Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta · Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam
Last updated 2026-10-30
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
Roughly 17 million people live across the delta's rice paddies, fruit orchards, and stilt-house villages, and boats remain the main way to move between them. Day trips and multi-day tours run from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, and the Tra Su cajuput forest, combining narrow-canal boat rides with coconut candy workshops, orchards, and bird sanctuaries. Floating markets start at 5-6 AM and are largely finished by 9-10 AM, so early departures matter. Small boat rides cost 100,000-300,000 VND, homestays with meals run USD 15-40 a night, and organised day tours from the city cost about USD 30-80 including transport. The dry season from December to April gives the calmest water and the clearest skies.
Ticket Price
Day tours from Ho Chi Minh City: roughly 30-80 USD per person depending on inclusions. Small boat rides: 100,000-300,000 VND (4-13 USD). Floating markets: free to visit by boat. Homestays: 15-40 USD per night including meals. Check the official site before booking.
Opening Hours
Floating markets: very early morning — start around 5-6 AM, most activity done by 9-10 AM. Boat tours: typically 8 AM-5 PM. Can Tho city: daily. Attractions and workshops: generally 7 AM-6 PM. The delta is a region, not a single attraction with set hours.
Transportation
From Ho Chi Minh City: bus or minibus to Can Tho (3-4 hrs, ~5-10 USD); speedboat (~2.5 hrs); private car or taxi (~3 hrs, ~60-80 USD). Within the delta: boats (the primary way to get around), bicycles, motorbikes, and local buses. Most people book an organized tour with transportation included.
Best Season
Dry season (December to April) — best weather, less rain, ideal for boat tours. Peak season: December-February. Floating markets are most lively during harvest seasons. Wet season (May-November) — heavy rain, higher water levels, fewer tourists, lower prices. The landscape is greener in wet season but some smaller canals may be inaccessible.
Pro Tip: Take an early boat from Can Tho or Ben Tre
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Take an early boat from Can Tho or Ben Tre Early departures reach the floating markets before the tour boats. Agree on the route and whether rowing boats, cooking stops or bicycle rides are included.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions3 questions
My Tho is the closest delta town, with orchards and boat rides; Ben Tre is known for coconut workshops and quieter canals; Can Tho is the largest city and the base for Cai Rang floating market.
A day trip covers My Tho or Ben Tre, but only an overnight stay in Can Tho gets you to Cai Rang floating market at dawn, when it is busiest. Choose based on whether the market matters to you.
November-April is the dry season with stable water levels; September-November brings the floating season and fruit harvest, with more rain.