From HCM: Mekong Delta Can Tho Floating Market 2-Day Tour

A Practical Look at the Mekong Delta Can Tho Floating Market 2-Day Tour

Thinking about taking a trip to Vietnam’s lush Mekong Delta? This 2-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City promises a chance to peek into rural Vietnamese life, explore bustling floating markets, and enjoy scenic river rides. While some travelers find the experience rewarding, others have raised concerns about authenticity and activity quality.

What we like most are the chance to see traditional agricultural models in action, the peaceful boat rides through river tributaries, and the opportunity to visit iconic sites like Vinh Trang Pagoda and Cai Rang Floating Market. The tour also offers a glimpse into local craftsmanship and delicious regional foods. A potential drawback, however, is that some parts of the experience may feel overly touristy or rushed, with activities that don’t always fully meet expectations.

This tour is best suited for those who are keen on seeing rural Vietnam, enjoy boat trips, and are open to a bit of a commercialized experience. Travelers seeking an authentic, intimate look at Mekong life should weigh these aspects carefully before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic sights include Vinh Trang Pagoda and traditional fruit gardens.
• Scenic boat rides on tributaries offer peaceful, picturesque views.
• Local workshops like coconut candy making and honey tasting add cultural flavor.
• Tour complexity involves multiple stops, boat transfers, and optional activities.
• Pricing at $100 per person offers an affordable way to see the Mekong, but some activities may feel rushed or superficial.
• Mixed reviews highlight the importance of choosing a knowledgeable guide and managing expectations.

A Close Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: From Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta

The tour begins early, with pickup from your hotel near Ben Thanh Market around 7:30-8:30 am. From there, the journey to the Mekong Delta kicks off with a drive to My Tho and Ben Tre, two of the area’s well-known gateways. You’ll want to be prepared for a day packed with stops and scenic views.

My Tho is your first stop, where you can stretch your legs at Mekong Restop, a convenient spot to use restrooms and grab snacks before diving into the day’s activities. From here, the highlight is a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda, built in the 19th century. According to one reviewer, it’s an “architectural and artistic relic” ranking third in southern Vietnam, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in local religious architecture.

Next, the tour moves onto a boat ride along the Tien River, passing by four islets—Long, Lan, Qui, and Phung—for scenic views and photo opportunities. You’ll visit Thoi Son Island, where walking through village roads, visiting local houses and orchards, and sampling honey lemon tea at a honey farm bring the countryside to life.

The boat trip continues with traditional rowing boats, weaving through narrow canals lined with coconut trees—an experience many find relaxing. You’ll also visit a coconut candy workshop, where you can see how handmade candies are made and even try your hand at crafting.

The lunch stop features a set menu at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of regional cuisine. After a hearty meal, you can choose to relax, fish for crocodiles (if available), stroll along the Monkey Bridge, or cycle through the village. According to one traveller’s review, while some activities are enjoyable, others like the “silk museum” are less impressive, being essentially a supermarket, and the animal mistreatment at some sites was upsetting.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Can Tho, check into your centrally located hotel, and prepare for an evening cruise. The dinner cruise on the Can Tho river is a highlight—offering a mix of southern cuisine and live folk music. Some reviews praise the guide for their enthusiasm, but others mention that the cruise facilities are basic, with no air conditioning and a “mediocre” menu.

Day 2: Exploring the Heart of the Mekong Delta

The second day begins with breakfast and a boat ride from Ninh Kieu Wharf. The main draw is the Cai Rang Floating Market, which is one of the largest in the region. The market’s vibrant scene is fascinating, with boats laden with fruits, vegetables, and local goods.

Many travelers find this stop the most authentic part of the tour. You can observe vendors haggling and selling from their boats, creating a lively, colorful atmosphere. A notable comment from a reviewer is that the floating market is “just a shop by the water,” indicating that it might not feel as bustling or traditional as expected, but still worth seeing.

From here, the tour visits a craft village specializing in Hu Tieu noodles—a regional delicacy—giving you a taste of local industry. Later, you visit the My Khanh tourist village, which features a fruit garden, flower garden, and an over-100-year-old traditional house. It’s a peaceful spot for relaxing and taking photos.

Lunch at My Khanh Village is included, and it’s a good chance to sample regional foods in a laid-back setting. For those interested in quirky attractions, the Coffee – Can Tho Purple House stands out. This colorful, purple-themed studio with a film production backdrop has become popular on social media, offering a fun and vibrant photo stop. One reviewer described it as a place that “cuts the heart” of visitors with its bold color scheme.

The tour wraps up with a return to Ho Chi Minh City around 5:30 pm, bringing an end to a packed but varied experience.

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The Transportation and Overall Experience

The tour includes a modern bus with excellent air conditioning, ensuring comfort during the long drives between sites. Boat rides, rowing boats, and entry tickets are all included, which simplifies your day. The group size isn’t specified but given the multiple stops and guides, expect a typical group of around 10-20 travelers.

The cost of $100 per person is reasonable, especially considering the inclusion of meals, boat rides, and some entrance fees. However, some reviews mention that parts of the tour, such as the silk museum and animal exhibits, might feel superficial or uncomfortable, emphasizing the importance of selecting a guide who can navigate these issues thoughtfully.

Guides and Service

The tour is operated by Duy Amma, and the reviews note that guides are generally enthusiastic, attentive, and speak good English. One traveler appreciated the guide’s knowledge and the variety of activities, although others felt that some parts were overly commercialized or lacked authenticity.

Food and Cultural Insights

Meals are set menus or included at tourist sites. While some travelers enjoyed regional dishes, others felt the food was mediocre, and the dinner cruise was described as a “can-do” experience rather than a gourmet meal. Still, the inclusion of folk music and river views adds charm, especially if you’re seeking a relaxing evening on the water.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This 2-day Mekong Delta tour offers a solid introduction to southern Vietnam’s rural life, scenic waterways, and local crafts. It provides good value for those who want a structured, guided experience that covers many highlights without the hassle of organizing logistics independently.

However, travelers seeking a more intimate or less touristy experience might find parts of the tour feel overly commercialized or rushed. The quality of activities varies, and some attractions may not fully meet expectations—particularly if animal welfare concerns or authenticity are priorities.

That said, if you’re interested in scenic boat rides, vibrant floating markets, and learning about local craftsmanship, this tour delivers plenty of memorable moments. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors to the Mekong who want an organized, all-in-one package.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the tour is inclusive of solo travelers, but there is an additional surcharge for single rooms if you want private accommodation.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes two lunches, one breakfast, and a dinner during the cruise. Some reviews mention that the food is average, so consider bringing some snacks just in case.

How much free time is there?
Most of the day is scheduled with activities and stops. However, the evening in Can Tho allows for some free exploration, and the second day has a relaxing break at My Khanh tourist village.

Can I expect authentic cultural experiences?
While the tour offers glimpses into local life—like fruit gardens and craft villages—some activities may feel more commercialized or superficial, so keep expectations balanced.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Most activities are suitable for families, especially boat rides and visits to gardens. But be cautious about animal exhibits and check if they align with your values.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, a camera, and some cash for extra purchases or tips are advisable. The tour provides life jackets and some souvenirs, but it’s best to prepare for a full day of sightseeing.

In essence, this tour from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta offers a convenient way to see many sights, taste regional treats, and experience river life. While it’s not perfect and has some downsides, it provides a good starting point for those eager to explore the lush landscapes and vibrant markets of southern Vietnam.

You can check availability for your dates here: