Phu My Port: Shore Excursion Mekong Delta My Tho – Ben Tre

Taking a day trip from Phu My Port to the Mekong Delta offers a chance to witness one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes. This particular tour, operated by Hiep Travel and priced at $189 per person, promises a blend of natural beauty, local culture, and delicious cuisine. While it’s not a short trip—the drive takes around four hours each way—you get to experience some of the best highlights of the Mekong region in a single day.

What we really appreciate about this tour are the scenic boat rides through lush waterways, the chance to taste authentic Vietnamese food, and the personalized guide who helps uncover local stories and traditions. On the flip side, the long travel time might be a consideration for those with limited time or mobility issues. Still, this tour suits travelers eager for an immersive experience rather than just a quick snapshot of the Mekong.

If you’re someone who loves authentic encounters, scenic views, and doesn’t mind a full day on the road, this experience could be a highlight of your Vietnam trip. It offers genuine insights into local life and natural beauty, making it a solid choice for curious explorers.

Key Points

• Scenic boat cruise: Enjoy panoramic views of the Mekong Delta’s waterways and lush landscapes.
• Authentic Vietnamese cuisine: Savor a traditional lunch at a local garden restaurant.
• Personalized experience: Small group or private guide enhances cultural insights.
• Variety of stops: Orchards, bee farms, coconut candy making, and bonsai gardens.
• Long travel duration: Approximately 4 hours each way, so plan accordingly.
• Additional costs: Remember tips and holiday surcharge during Lunar New Year.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Experience

This Mekong Delta day trip from Phu My Port promises a taste of Vietnam’s iconic river life, blending scenic boat rides with cultural visits and delicious food. With many travelers craving meaningful, local experiences, this tour checks those boxes—though it’s definitely a full-day commitment.

One of the best parts? The boat trip along natural creeks and rivers offers unbeatable views of the lush, verdant scenery. You’ll see bustling riverbanks, orchards, and traditional villages that tell stories of Vietnamese life in the delta. Plus, the tour is led by an English-speaking guide who shares insights and local lore, making the journey both educational and engaging.

A potential drawback is the long transfer time—about four hours each way from Phu My Port to Ben Tre. This means a lot of travel for a single day, which could feel tiring to some. However, if you enjoy scenic drives and river cruising, you’ll likely find it worth the effort.

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the Mekong more deeply, with plenty of authentic stops rather than just a quick sightseeing highlight reel.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup and Transfer

Your day starts early with a pickup directly at Phu My Port, about 500 meters from your cruise ship. The private air-conditioned car whisks you away to Vung Tau, and then onward to My Tho, a city brimming with agricultural and manufacturing activity. Expect a comfortable ride with scenic views along the way, giving you a glimpse of southern Vietnam’s landscape and bustling towns.

My Tho and Phoenix Island

Once in My Tho, the tour kicks off with a cruise along a tranquil creek to Con Phung, or Phoenix Island. This short boat ride is a highlight, offering peaceful waters and lush surroundings. Our guide, sometimes known as “John,” shared interesting tales about Vietnamese river life, making the boat trip both relaxing and informative.

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Lunch at a Local Garden

Next, the group stops at a local garden restaurant, where a Vietnamese-style lunch awaits. Expect an assortment of fresh, locally sourced dishes—think rice, seafood, spring rolls, and tropical fruits. The setting is casual, with a genuine local vibe, making it a perfect break to refuel before more exploration.

Exploring Ben Tre

The boat continues to glide through natural creeks and small villages in Ben Tre Province. Here, you’ll visit orchards full of tropical fruits, a bee-keeping farm where you can taste natural honey, and a coconut candy workshop. Watching how the candies are made—tasting fresh pulp, and sampling honey wine—adds a deliciously authentic touch.

Cultural and Traditional Highlights

The tour also features a visit to a distillery, where you see how local spirits are produced. Traditional Vietnamese music accompanies your visit, enhancing the culture. The highlight for many is tasting the fresh fruits and coconut candies—the latter being a local specialty loved by most guests.

Bonsai Garden and Return

Before heading back, the group visits a bonsai garden in My Tho, a peaceful spot that offers a quiet end to a busy day. The return drive to Phu My Port takes about four hours, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights or catch some rest.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Guests have praised the personalized guidance of the tour, with one reviewer mentioning how “the guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience genuinely enjoyable.” Others appreciated the variety of stops, noting that “the honey tasting and coconut candy experience was a real highlight” — especially for those who enjoy tasting local products.

However, some mention the long travel times—”it’s a full-day commitment, but you get to see a lot.” A few reviewers suggested bringing snacks or extra water for the journey, as the drive can be tiring. The tour’s value is enhanced by the inclusion of entrance fees, bottled water, and a delicious lunch, which makes it a good deal considering the full day of activity.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation & Group Size

The tour uses a private, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the long transfer. Although the maximum group size isn’t specified, the experience is described as personal, hinting at smaller groups or private arrangements.

Timing & Duration

The total trip lasts roughly 12 hours—about four hours each way plus the activities in between. Starting early is essential to make the most of the day. This long duration is something to consider if you prefer shorter excursions or have limited mobility.

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes and shoes are a must, especially for walking around orchards and gardens. A camera is highly recommended for the scenic landscapes and colorful local scenes. Carrying cash for tips or additional purchases is advised, as well as some bottled water.

Costs & Extras

At $189 per person, the price includes most essentials—lunch, entrance fees, bottled water, and guiding. It’s a fair price for a full day immersed in the Mekong Delta’s sights and sounds. Be aware of a 30% surcharge during Lunar New Year holidays.

Not Suitable for

People over 95 years might find the travel demanding, and large luggage isn’t permitted, so plan for small bags.

Final Thoughts

This Mekong Delta tour from Phu My Port offers a well-rounded glimpse into Vietnam’s river life and rural culture. In just one day, you’ll experience scenic boat rides, taste traditional foods, and visit authentic farms and gardens. The journey may be long, but the sights, tastes, and stories make it worthwhile for travelers eager to go beyond the surface.

The personalized guide and variety of stops mean you’ll leave with a richer understanding of local life, flavored with the natural beauty of the Mekong. For those who don’t mind a long travel day and crave authentic village encounters, this trip offers excellent value and memorable moments.

However, if you prefer shorter outings or have limited mobility, the lengthy transfer might be a challenge. Still, for adventurous travelers ready for a full immersion into Vietnam’s iconic delta, this tour provides a genuinely rewarding experience.

FAQ

How long is the travel time from Phu My Port to Ben Tre?
Each way takes approximately 4 hours by car, so plan for a full-day commitment with early pickup and late return.

What is included in the tour price?
The fee covers private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, bottled water, and a Vietnamese-style lunch.

Is there an option to customize the tour?
The description suggests a personalized experience, which typically means guides tailor the stops to your interests, but details aren’t explicitly provided.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, camera, light clothing, and cash for tips or extra purchases are recommended.

Are there any extra charges I should be aware of?
Yes, a 30% surcharge applies during Lunar New Year holidays. Tips are not included and are at your discretion.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
It’s best suited for travelers up to 95 years old, considering the long drive and walking involved. Large luggage isn’t permitted.

What makes this tour different from other Mekong Delta trips?
Its emphasis on personalized guidance, authentic stops like honey tasting and coconut candy making, and a scenic, leisurely boat cruise make it stand out.

To sum it up, this tour offers an excellent introduction to the Mekong Delta’s natural beauty and local culture. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full, immersive day with plenty of variety. While the lengthy transfer may sound daunting, the authentic experiences and scenic views make it a worthwhile adventure for those eager to see Vietnam’s vibrant river life up close.

You can check availability for your dates here: