My Tho vs Ben Tre vs Can Tho: Which Mekong Delta Day Trip Is Best?
Planning a Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh City? You’ll quickly notice that almost every tour goes to one of three places: My Tho, Ben Tre or Can Tho. They all promise boats, coconuts and river life, so which one should you choose?
As a local tour team based in Ben Tre since 2008, here’s our honest comparison — including when Ben Tre isn’t the right choice for you.
Quick Comparison
| My Tho | Ben Tre | Can Tho | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from Ho Chi Minh City | About 1.5–2 hours | About 2 hours | About 3.5–4 hours |
| Best for | A short, easy first look at the delta | Quiet canals, crafts and village life | Floating market at sunrise |
| Crowds | Busiest — the classic group-tour stop | Quieter, especially away from the main islands | Busy at the market, quieter elsewhere |
| Ideal trip length | Half day to one day | One day, or overnight in a homestay | Two days (overnight needed for the market) |
| Highlights | Crossing the wide Mekong, island stops | Sampan rides in water-coconut canals, brick kilns, coconut workshops, cycling | Cai Rang floating market, big-city riverside |
My Tho: Closest and Easiest
My Tho sits on the north bank of the Tien River, the main branch of the Mekong, and is the closest delta town to Ho Chi Minh City. Most budget “Mekong Delta day tours” sold in District 1 go here. A typical day includes a boat across the wide river to the islands — Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix — with stops for honey tea, fruit, folk music and a short sampan ride.
Choose My Tho if: you only have half a day, you’re happy with a group tour, or you mainly want to see the size of the Mekong River itself.
The downside: it’s the busiest route in the delta. At peak times you’ll share the island stops and canals with many other groups.
Ben Tre: Quiet Canals and Real Village Life
Ben Tre lies just across the river from My Tho, but it feels very different. Known as the “Land of Coconuts”, it’s a patchwork of islands criss-crossed by narrow canals lined with water-coconut palms. Once you leave the main river, the tourist crowds thin out fast.
A Ben Tre tour is less about sightseeing stops and more about everyday life: gliding through tiny canals by hand-rowed sampan, watching coconuts turned into candy and oil, visiting old brick kilns, trying mat weaving or rice paper making, and cycling along shady village lanes. It’s also the best area in the delta for a village homestay.
Choose Ben Tre if: you want a full day that feels local and relaxed, you prefer a private tour, or you’d like hands-on experiences rather than shopping stops. For ideas, see 10 Best Things to Do in Ben Tre.
Good to know: since Vietnam’s 2025 provincial merger, Ben Tre is officially part of Vinh Long province (and My Tho is part of Dong Thap). Travellers and locals still use the old names, so you’ll see “Ben Tre” and “My Tho” on most tours and maps.
Can Tho: For the Floating Market
Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta and home to the famous Cai Rang floating market, where boats trade fruit and vegetables on the river early in the morning. Because the market is best at sunrise and the city is further away, Can Tho really works best as a two-day trip with an overnight stay.
Choose Can Tho if: the floating market is your top priority and you have at least two days.
The downside: a “one-day Can Tho tour” from Ho Chi Minh City means many hours on the road and usually arrives after the market’s busiest time.
So Which One Should You Choose?
- Only half a day? My Tho is the quickest option.
- One full day, and you want it to feel authentic? Ben Tre is the best balance of travel time and real local life.
- Two days and the floating market is a must? Go to Can Tho — or combine Ben Tre on day one with Can Tho on day two.
- Travelling with kids or older family members? Ben Tre’s short boat rides, flat cycling lanes and tuk-tuks make for an easy, flexible day.
Can’t Decide? Do Both My Tho and Ben Tre
Because My Tho and Ben Tre face each other across the river, you don’t have to choose. Our Mekong River Islands boat tour starts at My Tho boat station, crosses the mighty Mekong past the four islands, then continues into Ben Tre’s quiet coconut canals by sampan and tuk-tuk — the best of both in 3–4 hours.
Prefer to start in Ben Tre? Our most popular Ben Tre Mekong Delta tour covers boats, brick kilns, a coconut candy workshop, folk music and a tuk-tuk ride in about 4.5 hours. Coming from the city? Read our complete day trip guide from Ho Chi Minh City.
FAQ
Which is better, My Tho or Ben Tre?
My Tho is closer and fine for a quick look at the Mekong River. Ben Tre is quieter and better for authentic village life, small canals and hands-on crafts. If you have a full day, most travellers enjoy Ben Tre more.
Can I see a floating market on a Ben Tre tour?
Ben Tre doesn’t have a large floating market like Cai Rang in Can Tho. Instead, you’ll see daily river life up close — boats carrying coconuts, fishermen and riverside workshops.
Is a one-day trip to the Mekong Delta enough?
Yes, for My Tho or Ben Tre. For Can Tho’s floating market, plan an overnight stay.
Can I get hotel pickup from Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. We can pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Ben Tre for a small extra fee. Message us on WhatsApp or use our contact page to plan your trip.
Whichever you choose, the Mekong Delta is one of the most rewarding day trips in Vietnam. If you’re looking for the quieter, more local side of it, we’d love to show you around Ben Tre — get in touch and tell us your date and group size.
Written by Mr. Lộc – Nam Bo Tours