My Tho in the Mekong Delta is an enchanting destination that beckons travelers with lush waterways, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Cruise along the Tien River, savor iconic hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho, or wander through fruit-laden orchards for an unforgettable adventure. Dive into your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of My Tho right now!
My Tho – Gateway to the Captivating Mekong Delta
Covering around 100 km² and home to over 220,000 residents, My Tho is the administrative, economic, and cultural heart of Tien Giang Province. The city serves as a vital gateway connecting neighboring provinces like Ben Tre, Vinh Long, and Long An via the Tien River and a vast network of canals. Thanks to this strategic location, My Tho plays a crucial role in driving the Mekong Delta’s economy and tourism.
This charming city seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural richness. It’s renowned for its miệt vườn (fruit orchards), where visitors can pick fresh tropical fruits straight from the trees. Meanwhile, bustling floating markets showcase the vibrant trade and lively river life that define the region.
Where is My Tho, Mekong Delta, and How to Get There?
Situated along the northern bank of the Tien River, one of the Mekong’s main tributaries, My Tho is an ideal launching point for exploring the broader delta. Located just 70 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
How to Reach My Tho
- By Bus: The most affordable and convenient option is taking a bus from Ho Chi Minh City’s Mien Tay Bus Station. Multiple companies operate frequent services for about 100,000–150,000 VND (approx. $4–$6 USD). The journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
- By Private Car or Taxi: For a more comfortable trip, hire a private car or taxi for around 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND ($40–$60 USD) one way. This option offers flexibility to stop at scenic spots along the way.
- By Motorbike: Adventurous travelers can rent a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City and ride to My Tho along well-paved National Highway 1A, exploring the scenic Mekong countryside at their own pace.
Once in My Tho, getting around is easy with taxis, xe ôm (motorbike taxis), or bicycle rentals for leisurely rides through the city and surrounding countryside.
Best Time to Visit My Tho, Mekong Delta
My Tho welcomes visitors year-round, but each season offers unique experiences. The dry season (December to April) is the most popular, with pleasant temperatures of 30°C–35°C and minimal rainfall (just 10–50 mm over the season). Clear skies make it perfect for boat trips, cycling through orchards, and exploring outdoor attractions. April is especially vibrant as fruit orchards bloom, though it can be quite hot.
During the wet season (May to November), temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C, with significant rainfall averaging 1,200–1,500 mm. The region transforms into a lush, shimmering water world, ideal for exploring floating markets and river culture. Rain showers are usually brief and rarely disrupt plans.
From September to November, the Mekong Delta enters its spectacular mùa nước nổi (floating season). Unlike destructive floods elsewhere, these gentle floods overflow riverbanks into rice fields, bringing schools of fish and fertile silt. Visitors can paddle through flooded melaleuca forests and savor seasonal delicacies like canh chua cá linh, available only during this magical time. Alternatively, consider visiting from May to August, when orchards brim with juicy tropical fruits—a paradise for food lovers.
Top Things to Do in My Tho, Mekong Delta
My Tho is packed with activities showcasing the region’s natural beauty, culture, and culinary delights. Here are the best things to experience:
Explore Thoi Son Islet (Con Lan)
One of My Tho’s top attractions is Thoi Son Islet, also known as Unicorn Island (Con Lan). Located on the Tien River, this peaceful oasis is filled with coconut groves, tropical orchards, and winding canals.
- Take a traditional sampan boat ride through narrow canals shaded by water coconut trees, immersing yourself in the tranquil rhythm of delta life.
- Sample fresh honey from local bee farms, juicy tropical fruits, and handcrafted coconut candy.
For a deeper experience, join a 2-day, 1-night Mekong Delta tour. Ride a traditional wooden motorboat to Unicorn Island, cruising past fishing ports and stilt houses. Visit a peaceful bee farm and enjoy fragrant honey tea—a soothing treat and a true taste of delta hospitality.
Step into Vinh Trang Pagoda
Just 3 kilometers from My Tho’s city center, Vinh Trang Pagoda (Chùa Vĩnh Tràng) stands as one of the Mekong Delta’s most iconic and serene religious sites. Built in the 19th century, it’s a stunning blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer architecture, with intricate mosaics crafted from broken pottery and a striking seven-story tower.
- Stroll through tranquil gardens
- Marvel at giant Buddha statues
- Embrace the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere
Entry is free, though donations are welcome to help preserve this cultural gem.
Take a Motorboat Ride on the Tien River
A boat trip on the Tien River is a quintessential Mekong Delta experience. Departing from My Tho Wharf, motorboats carry you past stilt houses, fishing nets, and vibrant river scenes. Many tours stop at nearby islets like Thoi Son or Phoenix Island, where you can visit local workshops and sample regional specialties. The gentle sway of the boat and the ever-changing scenery make this a relaxing highlight.
Enjoy Đờn Ca Tài Tử – The Soul of Mekong Music
Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of đờn ca tài tử, traditional southern Vietnamese folk music recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Performed with stringed instruments and heartfelt vocals, this music captures the spirit and culture of the Mekong Delta. Hearing it live beneath swaying coconut trees is an unforgettable experience.
Admire the Sunset from Rach Mieu Bridge
For stunning views, head to Rach Mieu Bridge at sunset. Connecting My Tho with Ben Tre Province, this striking cable-stayed bridge offers panoramic vistas of the Tien River glowing in golden hues. Whether walking along the riverbank or capturing photos from a boat, sunset in My Tho is pure magic. Bring a snack, sit back, and watch the sky transform into shades of orange and pink.
Wander Around Tan My Chanh Flower Village
Located just outside My Tho, Tan My Chanh Flower Village is a visual and sensory delight. The village bursts with vibrant blooms like roses, marigolds, and chrysanthemums, especially in the weeks leading up to Tết (Lunar New Year). Wander fragrant gardens, meet friendly local growers, and take home a bouquet as a colorful memento. It’s a serene escape from the city buzz.
My Tho Foods You Shouldn’t Miss
My Tho is a paradise for food lovers, offering fresh flavors that showcase the region’s ingredients and culinary traditions. Here’s what to savor:
- Hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho: The city’s signature noodle soup features delicate rice noodles in a fragrant broth topped with pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and fresh herbs. Unlike other Vietnamese noodle soups, it boasts a light, slightly sweet broth and generous garnishes. Pair it with iced tea for an authentic taste.
- Bánh xèo: Crispy, savory rice pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. Served hot off the pan, they’re best enjoyed wrapped in lettuce or rice paper with tangy fish sauce for dipping.
- Coconut candy: A Mekong Delta specialty, these chewy treats made from fresh coconut milk and sugar are both delicious and a perfect souvenir.
- Fresh tropical fruits: Orchards in My Tho yield mangosteen, longan, jackfruit, and more. Visit markets or orchards to enjoy fruit at its freshest.
- Deep-fried giant gourami (Cá tai tượng chiên xù): This crispy, golden “elephant ear fish” is a local favorite, often served with rice paper, herbs, and dipping sauce for a fun, hands-on meal.
For authentic local cuisine, head to My Tho Market, where bustling food stalls serve specialties at budget-friendly prices. Alternatively, many homestays and riverfront restaurants offer delicious home-cooked meals with beautiful water views.
My Tho offers a perfect blend of scenic waterways, vibrant culture, and unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re seeking peaceful boat rides, colorful markets, or culinary adventures, this city promises memories that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
