Plan Your Perfect Mekong Delta Adventure

Planning your trip to the captivating Mekong Delta means crafting the perfect itinerary that lets you soak up its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and unique river life. Whether you’re sneaking away for a single day or indulging in a multi-day journey, this guide offers tailored options for a Mekong Delta itinerary to ensure an unforgettable experience.

How Many Days Do You Need for the Mekong Delta?

Wondering how long to spend exploring the Mekong? That all depends on your travel style—slow and soulful, or fast and adventurous. One thing’s certain: whether you stay two days or two weeks, the Mekong Delta will leave a lasting impression.

To truly explore the Delta’s depth, 7–10 days is ideal. If your schedule is tight, a one-day trip offers a great taste of the region. Still, the real adventure begins with at least two days, and for an in-depth experience, aim for 4–5 days to discover hidden treasures and soak up the region’s true soul: quiet, warm, and endlessly enchanting.

Below are detailed itineraries for different trip lengths to help you plan your Mekong Delta adventure easily while covering all the highlights.

1-Day Mekong Delta Itinerary – Quick Escape

A one-day trip is a fantastic introduction to the Delta’s waterways, local life, and delicious cuisine. This itinerary focuses on My Tho and Ben Tre for a packed yet enjoyable day.

Morning

7:30 AM – Depart Ho Chi Minh City and drive to My Tho, passing lush rice fields along the Tien River.
9:30 AM – Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a stunning seven-story temple adorned with mosaics and serene gardens.
10:30 AM – Board a wooden motorboat to Unicorn Island. Cruise past creeks, bustling fishing ports, and stilt houses.
11:30 AM – Stop at a seasonal orchard for tropical fruits like mangoes, rambutans, and dragon fruit. Enjoy traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music.
12:30 PM – Join a cooking class to make bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes) and enjoy them for lunch.

Afternoon

1:30 PM – Cruise through narrow canals to a village famous for coconut candy. Watch artisans craft candies and coconut-based products.
2:30 PM – Visit a local fish farm to learn about aquaculture and feed catfish.
4:00 PM – Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

A perfect whirlwind tour for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the Delta’s essence in just a day!

2-Day Mekong Delta Itinerary – Discover More

Two days allow you to extend your journey to Can Tho, home to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market.

Day 1 – My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho

7:30 AM – Arrive in My Tho and taste hu tieu (local noodle soup).
8:00 AM – Visit Dong Tam Snake Farm.
9:00 AM – Board a boat to Unicorn Island. Visit a bee farm and sample fresh honey tea.
10:30 AM – Learn traditional crafts like palm leaf weaving.
11:30 AM – Browse a riverside market on Unicorn Island.
12:00 PM – Visit a coconut candy workshop.
1:00 PM – Enjoy a riverside lunch featuring caramelized fish, fresh spring rolls, and crispy elephant-ear fish.
2:00 PM – Taste tropical fruits at an orchard.
3:30 PM – Travel to Can Tho (approx. 3 hours).
5:30 PM – Explore Can Tho Night Market. Try local street food like crispy fried squid or bánh tằm bì.
Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 2 – Cai Rang Floating Market – Return

6:00 AM – Early boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market. Buy breakfast directly from floating vendors.
8:00 AM – Visit a noodle factory and try rolling rice paper.
10:00 AM – Explore an orchard and enjoy folk music.
12:00 PM – Lunch featuring canh chua (sour tamarind soup) and grilled snakehead fish.
1:30 PM – Visit Bang Lang Stork Garden.
4:00 PM – Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

A perfect itinerary blending culture, nature, and local flavors!

3-Day Mekong Delta Itinerary – Deeper Discovery

A three-day trip lets you venture beyond tourist hotspots to Vinh Long and Tra Vinh for authentic experiences.

Day 1 – Same as 2-Day Itinerary

Spend Day 1 following the same schedule as the 2-day itinerary, staying overnight in Can Tho.

Day 2 – Cai Rang Floating Market – Vinh Long

Morning: Floating market visit as above.
10:00 AM – Head to Vinh Long. Cycle around An Binh Islet, meet farmers, and explore fruit gardens.
12:00 PM – Enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a local homestay.
2:00 PM – Boat ride through canals, visit a brick kiln.
4:00 PM – Return to Can Tho. Evening at Tay Do Night Market.
8:00 PM – Romantic cruise on the Hau River with live don ca tai tu music.
Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 3 – Can Tho – Tra Vinh – Return

8:00 AM – Travel to Tra Vinh. Visit Ang Pagoda and Ba Om Pond.
12:00 PM – Lunch with Khmer-inspired dishes like nom banh chok.
2:00 PM – Visit a Khmer village to learn traditional weaving.
4:00 PM – Head back to Ho Chi Minh City.

4-Day Mekong Delta Itinerary – Hidden Gems

If you have four days, dive deeper into off-the-beaten-path gems like Sa Dec and spend time in rural villages.

Day 1 – Same as above

Follow Day 1 from the 2-day itinerary, ending in Can Tho.

Day 2 – Cai Rang Floating Market – Vinh Long

Same as Day 2 in the 3-day itinerary.

Day 3 – Vinh Long – Sa Dec – Can Tho

8:00 AM – Travel to Sa Dec. Visit the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House from The Lover.
10:00 AM – Tour Sa Dec Flower Village.
12:00 PM – Lunch featuring Delta specialties.
2:00 PM – Boat ride through Sa Dec’s canals.
4:00 PM – Return to Can Tho.
8:00 PM – Drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the Hau River.

Day 4 – Can Tho – Tra Vinh – Return

8:00 AM – Visit Tra Vinh, Ang Pagoda, and Ba Om Pond.
12:00 PM – Khmer-style lunch.
2:00 PM – Explore Khmer weaving villages.
4:00 PM – Depart for Ho Chi Minh City.

Practical Tips for Your Mekong Delta Adventure

✅ Best Time to Visit

Dry season (Dec–Apr): Less rain, ideal for boat trips.
Wet season (May–Nov): Lush scenery and fewer tourists. February–March is particularly vibrant due to blooming flowers and festivals.

✅ Getting There

From HCMC: Bus, private car, or speedboat (2–4 hours).
Fly into Can Tho for convenience from other regions.

✅ Getting Around

Boats and ferries for waterways.
Motorbikes, bicycles, or private cars for land travel.

✅ Where to Stay

Homestays for authentic experiences.
Can Tho is popular for convenience and night markets.
My Tho and Ben Tre offer peaceful riverside stays.