainy to the dry season, bringing cool and refreshing weather. It’s also a vibrant festival season, featuring significant celebrations like the Ba Chua Xu Festival and Lunar New Year.
• June to August: During these months, the region is in peak tropical fruit production. It’s an ideal time to visit and savor a variety of fruits, including mangoes, rambutans, durians, and star apples.

What is the best way to see the Mekong Delta?

• Explore by bicycle: Cycling is a great way to navigate the roads and bridges of the Mekong Delta. It allows you to easily traverse rough paths and small bridges while observing the daily life of the local people.
• Experience nature from a boat: Boats are a primary mode of transportation in the region. A boat trip offers a unique perspective on local life and the natural beauty of the area.
• Discover by motorbike: Renting a motorbike allows you to explore the Mekong Delta at your own pace and get closer to nature.
• Take a cruise from Saigon: For a distinctive experience, consider a cruise. It provides a different perspective on the region and its landscapes.

What is the Mekong Delta famous for?

The Mekong Delta is famous for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Here are a few highlights:

• Fruit Gardens: The region, particularly Can Tho, boasts favorable weather and fertile soil, making it ideal for cultivating fruit. Visitors can explore lush fruit gardens such as Phong Dien, Rach Ke, and My Khanh, where tropical fruits grow in abundance.
• Bustling Floating Markets: The iconic floating markets, especially Cai Rang, are a defining feature of the Mekong Delta. These vibrant markets, formed on the river, showcase the region’s bustling trade and local life.
• Unique Pagodas and Temples: The Mekong Delta is home to a diverse population, including Cham, Khmer, Hoa, and Kinh communities. This cultural diversity is reflected in the area’s spiritual life, which includes pagodas and temples featuring unique architectural styles.
• Fresh Natural Scenery: The river landscape is another key attraction, with vast waterways like the Hau River and Don Dang River nourishing the region’s lush vegetation. This offers visitors stunning views of the serene natural surroundings.
• Friendly People: The Mekong Delta is home to over 40 ethnic groups, with residents renowned for their sociability and warmth. Visitors are welcomed like family members.

What is the capital city on the Mekong River?

Of the six countries through which the Mekong River flows—China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—two have capitals along its course: Vientiane in Laos and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. 

While Vietnam’s capital lies far from the river, the Mekong Delta has its prominent city, Can Tho. Known as Tay Do, or the capital of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is a destination you cannot miss when exploring the southern part of Vietnam.

How to choose the right tour?

• Research licensed information: To avoid potential scams, thoroughly check the company’s information and verify its business licenses.
• Booking on TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Airbnb: Read reviews and trip descriptions on booking platforms. Ensure that the schedule and details match your needs.

Joy Journeys is a licensed tour operator based in Ho Chi Minh City, with an office at 161 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1. We are currently expanding our tours nationwide, with a focus on the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to our standard tours, we also design private tours tailored to individual interests and needs. 

For more information or to book a tour, visit our website at https://joyjourneys.com.vn or contact us via

WhatsApp at +84 (0) 868.17.66.79.

Conclusion

The Southwest region is a must-visit destination when exploring Vietnam. If you have only a short time to visit, consider choosing a Mekong Delta half-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City. This trip will offer a comfortable and relaxing experience, providing a welcome escape from the pressures and stress of daily work.