From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta Floating Market 2-Day Tour

Our review looks at a popular 2-day Mekong Delta floating market tour offered by Dragon Sea Travel & Du Lch Rng Bin. While we haven’t personally taken it, detailed feedback from travelers paints a vivid picture of what to expect. This experience promises a blend of scenic river cruising, cultural visits, and authentic local activities—all for $80 per person.

What we love about this tour: the chance to see floating markets and traditional villages, the inclusion of local food tastings and performances, and the comfortable transportation that makes exploring such a vast area manageable.

A possible drawback is that some reviews mention a rushed pace, especially on the second day, which could limit time for deeper enjoyment.

If you’re after an immersive, budget-friendly look at the Mekong’s waterways and villages, this tour could be a great fit—particularly for travelers eager to combine sightseeing with genuine local experiences.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day itinerary covering major Mekong highlights
• Inclusive price with food, transfers, and activities
• Guided cruise through scenic waterways and overhanging coconut trees
• Authentic experiences like honey tasting, coconut candy making
• Some reviewers found the schedule rushed, especially on Day 2
• Suitable for easygoing travelers who enjoy cultural sights and scenery

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of what this Tour Entails

This 2-day adventure from Ho Chi Minh City aims to showcase the heart of the Mekong Delta — a labyrinth of rivers, floating markets, lush islands, and traditional villages. It’s designed for those looking for a taste of local life, combined with scenic boat rides and cultural stops. The tour is priced at $80 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the inclusions: transport, meals, guide, and activities.

While the tour doesn’t include a single room, it features hotel accommodation in Can Tho, giving you a comfortable base for the second day’s explorations. The experience is guided in English and Vietnamese, with flexible cancellation options—cancellable up to 24 hours in advance.

The day begins early, with a pickup around 7:30 AM, making it a good option for those eager to maximize their time exploring. The group size isn’t specified, but the reviews suggest it’s a typical small-to-medium tour group, enough for personal attention but still lively.

Day 1: From Ho Chi Minh City to the Heart of the Mekong

The journey kicks off with a scenic drive through the lush rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, setting a peaceful tone. The ride in an air-conditioned limousine offers comfort and a chance to relax before the day’s activities.

The first major stop is Vinh Trang Pagoda, the largest in the Mekong Delta. This ornate Buddhist temple provides a peaceful atmosphere and impressive architecture, perfect for some quick photos and cultural insights. Travelers have noted that guides often share interesting details, making this stop more than just a photo op.

Next, the boat ride along the Mekong River offers a true taste of delta life—watching fish cages and floating houses as you cruise past. This segment highlights the delta’s vibrant aquatic community and the ways locals utilize the waterways.

One of the tour’s highlights is the hand-rowing boat cruise through a creek lined with coconut trees. This peaceful, slow-paced ride immerses you in the natural beauty of overhanging palms and provides plenty of photo opportunities. Reviewers appreciate this authentic, less-touristy experience, with one mentioning that guides like Mr. Tuan are knowledgeable and friendly, making the ride more engaging.

The visit continues at a coconut island in Ben Tre, where you can learn about coconut candy making—a sweet, hands-on activity. Guests often enjoy sampling the homemade delicacies, offering a satisfying taste of local produce. The village walk and short bike rides give a peek into rural life, though some reviewers note that the time here can feel somewhat rushed.

Unicorn Island introduces traditional Vietnamese music performances and tropical fruit tastings, adding lively cultural flavor. The visit to a bee-keeping farm is another authentic touch, with honey tea served in a typical Mekong house. Several travelers mention how pleasant and authentic this experience feels—like stepping into a local’s home.

After a hearty lunch under shade trees, the day continues with a ferry and limousine ride to Can Tho, where you’ll stay overnight. Dinner at a local restaurant offers a chance to enjoy regional dishes and the lively city night scene—some reviews praise the quality and setting of the dinner.

Day 2: Floating Markets and Local Markets

The second day begins early, with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Cai Rang Floating Market around 7:30 AM. This bustling marketplace on the water is a must-see, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to local snacks directly from boats. Reviewers mention that the market is lively and colorful, but some felt the visit was a bit rushed—arriving around 8:30 AM, some of the market’s activity has already begun to slow down.

A visit to a rice noodle making shop provides insight into local culinary traditions, with pineapple tasting adding a sweet touch. The tour also includes a visit to a traditional market in the city center and Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, offering a mix of commerce and spirituality.

The included lunch at My Khanh restaurant is well-liked, with some describing it as a relaxing break before heading back to Saigon. The return trip departs in the early afternoon, with an arrival back in Ho Chi Minh City around 5:30 PM.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

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Scenic Waterways and Authentic Culture

The boat rides and creek cruises are the heart of this experience. The scenes of overhanging coconut trees and floating houses offer a peaceful, picturesque view of delta life that’s quite different from the busy city. Travelers often comment on how these boat trips make you feel like you’re truly stepping into a different world.

Insightful and Friendly Guides

Despite some notes about the schedule being tight, many reviews praise the guides like Mr. Tuan, who provides detailed explanations and friendly service, making the experience more engaging. An enthusiastic guide can turn a rushed visit into a memorable learning experience.

Delicious Local Food and Tastings

From seasonal tropical fruits to honey tea and coconut candies, the food component is a highlight. Several guests mention that the tastings felt authentic, and the included meals offer a good variety of regional dishes.

Well-Planned Transportation

The use of air-conditioned limousines, ferries, and motor cars makes traveling between locations comfortable and smooth. The logistics are designed to maximize sightseeing while minimizing travel fatigue.

Areas for Improvement

While the tour offers a wide-ranging introduction to the Mekong, some reviews note that certain activities are rushed, especially on the second day. The market visits tend to start early, but the time allocated can feel tight, leaving little room for relaxed browsing or photography.

On top of that, some travelers mention the hotel in Can Tho is only “passable,” which might be a consideration if comfort is a priority.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits budget-conscious travelers who want a balanced mix of scenic cruising, cultural insights, and local food. It’s perfect for those who enjoy guided day trips with a structured itinerary and are comfortable with a somewhat busy schedule.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed or in-depth experience, you might find the schedule a little rushed, especially on Day 2. However, if you’re eager to see the highlights of the Mekong Delta without the hassle of organizing your own transport and activities, this tour offers good value.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Mekong Delta floating market tour offers an engaging and affordable way to glimpse delta life, with plenty of scenic boat rides, cultural stops, and tasty treats. The inclusion of authentic activities like honey tasting and coconut candy making elevates it above a simple sightseeing trip, giving travelers a taste of local life.

While the schedule can feel a little tight at times, the friendly guides, scenic views, and diverse activities make it a worthwhile option for those wanting a rundown of the Mekong’s vibrant waterways and villages.

If you’re after a value-packed adventure that combines scenic beauty with cultural authenticity, this tour will deliver a memorable experience—ideal for first-timers or those short on time.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most likely yes, as long as participants are comfortable with boat rides and some walking. It’s not specifically designed for mobility-impaired travelers, and the pace can be busy.

What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent are recommended. Since activities involve outdoor and water experiences, packing light but practical is best.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City or from the designated meeting point at 243 De Tham.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tastings of seasonal tropical fruits and honey tea.

How long are the boat rides?
Most water-based activities are relatively short but scenic, including a hand-rowing boat cruise through coconut creek and a larger boat trip along the Mekong River.

Can I customize the tour schedule?
The itinerary is fixed, though some reviews suggest that activities like visiting specific temples or houses could be added if time permitted.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

This detailed review should help you decide if this Mekong Delta tour fits your travel style. It’s a solid choice for those wanting an authentic, scenic, and culturally rich experience without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here: