My Tho, Mekong Delta

Discover the Gateway to the Mekong Delta

My Tho is a peaceful riverside destination in southern Vietnam and one of the most accessible gateways to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. Surrounded by tropical orchards, coconut palms and winding waterways, the area offers visitors an authentic glimpse into everyday life along the Mekong River.

A typical journey through My Tho includes a boat cruise across the river, a sampan ride through narrow canals, visits to family-run workshops and opportunities to taste seasonal tropical fruit. Travelers can also enjoy traditional Đờn Ca Tài Tử folk music while meeting welcoming local communities.

Why Visit My Tho?

My Tho is an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience the Mekong Delta within a day from Ho Chi Minh City. Its relaxed scenery and accessible river experiences make it suitable for couples, families, solo travelers and first-time visitors to southern Vietnam.

The destination combines natural landscapes, local culture, traditional food and Buddhist heritage in one memorable journey.

Top Experiences in My Tho

• Cruise along the Mekong River and admire its green islands.
• Ride a traditional sampan through palm-lined canals.
• Explore Thoi Son Island and its tropical fruit gardens.
• Visit local honey, coconut candy and handicraft workshops.
• Listen to traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music.
• Taste tropical fruit, honey tea and regional specialties.
• Discover the remarkable architecture of Vinh Trang Pagoda.
• Meet local families and learn about life beside the river.

The islands around My Tho are especially known for tropical agriculture and fruit orchards, while Vinh Trang Pagoda is one of the area’s best-known cultural landmarks.

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Vinh Trang Pagoda is a celebrated Buddhist landmark near central My Tho. Its architecture brings together Vietnamese, Khmer, Chinese and European influences, creating one of the Mekong Delta’s most distinctive religious sites. The peaceful grounds feature ornamental gardens and impressive Buddha statues.

What to Eat in My Tho

Do not leave without trying My Tho noodle soup – Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho, the city’s signature dish. Visitors may also enjoy elephant ear fish, fresh river prawns, coconut sweets, seasonal fruit and other specialties of southern Vietnam.

Best Time to Visit

My Tho can be visited throughout the year.

• December to April: Generally sunnier weather and less rain.
• May to November: Greener landscapes, fuller waterways and occasional tropical showers.

Morning departures are recommended for cooler temperatures and a more comfortable day on the river.

Getting to My Tho

My Tho is approximately 70 kilometres southwest of central Ho Chi Minh City, making it a convenient destination for a full-day Mekong Delta tour. Depending on traffic, the road journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City has helped make it one of the region’s most popular day-trip gateways.

Travel My Tho with Joyous Travel

Explore My Tho with Joyous Travel and discover the Mekong Delta through meaningful local experiences. Cruise across the river, glide through peaceful canals, visit family workshops and enjoy the generous hospitality of southern Vietnam.

Our private and small-group tours are thoughtfully designed to provide comfortable transportation, knowledgeable local guides and enough time to appreciate each experience without feeling rushed.

Let Joyous Travel take you beyond the city and into the heart of life on the Mekong River.