From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta 3-Day Tour with Tra Su Forest

This 3-day tour of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, offered by Duy Amma, promises an authentic experience through lush waterways, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks. While reviews are mixed, the trip provides a broad look at the southern Vietnamese lifestyle and scenic beauty, suited for travelers eager to explore beyond urban Ho Chi Minh.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see floating markets and coconut farms, enjoy a boat ride through Tra Su Forest, and visit notable temples and monasteries. The tour is a great value at $171 per person, including transportation, accommodation, and most meals. One consideration is that some travelers found parts of the trip tailored more to local tastes, with some dislike for the food options or the loud dinner cruise. Nonetheless, it remains a solid way to cover the essentials of the Mekong in three days.

This tour works best for those curious about Vietnamese rural life, culture, and scenery who are comfortable with group travel and a busy itinerary. If you prefer more personalized or luxury experiences, or are sensitive to language barriers, it might be worth considering other options. Overall, it’s a budget-friendly way to get a comprehensive snapshot of the Mekong Delta.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Offers a genuine look at the Mekong’s culture, markets, and countryside.
• Value for Money: At $171, it includes transport, tours, and hotel stays, making it a cost-effective choice.
• Diverse Activities: From temple visits to floating markets and forest cruises, there’s variety.
• Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides provide insight, although the experience may vary.
• Crowded Schedule: Expect a full, sometimes hectic, three days with early starts.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers found the food monotonous or the tour somewhat tailored to Vietnamese tastes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day One: From Ho Chi Minh to Ben Tre and Unicorn Island

The adventure begins early, with a 7:00 am pickup from your hotel, followed by a scenic 1.5-hour bus ride through rice fields and green countryside. That ride alone is worth it, offering a glimpse of rural Vietnam’s tranquility and vibrant landscapes.

Once in Mekong’s river town of My Tho, you’ll stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, the largest and oldest in southern Vietnam. Its architecture combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences, making it a photogenic spot rich in atmosphere. A review from a traveler noted the guide’s extensive knowledge about the pagoda, which added depth to the visit.

Next is a boat ride on the Tien River to Unicorn Island, where you can stroll through pomelo and bee farms. You’ll taste honey tea and royal jelly, which are unique to this area. The highlight here is possibly the coconut candy factory in Ben Tre, the “hometown of coconuts,” where you’ll see how local artisans craft their famous sweets.

The boat ride continues through a water coconut canal, offering tranquil views with water on both sides. The peaceful scenery and the chance to experience local life up close make this part particularly memorable, as one reviewer described it as “comfortable and relaxing.” The day wraps up with a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of regional cuisine.

In the evening, you stay overnight at a 3-star hotel in Châu C, providing decent comfort after a busy day. Some travelers mentioned the hotels are basic but clean, suitable for resting before more adventures.

Day Two: Culture, Temples, and Trà Sư Forest

The second day kicks off with breakfast, then visits to The Lady Temple of Sam Mountain, Thoi Ngu Hus Tomb, and Tây An Temple. These sites give insight into local spirituality and history—some travelers appreciated the chance to see mountain views and Khmer temples, which add a layer of cultural richness.

The journey then takes you along the Vinh T canal, with views of notable mountains like Cẩm Mountain and Két Mountain. The scenery, combined with the occasional glimpse of local Khmer pagodas, makes for interesting photo opportunities.

Later, you’ll head to Trà Sư Mangrove Forest, where a 10-minute motorboat ride takes you through small canals lined with mangroves. The forest’s calmness is a contrast to the bustling markets, and a review highlighted the small canal trip as “about 10 minutes of quiet beauty.” It’s a peaceful respite amid a busy trip.

Arriving in Cần Thơ, the delta’s capital, you’ll stay overnight. The highlight here is dinner on a 5-star cruise, with some visitors noting the loud music and fish dishes. While some found the dinner experience less than ideal, others enjoyed exploring Ninh Kiều Night Market afterward, sampling street food and soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Day Three: Floating Market and Monastery

The final day begins with a visit to Cái Răng Floating Market, a vivid display of river life. Watching vendors sell produce from boats is an authentic glimpse into how locals sustain their livelihoods. One review pointed out that “you can see how Vietnamese people live on the river and sell from boats,” which offers an immersive cultural experience.

Next, the tour visits Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery, the largest in the Mekong Delta, providing a peaceful, spiritual environment to reflect on the trip. The final stop is M Khánh Tourist Village for some free time and lunch. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Purple House, a quirky purple-themed café, which adds a fun and colorful touch to your day.

The trip concludes with a return to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around 6:00 pm. The return trip, while long, is a chance to unwind and reflect on your Mekong adventure.

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What We Think About the Experience

The value of this tour is quite clear—it covers a lot of ground in three days without breaking the bank. The included transportation, guides, and hotels help streamline what could otherwise be a logistical headache. The guides are generally knowledgeable, providing insights into local history, culture, and agricultural practices, which enhances the experience.

However, the food is a point of contention. Some found it monotonous, heavily fish-oriented, and not very diverse. One reviewer mentioned being asked about allergies beforehand but then being served fish repeatedly, which could be problematic for some. The dinner cruise at night received mixed reviews: some found the loud music and fish dishes less enjoyable, while others appreciated the scenery and relaxation afterward.

The scenery is undoubtedly one of the tour’s highlights. The floating markets, mangrove forests, and lush canals paint a vivid picture of southern Vietnam’s riverine life. The boat rides are generally praised for their tranquility and the chance to see local livelihoods firsthand.

The accommodations are basic but comfortable enough, with most travelers feeling they are suitable for a short stay. The early mornings and full schedule may not suit everyone, especially if you prefer slow-paced travel.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to budget-conscious travelers wanting a broad overview of the Mekong Delta. It’s perfect for those interested in seeing floating markets, visiting temples, and experiencing rural life in a structured, guided format. If you’re open to busy days with early starts and don’t mind some repetitive meals, you’ll find it worthwhile.

Conversely, travelers seeking a luxury experience, highly personalized tours, or culinary diversity might find this tour somewhat limited. The experience caters well to those eager to witness authentic Mekong life rather than those looking for exclusivity or leisure-focused trips.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Mekong Delta tour offers an accessible way to explore southern Vietnam’s waterways and villages, packed with highlights like floating markets, temples, and mangrove forests. It’s a solid choice for travelers on a budget, interested in culture and scenic boat rides.

While some may find the itinerary a bit hectic or the food monotonous, the tour provides a genuine look at Vietnamese river life, guided by knowledgeable local guides who enhance the journey. The included accommodation and meals offer good value, balancing comfort with affordability.

In all, if you’re after an immersive, value-packed glimpse into the Mekong Delta, this tour will give you plenty to remember—and plenty to share. If you prefer quieter, more personalized trips, or have specific dietary needs, it might be worth exploring other options, but for most, it’s a solid introduction to one of Vietnam’s most iconic regions.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour covers all transportation, including the bus rides and boat trips, which are essential for covering the different sites in the Mekong Delta.

How many nights will I stay in hotels?
You’ll stay two nights in a 3-star hotel—one in Châu C and another in Cần Thơ, providing comfortable resting points amid busy days.

Are meals included?
The tour includes three breakfasts, three lunches, and one dinner, though some travelers found the food somewhat monotonous or fish-heavy.

Can I book the tour and pay later?
Yes, the tour offers a flexible booking option—reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Most reviews mention guides as knowledgeable, sharing insights about local culture, temples, and agricultural practices, which enriches the experience.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
The floating market and boat rides through scenic waterways are considered the main highlights, offering authentic glimpses into river life.

Are there any optional activities?
The tour generally follows a set itinerary; however, you have free time in Cần Thơ at night to explore markets or enjoy local street food on your own.

Is the tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
Yes, it’s suitable for both, provided travelers are comfortable with group travel, early mornings, and a busy schedule. Solo travelers should be aware there may be single-supplement charges.

This detailed review aims to equip you with all the information needed to decide whether this Mekong Delta tour fits your travel style. For authentic, scenic, and culturally immersive experiences at a reasonable price, it’s worth considering—just keep in mind the busy schedule and some food preferences.

You can check availability for your dates here: