What My Tho actually is (and where it sits in the delta)
My Tho is the capital of Tien Giang province, not Dong Thap, despite what a surprising number of booking sites state. The town sits on the northern bank of the Tien Giang river, the main branch of the Mekong, roughly 70 km southwest of central Ho Chi Minh City. That proximity is the whole story of its tourism industry. My Tho became the default gateway for delta day trips because it is the first delta town you reach on a good road from Saigon.
My Tho vs the Mekong Delta: what you are actually visiting
The Mekong Delta is a region of 13 provinces, and My Tho is one town in one of them. A day trip here is not "the Mekong Delta" in any complete sense. It is a taste: a boat ride, an island or two, a pagoda, a bowl of noodles. Treating it as an appetiser rather than the main course is the key to enjoying it.
The name: what "My Tho" means and how to pronounce it
The name derives from the Khmer "Mitho," a legacy of the town's Khmer origins before Vietnamese settlement. In Vietnamese it is written Mỹ Tho and pronounced roughly "mee taw," with a slight upward tone on the first syllable. The town's official status is My Tho city, capital of Tien Giang.
Why almost every day tour starts here
Distance, roads and infrastructure. My Tho is close enough for a comfortable day trip, has a functioning river port, and built its island tourism circuit decades ago. By the time Ben Tre and Can Tho developed their own offerings, My Tho had already locked in the Saigon day-tour market. That head start explains most of the crowds you will see.
Is My Tho worth visiting? An honest answer
Yes for most first-time visitors who want a delta taste close to Saigon, with caveats. My Tho is a real provincial city with a genuine market and street food scene, and Vinh Trang pagoda is worth the trip on its own. But the island boat circuit is heavily touristed and staged in places. The honey tea, the coconut candy workshop and the fruit stop are real local products, but they are also commercial stops designed to sell to you.
Who will enjoy My Tho
First-time visitors with two or three days in Saigon. Families with young children, since the boat rides are short and gentle. Travellers who want a low-effort delta introduction without committing to an overnight. Anyone specifically interested in hu tieu My Tho or Vinh Trang pagoda.
Who should choose somewhere else
Travellers who have already seen the delta and want depth. Independent travellers who dislike group tours and staged stops. Anyone with three or more days to give the delta, who should go straight to Can Tho or Ben Tre. Photographers chasing floating markets, which My Tho does not have in any meaningful form.
The "tourist trap" question, answered fairly
My Tho is not a trap. It is a tourist town, which is different. The prices are generally fair, the food is real, and nothing forces you onto a boat. The trap, if there is one, is expecting a wild delta adventure and getting a well-oiled circuit instead. Adjust expectations and it delivers what it promises.
How to get to My Tho from Ho Chi Minh City
Most travellers leave from Mien Tay bus station in District 6, not the city centre. That single fact trips up more independent visitors than any other detail.
| Mode | Departure point | Duration | Cost (2026) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public bus | Mien Tay station, District 6 | 1.5-2 hrs | 60,000-100,000 VND ($2.50-4) | Budget travellers |
| Limousine bus | Various District 1 pickups | 1.5-2 hrs | 120,000-180,000 VND ($5-7) | Comfort, hotel pickup |
| Grab or private car | Anywhere in HCMC | 1.5-2 hrs | 700,000-1,200,000 VND ($28-48) | Groups, flexibility |
| Organised day tour | Hotel pickup | Full day | 500,000-1,500,000 VND ($20-60) | Zero planning |
| Motorbike | Self-drive | 2-3 hrs | Fuel only | Experienced riders only |
By public bus (Phuong Trang, Thanh Buoi and local options)
Phuong Trang and Thanh Buoi run frequent services from Mien Tay to My Tho's bus station. Tickets cost 60,000 to 100,000 VND ($2.50 to $4). Buses leave throughout the day, roughly every 20 to 30 minutes on the main operators. To reach Mien Tay from District 1, take a Grab or bus 39, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. For booking options across Vietnam, see Baolau and the comparison of bus companies in Vietnam.
By private car or Grab
A Grab car from central Saigon to My Tho costs 700,000 to 1,200,000 VND ($28 to $48) depending on vehicle type and surge. A private car with driver runs similar or slightly higher for a full day. This is the best option for groups of three or four, and it lets you stop at Vinh Trang on the way in.
By organised day tour
Day tours cost 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND ($20 to $60) per person depending on group size and inclusions. They handle transport, boats and lunch. The trade-off is the fixed itinerary and the shopping stops.
By motorbike, and why it is not recommended for most visitors
The ride is straightforward on Highway 1A or the newer expressway route, but Vietnamese highway traffic is not a gentle introduction to riding. If you are not an experienced rider with the correct licence, take the bus. See renting a motorbike in Vietnam for the legal realities.
Arriving at My Tho bus station and getting into town
The bus station sits a few kilometres from the riverfront. A xe om (motorbike taxi) into the centre costs 20,000 to 40,000 VND ($1 to $1.60). Grab works here too.
The four islands: what the boat trips actually include
The standard My Tho boat circuit visits a rotating subset of four islands: Long (Dragon), Lan (Unicorn), Quy (Turtle) and Phung (Phoenix). Itineraries vary by operator, and most tours hit two or three rather than all four. That is the single most useful thing to know before booking.
| Island | Vietnamese name | Main stops | Worth it? | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unicorn | Con Thoi Son | Honey tea, fruit, candy workshop, sampan rowing | Yes, the core stop | 2-3 hrs |
| Phoenix | Con Phung | Coconut candy, bee farm, coconut religion temple | Partly, coconut religion is odd and interesting | 1-2 hrs |
| Dragon | Con Tan Long | Orchards, quiet paths, fewer crowds | Yes if you want calm | 1-2 hrs |
| Turtle | Con Qui | Small, rarely visited, mostly on longer tours | Only on specific tours | 1 hr |
Unicorn Island (Con Thoi Son): the main stop
This is where nearly every tour spends the most time. Expect honey tea, a fruit tasting, a walk through a candy workshop and the sampan rowing section. It is pleasant, green and genuinely pretty. It is also the busiest stop, and the fruit and honey are for sale.
Phoenix Island (Con Phung): coconut candy, bee farms and the coconut religion
Phoenix Island is home to the Coconut Religion, a now-defunct Vietnamese sect that once had its own island temple. The site is genuinely unusual and worth a look. The coconut candy workshops are real, and the candy is good, but you will be encouraged to buy.
Dragon Island (Con Tan Long) and Turtle Island (Con Qui)
Dragon Island is quieter and greener, with orchard paths and fewer tour groups. Turtle Island is small and only appears on longer or custom itineraries. If you are booking independently, ask specifically which islands are included.
The sampan rowing section: what to expect
A small wooden sampan, rowed by local women, usually for 15 to 25 minutes along a palm-lined canal. It is the most atmospheric part of the day. Tips are expected and usually 20,000 to 50,000 VND ($1 to $2) per passenger. The boats are low and can be awkward for anyone with knee or hip problems.
Pro tip: Bring a hat and sunscreen for the sampan. There is almost no shade on the canal, and the ride is longer than it looks.
The horse cart, the honey tea and the fruit: separating genuine from staged
All three are real local activities that have been repackaged for visitors. The honey tea is genuinely produced on the island. The horse cart is a short ride on a fixed loop. The fruit is local and seasonal. None of it is fake, but all of it is commercial. Buy what you want, decline politely what you do not, and nobody will make a scene.
Typical timings and how the day is structured
| Time | Stop | Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 | Depart Saigon | 1.5-2 hrs | Drive to My Tho |
| 10:00 | Boat departure | 20 min | Cross to Unicorn Island |
| 10:30 | Unicorn Island | 2 hrs | Honey tea, fruit, candy, sampan |
| 12:30 | Lunch | 1 hr | Set menu, usually included |
| 13:30 | Second island or Vinh Trang | 1.5 hrs | Varies by tour |
| 15:00 | Return to Saigon | 2 hrs | Arrive around 17:00-18:00 |
Vinh Trang pagoda: My Tho's one unmissable sight
Vinh Trang is the most photographed site in the area and the one stop that justifies the trip on its own. Entry is free, though donation boxes are everywhere. Allow 45 minutes to an hour.
What you are looking at: the architecture explained
The pagoda mixes Vietnamese, Khmer and Chinese influences, which is unusual even by delta standards. Three entrance gates, each decorated with mosaic dragons, lead into a courtyard with a giant standing Buddha and a reclining Buddha. The bodhi trees in the courtyard are said to be descended from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. If the dragon, qilin, turtle and phoenix motifs catch your eye, see the four sacred creatures of Vietnam.
Etiquette and dress code
Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering the main halls. Do not point your feet at Buddha statues. Photography is allowed in the courtyard and generally tolerated inside, but avoid flash. See temple etiquette in Vietnam and dress code in Vietnam for the full picture.
Getting there from the town centre
Vinh Trang is about 3 km from the centre, on the road toward the bus station. A xe om costs 30,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.20 to $2). Grab works. If you are on a tour, it is usually the last stop.
Eating and drinking in My Tho
Most day trippers eat on the tour boat and never try the town's actual food. That is a mistake.
Hu tieu My Tho: what it is and where to eat it
Hu tieu My Tho is a clear pork broth with both fresh and dried noodles, giving it a chewier texture than other regional versions. Toppings typically include pork slices, shrimp, quail egg and sometimes a wonton. A bowl costs 30,000 to 60,000 VND ($1.20 to $2.50). For the wider family of southern noodle soups, see hu tieu: the southern noodle soup that is not pho.
| Restaurant | Area | Price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hu Tieu My Tho Ba Hoa | Central My Tho | 30,000-50,000 VND | Long-standing local favourite |
| Hu Tieu Nam Vang | Near the market | 35,000-55,000 VND | Cambodian-style variation |
| Riverside stalls | Along the Tien Giang | 25,000-45,000 VND | Cheap, fast, busy at lunch |
Other Tien Giang specialties worth trying
Look for banh xeo (crispy turmeric pancake), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) and the local fish dishes, especially ca tai tuong (elephant ear fish), which is often served as a whole fried fish wrapped in rice paper at the table. For context on the wider southern menu, see north vs central vs south.
The night market and street food scene
My Tho's night market runs along the riverfront and is where locals eat. Expect grilled skewers, banh mi, che (sweet dessert soups) and sugarcane juice. A full meal costs 50,000 to 100,000 VND ($2 to $4).
Riverside dining and what to expect to pay
Riverside restaurants cater to both locals and tour groups. A sit-down meal for two with drinks runs 250,000 to 500,000 VND ($10 to $20). For daily food budgeting context, see how much to budget for food per day in Vietnam.
Where to stay in My Tho (and whether you should)
Accommodation is limited: a handful of decent mid-range and business hotels, very few boutique or backpacker options, and most visitors do not stay at all.
The case for staying one night
You get the night market, a proper local dinner, and a relaxed start to the next day. It also lets you visit Vinh Trang in the soft morning light before the tour buses arrive.
The case for not staying
If your only goal is the island circuit and the pagoda, a day trip covers it. My Tho lacks the evening energy of Can Tho or the charm of Ben Tre, so a night here is optional rather than essential.
Areas and hotel types
The riverfront area has the best mid-range hotels and the easiest access to the night market. The area near the bus station is functional but uninteresting. Rates for a clean mid-range room run 500,000 to 1,200,000 VND ($20 to $48) per night.
How long to stay in My Tho
| Traveller type | Recommended duration | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Day tripper from Saigon | Half to full day | Covers pagoda and one or two islands |
| Slow traveller | One night | Adds night market and relaxed morning |
| Delta explorer | Two nights as a base | Allows Ben Tre and Cai Be day trips |
| Floating market seeker | Skip My Tho | Go to Can Tho instead |
Getting around My Tho
The centre is walkable. Grab works throughout the town. Xe om and cyclos are easy to find and cheap for short hops. For Vinh Trang pagoda, a xe om is the standard option if you are not on a tour. For more on ride-hailing, see does Grab work in Vietnam and Grab Bike vs Grab Car.
My Tho vs Ben Tre, Cai Be and Can Tho: which to choose
| Destination | Distance from HCMC | Time needed | Tourism level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Tho | 70 km | Half to full day | High | Quick delta taste, pagoda |
| Ben Tre | 85 km | Full day or overnight | Medium | Quieter, more authentic |
| Cai Be | 100 km | Full day or overnight | Medium | Floating market (small) |
| Can Tho | 170 km | 2 nights minimum | Medium-high | Real floating markets |
Ben Tre: the quieter, more authentic alternative
Ben Tre is the coconut province, and its boat trips feel less scripted than My Tho's. It takes a bit more effort to reach the best parts, but the payoff is a calmer, greener experience. See Mekong Delta without a tour for how to do it independently.
Cai Be: the floating market option
Cai Be has a small floating market that is worth a look if you are passing through, but it is not in the same league as Can Tho's Cai Rang. It works best as a stop on a longer delta route.
Can Tho: the full delta experience
Can Tho is the delta's biggest city and home to Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets. It requires at least two nights to do properly, but it delivers the delta experience most travellers are actually looking for. See Can Tho floating market guide and Can Tho's land markets.
A simple decision framework
If you have one free day in Saigon: My Tho. If you have two days and want authenticity: Ben Tre. If you have three days and want the real delta: Can Tho. If you want to combine: My Tho and Ben Tre on the same tour works well.
Safety, scams and practical warnings
Common tour scams and upselling
The main issue is pressure to buy at island stops. Prices are usually marked up two to three times what you would pay in town. You are never obligated to buy. A polite "khong, cam on" (no, thank you) ends the conversation. Some tours also add a "optional" stop that turns out to be a commission shop.
Boat and water safety
Life jackets are provided but not always worn. Ask for one if you want it. Boats on the main routes are generally safe, but standards vary. Avoid overcrowded boats and check that the vessel looks maintained.
Health and heat
The delta is hot and humid year-round. Bring water, a hat and electrolytes if you are prone to heat exhaustion. Mosquitoes are present, especially near canals. See heat, sun and hydration in Vietnam and mosquitoes, dengue and malaria. For food safety, Vietnamese street food safety is worth a read.
Accessibility and mobility
The sampan boats are low and require stepping down into a moving vessel. Horse carts and uneven island paths are not wheelchair-friendly. Travellers with limited mobility should stick to Vinh Trang pagoda and the riverside, and skip the island circuit.
When to visit My Tho
The dry season runs December to April, with February to April the hottest months. The rainy season from May to November brings short, heavy afternoon downpours but greener scenery and fewer tourists. Fruit season peaks May to August, which is the best time for the island orchard stops. See Vietnamese fruit seasons for what is ripe when. Tet (late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar) disrupts transport and raises prices, so check traveling during Tet if your dates overlap.
My Tho in 2026: what has changed
The expressway from Saigon has cut driving times slightly, and more limousine bus operators now offer hotel pickup in District 1, which reduces the Mien Tay hassle. Day tour prices have risen modestly with fuel costs. The island circuit itself has not changed much: same four islands, same stops, same staged elements. Independent travel is easier than ever thanks to Grab and better online bus booking. For the wider regional picture, see things to do in the Mekong Delta and the Mekong Delta itinerary guide.
FAQ
Q: Is My Tho worth visiting? Yes for most first-time visitors who want a taste of the delta close to Saigon, but with caveats. The island boat circuit is heavily touristed and partly staged, so travellers wanting a deeper delta experience should consider Ben Tre or Can Tho instead. My Tho works best as a half or full day trip, not a destination in itself.
Q: What does "My Tho" mean in Vietnamese? The name derives from the Khmer "Mitho," a legacy of the town's Khmer origins before Vietnamese settlement. It is pronounced roughly "mee taw." The town's full official name is My Tho city, capital of Tien Giang province.
Q: What is My Tho known for? My Tho is known as the closest Mekong Delta town to Ho Chi Minh City, the departure point for most delta day tours, the home of Vinh Trang pagoda, and the origin of hu tieu My Tho, one of Vietnam's most famous noodle soups. It is also the gateway to the four Mekong islands.
Q: Where is My Tho in Vietnam? My Tho is in Tien Giang province in the Mekong Delta, about 70 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City on the northern bank of the Tien Giang river, the main branch of the Mekong. Note that some booking sites incorrectly list it under Dong Thap province.
Q: How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho? The most common options are a public bus from Mien Tay bus station (1.5 to 2 hours, 60,000 to 100,000 VND), a Grab or private car (1.5 hours, 700,000 to 1,200,000 VND), or an organised day tour with hotel pickup. Motorbike is possible but not recommended for most visitors.
Q: How long should I spend in My Tho? A half day is enough for Vinh Trang pagoda and a short boat trip. A full day covers the island circuit and a proper meal. One night allows a more relaxed pace and the night market. Two nights only makes sense if using My Tho as a base for wider delta exploration.
Q: Is My Tho or Ben Tre better? Ben Tre is generally quieter, less staged and more authentic, but requires more time and effort to reach the best parts. My Tho is easier, closer and better set up for day trips. Travellers with limited time often combine both on the same tour; those with more time should prioritise Ben Tre or Can Tho.
Q: What is the best time to visit My Tho? The dry season from December to April offers the most reliable weather, with February to April being the hottest. The rainy season from May to November brings short afternoon downpours but greener scenery and fewer tourists. Fruit season peaks around May to August.