Mekong Delta: Day Trips and Tours from Ho Chi Minh City

The Rice Bowl of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, is one of the most popular day tours from Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong River carries nutrients for thousands of kilometers and delivers them to this delta, where crops flourish like nowhere else in the country.

A network of waterways winds through palm trees, past houses and farmland and connects centuries of tradition with modern-day Vietnam.

On a day trip to the Mekong Delta, you will get a glimpse into the humble life of Vietnamese farmers and experience the warm hospitality and vibrant traditions that this area is known for.

Here's all you need to know about the Mekong Delta, one of the most exciting day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.

How to get to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City?

The main tourism section of the Mekong Delta is on the upper edge of the delta. It is southwest of Ho Chi Minh, around the town of My Tho.

From Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta by car

Tour visit the upper delta, which is around 70 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Follow the QL1A out of the city and follow it all the way to My Tho. You can rent a car, hire a private driver for the day or drive by motorbike. This drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Guided tour to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

A guided tour to the Mekong Delta is the best option. These comfortable tours arrange everything from transport to lunch and sightseeing along the way.

They last all day and you will have non-stop adventures for around 10 hours without the hassle of planning anything.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day tours to the Mekong Delta start around 8 AM in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. The first stop is a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda near the town of My Tho.

This is one of the most popular pagodas in the region and the gigantic laughing Buddha and sleeping Buddha statues are a delight.

Next, you will head to the river to explore the delta. A leisurely cruise down the Tien River will take you to Dragon Island, Unicorn Island, Phoenix Island and Tortoise Island.

You will pass fish farms, orchards and rice paddies and get a peek into traditional Vietnamese life.

Take a ride on a hand-rowed sampan that takes you along the Tan Thach canal in the tranquil shade of coconut palm trees.

You will drink delectable honey tea, eat at a local restaurant, enjoy a live music performance by folk artists and visit a coconut candy factory. The bus returns to the pickup location around 6 pm.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Mekong Delta?

There are dozens of tours heading to the Mekong Delta, one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. Choose a tour that suits your budget and travel style for the most satisfying experience.

Guided tours to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

The most convenient way to visit the Mekong Delta is with a guided tour from Ho Chi Minh City. A Mekong Delta day trip lasts around 10 hours and you can be guaranteed a comfortable ride and back-to-back activities.

These tours ensure that you experience every inch of the Mekong Delta and learn as much as you can about the region and its culture. Some  tours offer hotel-pick up in Ho Chi Minh City, while others require guests to meet at a central location in District 1.

You will have a comfortable, air-conditioned bus or minivan and an expert guide to show you all the fascinating aspects of delta life.

Private tour of the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

Get out of the city in the utmost comfort with a private tour of the Mekong Delta. A private tour gives you the benefit of choosing your departure time and experiencing the day at your own pace.

Enjoy the undivided attention of your guide as he takes you into Vietnam’s most treasured agricultural district to learn about the country’s backbone.

Day trip to Mekong Delta plus Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City

Combine two of the most notable attractions outside Ho Chi Minh City with this full-day tour. Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi Tunnels to experience Vietnam’s past, present and future in action.

The first stop is the famed Cu Chi Tunnels, a throwback to the Vietnam War. After a deep dive into the country’s history, you will move on to the Mekong Delta. Explore the rich heritage of the region with a boat ride, lunch, traditional music and a guided tour.

How much does a day trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City cost?

A Basic full-day group tour to the Mekong Delta costs US$25 per person. This includes all entrance fees, comfortable transport and lunch. Combining a Cu Chi Tunnel tour and a visit to the Mekong Delta costs US$55 per person.

A luxurious private tour to the Mekong Delta costs US$220 per person, but prices are slightly cheaper with larger bookings.

What will you see and do?

A day trip to the Mekong Delta is filled with plenty of fun activities, offering a full-day sensory overload. One of the highlights is the sampan ride through a palm-lines canal. A Mekong local rows you through the tranquil waterway to observe the inner workings of the delta.

One of the small islands you will visit on your tour is overflowing with orchards and a bounty of crops. Taste some exotic fruit and listen to the serenade of traditional folk singers as you are surrounded by the verdant greenery of the delta.

The delta also has various traditional treats to try. You will learn about the science behind bee farming and sip on some refreshing pollen tea. Coconut candy is also a specialty from the delta and you will learn all about the process of making this delicious treat by hand.

A visit to the Mekong Delta is a fully immersive experience. You get to take in every sight, sound and taste of southern Vietnam without the polish of regular tourist attractions.

These day trips show you a slice of life in Vietnam and foster a great appreciation for the labor-intensive practices people engage in to make the country tick.

When is the best time to visit the Mekong Delta?

The best time for a day tour of the Mekong Delta is between October and February. This is the dry season and you have a higher chance of pleasant weather. The delta floods in the wet season and some tourist activities could get cancelled.

Are there any tours to the Mekong Delta from other cities in Vietnam?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in Vietnam:

• Day trips to Mekong Delta from Phnom Penh

Travel tips

• Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• Wear comfortable clothes that make it easy to get in and out of a rowboat.
• Wear insect repellent.
• Bring something to cover your shoulders if you want to enter the pagoda.