Mekong Delta Private Escape: My Tho, Ben Tre & Sampan Ride

08:00 AM: Hotel Pick-up & Scenic Countryside Drive

• Your private English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up directly from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Relax in your air-conditioned vehicle as we leave the city and drive through the scenic countryside, passing by endless green rice paddies and local farms.

09:30 AM: The Majestic Vinh Trang Pagoda

• Arrive in My Tho city. Our first stop is the stunning Vinh Trang Pagoda, the largest and most significant Buddhist temple in the Mekong Delta region. Dating back to the 19th century, this architectural masterpiece features a harmonious, unique fusion of Vietnamese, Khmer, and European styles, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and giant Buddha statues.

10:30 AM: Private Mekong River Cruise

• Transfer to the My Tho pier and board your Private Motorboat. Enjoy the cool river breeze as you cruise along the mighty Mekong River, passing by the four famous islands named after mythical creatures: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.

11:00 AM: Local Homestead Visit, Exotic Fruits & Folk Music

• Step off the boat and take a peaceful walk along the shaded, winding village paths away from the bustling tourist crowds. We will visit a quiet, authentic local family homestead nestled in the tropical orchards.

• Sit down in their lush garden to taste a variety of freshly picked, seasonal exotic fruits (such as rambutan, dragon fruit, and longan). As you relax, enjoy an intimate, acoustic performance of “Don Ca Tai Tu”—the traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music recognized by UNESCO, performed locally by the villagers.

• Walk through their peaceful garden to learn about traditional, sustainable beekeeping methods. The hosts will warmly welcome you with a refreshing, natural cup of honey tea mixed with fresh lime and kumquat.

12:00 PM: The Iconic Rowing Sampan Experience

• Step into a traditional wooden Rowing Sampan. Local women wearing the iconic conical hats (Nón Lá) will expertly paddle you through the narrow, zigzagging canals, completely shaded by dense water coconut palms. This is the most peaceful and photogenic moment of the trip!

12:30 PM: Coconut Candy Workshop

• Cross the river to Ben Tre province, the “Kingdom of Coconuts.” Visit a traditional family-run workshop to observe the fascinating, manual process of making sweet coconut candy. Taste the warm, freshly made candies right off the stove.

01:30 PM: Mekong Delta Specialty Lunch

• Take a fun ride on a local motorized cart (Xe Lam) through the village roads to reach a beautiful riverside restaurant.

• Indulge in a fantastic Vietnamese lunch featuring the Mekong Delta’s absolute must-try specialty: the Crispy Fried Elephant Ear Fish rolled in rice paper with fresh herbs, alongside other delicious local dishes.

03:00 PM: Return Journey

• Say goodbye to the peaceful delta. Board your boat to return to the My Tho pier, where your private car will be waiting.

04:30 PM – 05:00 PM: Hotel Drop-off

• Arrive safely back in Ho Chi Minh City. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel, concluding an unforgettable day in the Mekong Delta.

08:00 AM (Daily)

Duration: Full Day (Approx. 8 – 9 Hours)

Departure Time: 08:00 AM (Daily)

Route: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Trang Pagoda – My Tho – Ben Tre Islands – Ho Chi Minh City

Style: River Cruise, Local Culture, Sightseeing & Private Tour