A Guide to Vietnam's Mekong River Delta: Where to Eat, Stay and Explore
Home to some of Vietnam’s most unique experiences, the Mekong Delta is well worth the trip from Saigon. Explore floating markets, lush landscapes, and rich culture with our detailed Mekong Delta travel guide.
Saigon falls away; the jungle takes back the land. Its barrage of tangled trees is interrupted only by emerald rice paddies, humble fruit orchards, and the piercing arms of the Mekong River.
Here, in the Mekong Delta, the milk chocolate waters splice through nipa-palmed mangroves, becoming a twisting maze of interlinking canals. When the river bursts free from these narrow confines, large red and blue boats with wide eyes cut through its currents,
The local Vietnamese have long referred to the Mekong River as “Sông Cửu Long” - meaning “River of the Nine Dragons” because of its nine arms. From above, these rivers appear as dragons, snaking through Vietnamese jungle and farmland before emptying into the South China Sea.
Historically, life in the Mekong Delta has revolved around the flow of water. The rivers and endless kilometres of canals were the arteries of society. Instead of roads, local people took the waterways on nimble boats called sampans. Floating markets were the undisputed centres for commerce.
Of course, a lot has changed. Bridges and roads have usurped the necessity of boat travel. The Mekong Delta’s many floating markets have dwindled to just a few. This is not a new story - rather a familiar line of events brought about by modernisation. Yet the river is still central to the lives and livelihoods of many who call the Mekong Delta home.
The Mekong Delta is known as Vietnam’s rice bowl. This region is an agricultural treasure trove, producing much of Vietnam’s rice, fruit, and vegetable crops. And its unique flavour of Vietnamese culture draws visitors from all over the world.
There are many 1 and 2-night Mekong Delta tours available from Ho Chi Minh City. These excursions will (quickly) guide you through the most popular sights… and yet… we feel that they miss something essential (although this 3-day tour is the pick of the bunch for those short on time). The Mekong Delta is an incredible, diverse region that warrants more than just a quick dip.
This is the perfect place to take it slow. Smell the flowers, sample the colourful and bewildering fruits, meander through orchards by bicycle, and cruise the jungle-shrouded rivers. The chaotic swing of Saigon can wait. In the Mekong Delta, you can enjoy a different, slower pace of life. Soak it in.
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MEKONG RIVER DELTA OVERVIEW
WHERE | The Mekong Delta and it’s main towns, Can Tho, Ben Tre, My Tho, south of Saigon
HOW TO GET THERE | Bus, private transfer, or flight (to Rach Gia)
THINGS TO TO | Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, Ong Pagoda, Take a sampan boat ride, visit Cai Rang floating markets, Go cycling
WHERE TO STAY | Ben Tre Farmstay, or base yourself in Can Tho
BEST TOURS | This 3-day tour from Saigon
THINGS TO DO IN THE MEKONG DELTA
SPEND TIME IN THE DELTA’S LARGEST CITY, CAN THO
Can Tho is one of the biggest cities in Vietnam- let alone the Mekong Delta. Yet, at one-quarter the population of Saigon, it doesn’t feel oppressively large or restrictive.
There is no shortage of streets, temples, and restaurants to explore- and we encourage you to dedicate an afternoon to poking around town after your sunrise expedition to the Cai Rang Floating Market.
The Buddhist temples, Munirensay Temple and Chua Phat Hoc, are both stunning and conveniently located across the street from one another.
Next to the Mekong River is the ancient Ong Pagoda (“Canton Assembly Hall of Can Tho” on Google), which you absolutely cannot miss. Once the sun has set, a night market springs up at Ninh Kieu Wharf.
CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET
This is why you’re here: the Cai Rang Floating Market. Frenetic, bustling, and chattering, Cai Rang is a whirlpool of commercial activity. Business begins before the sun is up. By 8 AM, it’s all over.
Yet, for two golden hours, the market is washed in the early morning light. The backlit steam from pots of bubbling broths is transformed into marigold plumes. Vietnamese merchants, scrambling over their boats, turn into adventurous silhouettes. Hundreds of boats dance. Your own boat expertly navigates this water-bound hive as nimble sampans buzz past and larger boats demand space.
There’s really nothing like it.
After you circle the market a few times, it’s time for breakfast. A dozen or more boats are latched together around a food vendor. Hot bowls of hủ tiếu are passed around. If you’re vegetarian, you can snag a bowl of noodles and morning glory- no meat, no broth. There’s also a coffee sampan, bringing hot or iced cups of Vietnamese coffee to the people.
Floating market tours often head to the rice noodle factory afterwards. This factory is purely for the entertainment of tourists, who can participate in various stages of the noodle-making process and purchase colourful bands of noodles to take home.
THE DETAILS
Where | 46 Đường Hai Bà Trưng, Tân An, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ
Opening Hours | Best from 5AM - 8AM
BOOK | This excellent floating markets tour from Can Tho
ONG PAGODA (CANTON ASSEMBLY HALL)
Past a blood-red fence and behind an ancient carved door lies the Ong Pagoda. As you step inside, you are enveloped in a haze of incense smoke. The commotion of city streets, the breeze from the Mekong River, everything feels a million miles away.
Hundreds of spiralling incense cones dangle from the ceiling, slowly unwinding into ash and falling softly to the floor. Twisting plumes of smoke are illuminated in slanted beams of light that pierce through the ceiling. It feels mystical like you have time travelled or arrived after a long pilgrimage to some faraway holy place.
Needless to say, our visit to this Taoist temple ranks highly in our top Mekong Delta experiences.
THE DETAILS
Where | 32 Đường Hai Bà Trưng, Tân An, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ
Opening Hours | 7AM - 5PM
HISTORIC PRISON
The Can Tho Grand Prison was built by French colonists in the late 1800s to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries, and was then expanded by the Americans during the American-Vietnam War to jail Viet Cong and those who opposed the South Vietnamese government.
The prison was a site of heinous torture, extraordinary suffering, and cruel conditions. It has since been turned into a free museum where visitors can learn about the horrors that took place there.
THE DETAILS
Where | 8 Ngô Gia Tự, Tân An, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ
Opening Hours | Weekdays 8 AM - 11 AM, 2 PM - 5 PM. Closed weekends.
BOOK | Search and book accommodation in Can Tho
VISIT BUSTLING MY THO
Depending on your route, this may be your first stop in the Mekong Delta.
Like many of the towns in this region, My Tho has a bustling urban centre with shops, restaurants, and a lively market that quickly disperses into farms and orchards. Although you can stay within town, we recommend finding accommodation outside of My Tho’s concrete heart.
The countryside is a beautiful breath of fresh air (and we mean that literally). Cycling through the fruit and vegetable farms, away from the cacophony of traffic, is an idyllic way to spend your time.
Here are a few of our favourite things in My Tho.
TAKE A SAMPAN BOAT TRIP
Embarking on a sampan river cruise is a quintessential Mekong Delta activity. These small, traditional Vietnamese boats are perfect for gliding through the overgrown mangroves of the delta.
Your sampan driver will guide you down chocolate water canals surrounded by tall nipa palms that bend overhead to form a long-fingered canopy. Water coconut bobbles grow just above the water line.
Our sampan trip (taken in Ben Tre) included a water coconut feast. While floating through the canals, our guide located a deep brown, ripe water coconut (we learned that you can determine the ripeness by its colour) and freed it from its stalk with a machete.
We then took a brief break onshore where he hacked the water coconut into pieces, revealing the edible translucent centre in each individual fruit.
Sampan boat tours are offered throughout the Mekong Delta. Our trip lasted for an hour, but there’s no reason to assume that all sampan trips are that long. Your accommodation can usually arrange a sampan tour for you, or you can do so yourself.
As magical as our sampan boat trip was, there were a few downsides. Mainly, the few piles of garbage that were also floating down the canal.
Garbage and pollution are a huge problem throughout Vietnam - and the Mekong Delta is no exception. It’s a sobering reminder to travel responsibly by saying no to plastic to not contribute to this overwhelming issue.
VĨNH TRÀNG PAGODA
Vĩnh Tràng is the Mekong Delta’s most famous pagoda.
Set a few kilometres outside of town, the complex sprawls behind ornate and vaulted gates. The temple area is large with several magnificent buildings, a multi-storied pagoda, and beautiful ornamental bonsai tree gardens.
Several towering white Buddhas gaze out beyond the complex gates and can be seen from the road, including the beaming face of a very plump laughing Buddha. There is also a large reclining Buddha, two standing Buddhas, and many meditating Buddhas.
THE DETAILS
Where | Nguyen Trung Truc Street, My Phong Commune, My Tho
Opening Hours | 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
VISIT THE FOUR ISLANDS
Four small islands sit off the shore of My Tho, surrounded by the wide breadth of the Mekong River. They are Phoenix Island (Con Phung), Dragon Island (Con Long), Tortoise Island (Con Qui), and Unicorn Island (Con Lan).
Unicorn Island is the only one you can drive to; the others require a very inexpensive but very enjoyable (and brief) ferry ride.
You can take a sampan boat trip through the palm-fringed canals of Unicorn Island.
This island, unfortunately, is also where heartbreakingly skinny and downtrodden ponies are forced to pull carriages filled with bumbling tourists. It’s cruel. Don’t do it. Take a boat ride instead.
DONG TAM SNAKE FARM
One of My Tho’s main attractions is the Dong Tam snake farm. Snakes are bred for the production of anti-venom and medicinal research. While this purpose is benevolent enough, the facility also functions as a small zoo with captive monkeys, bears, and other critters.
As a result, we don’t suggest visiting.
SPEND A DAY (AND NIGHT) IN BEN TRE
Heading south, you will arrive at the town of Ben Tre, 20 kilometres away from My Tho. This was our favourite place in the Mekong Delta.
However, the town with its giant roundabouts, grocery stores, chaotic market, and lively atmosphere was not what captured our hearts - rather it was the surrounding forests and mangroves.
The countryside, full of serpentine paths and hidden spots, is a wonder to explore via motorbike or bicycle. Don’t miss out on taking the ferry to Con Oc islet with its flower-lined lanes!
Amongst other classic Ben Tre attractions are the cacao farm, coconut candy workshop, Vien Minh Pagoda, and coconut factory - Ben Tre is actually renowned for its coconuts and known as the “Land of the Coconuts”. It’s also the birthplace of cacao farming in Vietnam.
Below are a few essential things to do in Ben Tre.
BEN TRE REVOLUTIONARY MUSEUM
“It became necessary to destroy the town to save it.” These were the words of an American officer during the American-Vietnamese War.
The town he was talking about was Ben Tre, which was the site of a major battle during the Tet Offensive in 1968.
Since its near destruction, the town has been rebuilt and is now home to a revolutionary museum where you can learn about the local battle and see war relics.
THE DETAILS
Where | 146 Hung Vuong Street, Ward 3, Bến Tre
Opening Hours | 7 AM - 5 PM
OLD BRICK FACTORY
We’ll be honest, the old brick factory is falling apart. The red kilns are being consumed by the spread of dense, wiry weeds.
Soon, these bee-hive buildings will be pulled entirely into the greenery and disappear from sight. Most are already unreachable.
So why did we include it on this list? Because it’s still pretty cool. Just be careful- we’re not how structurally sound the kilns are.
THE DETAILS
Where | 6CJ6+3HP, Phú Hưng, Bến Tre
Opening Hours | None
STAY AT BEN TRE FARM STAY
No trip to the Mekong Delta is complete without a night spent at a local farm stay- and if you’re going to stay anywhere, there’s no place better than Duc and Quyen’s farm stay in Ben Tre. It’s actually paradise.
You are immersed in lush greenery with a branch of the Mekong River quite literally at your doorstep. Little wooden bungalows are nestled throughout the property between palms, banana plants, and tall tropical trees.
The owners, Duc and Quyen, are the nicest people ever. They are happy to organise a range of typical Mekong Delta activities for you. Sampan boat ride? No problem! The boat can pick you up right from the property.
THE DETAILS
Where | 479C Cầu Nhà Việc, ấp 3, Bến Tre
BOOK | Ben Tre Farmstay
EXPLORE THE CAI BE
Forty kilometres west of My Tho, the town of Cai Be perches on the shore of the Mekong.
Like most riverside towns, Cai Be’s active urban centre is bordered by lush orchards and nut-brown water.
The Cao Dai Temple, located downtown, is a magnificent building and a centre of the Caodaism faith. The nearby islet, Tan Phong, is a pleasant patchwork of canals, fruit farms, and winding bicycle paths.
Personally, we didn’t find Cai Be all that interesting. It’s a nice enough town, but we wouldn’t spend much time here.
CAI BE FLOATING MARKET
Cai Be was home to one of the Mekong Delta’s busiest floating markets… “was” being the crucial word there. A trip to Cai Be in the 1980s would have revealed a bustling spectacle of hundreds of merchant boats floating in the river that spliced through town.
Now, the market has all but disappeared. The introduction of supermarkets, landbound brick-and-mortar shops, and bridges have replaced the need for a floating market altogether. Cai Be’s floating market was a market for the local people, selling manufacturing goods as well as produce. But there’s little need for that now.
If you visit Cai Be’s central river on a weekend before 9 am, you may be lucky enough to see as many as ten boats. Better yet if you go during the dry season and fruit harvest. Otherwise, expect to see only 4 - 6 boats and not a whole lot of commerce.
Nonetheless, it’s still an interesting sight. The steeple of the local Roman Catholic Church looms over the river; stilted buildings line the muddy brown shore. But is it worth a trip to Cai Be? Probably not.
THE DETAILS
Opening Hours | 5 AM- 8 AM… maybe
VINH LONG
Vinh Long sits between Cai Be and the Mekong Delta’s largest city, Can Tho. It has a market, two islands (An Bình and Hoa Phuoc), and plenty of temples, churches, and pagodas - even a mighty Catholic cathedral.
The newly built yellow and maroon Jade Buddha Temple, in particular, is quite the sight. In Vinh Long, you can also find the famous pink church, Tan Dinh.
POTTERY VILLAGE
Whereas Ben Tre’s kilns are derelict and unused, Vinh Long boasts an active and vibrant pottery village. Giant auburn beehives line the Mekong River, sprawling out like an ancient castle or miniature Angkor Wat.
Here, local artisans pull red clay from the river and shape it into bricks and distinctively pink ceramics.
We suggest visiting at sunrise or sunset when the brick kilns seem to glow in the soft, warm light.
THE DETAILS
Where | 63G9+RHW, Mỹ Phước, Mang Thít, Vĩnh Long
Tips | “Làng Gốm Vĩnh Long” in Vietnamese
BOOK | Search and book accommodation in Cai Be
OTHER ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES ON THE MEKONG DELTA
CYCLING IN THE MEKONG DELTA
Cycling is a popular way to explore the towns of the Mekong Delta.
The paths through villages and orchards are blissfully flat, making for an easy and tranquil cycling experience. Many homestays provide complimentary bicycles so you can amble to your heart’s content.
However, if you prefer a guided exploration on a pre-planned route, there are bicycle tour companies as well. These cycling tours typically take you through the Mekong Delta’s famous fruit farms- but more on that later.
What can you expect to see as you navigate the delta by bicycle?
Lots of fruit orchards, vegetable fields, bridges, temples, roadside papaya and jackfruit trees, and friendly local people.
SAMPLE NEW TROPICAL FRUITS
The Mekong Delta may be known as the rice bowl of Vietnam, but the northernmost provinces focus on a different crop. Instead, these areas have abundant fruit orchards filled with a colourful and mesmerising assortment of tropical fruits.
If you’re new to the world of exotic fruit, this is the perfect place to begin. Heck, even if you know your way around a dragon fruit or papaya, you may taste something new here in the Mekong Delta.
Jackfruit, papaya, starfruit, mangosteen, pomelo, Chinese plum, rambutan - they all grow here and warrant a taste. Feeling brave? Try the durian.
There are several fruit orchards around Cai Be, Can Tho, Vinh Long, My Tho, and Ben Tre that welcome visitors. Not only will you sample exciting new varieties of fruit, but you can learn more about farming practices and local life.
That being said, you don’t have to visit an official fruit farm to witness thriving tropical fruit trees. You will, undoubtedly, see many such trees growing beside countryside paths throughout the Mekong Delta.
EXPERIENCE A FLOATING MARKET
The first light of day, golden and brilliant, washes over the Mekong Delta, illuminating a flurry of boats weaving over the water. The decks of the larger boats tower overheard. Small sampans manned by energetic women in traditional conical hats throw up waves as they navigate the maze of activity. Many of these vessels watch you as you pass- their wide-painted eyes gazing out over the energetic scene spilling across the width of the river.
Tall poles rise skyward from the bow of the boats with various vegetables, fruits, and herbs tied to their tips, declaring which items can be purchased on board. The sound of motors, shouts, and the slop of waves flood your ears.
This is one of the main reasons why travellers come to the Mekong Delta: the floating markets. Well, one floating market, in particular, Cai Rang.
Cai Rang is the largest and most popular floating market in the Mekong Delta, and it’s a definite must-see during your time here. Bustling and vibrant, this market alone is worth a trip to the delta. It’s also highly accessible as it’s located within the city of Can Tho.
Floating markets are only active in the early hours of the morning. By the time the sun rises, they’re already in full swing. If you’re planning on arriving at 9 AM, you’re already too late. Most of the commotion will be over. Cai Rang is at its busiest on weekends.
The Mekong Delta is renowned for its floating markets, although they have dwindled in recent decades. Nowadays, there are really only 6 or 7 active floating markets:
Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho)
Phong Dien Floating Market (Can Tho)
Tra On Floating Market (near Can Tho)
Nga Bay - Phung Hiep Floating Market (near Can Tho)
Cai Be Floating Market (Cai Be, northeast of Can Tho)
Long Xuyen Floating Market (Long Xuyen, northwest of Can Tho)
Nga Nam Floating Market (Nga Nam, southwest of Can Tho)
However, floating markets are fading away. Do not, by any means, take this list as exhaustive or entirely accurate. You may show up at one of these spots and find nothing at all. Research as best you can, ask other travellers, and ask locals. We were told that the floating markets that specialise in produce are, unsurprisingly, most active during the harvest.
From our personal experience, we can only vouch for the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho. We did try to see the floating market in Cai Be, however, found it devoid of boats and any commercial activity.
The consensus online seems to be that the Cai Be Floating Market is dead in the water.
EXPLORE THE MANY ISLANDS OF THE MEKONG DELTA
Many rivers, many islands to explore.
Every branch of the Mekong River is dotted with little green islands, often crisscrossed with narrow paths and fruit orchards. Some can be reached by bridge. Many more are accessible solely by small ferry boats that transport scooters and cyclists- rarely vehicles. As a result, most islands belong entirely to motorbike and bicycle traffic.
The ferries are fun and cheap. Expect to spend a few thousand đồng per person for a 5-10 minute ferry ride across a wide section of the muddy brown Mekong River.
Cruising these islands is pure joy. They’re quiet and beautiful, which makes them ideal for carefree scooting on your motorbike.
The hours will fly by as you explore skinny, winding paths through fruit farms and discover welcoming villages with enthusiastically waving children.
EMBARK ON A RIVER CRUISE
A river cruise is one of the more luxurious ways to experience the Mekong Delta. That being said, some companies are more humble than others.
The most opulent options have multiple levels, balconies, comfortable beds, and lavish suites. Song Xanh Sampan, on the other hand, has a small fleet of private converted sampan boats.
These river cruises are not cheap, but they do offer the unique experience of exploring the Mekong Delta by water. After all, river travel was the main way to get around for generations.
Embarking on a river cruise is a great way to get in touch with the distinct culture and history of this region. Watch colourful boats with unblinking eyes float by, see extraordinary mangroves filled with trembling palms, and drink in pink sunsets in comfort.
There are also shorter river cruises that fill the gap between a simple sampan ride and a full-blown luxury cruise.
VISIT SOME PAGODAS AND TEMPLES
Whereas Ho Chi Minh City feels very, very secular, the Mekong Delta is a deeply spiritual area brimming with beautiful pagodas and temples. Every town has at least one unique pagoda to visit and countless small shrines smoking with incense.
As always, it’s essential to be respectful when visiting these sacred places. Dress appropriately in long pants and take your shoes off before entering the temple.
Here are some notable pagodas and temples in the Mekong Delta:
Vinh Trang Pagoda (My Tho)
Di Tích Đạo Dừa / Pagoda of the Coconut Religion (My Tho)
Angkorajaborey Pagoda (Tra Vinh)
Chen Kieu Pagoda (Soc Trang)
Chua Phat Hoc Pagoda (Can Tho)
Canton Assembly Hall (Can Tho)
LEARN TO MAKE COCONUT CANDY
Coconut candy is a local (albeit relatively new) Mekong Delta speciality. Since its invention in the Ben Tre province in 1930, this unique candy has become incredibly popular among locals and foreigners.
Factories all across the Mekong Delta now produce coconut candy treats for domestic consumption and international export.
There are also workshops in Ben Tre, Cai Be, My Tho, and Vinh Long where you can learn how coconut candy is made- and taste it for yourself.
EXPLORE SOME OF THE DELTA’S OTHER MAJOR TOWNS
The Mekong Delta is a vast area with 12 provinces and more than 20 million Vietnamese residents.
There is a lot to see- if you have the time. Although we didn’t make it to these towns on this trip, they’re on our list for next time:
Chau Doc | Vietnam’s border town with Cambodia. It’s known for its market, the Cave Pagoda, and a 3-day Buddhist festival in April.
Sa Dec | West of Vinh Long, Sa Dec has many beautiful, ornate mansions and temples.
Rach Gia | The only Mekong Delta city accessible by plane from Saigon. It’s on the coast, which means beaches!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE MEKONG DELTA + FAQS
WHERE IS THE MEKONG DELTA?
The Mekong Delta covers the southernmost tip of Vietnam. Here, the mighty Mekong River unravels into nine major rivers and thousands of smaller distributaries. The delta encompasses around 40,000 square kilometres of fertile agricultural land, growing everything from rice to a wide variety of fruit.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE MEKONG DELTA?
We do not recommend visiting the Mekong Delta during the rainy season. It rains a lot. Like, a lot. And heavily. The river floods and the roads practically turn into rivers themselves. That being said, it doesn’t usually rain all day. The skies will open up for a few ferocious hours before receding into humid sunlight.
The rainy season lasts from May until November or December. We spent two weeks in the Mekong Delta in November and the rain was frequently oppressive. It rained almost every day for at least part of the day.
Consequently, we suggest visiting the Mekong Delta between December and April. February tends to be the driest month.
Temperature and humidity levels are fairly consistent throughout the year. The dry season, particularly January and February, is slightly less humid.
The average daily temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius most months, although April and May frequently see temperatures above 35 degrees. Nighttime temperatures range from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN THE MEKONG DELTA?
A 1 or 2-night tour from Saigon simply won’t do.
We suggest spending 4 - 5 days in the Mekong Delta - at least! If five days is the most you can spare, this is how we would divvy up the time:
1 day in My Tho
1 day in Ben Tre
1 day in Vinh Long
2 days in Can Tho
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MEKONG DELTA
The Mekong Delta is an area of agricultural, ecological, and historical significance.
This region has been an important agricultural hub for centuries and is now responsible for a third of Vietnam’s total rice production. Its rich soil also supports the growing of tropical fruits, vegetables, and spices. Fishing is another significant industry.
However, the Mekong Delta is also an important ecological region. Many species of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and plants reside in this part of the country. For nature lovers, there are several parks to explore and endless bird-watching opportunities.
Historically, the Mekong Delta was the backdrop to many important and savage battles during the First Indochina War and the American-Vietnam War. T
his was where Viet Cong, ARVN, and American forces repeatedly clashed as they sought to gain control and win over the hearts and minds of the people of the Mekong Delta in the 1960s and 70s.
HOW TO GET TO THE MEKONG DELTA FROM HO CHI MINH CITY
Most travellers make their way to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City (you can book transport here).
If you’re taking a tour from HCM to the Delta, then your transportation is all taken care of.
But if you’re finding your own way to Vietnam’s rice bowl, then you have a few options.
BY AIRPLANE
Flying is the fastest way to get from Saigon to the Mekong Delta.
The two airports in the Mekong Delta are in Can Tho and Rach Gia. However, there are no direct flights from HCM to Can Tho. Vietnam Airlines offers flights to Can Tho from basically every other Vietnamese city except Saigon.
So Rach Gia it is! The flight takes 50 minutes and typically costs around 1.2 million VND.
Other than speed, the other advantage to flying is that you can get to see the magnificent Mekong Delta (and its nine dragons) from above.
BY BUS
Flying is indeed the fastest way to get to the Mekong Delta - but busing is the cheapest.
There are multiple bus companies offering transport from Ho Chi Minh to various cities within the Mekong Delta. Futa, Thanh Buoi, The Sinh Tourist, and Mai Linh Express are the main ones. We suggest booking tickets through 12Go - Asia.
Futa does have an online booking system but it does not accept international phone numbers or credit cards. You can, however, persuade your accommodation to call Futa on your behalf and reserve your seats.
Frankly, asking someone who speaks Vietnamese to call the bus company for you is the best advice we can offer. Otherwise, you should go to the bus company’s shop in Ho Chi Minh and purchase your tickets in person. Most bus companies can be found on Phạm Ngũ Lão Street- but not Thanh Buoi buses.
As far as routes, Futa takes 4 hours to go from HCM to Can Tho via Cai Be and Vinh Long. A ticket costs around 165,000 đồng. Getting to Rach Gia, on the other hand, takes 5 hours and costs almost 200,000 VND. Thanh Buoi runs from HCM to Ben Tre via My Tho, takes 1.5 hours, and costs 95,000 đồng.
BOOK | Book your transport from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta
BY PRIVATE CAR
More comfortable than a bus, slightly cheaper than a plane, and delivers you directly to your next accommodation. Private cars can feel like quite a luxurious way to travel, yet they have some major advantages.
Most hotels and hostels in Ho Chi Minh City will be able to arrange a private car hire to take you to the Mekong Delta. This will cost 1.2 million VND ($55 USD) - or more. That is quite literally the same price as a flight.
Grab - the Uber of Southeast Asia- is always cheaper than taxis and private car hires. Taking a Grab from HCMC to My Tho, for example, shouldn’t cost more than 800,000.
BY MOTORBIKE
If you really want to take matters into your own hands, rent a motorbike in Saigon and drive yourself to the Mekong Delta. You really should only do this if you’re extremely confident on a scooter and even then, we have some words of caution.
It’s a really long way from Ho Chi Minh to anywhere in the Mekong Delta. The nearest city is My Tho, which is 70 kilometres away from HCM. Can Tho, on the other hand, is 165 km. You will be spending hours on a motorbike on a Vietnamese highway. Not only is that uncomfortable, it’s not particularly safe.
In our opinion, your best option is to take a bus from Saigon and then sort out a scooter rental once you arrive in the Mekong Delta.
However, if you do choose to rent a scooter from HCM anyway (please don’t), the cheapest you’ll find is 250,000 đồng per day.
HOW TO GET AROUND THE MEKONG DELTA
PUBLIC BUS
Okay, so there are public buses that run throughout the Mekong Delta.
However, there are no websites that provide schedules, routes, or recommendations for public bus routes (at least, not in English). The Ho Chi Minh City bus app (BusMap) does not work out here. Some bus stops do have timetables posted, yet they’re difficult to decipher if you’re not exactly sure where you’re going.
Does this mean it’s impossible? No. Almost. You are going to need help.
We will now repeat our best, most valuable advice for navigating the Mekong Delta: find someone who speaks Vietnamese and ask for help.
Ask your homestay host, ask your motorbike rental lady, ask the friendly-looking university student in the cafe. Without their assistance, using the public buses to get around is practically undoable.
Public bus fare only costs a few thousand đồng, making it the cheapest mode of transport around.
BUS COMPANIES
The same bus companies that offer transport from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta can also help you navigate the delta once you arrive.
Futa goes from Cai Be to Can Tho to Rach Gia (and everywhere in between). Thanh Buoi links My Tho and Ben Tre.
The Vietnamese word for the major bus hubs is “Bến Xe.” At most of these stations, you will find the desks of multiple bus companies selling tickets for various routes. Ben Xe’s are usually located outside of the city centre so you often need to catch a taxi or Grab there.
TAXI
Taxis exist everywhere. They are a somewhat expensive but nonetheless reliable means of transportation. We prefer to use Grab rather than your usual, everyday taxi since it’s far cheaper. The best option is the Grab motorbike hailing service- it’s super inexpensive and a fun way to get around. Unfortunately, Grab isn’t available in much of the Mekong Delta so it’s not always an option!
We can confirm Grab exists in My Tho and Can Tho, and not in Cai Be. Cai Be does have a local motorbike taxi service.
MOTORBIKE
Although we do not recommend driving a scooter from Saigon to the Mekong Delta, it’s one of the best transportation methods once you’re here.
Scooters/ motorbikes are part of Vietnamese culture- almost everyone has one. Experiencing the Mekong Delta on a motorbike is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local way of life. It’s also incredibly practical. Many of the roads snaking through the countryside orchards are too narrow for cars.
You can rent motorbikes from your homestay or a scooter rental shop in whatever town you’re in. Expect to pay 250,000 VND per day.
Some notes on the legality of renting scooters in Vietnam:
International Driving Permits are not recognized in Vietnam.
Consequently, there is no legal way for tourists to rent motorbikes over 50CC in Vietnam. But this has not deterred countless motorbike rental businesses from renting to foreigners. It may not be legal, but it is still common practice.
You do not need a driver’s licence to rent 50CC motorbikes. However, these are hard to find and not suitable for long distances.
If you’re unlucky, you may be pulled over by police and asked to “pay” a 500,000 VND fine.
You must wear a helmet while scooting in Vietnam.
BOAT
Boats were the original means of transportation here in the Mekong Delta. Although less popular since the introduction of highways and bridges, they’re still a perfectly fine way to get around.
This option is best for the more adventurous travellers, people who don’t need to get anywhere particularly quickly. You will see a different side of life on the Mekong– scenic villages, canals lined with palms, and sapphire blue kingfishers flying overhead.
Just keep in mind that boat travel is very weather dependent! Furthermore, it also takes more effort to organise. But that’s half the fun of it!
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HO CHI MINH CITY | The best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, 15+ Essential Saigon Travel Tips, How to visit Tan Dinh Church (Saigon’s Pink Church), Where to eat and drink in Ho Chi Minh City, How to get from Saigon Airport to the city centre
HOI AN | The best things to do in Hoi An, 15+ Essential Hoi An Travel Tips, How to visit My Son Sanctuary, How to get from Danang Airport to Hoi An, A guide to the Hoi An Old Town Ticket
HANOI | The best things to do in Hanoi, How to visit the Temple of Literature
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
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