mekong delta tour video

Mekong Delta tours

In the best Mekong Delta tours you go by boat over large rivers and small side channels, visit floating markets and fruit orchards and learn more about the local culture in villages.

Best Mekong Delta Day tours from Ho Chi Minh City

Mekong Delta speedboat tour from Ho Chi Minh City

Cu Chi Tunnels & the Mekong Delta combo tour

Authentic Mekong Delta tour (My Tho)

Deeper into the Mekong Delta tour (Ben Tre)

Discover the Mekong Delta tour (My Tho)

Best mekong delta multi-day tours.

HCMC – Cambodia via Mekong Delta homestay experience

Local Mekong Delta homestay experience & floating markets

HCMC – Con Dao via Mekong Delta homestay experience

HCMC – Phu Quoc via Mekong Delta homestay experience

Mekong Lodge local experience in Cai Be 2 days

Luxury Mekong Delta cruise

Cai Rang floating market & 2 days Mekong Delta tour

About mekong delta.

The Mekong Delta is a special area with its web of rivers, houseboats and floating markets. Life here mainly takes place on the water and from a boat you can see villages, rice fields and the daily life of local families pass you by. A visit to the Mekong Delta is therefore the absolute highlight of a trip through South Vietnam.

Frequently asked questions about Mekong Delta tours

You can visit the Mekong Delta in 1 day, but we recommend staying there for at least 1 night.

If you have little time in Vietnam and you have to make choices, a one-day tour can be a great option. The Mekong Delta is not far from Ho Chi Minh City, so you can get a good impression in a one day tour. If you want to visit the floating markets and more the local villages where day-trip travelers do not come, we recommend that you go for two days.

The Mekong Delta is gigantic, so before you consider how to travel here, it is important to consider where you want to travel to. There are daily buses to Can Tho, Cai Be, Ben Tre, My Tho and Chau Doc, among others. Many travelers choose to take a Mekong Delta tour, so that you do not have to arrange transport to the delta yourself, but also between the sights.

10 Mekong Delta tours highlight

1. Boat trip

The best way to see a gigantic river delta is by boat tour. Sail the big rivers with a motor boat and row a sampan through the small canals.

2. Floating markets

The Mekong has a unique life on the water. You can also visit floating markets here where hundreds of boats come together.

The flat delta, with little traffic, is perfect for exploring by bicycle. Cycle the small roads from village to village.

4. Tra Su Indigo Forest

Take a boat trip through this fairytale forest that is half underwater.

5. Stay in a homestay

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

6. Tram Chim National Park

Tram Chim is home to thousands of birds, some of which are very rare.

7. Picking fruit

Most of the fruit in Vietnam comes from the Mekong Delta. Visit fruit orchards and pick your own fruit to eat immediately.

8. Climb Sam Mountain

More a hill than a mountain, you can visit this religious site for a nice view and visit the temples.

9. Bang Lang stork garden

Another beautiful nature reserve that is home to many different birds, but especially storks can be found here.

10. Vinh Trang Pagoda

The largest pagoda in the Mekong is built with a combination of different cultures.

Destinations near Mekong Delta

• Destination Guide
• Essential Guide
• Getting Around
• Vietnam Month by Month
• Inspiration
• Vietnam blog
• Travel tips
• Custom Made Trip
• Day- & Multiple Day tours
• Holiday Packages
• Local Meo Vac Homestay
• Local Dong Van Homestay
• Our Team & Company
• Our Customers & Reviews

Copyright © 2023 Local Vietnam

Start typing and press enter to search

Free ebook vietnam travel guide​.

Mekong Delta

Waterways weave through a vibrant region of floating markets and rural communities, offering a glimpse into local life amid ecological wonders and cultural treasures.

“A charming maze of rivers and culture in Southern Vietnam’s Rice Bowl”

Get free trip planning advice from vietnam is awesome, experience mekong delta, attractions.

Explore floating markets like Cai Rang, backwaters, and traditional villages for a unique experience.

Ba Chuc Tomb

Cai Be Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market

Cavern Pagoda

Tra Su Bird Sanctuary

Xeo Quyt Forest

Experience the Mekong Delta’s river life with our guided tours. Interact with locals and check out our tour listings for an unforgettable journey.

Discover Mekong Delta Full Day Tour

Mekong Delta Tour: My Tho & Ben Tre

Cai Be Village Mekong Delta Tour

Experience the rue delta experience and warmth of Mekong hospitality in homestays or select from our curated hotels.

Mekong Lodge Resort

Azerai Can Tho

Explore the taste of the Delta with fresh river produce and authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Spices Restaurant

Sao Hom Restaurant

Lua Nep Restaurant

Ma Famille – CAKES, DINNER, COFFEE

Hoa Cau Café

L’Escale

Grill and Chill Steak & Seafood

Travel inspiration & local legends.

5 Mekong Delta Floating Market Experiences | Trading And Tradition

June 5, 2023

Best Time To Visit Mekong Delta | Unlock The Beauty!

May 22, 2023

Mekong Delta Handbook: Essential Travel Tips

When is the best time to visit mekong delta.

The dry season from December to April is ideal, offering easier travel conditions and vibrant local festivals.

Transportation Tips

A. getting to vietnam.

Flying is the most convenient way to reach Vietnam. The two main international airports are Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) for adventures starting in the North and Saigon Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) for trips starting in the South. For a budget adventure, you can also take an overland bus from Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand to Southeast Asia.

B. How to get to Mekong Delta

Flying into Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is the most convenient option to reach the Mekong Delta. For a unique experience, consider a boat journey via the Mekong River from Cambodia. Once in Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel to the Delta by bus or private car, with the journey usually taking about 2-3 hours.

C. How to get around in Mekong Delta

Large cities in the Mekong Delta, like Can Tho or Rach Gia, have bus systems and taxis to get around. They’re less chaotic than huge cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, so you can rent a bicycle or motorbike. Buses are also available to take you between cities.

The Mekong Delta region is much more spread out in rural areas, but it’s one of the most scenic parts of Vietnam and completely flat. For both those reasons, riding a bicycle around is a fantastic option. For long distances, hiring a taxi is the best option.

Before You Go

• Visa: Check visa requirements based on your nationality. Learn more about getting a Vietnam Visa before visiting the Mekong Delta .  
• Timezone: Vietnam is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), UTC+7.
• Voltage: The standard voltage is 220V, and the outlets usually accept three different plugs: A, C, and F. If you are from Europe, Japan, or the Americas, your plugs will work fine. Otherwise, you’ll need an adapter. Note that many Vietnamese outlets do not have a third hole for grounding, and so can only accept two-pronged plugs.
• Internet: Most hotels, cafes, and even restaurants in the Mekong Delta offer free Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi plans are so cheap in Vietnam that almost all businesses have one. But it’s easy, inexpensive, and well worth buying a local SIM card with a data package at the airport upon arrival.
• SIM Cards: You can easily purchase SIM cards for data and calls at the airport or local stores. Note that you’ll need to provide your passport to get a SIM. Viettel, Mobifone, and VinaPhone are the best mobile networks for the Mekong Delta and most parts of Vietnam.
• Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). VND only comes in bills (no coins), and 1 USD equals about 24,000 VND (commonly abbreviated as 24k). Some shops catering to tourists may accept USD, but most only take VND.
• Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at large businesses like hotels, indoor restaurants, or upscale shopping venues in the Mekong Delta’s cities. However, smaller villages between cities usually only have a place accepting cards.
• ATMs: The large cities of the Mekong Delta have some ATMs, most of which accept foreign cards. However, rural areas generally have no ATMs, so you should bring cash out of the urban centers on day trips. Make sure to notify your bank before you travel to Vietnam to avoid blocked ATM transactions.
• Tipping: Vietnam is not a tipping culture, so a tip is not expected. A tip is a good way to bring a smile to someone’s face, though. Note that cab drivers and tour guides often rely on some tipping, so it’s a good idea to tip them.

Understanding Culture & Customs in Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta has the most cheerful and laid-back culture anywhere in Vietnam. Community, respect for nature, and a slower pace of life are valued. You’ll have trouble offending anyone if you keep a smile, a live-and-let-live attitude in your mind, and a genuine compassion for the people around you in your heart. Discover more about Vietnamese etiquette here.

Common questions about Mekong Delta

For luxury resorts, stay at Azerai in Can Tho or The Island Lodge in My Tho. For cozy homestay accommodation, try Mekong Pottery Homestay in Vinh Long or Homestay Nam Ham Luong in Ben Tre. There are many more options depending on the accommodation type you’re looking for and what area you want to stay in. To browse a few, head to our  Mekong  Delta  hotels  page.

Try fine dining at Spices Restaurant in Can Tho or get some local cuisine at Ut Dzach Fine Rice Vermicelli house. The restaurants in rural areas, like Mekong Rest Stop and Le Longanier Restaurant, often use even more authentic Mekong flavors. For a wider selection of eateries in the area, visit our directory of  Mekong Delta restaurants .

Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region is known for its lush green farmland, vibrant floating markets, and unique river-based culture and way of life. Its endless expanses of easy-to-navigate but vibrant farmland and its picturesque waterways and traditions make it beloved by tourists. Visitors to the Mekong Delta can take a  full-day tour  of the area to get a more thorough picture of what makes it unique.

A few ideas for activities in the Mekong Delta include: Take a  Mekong Experience tour  to see some of the Delta’s biggest cities, take a traditional boat down some of its waterways, and get a glimpse of some of its local agricultural businesses. Take a  Mekong Delta bicycle tour  with a company like Grasshopper Tours or Mr Biker Saigon. Visit one of the  floating markets  the area is famous for.

The months of May through October are the cheapest times to visit the Mekong Delta because the weather during that time is generally rainy and humid. If you’re willing to get a little wet and don’t mind ducking into a cafe during the daily rainfall, you might get some killer deals on travel services. Remember your mosquito spray!

In large cities like Can Tho or My Tho, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and buses are the best ways to get around. In more rural parts of the Mekong,  renting a bicycle  or  motorbike  and driving yourself is the best mode of transport.

December and February are the best months to visit Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. During this period, the weather is more comfortable, with lower humidity, less rainfall, and cooler temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. If you’d rather visit at a less crowded time or want to learn more about the weather in the region, check out this guide on  the best time to visit the Mekong Delta .

A day trip on a local tour is enough to catch a glimpse of Mekong Delta culture and cuisine. 3 days is better if you want to stay in one of the region’s cities, like Can Tho, to understand its vibrant urban lifestyle.

55 Ta Hien, Thanh My Loi Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam © 2024 Vietnam Is Awesome. All rights reserved. Terms of use | Privacy Policy Call Us: +84 98 1212 484

• Special Offers
• Ho Chi Minh City

A Glimpse of the Mekong

• Tour Time 8.00-15.00
• Group Size 1-7 (capacity 49 pax)

Embark on an Authentic Mekong Delta Adventure from Saigon

Venture off the beaten path on this one-of-a-kind Mekong Delta day tour! 

Traveling by vintage Vespa, you’ll traverse narrow lanes, dirt tracks, and village roads to uncover the hidden gems of the Delta.

Your journey begins with a Vespa pick-up from your hotel, transporting you from Saigon’s bustling metropolis to the Mekong Delta’s serene landscapes. 

Our meticulously planned route navigates through tranquil local villages – a stark contrast to the lively streets of Saigon. Along the way, you’ll cross numerous bridges over the river’s tributaries, hop on a local ferry, and explore peaceful streets inaccessible to tour buses.

During your adventure, we’ll visit a bustling riverside market and uncover some of the Delta’s thriving cottage industries. Witness traditional incense making and rice wine production, and seize the numerous opportunities to snap photos or engage in conversation with friendly locals you encounter throughout the journey!

As the day winds down, indulge in a delicious meal of authentic Mekong Delta cuisine at a local restaurant. Savor the flavors while enjoying a refreshing cold beer, absorbing the serene Delta atmosphere. 

Then, it’s time to hop back on your Vespas for the return drive to the vibrant city of Saigon.

(Still planning your trip in Saigon? Explore our full selection of Saigon Vespa Experiences .)

Price Includes

• Vespa Adventures Local Guide
• Entrance fees
• Pickup ad drop off
• Local food and drinks (including alcohol)
• Vespa with Experienced Driver

Why go to the Mekong Delta by Vespa?

The Mekong Delta is a popular day tour from Saigon. The network of waterways and local villages showcases a unique and more traditional way of life, especially when compared to the big city! Most tours, however, follow the main roads and stop at restaurants and shops designed for tourists. By taking our vintage Vespas, we can access the smaller laneways and backroads to see a more authentic side of Delta life. We have carefully crafted our route to avoid the big tour buses and commercial side of the Delta to deliver a truly local experience!

Will I be driving my own Vespa?

No, you will be riding pillion (on the back) of the Vespa. We have a team of expert drivers who will safely guide you through the streets of Saigon and into the delta. Our Vespas have comfortable seats and backrests, so you can sit back and enjoy the passing scenery while our driver takes care of the navigation!

Where does the tour start and end?

All Saigon Vespa Adventures tours include hotel pick up and drop off! For Glimpse of the Mekong, we pick up around 08.00 AM and you should be back to your hotel by 3PM. Be sure to fill in your hotel information on the booking form or let our team know before the tour date so that we can send the Vespa and driver to the right place!

• Join Tour Start Time: 08:00 Available: 98 seats
• Join Private Tour Start Time: 08:00 Available: 98 seats

Already A Member?

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Adding item to wishlist requires an account.

+84 772993585 [email protected]

Contact Us in Saigon

Address: Ho Chi Minh 169a De Tham District 1 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

• [email protected]
• From outside Vietnam:  +84 772993585  or  +84 938500997
• From within Vietnam:  0772993585  or  0938500997
• WhatsApp:  +84772993585

Related Tours

Hanoi Foodie Experience

Saigon Foodie Experience

Chiang Mai After Dark

WhatsApp us

Ultimate 10 Day Mekong Delta Itinerary

Want to know if the Mekong Delta is worth visiting? I promise you it is! This post shares all the details of our 10 day Mekong Delta itinerary from our motorbike road trip, including places to stay, and exciting things to see and do in the Mekong Delta.

After being pleasantly surprised on our first brief road trip to the Mekong Delta , we knew we wanted to return and explore the region in more depth. Encompassing the entire south of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is often overlooked by travellers to Vietnam and considered to be underwhelming. I’m here to change that view, as the region is far more diverse and beautiful than it is given credit for in the guidebooks; the Mekong Delta is worth visiting!

In this Mekong Delta itinerary, you’ll discover a side of the region that few tourists experience, including ancient pottery factories, floating markets, nature reserves and off the beaten path paradise islands!

➡️ Where is the Mekong Delta? ➡️ Best time of year to travel ➡️ Motorbiking in the Mekong Delta ➡️ Travel the Mekong Delta without a Motorbike ➡️ 10-day Itinerary for the Mekong Delta

➡️ Learn about traditional pottery in Vinh Long ➡️ See the floating market in Can Tho ➡️ Explore the nature reserves of Chau Doc ➡️ Get the ferry to the islands from Rach Gia ➡️ Go snorkelling on the paradise Nam Du Island ➡️ Hop back to the mainland via Hon Son Island

➡️ Motorbiking route

Where is the Mekong Delta?

The Mekong Delta is a vast region, spanning the entire southern tip of Vietnam. Nicknamed the “rice bowl of Vietnam”, the delta is an agricultural powerhouse supplying the rest of the country with fresh produce.

The Delta is a maze of intertwined canals as the Mekong River makes its way to the ocean, making way for floating forests, seas of rice fields dotted with intricate temples and of course, the iconic floating markets.

Beyond the cliche well-known experiences that the Mekong has to offer, there are a series of tropical islands that you can hop between once you make it to the ocean.

✍️ A Quick Guide to The Mekong Delta

Best Time of Year to Visit

November to March is the dry season in southern Vietnam which can make it an appealing time to visit the Mekong Delta thanks to stable weather and clear blue skies.

However, in my opinion, the best time to visit the Mekong Delta is in the shoulder season (between the wet and dry seasons). Timing your visit around November or May is perfect as the floating forests will be waterfilled and the countryside will be lush, yet the weather will still be relatively dry and hot.

Motorbiking in the Mekong Delta

The roads of the Mekong Delta are well maintained, thanks to the region’s role in supplying fresh produce to the rest of Vietnam. There can be lots of trucks on the roads so it’s important to take caution when driving and limit your time driving in the dark.

Where to rent a motorbike

Tigit and Rentabike are great options that specialise in rentals for road trips with pick up and drop off in Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike motorbiking in the north of Vietnam where a semi-automatic or manual motorbike is more suitable, an automatic motorbike is a good choice as the Mekong Delta is flat so you don’t have to worry about power to get you up steep hills.

Automatic motorbike rentals start at around $10 a day from both Tigit and Rentabike, so you’re looking at about $100 for a 10-day rental to explore the Mekong Delta. This might sound like a lot but it’s actually very budget-friendly when you consider that it covers all your transport and will give you the freedom to get off the beaten path in the Mekong Delta.

✍️ For more information on motorbiking in Vietnam, including safety tips and what to pack, check out my complete guide to motorbiking in Vietnam .

Travelling in the Mekong Delta without a Motorbike

If you aren’t confident motorbiking in Vietnam, you can still explore the Mekong Delta following this itinerary! Instead of motorbiking from place to place, hop on buses to get between places. All of the destinations covered in this Mekong Delta itinerary can be explored without a motorbike, by booking day trips or local drivers from your accommodation.

Where to book buses to the Mekong Delta

I’ve found the best places to book buses online are via Bao Lau * a website that compares different options for transport between 2 locations. You can also use it to book the ferries to the islands of Nam Du and Hon Son for the end of your trip.

10 Day Mekong Delta Itinerary

During this 10-day road trip through the Mekong Delta, we explored Vinh Long, Can Tho and Chau Doc, before taking the ferry from Rach Gia to the paradise islands of Nam Du and Hon Son. Traversing over 700km, this road trip is a biggie but with 10 days to explore it really didn’t feel like too much driving.

This Mekong Delta itinerary shares recommendations on what to do in each place and how long to spend there. Jump to the bottom for the route .

Disclaimer : This post contains affiliate links, all marked with * Booking through these links generate a small commission for me at no extra cost to you.

As the gateway to the Mekong Delta, the city of Vinh Long is the perfect first stop on a Mekong Delta trip. Vinh Long is a 3-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, so set off early and you’ll arrive in time for lunch.

What to do in Vinh Long

Day 1 📍 Get local street food at the central market, visit some of the many temples and head into the countryside of Vinh Long. Visit Xeo Quyt nature park where you’ll find hundreds of beautiful lily pads. Or visit a lotus flower farm (Nông trại Ông Bà Tư) where you can take boardwalks through the lotus fields (the lotuses flower around June). Both are about 1 hour outside of Vinh Long and take you on a beautiful drive through the countryside.

✍️ How to Spend a Day in Vinh Long

✍️ Exploring Vinh Long Pottery Village

Where to stay in Vinh Long

We stayed at the beautiful Mekong Pottery Homestay * which is essential if you want to join a tour of the local pottery factories (Yenni is the only one in Vinh Long offering these tours). An Binh Island is another great place to stay in Vinh Long with lots of cute homestays, such as Mekong Riverside Homestay *, where we stayed there on our shorter 3-day road trip (plus you get to experience the local ferry to get there).

Next up on our tour through the Mekong Delta was the city of Can Tho, the hub of the Mekong Delta. We left Vinh Long on the evening of our second day for the quick 1-hour drive to Can Tho, arriving in time for dinner and bed before an early rise on day 3 of our Mekong Delta itinerary.

What to do in Can Tho

Day 3 📍 The most popular thing to do in Can Tho is experience the Cai Rang floating market. The market is an early morning event, so we booked a private sunrise tour with a local guide who picked us up at 5am and took us into the depths of the market on his boat. He was great at explaining what we were seeing and took us to try noodles from a floating street vendor. After the market, he took us to a local noodle factory and fruit farm which rounded off the day nicely.

✍️ Visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho

Where to stay in Can Tho

With only 24 hours in Can Tho, we picked a random hostel for the night. That hostel is no longer open, but there are lots of options for accommodation in Can Tho *. Somewhere nearby Ninh Kieu Wharf is a good idea if you are planning to book a group tour of the floating market.

The tour of the floating market ended at lunchtime and we quickly headed off en route to the next place on our road trip through the Mekong Delta; Chau Doc.

Chau Doc is a small town on the border with Cambodia. The drive from Can Tho to Chau Doc takes about 3 hours, along which you’ll spot more temples than you can count. These temples are very ornate, covered in gold and Khmer scripture; you might forget you are in Vietnam for a second.

We arrived in the evening of day 3 and grabbed some food before heading to bed ahead of exploring on day 4.

Day 4 📍 The main attraction to see in Chau Doc is the Tra Su Cajuput forest, one of Vietnam’s most extensive floating forests. So we headed there on day 4 of our tour of the Mekong Delta. The forest is magical, and you’ll experience both a speed boat through the marshlands and a sampan boat ride from a local through the densely packed floating forest. The quintessential Mekong Delta experience.

On the way back to Chau Doc we explored Sam mountain, a peak outside of town that is dotted with temples and views of the surrounding countryside.

✍️ Visiting Tra Su Cajuput forest in Chau Doc

Where to stay in Chau Doc

We opted to stay in the heart of Chau Doc town, mostly for the ease of finding food in the evening but there are a number of cute looking homestays in the countryside as well as some luxury resorts like Victoria Nui Sam Lodge *.

We stayed at  Nhà Nghỉ Lucky * (Lucky Homestay) which wasn’t the most luxurious of homestays but it was clean, the hosts were nice and it was super budget-friendly.

After all the driving around the Mekong Delta, it was time for some well-deserved rest and relaxation at the beach.

For this, we continued south to the port town of Rach Gia where you can catch the ferry to two off the beaten path paradise islands; Nam Du and Hon Son. The two islands are unique, each with a different vibe. For this reason, I recommend spending 24 hours on Nam Du, then taking the short ferry ride to Hon Son to explore for the next 24 hours.

✍️ How to Visit Nam Du and Hon Son Islands

Day 5 📍 We decided to take it easy during the morning on day 5 in the Mekong, before setting off on the 3-hour drive to the harbour town of Rach Gia; ready to travel to the islands the next day. For this drive, I recommend tracing the border with Cambodia so you can explore more of the ornate Cambodian-style temples.

Where to Stay in Rach Gia

In Rach Gia, we stayed at Stay Hostel * which was the perfect choice thanks to its location just 5 minutes from the ferry terminal. The hostel was brand new when we visited in 2021 and was one of the best rests we had throughout our Mekong Delta itinerary.

There is long-stay parking available at the ferry terminal so you can leave your motorbike there for the duration of your trip to the islands.

Nam Du is one of Vietnam’s greatest secrets; a truly off the beaten path paradise island with turquoise waters and powdery white sand beaches. It only recently opened to foreigners and is yet to come onto the radar for international tourism, making it a haven for those wanting to escape the tourism that dominates the nearby more popular island of Phu Quoc.

How to get to Nam Du

Located the furthest from the coast, we decided to head to Nam Du first and hop back to the mainland via the island of Hon Son. We booked the ferry from Rach Gia to Nam Du online via Baolau *.

You can also buy tickets from the ferry terminal in person. If you plan to do this, I recommend visiting the ticket office the night before you plan to take the ferry to avoid tickets being sold out.

What to do in Nam Du

Day 6 📍 After taking the almost 3-hour ferry to Nam Du, we were ready to spend the next 24 hours exploring a secret of the Mekong Delta. We rented a motorbike from our homestay, to drive a loop of the island to see the local villages, secluded beaches and some beautiful views of the island.

In the afternoon we joined a boat tour, organised through our homestay (all the homestays offer the same tour), where we stopped at a number of sheltered bays to snorkel before relaxing at the most beautiful beach I’ve seen in Vietnam on a nearby island. After watching the sunset from the boat, we grabbed some fresh (and cheap!) seafood along the harbour front.

Day 7 📍 We spent the morning before the ferry to Hon Son unwinding at one of the best beaches on the island; Bãi Cây Mến. There are some rustic cafes here where you can grab a fresh coconut and swim in the ocean. We left around noon to catch the afternoon ferry from Nam Du to Hon Son.

Where to stay on Nam Du

We stayed in the harbour village at  Nhà nghỉ Sáu Có  homestay (their website is in Vietnamese but we just texted them on Zalo to book). There are also a few options on  Booking.com * though not many so if you don’t see any available try messaging some of the homestays you see on Google Maps.

Hon Son Island

Hon Son is another paradise island in Vietnam that’s worth a visit! Hon Son island has a different vibe to Nam Du which is why it’s worth experiencing both; aside from being larger and a bit more developed, the coastline is different to Nam Du. On Hon Son, you’ll find some white sand beaches, but also lots of rocky bays that are perfect for snorkelling.

How to get to Hon Son

There are a few daily ferries that run between Hon Son and Nam Du, but you cannot buy them online. Instead, head to the harbour in Nam Du and buy a ticket in person for only 70k ($3) per person. The ride only takes 45mins, so you’ll be ready to continue exploring when you arrive.

What to do in Hon Son

After taking the afternoon ferry from Nam Du, we checked into our homestay and rented a motorbike for the next 24 hours to explore Hon Son island.

Day 8 📍 For your full day in Hon Son, be sure to check out Coconut Beach (Bãi Cây Dừa) where there is a simple resort with a restaurant you can get lunch at. The beach lives up to its name, complete with coconut palm swings. There are some rustic local villages you can explore on the southern tip of the island, and a beautiful road that loops the island passing by many beaches where you can take a dip! In the evening, visit Bãi Dương Quán Võng, a quirky bar that’s perfect for sunset drinks. As in Nam Du, the harbour town of Hon Son has lots of fresh seafood for you to try!

Where to stay on Hon Son

We stayed at Nhà Nghỉ Gia An homestay which was clean and a short walk from the ferry port, with various food options nearby and motorbike rentals available. They aren’t on any booking platform, and we just found them on google and sent them a message on Zalo to book (when we visited there weren’t many options for booking online).

The other side of the island has a couple of beachside resorts, but you will need to book them via Zalo or phone call as they don’t have websites.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

I recommend splitting the journey from Rach Gia to Ho Chi Minh City over a couple of days as the drive is long. We opted to spend the night in Can Tho, but if you wanted to add another place to your Mekong Itinerary then I suggest spending the night in Ben Tre. Ben Tre is a popular spot for overnight trips into the Mekong Delta and is just a short drive back to the city.

Day 9 📍 Take the ferry from Hon Son Island to Rach Gia, pick up your motorbike from the long-stay parking and get ready to loop back to Ho Chi Minh City. We stopped at Can Tho, though I would suggest spending the night in Ben Tre instead. Unlike Can Tho which is a city, Ben Tre is surrounded by lush countryside and has many cute homestays * to stay at.

Day 10 📍 Continue the final leg of your return to Ho Chi Minh City. Don’t skip exploring Ho Chi Minh City ; it’s a vibrant city and a youthful hub with some cool spots to explore.

Motorbiking Route

This is the route that we drove during our road trip and it follows the Mekong Delta itinerary here. Click the star next to the map title to save it on your google drive for later!

There you have it – a 10-day itinerary for the Mekong Delta, stopping in one of the most underrated places in Southern Vietnam! Whether you travel by motorbike or by bus, your sure to fall in love with the region.

Like this Mekong Delta itinerary for Vietnam? Pin it for later!

Planning a Trip to Vietnam

For more information on planning a trip to Vietnam, be sure to check out my Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide which includes everything you need to know for travelling around the country.

✍️ Vietnam COVID Entry Requirements for Travel in 2022 ✍️ A Quick Guide to the Mekong Delta ✍️ 3-Day Road Trip in the Mekong

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Meet Frances; Scottish lass turned Vietnam expat, and creator of this space. She can be found sippin’ ice tea’s and writing about her adventures from her sunny base of Saigon, Vietnam’s southern metropolis. All with a healthy side of researching her next road trip. With 5 years of living, travelling and scooting around Asia under her belt – let Frances be your guide to travelling the region.

post a comment cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

ZigZag 

Authentic Mekong

Unleash the Real Mekong: Authentic food, motorbike, boat, tuk-tuk experiences. Personalized, flexible tours for sustainable adventures. Discover the vibrant soul of the Mekong Delta!

the real Mekong

Ditch the tourist traps and sail down hidden canals where the only traffic jam is a family of ducks. Imagine this: peaceful waterways, barely two boats sharing the serenity, and the gentle whisper of palms dancing in the breeze. This ain't your average tour; it's an invitation to slow down and truly experience Vietnam.

Forget the cookie-cutter itineraries . We don't herd you from shop to shop; instead, we stop whenever whimsy strikes, soaking up the local charm and savoring authentic moments. Think roadside coconut stands, impromptu chats with smiling villagers. 

Trade fancy hotels for a homestay experience, and siesta like a true local when the afternoon heat sets in.

This ain't a job for us, it's a way of life. We're a small family business, and we prioritize balance over hustle. We invite you to join us on this intimate journey, not as tourists, but as fellow travelers seeking something genuine.

You might catch us strolling around in flip-flops and shorts, keeping things laid-back and down-to-earth, without any fancy introductions or airs about certain topics. Us folks from the Mekong Delta are hospitable souls, eager to show you around and just be ourselves in the process, all easy and chill.

No fancy tourist spots here, no tourist traps either. We'll just stop for some sugarcane juice by the roadside, maybe pluck some coconuts from someone's backyard, wander through the market, or just randomly stop wherever you fancy along the way. Oh, and yeah, we do have homestays and boats ready to accommodate you. You know, that's just how it goes, can't really do without them, right?

After lunch, it's best to take a nap to avoid the heat, and if you're thirsty, just stop for a drink. You're here to have fun, not to meet KPIs. We want to live a relaxed life, and hopefully, you do too. Simple as that.

Discover the Mekong Delta

From enjoying our quiet and unique sailboat cruise, trying amazing local Mekong food, kayaking through small lush canals, learning the local life, to drive zigzaging through coconut villages, learn to make organic coconut candies, or cook with the local....

Saigon to Ben Tre Explore Full day trip

Scooter, Culture,  Sailboat,  Food

7h00 - 20h00

Mekong Flavors Cooking Class

Scooter, Market, Cooking, Eating

7h30 - 12h30

3hr exploring Ben Tre countryside

Scooter, Countryside, Culture, Food

9h00 - 12h00 / 15h00 - 18h00

Ben Tre Hidden Gems Full day trip

9h00 - 17h30

1.5h Sailboat, Drinks & Snacks on Mekong River

Sailboat, Drinks & Snacks, Scooters

6h00 - 7h30 / 16h00 - 17h30

Coconut candies making ​(not available now)

Coconut candies making from a-z

Duration: 2 hr

Ben Tre Adventure Half-day trip

8am- 12h30 / 12h30 - 17h00

3hr Sailboat & Floating dinner​ on the Mekong river

Sailboat, Drinks, Snack, Sunset/ Sunrise

18h00 - 21h00

Tailor-made Mekong: Uniquely Yours

Your Style, Your Pace

Duration: Flexbible

Best seller

What our customers said.

"I’ve travelled a lot around the world and few things have bro ught me more happiness in my travels than the row boat from Si’s place (the local guide's home). For me, the peace and dream-like scenery there ravelled the feeling I had being in the Sahara desert. It was magical."

Kari Blacklake Parker

Mekong Tips

To make the most of your visit and ensure a warm connection with the local community and environment, we have some friendly tips to keep in mind

Capturing Moments

Share your photos and memories from your

MekongZigZag tour with us using the hashtag #MekongZigZag on INSTAGRAM

Save time by booking via

Accommodations suggested

• Sep 7, 2023

VN - Innerzen Mekong Riverside Homestay Ben Tre

• Jul 25, 2023

EN - Innerzen Mekong Riverside Homestay Ben Tre

• Jul 21, 2023

Ba Danh - A Traditional Mekong homestay

Maika Tours uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to our use of cookies. More details can be found in our terms and conditions .

• +84 909 343 760
• Open Facebook account in a new tab.
• Open Instagram account in a new tab.
• Open Youtube account in a new tab.
• Open Tripadvisor account in a new tab.

2-Day Mekong Delta Tour

Suitable for All Group Sizes

Private Tour

Let us guide you on an incredible two-day tour through the complex maze of the Mekong Delta . Experience the river that proudly sits at the heart of rural daily life . On this trip, you’ll cruise down the spectacular delta and through some amazing floating markets!

Asia's Biggest Floating Market

Lush Tropical Fruits Orchards

A Secluded Island

The Stunning Vinh Trang Pagoda

Real Life Experiences

Local Handicraft Houses

Click the Tabs to See More

Tour details.

From $80 per person.

• 1 person $397
• 2 people $218 per person
• 3 people $164 per person
• 4 people $135 per person
• 5 people $117 per person
• 6 people $105 per person
• 7 people $96 per person
• 8 people $90 per person
• 9 people $85 per person
• 10+ people $80 per person

Please note – Children up to 3 years old are free of charge, while children 3-11 years old will be required to pay 75% of the adult rate. Please see our FAQs page for further pricing details.

We operate all year round, except for Vietnamese New Year, which runs from January 20th-24th, 2023

Trip specifications

This tour only operates as a private tour. All group sizes can be accommodated. Children must be at least 4 years old.

Pick-up & drop-off

We will collect and return you to any hotel located within Ho Chi Minh City Centre. If you are staying out of the city we can collect you for an extra charge depending on the distance. Please get in touch for prices.

• All Entrance Fees
• All Transport
• English-Speaking Guide
• Bottled Water
• One Full Lunch – note we can cater for any dietary requirements just be sure to get in touch beforehand

Not included

• Gratuities for Your Guide & Drivers
• Travel Insurance
• Additional Meals
• Booking Fees
• Accommodation – for information on how we can assist with arranging your accommodation please see our FAQs page.

What to bring

• Insect Repellent
• Light Jacket
• Raincoat or Poncho

What to wear

Please be sensitive to the local customs and ensure you dress respectfully

Loose, free-flowing clothing is preferred given we will be visiting local communities. Knees and shoulders should be covered at all times.

You will be collected from your hotel at 8:00 am ready to begin our amazing adventure. Our first stop is the Cai Be Pier along the mighty Mekong River. Sit back and relax as our ‘sampan’ (a traditional motorised boat) takes you along the serene canals. These hidden waterways are engulfed in lush vegetation and local villages where you can admire the colours and culture alike.

Next up, we get back on the dry land of the Tan Phong island. After a quick stop off at a tasty fruit orchard, we will experience the enchanting music of Vietnam as guests of a local performance and take a guided bicycle tour of this marvellous island. Along the way, we will visit native families and learn how these locals use the land to craft everything from delicate rice paper to the sturdy roofs of their homes. A local family will treat us to Mekong delicacies for lunch which include freshly made spring rolls, fried pumpkin flower, and beautifully braised pork soaked in coconut juice

** We can provide accommodation for those with scooters**

After our special Mekong lunch, we’ll transfer back to our boat and into the smaller canals of the delta. Here we can get up close and be a part of the daily life of local people and farmers. We will see the handicraft of local merchants preparing delicious coconut candy, rice-wine, unique hand-crafted pottery, and bricks made from scratch. Then we’ll head to the Vinh Long Pier and market where you can see even more of the specialities the Mekong has to offer.

Finally, we will head to Can Tho to reach your accommodation. We’ll have the chance to relax and explore the beautiful nightlife and tasty cuisine of the night market in this spectacular town during your overnight stay.

On day two, we’ll get up early and head straight out to make the most of the day. We’ll board our own private boat to head to Cai Rang, the biggest floating market in the whole of Asia. You will get to experience local produce being sold first hand from boat to boat. You’ll get the chance to buy products of your own and you can even sip your morning coffee at one of the awesome floating coffee shops.

After the market, we will head back to the hotel for some well-deserved breakfast. Having checked out, we’ll head to My Tho to visit the breathtaking Vinh Trang pagoda. Here your guide will show you around the incredible five-acre site. They will explain the history of the temple and show you the unique architecture and sculpture. After what promises to be an interesting and enjoyable day, we’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City and drop you back to your accommodation.

See What Our Guests are Saying

Nice experience, very customer-oriented company fast and easy booking, very fast reaction. Mr. Bien a well-prepared guide and enthusiastic. You should try this experience.

JonnoMelbourne

I now refer my friends, family and colleagues, as well as book all of my tours, accommodation and flights with Maika because I feel very lucky to have finally found an organisation in Asia that gives me the confidence to do so.

The tour was very well organized, and the guide spoke very good English. We got to see and experience so many things: Besides visiting a pagoda and Buddha statue, we also went on a boat ride (with a stop to enjoy a coconut drink) and visited local businesses producing rice paper, conical hats and mats. We had fresh fruit and tea for a snack and Pho soup for lunch which was delicious! We had such a good day and would highly recommend this tour!

We went on this tour, two families of four, with children aged 9-12 years old. We were really happy with it and highly recommend. Lin was our guide and she was fantastic, would really do a trip with her again. It was nice to do this privately and easy to adjust with Lin if needed. Maika helped us book the accommodation in Can Tho which we really appreciated. Would highly recommend and for sure do again.

PaulSoltheran

You did a great job looking after all of our family of 7. The kids enjoyed all the tours and especially the Mekong cruise …as did we……because the kids were so happy we got to enjoy some time to ourselves too. I would recommend Maika Tours if your thinking of visiting Vietnam!

You May Also Like...

3-day mekong delta tour, 6-day best of south vietnam tour, 6-day tour of central highlands and southern coast.

• Culture & Arts
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Attractions
• Phu Quoc Island
• Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta Tours

Best Tours, Excursions & Travel Packages in Mekong Delta

• Mekong Delta Day Tours
• All Mekong Delta Tours
• Family Tours
• Classic Tours
• Culinary Tours
• Honeymoon Tours
• Luxury Tours
• Beach Tours
• Adventure Tours

Mekong Delta is naturally carpeted in a dizzying array of greens. This is a water world where floating houses, boats and markets float upon the innumerous canals, rivers, and streams that intersect on the landscape like arteries.

The charming beauty of the Mekong Delta and unique local living patterns have resulted in major tourist attractions including some luxuriant fruit orchards, well-known floating markets, mangrove forests Buddhist temples and Khmer pagodas, off-coast islands. The bustling commerce of its own town is opposite sharply to the almost-soporific and languid pace of the rural life. 

Discover the best and fancy things of Mekong from one of these tours. 

Best Mekong Delta Tours

Showing {{ total_tour }} {{ total_tour > 1 ? 'tours' : 'tour' }} of {{destinations}}

• 3), first:(pageNumber == 1 && Math.abs(pageNumber - currentPage) > 3)}">{{ pageNumber }}

Frequently Asked Questions

It is definitely worth a visit to Mekong Delta. It is not only about the special floating market but also about interesting riverine culture , beautiful tropical landscapes and friendly locals. You can either join day trips or multi-day tours in Mekong Delta with hotel/homestay in the city center.

To experience fully the best of provinces in the Mekong Delta (and even Phu Quoc island), four days or even more are enough. Within this duration, you can not only contemplate the attractive beauty of natural landscapes of this wetland, but can also visit some famous traditional villages here to explore and understand more about the culture and daily life of locals.

Due to seasonal flooding, the best time to visit Mekong Delta is in the dry season running from December to May .

It takes from one to four hours to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta. The distance is about 200km and the travel time will mainly depend on the type of transportation you choose.

The best day tours (including half-day tours) in Mekong Delta according to VietnamDiscovery travelers are: • Discover Legendary Coconut Land of Ben Tre in Mekong Delta • Half-Day Around Mekong Delta Vietnam by Old Vespa • Exclusive Mekong in One Day Tour • Mekong Delta Vietnam – Authentic Experience by Speedboat • Mekong Delta Vietnam At A Glance in My Tho and Ben Tre • Mekong delta with floating market day tour ► See all Mekong Delta day trips on VietnamDiscovery .

These hidden gems in the Mekong Delta may have low interaction with crowds: • Mekong Delta Vietnam – Authentic Experience by Speedboat • Discover Legendary Coconut Land of Ben Tre in Mekong Delta ► See all Mekong Delta day trips on VietnamDiscovery .

Top Attractions in Mekong Delta

Cai Be floating market | Cai Rang floating market   | Tan Phong island | Monkey bridge | Doi Pagoda

Top Things to Do near Mekong Delta

Things to Do in Can Tho |   Things to Do in Mui Ne | Things to Do in Phu Quoc | Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh | Things to Do in Nha Trang | Things to do in Da Nang | Things to do in Hoi An | Things to do in Halong Bay | Things to do in Ninh Binh | Things to Do in Hanoi

Recommended for Mekong Delta

Floating markets in Mekong Delta | Ok Om Bok Festival | Fruit orchards in Mekong Delta |  Top Thing to Do in Can Tho

Destinations

Tours by style.

• Shore Excursions

Travel Guide

• Best Time to Visit
• Getting around
• Transportation
• Best Beaches
• Vietnam Honeymoon
• Travel esim to Vietnam

Our Company

• Responsible travel
• Terms of use
• Privacy Policy
• Recruitment

Connect with us:

• (+84) 989 383 767
• Email: [email protected]
• Hanoi, Vietnam: 23rd Floor, TASCO Building, Pham Hung road, Me Tri, Tu Liem, Hanoi.
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 2nd Floor, VIPD Building, No. 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Da Kao Ward, District 1, HCMC
• Hong Kong: Vietnam discovery Travel Limited Room 1D, 2/F, Fu Tao Building,98 Argyle Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Where Do You Want to Go?

• Tell us details of your holiday plan.
• Get multiple quotes from our expert agents, compare, then customize further.
• Select & book the best deal.