FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN MY THO

Top 10 Best Things to Do in My Tho in One Day

1. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda – Free Things to Do in My Tho

The magnificent Vinh Trang Pagoda stands as one of the most impressive top attractions in My Tho Mekong Delta, showcasing a unique architectural fusion that reflects Vietnam’s diverse cultural influences. Built in 1849, this sprawling 2,000-square-meter complex combines Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, and European architectural elements in a harmonious design that captivates visitors.

The pagoda features three distinctive Buddha statues: a standing praying Buddha at the entrance gate, a smiling sitting Buddha, and a reclining Buddha in the main courtyard. These impressive sculptures, surrounded by colorful gardens filled with bonsai trees and lotus ponds, create a serene atmosphere perfect for meditation and photography.

Practical Information:

• Location: My An hamlet, My Phong commune, My Tho city, Tien Giang province.

• Opening Hours: 9:00-11:30 AM and 1:30-5:00 PM daily.

• Entrance Fee: Free.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.

The pagoda’s five buildings, two ornamental structures, and 178 intricately carved pillars showcase exceptional craftsmanship, including the famous set of eighteen Arhant sculptures created by renowned Vietnamese artists.

2. Explore Thoi Son Island (Unicorn Island)

Thoi Son Island, also known as Unicorn Island, represents the largest and most captivating of the four islands in My Tho River. This 1,200-hectare paradise offers visitors an immersive experience in traditional Mekong Delta life, featuring crisscrossed canals, evergreen gardens, and authentic fruit orchards.

The island experience typically begins with a scenic boat ride through picturesque waterways lined with coconut palms and traditional stilt houses. Visitors can explore local workshops where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, sample fresh tropical fruits directly from the trees, and enjoy honey tea while listening to traditional Vietnamese folk music performances.

Activities Include:

• Traditional rowing boat rides through narrow canals;

• Fruit tasting sessions featuring seasonal specialties;

• Honey farm visits with educational demonstrations;

• Traditional music performances (Don Ca Tai Tu);

• Photography opportunities in scenic garden settings.

The island’s peaceful atmosphere and authentic cultural experiences make it an essential stop for understanding rural Vietnamese life and traditions.

3. Take a Boat Trip Through the Canals

One of the most quintessential things to do in My Tho involves exploring the intricate network of waterways that define the Mekong Delta experience. These boat trips offer unparalleled access to the region’s natural beauty and provide intimate glimpses into local life along the riverbanks.

The journey typically includes visits to all four legendary islands: Dragon (Long), Unicorn (Lan), Turtle (Quy), and Phoenix (Phung), each offering unique attractions and cultural experiences. Smaller rowing boats navigate narrow canals shaded by water coconut trees, creating magical moments as you glide through nature’s green tunnels.

Boat Trip Highlights:

• Scenic cruises along the main Mekong River;

• Exploration of smaller tributaries and canals;

• Visits to floating fish farms and local villages;

• Opportunities to observe traditional fishing methods;

• Wildlife spotting including tropical birds and aquatic life.

These water-based adventures provide the perfect introduction to the delta’s ecosystem while offering countless photography opportunities and cultural interactions.

4. Visit a Coconut Candy Workshop – Things to Do in My Tho with Kids

The traditional art of coconut candy making represents one of My Tho’s most beloved cultural experiences. These family-run workshops demonstrate the intricate process of transforming fresh coconut milk into the region’s signature sweet treat using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

Visitors can observe the entire production process, from coconut milk extraction to the final wrapping stage. The workshops typically offer tastings of various flavors and provide opportunities to purchase authentic products directly from the artisans. This experience offers valuable insights into local entrepreneurship and traditional food production methods.

Workshop Experience:

• Duration: 30-45 minutes.

• Cost: Usually included in tour packages or free with purchases.

• Best Products: Original coconut, durian, and pandan flavors.

• Shopping Opportunity: Purchase authentic souvenirs and gifts.

Many workshops also demonstrate the production of other coconut-based products, including coconut wine and traditional sweets, providing a comprehensive understanding of this versatile fruit’s importance in Mekong Delta culture.

5. Enjoy a Traditional Mekong Delta Lunch

Culinary exploration forms an essential part of any My Tho visit, with traditional Mekong Delta cuisine offering unique flavors and cooking techniques specific to the region. Local restaurants and homestays serve authentic dishes featuring fresh ingredients sourced directly from surrounding farms and waterways.

Signature dishes include “elephant ear fish” (cá tai tượng), typically served whole and fried, accompanied by rice paper, fresh herbs, and flavorful dipping sauces. Other specialties feature river shrimp, caramelized fish in clay pots, and fresh spring rolls filled with local vegetables and herbs.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Elephant ear fish with rice paper and herbs;

• Fresh spring rolls with local vegetables;

• Caramelized fish in clay pots (cá kho tộ);

• Mekong Delta-style hot pot;

• Seasonal fruit desserts.

Many dining experiences include cooking demonstrations where visitors can learn to prepare traditional dishes, creating memorable interactive experiences that extend beyond simple meals.

6. Bike Through the Countryside

Cycling through My Tho’s picturesque countryside provides an intimate way to experience rural Vietnamese life while enjoying the region’s natural beauty. Well-maintained paths wind through rice paddies, fruit orchards, and traditional villages, offering countless opportunities for cultural interaction and photography.

Popular cycling routes include paths along the riverbanks, through coconut groves, and past traditional farmhouses where visitors can observe daily agricultural activities. The flat terrain makes cycling accessible to most fitness levels, while the tropical scenery provides constant visual rewards.

Cycling Information:

• Bike Rental Cost: 30.000 – 50.000 VND (approx $1.14 – 1.9 USD) per day.

• Popular Routes: Riverside paths, village circuits, orchard tours.

• Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon.

• Safety Tips: Wear helmets, stay hydrated, follow local traffic patterns.

Many tours include cycling components combined with boat trips and cultural visits, creating comprehensive experiences that showcase multiple aspects of Mekong Delta life.

7. Explore the My Tho Night Market

The bustling My Tho Night Market offers an authentic local experience featuring over 140 stalls selling everything from clothing and souvenirs to street food and local delicacies. This vibrant marketplace comes alive after sunset, providing visitors with opportunities to experience local nightlife and shopping culture.

The market’s diverse offerings include trendy clothing at affordable prices, handcrafted souvenirs made from local materials like coconut shells, and jewelry crafted from seashells. Food stalls serve traditional snacks and beverages, creating a comprehensive cultural experience.

Market Highlights:

• Operating Hours: Evening until late night.

• Best Purchases: Handcrafted souvenirs, local textiles, shell jewelry.

• Food Options: Traditional snacks, fresh fruit, local beverages.

• Bargaining: Expected and encouraged.

The night market provides excellent opportunities for cultural interaction and offers a more authentic shopping experience compared to tourist-oriented shops.

8. Visit Cai Be Floating Market

While technically located near My Tho, the famous Cai Be Floating Market represents one of the most iconic my tho floating market tour experiences available in the region. This traditional wholesale market operates on the water, where vendors sell fresh produce directly from their boats in a centuries-old trading tradition.

The market is most active during early morning hours (5:00-9:00 AM), when wholesale buyers and local vendors conduct business in the traditional manner. Visitors can observe this unique commercial system while sampling fresh fruits and local specialties directly from the boats.

Market Experience:

• Best Visiting Time: 6:00-8:00 AM for peak activity.

• Duration: 2-3 hours including boat travel.

• Activities: Boat tours, fruit tasting, photography.

• Cultural Value: Authentic traditional commerce experience.

This experience provides invaluable insights into traditional Vietnamese commerce and offers spectacular photography opportunities.

9. Discover Dong Tam Snake Farm

For visitors interested in unique educational experiences, Dong Tam Snake Farm offers fascinating insights into Vietnam’s diverse reptile population. Located 12 kilometers from My Tho city center, this facility houses over 400 snake species alongside other animals including bears, crocodiles, and turtles.

The farm provides educational information about snake venom extraction for medical purposes, snake bite treatment, and conservation efforts. While not suitable for all visitors, those interested in wildlife and natural sciences will find this attraction both educational and memorable.

Farm Information:

• Location: Binh Duc Street, Chau Thanh District.

• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

• Entrance Fee: 30.000 VND (approx $1.14) for adults, 20.000 VND (approx $0.76) for children (6-12), free for children under 6.

• Educational Focus: Snake species, venom extraction, conservation.

The facility emphasizes education and conservation, making it a valuable experience for families with older children interested in wildlife.

10. Experience Local Fruit Orchards

The Mekong Delta’s reputation as Vietnam’s “fruit basket” becomes evident when visiting the numerous orchards surrounding My Tho. These working farms offer visitors opportunities to sample fresh tropical fruits while learning about agricultural practices specific to the delta region.

Cai Be Orchards, located west of the city, represents the largest and most popular fruit-growing area. For a 50.000 VND (approx $1.9) entrance fee, visitors can sample unlimited quantities of seasonal fruits including mango, pomelo, longan, jackfruit, durian, and many other tropical varieties.

Orchard Experience:

• Best Season: May-September for maximum fruit variety.

• Cost: 50.000 VND (approx $1.9) per person for unlimited sampling.

• Activities: Fruit picking, agricultural education, photography.

• Family-Friendly: Excellent for children and educational experiences.

The orchards provide excellent opportunities for families to connect with nature while learning about sustainable agriculture and tropical fruit cultivation.

>> View More: Top Mekong Delta Tours

Local Mekong Delta ‘Lesser-Known’ My Tho & Ben Tre 1-Day Tour With Joy Journeys

Joy Journeys offers an exceptional what to do in My Tho experience through their highly-rated “Local Mekong Delta ‘Lesser-Known’ My Tho & Ben Tre 1-Day Tour.” This small-group tour (maximum 10 travelers) provides authentic cultural immersion while visiting less-touristy areas of the Mekong Delta.

Tour Highlights:

• Visit to the stunning 100-year-old Vinh Trang Pagoda;

• Enjoy a scenic boat ride to explore local daily life;

• Visit a honey bee farm and taste freshly brewed honey tea;

• Watch a live performance of traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music;

• Sample seasonal tropical fruits at a local orchard;

• Discover how coconut candy is made at a local workshop;

• Explore a floating fishing farm and learn about aquaculture practices;

• Take a Tuk-Tuk ride to a local home and enjoy a traditional lunch;

• Experience rowing a small boat through narrow, palm-lined canals.

Tour Details:

• Duration: 9 hours.

• Group Size: Maximum 10 travelers.

• Price: 1.050.000 VND (approximately $39.9 USD) per person.

• Includes: Transportation, guide, lunch, activities, and entrance fees.

• Pickup: Districts 1, 4, and selective pickup for District 3 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Joy Journeys emphasizes authentic experiences over tourist attractions, taking visitors to areas rarely visited by large tour groups. The knowledgeable guides provide cultural context while ensuring meaningful interactions with local communities.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit My Tho?

The best time to visit My Tho is during the dry season (November to April) when weather conditions are most comfortable for outdoor activities. However, the fruit season (May to September) offers the best orchard experiences with maximum fruit variety available for tasting.

How many days should I spend in My Tho?

Most visitors find 1-2 days sufficient to experience My Tho’s main attractions. Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City are popular and practical, while overnight stays allow for more relaxed exploration and early morning floating market visits.

How do I get around My Tho?

My Tho is easily navigable by bicycle, motorbike taxi (xe om), regular taxi, or on foot for central areas. Most attractions are accessible by boat, which is often included in tour packages. Bicycle rental offers the most authentic and environmentally friendly way to explore the countryside.

Start planning your My Tho adventure today! Discover the authentic charm of the Mekong Delta through these diverse experiences that showcase the region’s natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. 

If you’re looking for the best things to do in My Tho, consider booking the Local Mekong Delta ‘Lesser-Known’ My Tho & Ben Tre 1-Day Tour with Joy Journeys at joyjourneys.com.vn or contact us at +84 (0) 868.17.66.79 for personalized assistance in creating your perfect Mekong Delta adventure.

Link: joyjourneys.com.vn/article/things-to-do-in-my-tho/