Phu My Port: Shore Excursion Mekong Delta My Tho – Ben Tre

If you’re arriving at Phu My Port and looking to explore Vietnam beyond its bustling cities, this Mekong Delta tour from Hiep Travel offers a well-rounded glimpse into the life and landscapes of southern Vietnam. While the journey involves a long drive—about four hours each way—you get to enjoy a peaceful cruise, local food, and authentic rural scenes that make the effort worthwhile.

One thing we really appreciate is how this tour balances transportation with immersive experiences. The boat ride along the river channels and visits to orchards and local farms provide a taste of daily life that’s often missing from more commercialized excursions. Plus, the personalized, private group setting makes it feel more like a trip with friends than a generic tour.

However, a potential consideration is the long transfer time—around 4 hours each way from Phu My Port to Ben Tre—meaning this isn’t a casual, half-day outing. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy full-day adventures and are prepared for the travel time. If you’re after an authentic, relaxed journey into the Mekong’s heart, this tour is likely to resonate with you.

This experience is ideal for those who want a comprehensive day trip that combines scenic views, cultural insights, and local delicacies in an intimate setting. It’s especially good for travelers who don’t mind a bit of travel and want to avoid overly touristy setups.

Key Points

Balanced itinerary with scenic boat rides and village visits
Personalized experience through private group arrangements
Authentic local cuisine served at a garden restaurant
Opportunities to explore orchards, honey farms, and coconut candy making
Long travel time — around 8 hours total from Phu My to back
Good for travelers who enjoy full-day, immersive trips

You can check availability for your dates here:

Navigating the Mekong Delta from Phu My Port

Embarking on this 10-hour journey gives you a chance to see one of Vietnam’s most iconic regions. While it’s a full day, the experience is designed to maximize what you get out of your time—scenery, culture, and local flavors.

Starting Point: Phu My Port

Your adventure begins just a short walk or shuttle ride from your cruise ship. The tour company arranges pick-up and drop-off at the cruise port, which makes logistics straightforward. Expect the guide to meet you with a welcoming smile, ready to introduce you to the day ahead.

The Drive to My Tho

The trip to My Tho, a city renowned for its orchards and rice fields, takes about four hours each way. This is the part where you might want to bring a book, some music, or simply enjoy the passing scenery. The drive itself is an opportunity to get a feel for the Vietnamese countryside—farmland stretching to the horizon, small villages, and local markets.

First Stop: Cruise Along the Mekong River

Once in My Tho, the highlight kicks off with a boat cruise along a creek leading to the Mekong River. This is where the landscape truly opens up—lush, green, and peaceful. The boat ride offers a chance to observe Vietnamese river life, with floating markets, fishing boats, and children playing along the banks.

In particular, the cruise to Con Phung (Phoenix Island) provides a scenic moment where you can admire the sprawling views of the river and its surroundings. As one reviewer noted, “The boat trip was the highlight—relaxing, scenic, and a real connection to local life.”

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Village and Orchard Visits

Beyond the river cruise, your group will visit local orchards and farms—a highlight for anyone interested in agriculture and local produce. You’ll see how honey and honey wine are produced, and taste fresh honey straight from the hive. This hands-on experience adds a genuine touch to the trip.

You’ll also explore coconut candy making, where you get to taste freshly made treats and learn how locals turn coconuts into sweet delicacies. The ability to sample fresh fruits and observe traditional methods makes these stops more than just sightseeing—they’re taste, smell, and experience.

Cultural and Culinary Highlights

Lunchtime is at a garden restaurant in a neighborhood house, offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The meal is included, and reviews suggest it’s a delicious, satisfying break—probably more flavorful than any generic buffet. With local dishes served in a cozy setting, you’ll get a sense of home-style Vietnamese cooking that’s hard to find in tourist spots.

Further Exploration in Ben Tre

The journey continues with visits to natural creeks, quiet villages, and bonsai gardens in My Tho. The latter offers a peaceful spot to reflect, and some travelers found it a perfect ending to the countryside adventure.

The Value of This Tour

When weighing the cost, consider that this is a private group tour with all transportation, entrance fees, and lunch included. The long drive might seem daunting, but it’s balanced by the personalized experience and the quality of sights and activities. For travelers keen on authentic, off-the-beaten-path moments, the value is quite high—especially compared to more commercialized Mekong tours.

What We Loved

• The scenic boat ride provided a peaceful, picturesque view of the Mekong River and its life.
• The local food and honey tasting offered a delicious and immersive culinary experience.
• The personalized guide made the day flexible and tailored, avoiding the feeling of being herded around.
• The visit to the orchards, honey farms, and coconut candy factories gave genuine insight into local livelihoods.

What Could Be Better

• The long transfer time means this isn’t suitable for travelers seeking a quick overview or with limited time.
• If you have mobility issues, some stops might involve walking or standing for periods.
• The cost might seem high for those on a tight budget, but the inclusion of transport, guide, lunch, and entrance fees adds value.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring comfortable shoes for walking around orchards and villages.
• Carry cash for small purchases or tips; while most activities are included, some souvenirs or extra snacks might not be.
• Pack a camera to capture the extensive views and candid moments.
• Wear light, breathable clothing—it can get warm and humid.
• Be prepared for a full day—start early, and plan for a long return trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip fits best for adventurous travelers who enjoy full-day excursions and are willing to sit on a bus for several hours. It’s ideal if you want an up-close look at rural Vietnamese life, appreciate scenic boat rides, and enjoy sampling local foods in an authentic setting. Those looking for a relaxing, immersive experience away from crowded tourist spots will find it especially rewarding.

The Sum Up

The Phu My Port: Shore Excursion Mekong Delta from My Tho offers a comprehensive experience blending scenic boat rides, cultural insights, and culinary delights—all wrapped in a private, personalized package. While the long drive may not appeal to everyone, the moments along the river, orchards, and local farms make the journey worthwhile for those eager to see Vietnam’s countryside.

Travelers who enjoy a full day of exploration, want to sample authentic local flavors, and are comfortable with a bit of travel time will find this tour a memorable way to connect with the Mekong Delta. It’s particularly suited for those who value small-group intimacy, genuine experiences, and a relaxed pace.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
This tour is designed for most travelers, but it’s not recommended for those over 95 years old due to the long travel times and walking involved.

How long is the drive from Phu My Port to Ben Tre?
Each way takes about four hours by car, making it a full-day commitment.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation, pick-up and drop-off at Phu My Port, an English-speaking guide, lunch, entrance fees, and bottled water.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is this a group tour or private?
It is a private group tour, which means it’s tailored for your party, providing a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, camera, light clothes, and some cash for extras. Large luggage or bags are not permitted.

What is the main highlight of this trip?
Most travelers cite the scenic boat cruise and the chance to visit local farms and orchards as the most memorable parts.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a Vietnamese-style lunch at a garden restaurant is part of the package, offering local dishes that showcase regional flavors.

If you’re after a full immersion into the Mekong’s rural charm with plenty of scenic views, tasty bites, and cultural insights, this tour from Phu My Port is a solid choice. Just pack your patience for the drive and an open mind for a day that’s both relaxing and eye-opening.

You can check availability for your dates here: