EXPLORE THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM HO CHI MINH CITY TO MEKONG DELTA

Vietnam is a captivating destination renowned for its varied geography and profound cultural heritage. While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City entice visitors with their bustling urban energy, the Mekong Delta offers a unique allure. For travelers eager to immerse themselves in the heart of rural Vietnam, day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta are an absolute must.

1. Day trips from Ho Chi Minh city to Mekong Delta - Long An

Long An is the most suitable place for a one-day Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City. It is just a short distance from Saigon but features the characteristic elements of the Southwest region, such as rivers, fruit orchards, and typical temple architecture.

Highlights of Long An

- Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: approximately 50 kilometers. Long An is a neighboring province that offers a captivating contrast to the bustling metropolis.

- Best time to visit:

• July - October (lunar calendar): Although this may seem counterintuitive, it is precisely when the local ecosystem flourishes, creating a picturesque landscape of riverine scenery and blooming lotus flowers. 

• Lunar January: This time provides an opportunity to experience Long An's unique cultural heritage through traditional festivals such as Ky Yen, rain praying, and Lam Chay celebrations.

- Means of transportation: To reach Long An, travelers can choose between taxi or bus services.  It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

1. Bus route 80: Ben Luc bus station - Cho Lon bus station

2. Bus route 628: Tan An bus station - Cho Lon bus station

3. Bus route 621: Thanh Vinh Dong - Cho Lon

4. Bus route 627: Duc Hue bus station - Cho Lon bus station

Famous tourist destinations

The Mekong Delta is famous for its ancient houses and national parks, both of which are worth visiting. So, when you visit Long An, be sure to check out these places!

• Tan Lap floating village: This is a sizable primeval cajuput forest with mysterious paths leading into the forest. It is an ideal destination for those who love to return to wild nature and explore the river culture of the Southwest.

Discover the natural beauty of Tan Lap floating village

• Phuoc Loc Tho ancient village: Phuoc Loc Tho is the only place in Vietnam with the highest concentration of ancient houses. There are 22 houses, each showcasing a different regional characteristic, located in an area of ​​more than 5 hectares. The houses are, on average, around 120 years old.

• Hundred-pillar ancient house: When visiting Long An, particularly Can Duoc, remember to see this historic relic. The house, featuring unique architecture from Hue and boasting 120 columns, has been standing for over 120 years.

Admire the 120-year-old historic house in Long An

• Lady Ngu Hanh Temple is a provincial relic in Can Giuoc, Long An. Built in the style of a traditional village communal house, Lady Ngu Hanh Temple serves as a spiritual hub for Can Giuoc. The temple hosts the annual Ngu Hanh Nuong Nuong Festival, drawing thousands of visitors.

• Lang Sen National Park is a protected wetland ecosystem spanning approximately 5,030 hectares. Established in 2004, the park plays a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity, harboring 20 endangered species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, diverse habitats, and vibrant flora and fauna, Lang Sen National Park has emerged as a captivating tourist destination in recent years.

In addition, there are several tourist areas such as Rio Long An, Cat Tuong Phu Sinh, Canh Dong Bat Tan, etc., where visitors can comfortably immerse themselves in the ecology of the Mekong Delta.

Must-try local specialties

When visiting Long An, besides tourist attractions, you should not miss its unique cuisine, such as Banh tet - a traditional dish for Vietnamese holidays, Mam Hotpot - a unique flavor of soup cooked from Western fish sauces, and fruits such as Chau Thanh dragon fruit.

Fish sauce hotpot -  a must-try dish during a Mekong Delta tour

2. Dong Thap - Mekong Delta 1 day tour from Ho Chi Minh

Dong Thap is renowned as the land of lotus flowers, which are considered the unofficial national flower of Vietnam. The region is also home to Tram Chim National Park, a site dedicated to preserving the red-crowned crane, a species listed in the Red Book.

Highlights of Dong Thap

Observe red-crowned cranes at Lang Sen Nature Reserve

- Distance from HCM city: about 145 kilometers.

- The best time to visit:

• August-November (lunar calendar): Dong Thap is particularly beautiful during the flood season. The rainy season offers a great opportunity for tourists to experience a boat trip and enjoy tropical fruits: mangoes and grapefruits.

• February (lunar calendar): Dong Thap is famous for its ornamental flower gardens in Sa Dec, which cover  ​​nearly 3,000 hectares. February of the lunar calendar is the most beautiful blooming season.

- Transportation options:

• There is no direct bus route from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Thap. However, tourists can still take a taxi or passenger car from companies such as Futa, Quoc Hoang, and Kim Cuong, with prices ranging from about 150,000 - 200,000 VND.

Famous tourist destinations:

• Sa Dec Flower Village: The flower-growing profession here began in the 19th century, and today, Sa Dec has more than 2,000 varieties of ornamental flowers, from flowering trees to ornamental leaves and fruit trees. Thanks to this rich diversity, visitors can enjoy the beauty of hundreds of blooming flowers in any season.

Sa Dec Flower Village boasts over 2,000 varieties of ornamental flowers

• Phuoc Kien Pagoda—Lotus Leaf Pagoda: The pagoda cultivates a type of lotus with giant leaves that measure 1.5 to 2 meters in diameter. These leaves have thick, prominent veins and edges that can rise up to 4-5 cm high. Strangely, the leaves look like a winnowing basket and are strong enough to support the weight of an adult weighing up to 70 kg.

• Tram Chim National Park—Tam Nong: Tram Chim National Park visitors can admire lotus ponds, cool green cajuput forests, and many rare birds. The most typical and well-known type is the red-crowned crane.

• Dong Sen Thap Muoi: The vast lotus field stretches over ​​nearly 20 hectares. Visitors can enjoy the quiet space and the fragrant scent of lotus everywhere. 

In addition, you can also visit tourist areas such as Lai Vung Tangerine Garden and Yen Dinh Mat village,... to learn about the daily life and traditional crafts of the people in Dong Thap.

Must-try local specialties

When visiting here, you cannot miss Sa Dec noodles - a delicious soup with characteristic chewy noodles, or Lai Vung Nem, which has a strange sour taste, and seasonal fruits: Lai Vung tangerines, Hoa Loc mangoes, Chau Thanh longans,...

3. Sai Gon to Tien Giang day trip

Tien Giang is another option if you want to visit the Mekong Delta without spending too much time on transportation.

Highlights of Tien Giang

- Distance from HCM city: About 70 kilometers.

- The best time to visit:

• June to September: This summer is the most suitable time to enjoy and admire many types of fruit trees in the southwestern region of Vietnam. It is also the most bustling season, with an increase in tourist activities.

- Transportation options: 

• It takes about 2 hours to travel from Saigon to Tien Giang by car or taxi.

• Visitors can also take bus number 63-1, which connects Tan Phu Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City to Tien Giang bus station.

Famous tourist destinations

• Vinh Trang Pagoda: Vinh Trang Pagoda is the largest Buddhist pagoda in Tien Giang province. In 1984, it was ranked a national historical and cultural relic. Standing in the flower garden is a 24m high Amitabha Buddha statue (6m foot, 18m statue). Many locals consider the Buddha statue to be the symbol of the pagoda today.

Vinh Trang Pagoda is the largest Buddhist pagoda in Tien Giang province

• Linh Thuu Pagoda: At nearly 300 years old, Linh Thu Pagoda in Tien Giang is the oldest ancient temple in the Western region.

• Tan Thanh Beach: Unlike the beaches in the North and Central regions, Tan Thanh Beach has a unique beauty. Its black sand stretches over 7km long, and along the beach, there is a blue wharf with nets used for catching fish and clams.

In addition, My Thuan Bridge and Dong Hoa Hiep ancient village are also popular tourist attractions.

Must-try local specialties

When visiting any land of the Mekong Delta, tourists should experience the typical fruits. In Tien Giang, these are Lo Ren star apples, durians, guavas, mangosteens, and other sweet tropical fruits not commonly found elsewhere. This place is also famous for My Tho noodle soup, which has the sweet taste typical of the Southwest region.

4. Ho Chi Minh to Ben Tre day trip

Ben Tre, renowned as the "coconut land" of Vietnam, offers an idyllic escape for day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta. This gem boasts a captivating blend of riverine landscapes, lush orchards, and rich cultural heritage.

Ben Tre is renowned as the "coconut land" of Vietnam

Highlights of Ben Tre

- Distance from HCM city: 85 kilometers.

- The best time to visit:

• June, July, and August present the most favorable conditions for experiencing Ben Tre's natural beauty and indulging in fresh tropical fruits.

- Transportation options:

• Visitors can easily reach Ben Tre using various transportation options, with bus fares ranging from 85,000 to 140,000 VND per person and journey times of approximately 2-3 hours.

Famous tourist destinations

• Floating Markets: Explore the vibrant atmosphere of floating markets like Con Quy, Con Phu Da, Con Phung, and Con Chim.

• Island Life: Immerse yourself in the tranquil island life of Con Phung by visiting coconut candy factories, exploring fruit orchards by horse-drawn carriage, and enjoying scenic boat rides.

• Coconut Cultivation: Cycle through vast coconut plantations and experience the region's agricultural heritage to discover the heart of coconut production.

• Cultural Immersion: Delve into Ben Tre's rich history and traditions by visiting craft villages such as Phu Le and My Long or paying homage to historical figures at Nguyen Dinh Chieu's mausoleum and the Dong Khoi Guerrilla Village.

Must-try local specialties

Savor the unique flavors of Ben Tre with coconut-based delicacies like coconut rice, candy, and jam... Because this is a coconut growing area, dishes made from coconut are considered specialties.

Pomelo sweet soup, which is made from pomelo peel, has a sweet and crunchy taste. It is delicious when enjoyed with durian.

Tourists enjoy cool and sweet coconut water in Ben Tre

5. Tra Vinh - Mekong Delta one day tour from Ho Chi Minh

Tra Vinh province offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity, characterized by the harmonious coexistence of Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa ethnic groups.

Highlights of Tra Vinh

- Distance from HCM city: 120 kilometers.

- The best time to visit: 

• June to August is the ideal time to visit Tra Vinh, as the region enjoys abundant fruit harvests and vibrant festivities.

- Transportation options:
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Tra Vinh typically takes around three hours. Although direct bus services may be limited, visitors can conveniently purchase tickets at the Western Bus Station.

Famous tourist destinations

• Ang Pagoda: A revered spiritual sanctuary, Ang Pagoda is one of Vietnam's oldest pagodas, dating back to 990. This Khmer Buddhist temple is immensely significant in preserving the community's cultural heritage and traditions.

Ang Pagoda is one of Vietnam's oldest pagodas

• Vam Ray Pagoda: As Vietnam's largest Theravada Buddhist pagoda, Vam Ray Pagoda captivates visitors with its majestic Angkorian architecture.

• Tan Quy Islet: Known as the "Kingdom of Fruits," this enchanting islet offers a serene escape amidst lush orchards. Visitors can savor the freshest tropical fruits while enjoying the idyllic ambiance.

Must-try local specialties

Visiting Tra Vinh without trying the macapuno is a real pity. Unlike other coconuts, which are known for their water, macapuno has a thick, soft, fragrant and creamy layer of flesh. Also remember to try the noodle soup with sauce made from different fish, a dish made by the Khmer people.

Macapuno - the most special fruit of Tra Vinh

6. Ho Chi Minh to Vinh Long day trip

Vinh Long province offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, warm hospitality, and diverse attractions, promising unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Highlights of Vinh Long

- Distance from HCM city: 100 kilometers.

- The best time to visit: 

• From May to October, Vinh Long's fruit season provides visitors with the opportunity to savor fresh produce directly from the orchards.

- Transportation options: 

• ​​Travelers can reach Vinh Long by car, bus, or motorbike, depending on their departure point. Several bus companies, including Phuong Trang, Tri Nhan, Hoa Hiep, and Nguyen An, offer services from Mien Tay Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City. Ticket prices range from 180,000 to 280,000 VND, with the journey taking approximately three hours.

Famous tourist destinations

• Ong Pagoda: This impressive pagoda, constructed by Chinese workers from Fujian, showcases a magnificent blend of ancient architecture.

• Mang Thit Brick and Pottery Village: Renowned for its traditional pottery craft, the village stretches along the Co Chien River for over 30 kilometers. The towering kilns create a striking and evocative landscape.

Mang Thit Brick and Pottery Village – an impressive tourist destination not to be missed 

• Southwest-style attractions: Explore the unique charm of An Binh Islet and the historical significance of Cuong Ancient House and Xua Ancient House.

Must-try local specialties

Summer is the ideal time to go to Vinh Long, not only because of the nice weather but also because it is the time when fruits are harvested. You can enjoy pomelos, Nam Roi grapefruits, Xoan oranges,... to your heart's content.

7. Sai Gon to Can Tho day trip

Can Tho, a centrally administered city in Vietnam, offers a unique opportunity to experience  Cai Rang Floating Market, a quintessential feature of the Mekong Delta.

Highlights of Can Tho

- Distance from HCM city: 170 kilometers.

- The best time to visit

• May to August: This period is characterized by abundant fruit harvests and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to explore Can Tho. The floating season, spanning September to November, provides a distinctive experience of the region's bustling waterways and vibrant market activity.

- Transportation options

• Travelers can reach Can Tho by motorbike, car, or bus. The journey by road takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Bus services are available from Mien Tay Bus Station and other Ho Chi Minh City operators, with fares ranging from 130,000 to 180,000 VND.

Famous tourist destinations

• Cai Rang Floating Market: This bustling marketplace on the Mekong River showcases a vibrant array of goods and local produce, offering a truly immersive cultural experience.

The vibrant Cai Rang floating market in the Mekong Delta

• Ninh Kieu Wharf: Serving as a gateway to the river, Ninh Kieu Wharf offers boat tours to explore the Hau River, admire the surrounding countryside, and witness the harmonious blend of urban and rural life.

• Khmer Munir Ansay Pagoda: This significant Khmer temple attracts pilgrims and tourists seeking to explore the region's religious heritage.

Must-try local specialties

Banh xeo - an indispensable dish on every trip to Vietnam with a crispy crust, shrimp filling, green beans served with vegetables and delicious fish sauce. In addition, in Can Tho, there are lush fruit gardens with crops all year round, so tropical fruits cannot be ignored. Another unique feature is that tourists can enjoy chocolate from cocoa grown in Vietnam.

Tips for Mekong Delta day tour from Saigon

To ensure a memorable Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, meticulous planning is essential.

- Check the weather before departure:

Consulting the weather forecast before departure is advisable to select suitable outdoor activities and attire for your Mekong Delta one day tour from Ho Chi Minh City.

- Plan a reasonable schedule for the day

A well-structured itinerary is crucial for optimizing time and minimizing stress. Allocating approximately two to three destinations per day is recommended for a one-day excursion.

- Enjoy local foods

It is highly recommended to embark on a culinary journey through the Mekong Delta's diverse cuisine, influenced by its rich ethnic tapestry.

- Wear appropriate clothing for visiting temples and pagodas

It is important to respect the local culture by adhering to appropriate attire when visiting temples and pagodas. Modest clothing, such as sleeved shirts and knee-length pants, is generally preferred.

- Consider taking a tour

For those seeking a hassle-free experience, engaging the services of a travel agency to arrange transportation, itineraries, and accommodations can be beneficial.

Conclusion

Uncover the soul of the Vietnamese Southwest with our immersive Mekong Delta one day tours from Ho Chi Minh City. Joy Journeys provides personalized itineraries that delve deep into the region's rich history, traditions, and natural beauty. From bustling markets to tranquil countryside, we offer authentic experiences that promise to leave a lasting impression.

Source: https://joyjourneys.com.vn/article/day-trips-from-ho-chi-minh-city-to-mekong-delta/