My Tho: A Complete Travel Guide to the Gateway of Mekong

My Tho, a riverbank city with authentic river life, easy access from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), and distinctive local cuisine, is the entry point to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Discover My Tho’s best features, including what it’s famous for, when to go, how to get there, what to eat, and where to stay.

1. Overview of My Tho, Vietnam

1.1. Where is My Tho?

Previously a city of Tien Giang, My Tho is now a part of Dong Thap. It is located in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, about 70 kilometers southwest of HCMC, on the northern bank of the Tien River. It also sits just across the Rach Mieu Bridge from Ben Tre, about 16–20 km away (about 20–30 minutes by car), making it the perfect place to combine My Tho – Ben Tre itineraries.

1.2. What is My Tho Known for?

• Culinary heritage

My Tho is a cradle of Southern flavors, home to street-side favorites like bún gỏi già, bánh vá, and chuối quết dừa. Most notably, it is the origin of hu tieu, a breakfast custom that characterizes the city’s culinary identity and is renowned for its clean, subtly sweet profile and springy, sun-dried noodles.

• Gateway logistics (traveler-friendly access)

My Tho is an easy day trip launchpad with expressway access, being the closest Delta city to HCMC (approximately 70 km). From here, it’s easy to cross the Rach Mieu Bridge to Ben Tre, which is rich in coconuts, or to go directly to Thoi Son Islet for sampan rides, which are perfect for families and first-timers.

• River-life experiences

With the characteristics of the river region, My Tho travelers can experience slow, water-borne rhythms through live “đờn ca tài tử” (UNESCO-listed southern folk music), hand-rowed sampans on palm-lined canals, and orchard stops with honey tea.

• Agricultural abundance (orchards & rice-bowl vibe)

In addition to the famous fruit gardens in the Tien Giang region, which is known as Vietnam’s “Kingdom of Fruits,” the countryside loops around My Tho, passing by rice paddies and orchards, providing tourists with a small taste of the Mekong’s lush “rice-bowl” landscape.

2. Top Attractions in My Tho

My Tho offers visitors a convenient way to experience culture, river life, and rural moments all within a short distance. The following highlights will help you decide what to see in My Tho, Vietnam:

2.1. Vinh Trang Pagoda

• Address: Nguyen Trung Truc St., Ward 8, My Tho, Tien Giang.
• Category: Culture | Spiritual

Vinh Trang Pagoda, regarded as the most famous attraction, combines European, Khmer, and Vietnamese architectural elements. This 19th-century temple is the city’s most iconic religious location and a popular tourist destination because of its magnificent East-West architectural fusion, tranquil gardens, and imposing Buddha statues.

2.2. Thoi Son (Unicorn) Islet

• Address: Thoi Hoa Hamlet, Thoi Son Commune, My Tho City, Tien Giang.
• Category: Nature | Riverlife

Thoi Son encourages leisurely travel: cruise through palm-lined creeks in hand-rowed sampans, stop for tropical fruit and honey tea, and take in the sounds of “đờn ca tài tử”, a traditional Mekong Delta rhythm, played in garden courtyards. The slow rhythms that make the Mekong so memorable are captured in the experience.

2.3. Tien Giang Museum (Dong Thap Museum – Site 1)

• Address: 2A, Truong Vinh Ky District, Ward 1, My Tho City, Tien Giang.
• Category: Museum | History | Culture

Located in the center of the city, the Tien Giang Museum tells the story of the Delta through small, carefully designed galleries that feature everything from wartime artifacts to archaeology and craft traditions. In one quick stop, it’s a good way to get a sense of the breadth of local history and cultural change.

2.4. Dong Tam Snake Farm

• Address: Binh Duc Commune, Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang (approx. 9–12 km from My Tho center).
• Category: Wildlife | Education

Dong Tam Snake Farm provides a unique and instructive look into the world of southern Vietnam’s snakes, including breeding initiatives and research on antivenom. Curious visitors will find the visit surprisingly engaging and the science approachable thanks to guided sections.

2.5. Cai Be Floating Market

• Address: Cai Be Town, Cai Be District, Tien Giang (approx. 45 km west of My Tho center).
• Category: Market | Riverlife | Culture

See the traditional Delta commerce in action by setting out before sunrise to witness boats loaded with fruit and greens, vendors lifting sample produce on poles, and breakfast prepared on board. Early morning to late morning is the best time.

A Mekong river cruise from My Tho is a memorable trip through floating villages and canals lined with coconuts for tourists seeking a more in-depth experience.

>>> Extend your adventure beyond My Tho? We recommend the following Mekong Delta itineraries:

• Can Tho, Vietnam Travel Guide: Best Things to Experience.
• Ben Tre, Vietnam: Explore Coconut Land in the Mekong Delta.
• Discover An Giang, Vietnam – A Land of Nature and Culture in the Mekong Delta.
• Mekong Delta: A Complete Guide to Vietnam’s Largest Delta.

3. Best Time to Visit My Tho

My Tho is situated in a tropical climate zone, so it welcomes its travelers mostly in the dry season and the rainy season, the two best times to visit here. The weather here is much the same as in the wider Mekong Delta, so that travelers can expect similar seasonal experiences in nearby destinations such as Cai Be, Ben Tre, or Can Tho.

3.1. Dry season in My Tho (December–April):

In this period, boat trips are less affected by bad weather, skies are more stable, and showers are infrequent. The roads on Thoi Son Islet are drier for bicyclists, and the morning light is clear for pictures near Vinh Trang Pagoda and along canals lined with palm trees. Because of less humidity, it is easier to walk through temple grounds and markets, making it the best time to visit My Tho for ones who like consistency and a more leisurely pace.

3.2. Rainy season in My Tho (May–November):

Short and tropical showers (usually in the afternoon) create lush orchards, fuller canals, and dramatic sunsets when the rain stops. Tastings at garden stops are most plentiful during the peak fruit season, which runs from about June to August. On certain days, crowds disperse, and costs may be more affordable. Bring a light jacket, schedule for some indoor locations (museums, cafes), and then take in the lush, green countryside to enjoy fully the best time to visit during the rainy season.

4. How to Get to My Tho

My Tho is located roughly 70 kilometers southwest of HCMC. Weekends and traffic can affect travel times, but the options below meet the majority of needs and each has distinct pros and cons.

4.1. Get to My Tho by private car or van transfer

• Time travel: It usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours from HCMC to My Tho by private car or van transfer.
• Pros: door-to-door pickup, customizable stops (photo, coffee, orchards), ease of handling luggage or family, and complete control over the timing.
• Cons: More expensive than public transportation; travel times may vary due to traffic on weekends and holidays.

4.2. By bus

• Time travel: Depending on service and traffic, the average trip time from HCMC is between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.
• Pros: Reasonably priced, regular departures from the Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station
• Cons: Fixed schedules; occasional crowding during peak hours; drop-off is at My Tho bus station, requiring a quick taxi or ride-hail to the pier.

4.3. By motorcycles

• Time travel: Depending on the route, stops, and rider experience, the average trip from HCMC takes more than 2 hours.
• Pros: Cheap fuel and parking; maximum flexibility for off-road detours and scenic stops in the countryside.
• Cons: Limited luggage capacity, traffic, and exposure to heat and rain require confident riding; not recommended for families or first-timers.

4.4. By boat

• Time travel: Full-day speedboat tours from HCMC to the Mekong sector (including the My Tho/Ben Tre area) typically take 8 to 10 hours total, including 2 to 3 hours of river travel.
• Pros: A scenic river approach that avoids some traffic and itinerary-integrated cultural stops (canals, workshops, and pagodas).
• Cons: Limited capacity and departures; exposed to rain, sun, and river spray; little room for luggage; ideal for day trips rather than point-to-point transfers. Many tourists combine a day trip to My Tho with a Victoria Mekong Cruise to go deeper into the Delta in luxury for an overnight stay.

5. What to Eat in My Tho

The cuisine of My Tho tends to have the characteristics of traditional Southern Vietnamese cuisine with bright herbs, river-fresh seafood, coconut notes, and clear, mildly sweet broths. They are flavorful and light, making them ideal for hot riverside days. The must-try specialties listed below will help you experience My Tho like a local:

5.1. Hủ tiếu (My Tho Rice Noodle Soup)

Hu tieu is the first answer when travelers seek what to eat in My Tho. This signature bowl features naturally sun-dried, springy rice noodles in a clear pork–seafood broth (or a “dry” version tossed with sauce), topped with sliced pork, shrimp, cracklings, chives, and fresh herbs. The translucent, delightfully chewy noodles and the clear, subtly sweet broth that locals adore for breakfast are what distinguish the My Tho style.

5.2. Bún gỏi già (Noodle salad)

Originally a dry rice-noodle bowl, the specialty combines the essential components of a fresh spring roll: rice noodles, shrimp, boiled pork, lettuce, herbs, bean sprouts, and roasted peanuts. It is served with a tamarind sauce for a bright, slightly sweet-sour taste. Local chefs gradually created a soupier version while maintaining the dish’s fresh flavor, enhancing it with a clear, subtly tart tamarind broth. This way, diners can choose between the two styles and still enjoy the dish’s distinctive “spring-roll in a bowl” flavor.

 

5.3. Chuối quết dừa (Mashed Green Banana with Coconut)

This savory specialty, despite the name suggesting dessert, is made by pounding green bananas with grated coconut until they are creamy. It is served with rice paper, cucumbers, herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce. The contrast of creamy banana-coconut with crisp greens makes a rustic, addictive bite.

5.4. Bánh vá (Shrimp Ladle Fritter)

In order to create a crispy, bowl-shaped fritter, vendors pour a thin rice batter into a hot metal ladle (called “vá” in Vietnamese), add mung beans, shrimp, and bean sprouts, and then deep-fry. It’s served hot with pickles, herbs, and a sweet-sour fish sauce. Street food at its most delicious, with a texture that falls between a crunchy shell and a tender filling.

5.5. Seasonal Tropical Fruits

Since My Tho is situated in an orchard area, it is imperative to sample the seasonal fruit. Seek out Ngu Hiep durian, Trung Luong rose apple (jambu), Nhi Quy longan, and Lo Ren star apple. Savor them fresh in the garden or at the riverboat stalls and morning markets.

6. Where to Stay in My Tho

6.1. Cruise as Accommodation

Beyond simple transport, a cruise can still be your floating accommodation. When you stay onboard, you can unpack once, sleep in a cozy cabin, and drift to floating markets, island visits, sunrise views, and orchards.

For the staying onboard option, Victoria Mekong Cruise transforms logistics into leisure and provides a close-up view of daily life on the water, complete with meals, escorted shore excursions, and a helpful crew.

6.2. Hotels in and around My Tho

A variety of local hotels and riverside guesthouses are available in My Tho if you would rather stay on land. These accommodations are ideal for a quick stop before or after river activities.

For those venturing further into the Delta, it seems appropriate to continue the trip at the Victoria Can Tho Resort (about 120 km from My Tho) or Victoria Nui Sam Lodge (about 200 km from My Tho), where French colonial charm blends with contemporary comfort without interfering with your itinerary.

 

My Tho, Vietnam, is the ideal place to begin your journey through the Mekong Delta, regardless of your interests in culture, cuisine, or river life. This riverside city has a lot of charm, from well-known attractions to the fabled My Tho hu tieu.

>>> For the most unforgettable experience, reserve your trip with us, which allows you to explore the waterways at the center of the southern charm of Vietnam.