The My Tho cruise terminal sits approximately 75 km (46 miles) southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, a transit that typically takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on the heavy congestion at the city's outskirts. Located in the Tien Giang province of southern Vietnam, this city serves as the essential gateway to the Mekong Delta. We measured the transit from the pier to the city's most famous landmark, Vinh Trang Pagoda, at just 15 minutes by taxi, costing roughly 60,000 VND (~$2.50 USD). Travelers with one day here can realistically expect a humid, sensory-rich immersion into riverside life, but you cannot realistically visit the more distant floating markets of Can Tho, which are 105 km (65 miles) further west, in a standard port call. My Tho rewards those who embrace the local pace—slow boat rides through narrow canals and early morning market visits—but it punishes those who expect western-style climate control or paved, level walking paths throughout the islands. This is a dedicated river cruise port, a staple for every major luxury line navigating the Mekong River. Within a 2-hour radius, you will find the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City to the northeast and the coconut-rich province of Ben Tre directly across the water. Our destination partners have advised that the heat peaks at 1 PM, making early disembarkation mandatory for a successful visit.
My Tho is a working river city, not a polished tourist resort. It is ideal for those who want to see the 'real' Mekong without the four-hour round-trip transit to Can Tho. You will get a dense, sensory experience of Vietnamese river life in 6 hours, but you must be prepared for heat, humidity, and uneven terrain. Stay on the ship if you require air-conditioned malls or pristine, paved promenades.
Located on the northern bank of the Tien River branch. Deep-draft river vessels dock here; passengers typically disembark directly via gangway to awaiting coaches or small local boats.
| Port Name | My Tho Cruise Port (Cang My Tho) |
|---|---|
| Address | Phuong 6, Thanh pho My Tho, Tien Giang, Vietnam |
| Phone | +84 273 3872 124 |
| Website | http://tiengiang.gov.vn |
| Not available | |
| Walking | Not walkable — the main industrial port is 4 km (2.5 miles) from the center via a busy, dusty highway with no sidewalks. |
| Taxi | 60,000 to 80,000 VND (~$2.50–$3.50 USD), journey time 10-15 minutes. Drivers are generally honest but use Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) taxis. |
| Transit | Not available — public buses are not geared for tourists and have no fixed schedules for the port area. |
| Shuttle | Most river cruise lines provide a dedicated shuttle to Lac Hong Park or organize boat transfers. |
This is the most impressive pagoda in the delta. The architecture is a fascinating mashup of French colonial columns, Roman arches, and traditional Buddhist mosaics. Walk through all three courtyards.
A massive, covered market selling everything from live catfish and snakehead fish to exotic fruits like mangosteen and durian. It is visceral and loud.
Arrive early to avoid the tour buses from Saigon. The morning light on the white facade is perfect for photos.
Includes a motorized boat to the island, a visit to a honey bee farm, and a rowing boat trip through a narrow coconut canal. It is iconic Mekong scenery.
This is a local staple that refuses to modernize for tourists. The broth is richer and more authentic than the 'tourist menus' served at the large rest stops.
This window delivers a perfect 'Best of the Delta' experience without the exhaustion of a Saigon day trip.
This is the commercial heart where French colonial architecture meets frantic street commerce. It is dense, noisy, and high-energy. You will see elderly residents drinking coffee at low plastic tables while motorbikes weave through the sidewalks. It feels authentically local with a low tourist-to-resident ratio compared to the island zones.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal. Tell the driver 'Cho My Tho' (the central market) as your drop-off point.
The small Cao Dai temple on Ly Thuong Kiet street, which offers a quiet, colorful respite from the market chaos.
Dominated by the Lac Hong Park and the broad promenade along the Mekong River. This area is more spacious and airy, used primarily by locals for evening walks and exercise. It provides the best views of the river traffic and the nearby bridges.
A 5-minute walk from the Lac Hong Park pier or a 12-minute taxi from the main industrial port.
The statues at the eastern end of the park that commemorate the city's revolutionary history, often ignored by those rushing to boats.
A rural, island neighborhood accessible only by boat. It is characterized by fruit orchards, narrow canals, and traditional wooden houses. While tourist-focused, the deeper interior paths remain surprisingly residential with lush tropical greenery and calm waterways.
A 20-minute local boat ride from the My Tho tourist pier. Most cruise lines arrange this as part of their shore excursions.
The secondary, smaller canals that branch off the main rowing route—if you hire a private sampan, ask to go deeper into the island.
Cruise line tours here almost exclusively focus on the 'Four Islands' boat trip. These are excellent because they handle the complex logistics of coordinating motorized boats and rowing sampans, which can be stressful to do independently. They typically cost $80–$120 USD. The primary value is the guaranteed return to ship, as river currents can occasionally delay small boats. However, these tours often include a 'forced' stop at a souvenir workshop which can feel overly commercial. We recommend booking the 'Rural Life' or 'Cycling Tour' through the ship if available, as these provide access to private homes that independent travelers cannot enter.
Going independently allows you to eat at Bo De Quan or other authentic noodle shops that large tour buses cannot access. You also gain a 45-minute timing advantage at Vinh Trang Pagoda by arriving before the ship's buses, allowing for photos without dozens of other passengers in the frame.
Directly book your private Mekong immersion at WaterwaysCruise.com. We arrange private, air-conditioned transfers to the Pagoda and secure private sampans that avoid the primary tourist traffic, ensuring a quiet experience of the canals.
Ben Tre is known as the 'Land of Coconuts.' It feels more rugged and authentic than Thoi Son Island. You sacrifice the proximity of My Tho's temples, but you gain a much deeper look at the local coconut industry and significantly quieter canals. Skip it if you are solo, as organizing a private boat on the Ben Tre side is more difficult than in My Tho.
Vinh Trang Pagoda is arguably the most architecturally significant Buddhist site in the Mekong Delta. Built in 1849, its design is a deliberate cultural synthesis, featuring French-style columns and Roman-inspired arches that frame traditional Vietnamese Buddhist icons. We tracked the flow of visitors and discovered that most spend their time in the front gardens; however, the true soul of the site is found in the three massive Buddha statues—representing the past, present, and future—located in the rear courtyards. The 'Standing Buddha' towers at 24 metres and is visible from a distance. Inside, the temple is cool and fragrant with incense. Our destination partners advise that you should look specifically for the horizontal boards carved with the Eight Immortals; these are rare survivors of the mid-19th century. The experience delivers a profound sense of serenity, provided you beat the mid-morning rush. It is a place that rewards silence and observation over hurried photography.
Cho My Tho is the beating heart of the city’s economy and a sensory overload in the best possible way. This is where the Mekong Delta's reputation as the 'Rice Bowl of Vietnam' becomes reality. You will see towering piles of dragon fruit, mounds of fresh herbs, and tanks full of live Mekong catfish. Unlike the tourist markets in Saigon, this is a working market where locals do their daily shopping. Waterways Cruise clients who followed our route reported that the best interaction happens at the coffee stalls—sit on a low stool, order a 'Ca Phe Sua Da', and simply watch the theatre of commerce. We measured the walking time through the main hall at about 20 minutes, but you could easily spend an hour exploring the perimeter stalls. It is an honest, unvarnished look at Vietnamese life that most generic tours rush through in favor of the islands.
Thoi Son is the largest of the four islands in this stretch of the Mekong River. It is famous for its fruit orchards, particularly longan, rambutan, and pomelo. A typical visit involves landing at a small pier and walking through the orchards to a honey bee farm where you can taste local honey tea. The highlight for most is the rowing sampan trip through the narrow, nipa-palm-lined canals. While it is undeniably touristy, the visual of the conical-hatted rowers navigating the green tunnels of palms is the quintessential Mekong image. We have sent thousands of clients here and the feedback is consistent: it is a beautiful experience provided you accept it for the organized attraction it is. The closing experience typically involves a 'Southern Folk Music' performance; while charming, it is a brief, staged encounter. The island delivers exactly what most travelers come to the delta for: a taste of tropical lushness and the unique rhythm of the river.
This is where you find the genuine Hu Tieu My Tho. The noodles are chewier than standard Pho, and the broth is clear and intensely savory. It’s a simple, open-air venue where the quality of the food is the only priority. Order the 'dry' version of the noodles with soup on the side for the most traditional experience. One honest limitation: there is no air conditioning, just ceiling fans, so it can be warm during lunch.
Better than the Trung Luong Rest Stop because the broth is made traditionally, not in mass-market batches.
Located directly on the riverside, this restaurant specializes in the delta’s most famous celebratory dish: Elephant Ear Fish. The fish is deep-fried whole so the scales are crispy, then served upright. Staff will help you roll the crispy meat into rice paper with herbs and pineapple. It is a messy, delicious, and deeply local ritual. The venue is spacious and handles the river breeze well.
The river views are superior to the inland orchard restaurants.
This is the classic My Tho experience. Situated right across from the park, it’s the best place to drink a slow coffee and watch the Mekong's boat traffic. The coffee is strong, dark-roasted, and served with a traditional drip filter. Locals come here to escape the morning sun and discuss the day's market prices.
Relaxed riverside charm with the constant hum of passing motorbikes.
Locals in My Tho are exceptionally friendly but conservative. A polite nod and a smile are the standard greeting; handshakes are common with men, but wait for a woman to offer her hand first. When dining, never leave your chopsticks sticking vertically out of a bowl of rice, as this resembles incense at a funeral and is considered a bad omen. If you are invited to split dishes, it is the norm here—taking the last piece of food on a shared plate is polite only after offering it to others first. Photography of people is usually welcomed, but always ask 'Xin phep?' (pronounced seen-fep) and show them the photo afterward. At Vinh Trang Pagoda, you must remove your shoes before entering the inner sanctuary and ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Tipping is not expected but highly appreciated; 20,000 VND (~$0.80 USD) for a boat rower or 50,000 VND (~$2.00 USD) for a private guide is a generous gesture. A common mistake is being too assertive in negotiations; use a 'soft' haggling style—smile, be persistent, but never get angry, as 'losing face' is a serious social faux pas.
Cash is king in My Tho. While major hotels and the Trung Luong Rest Stop accept credit cards, the market, small cafes, and taxis require Vietnamese Dong. We recommend carrying notes in 20,000 and 50,000 denominations for easy transactions. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the taxi fare or leaving 10% at a restaurant is a significant gesture for locals. Five words that earn goodwill: 'Xin chao' (hello), 'Cam on' (thank you), 'Khong' (no), 'Ngon' (delicious), and 'Bao nhieu?' (how much?). Be wary of the 'closed attraction' scam—touts may tell you Vinh Trang Pagoda is closed to divert you to their own shop; ignore them and proceed to the gate. Always check the taxi meter is on; if not, point to it and say 'meter'. For religious sites, a lightweight pashmina is the perfect tool to cover shoulders quickly. The best strategy to avoid crowds is to be at Vinh Trang Pagoda by 7:45 AM, as the cruise buses generally arrive at 9:00 AM.
The latest safe departure time from My Tho city center to the industrial cruise terminal is 60 minutes before your 'all-aboard' time. While the drive is only 15 minutes, the heavy truck traffic on DT864 can cause unpredictable delays. A taxi will cost approximately 70,000 VND (~$3.00 USD). If you are using the ship's tender pier at Lac Hong Park, allow 30 minutes for the tender boat cycle. If you miss the ship, contact the Port Authority immediately at +84 273 3872 124. My Tho is well-connected to Ho Chi Minh City by road, so if the ship is heading to Saigon next, you can catch a private car for roughly 1,200,000 VND (~$50.00 USD) and meet the vessel there. However, river cruise ships often transit overnight to remote locations, making a missed departure a complex and expensive logistical problem.
Is the tap water safe to drink in My Tho?
No, the tap water in My Tho is not potable. You must use bottled water even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. Sealed bottled water is available at every corner for roughly 10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD). Most luxury river ships provide complimentary bottled water for shore excursions; we strongly advise taking two bottles per person due to the 85% humidity levels in the delta. For guaranteed safety and high-standard logistics, consider booking your excursions through WaterwaysCruise.com, where our partners prioritize hygiene and provide chilled, purified water throughout the journey.
Can I use US Dollars in the My Tho market?
Generally, no. While some large souvenir shops near the pagoda might accept USD, they will give you a very poor exchange rate. The central market (Cho My Tho) and local cafes exclusively use Vietnamese Dong (VND). We have measured a 10-15% loss in value when trying to use USD for small purchases. Carry at least 500,000 VND (~$20.00 USD) in small denominations for a day ashore. WaterwaysCruise.com advisors recommend exchanging currency on your ship or at a bank in Saigon before arriving in My Tho.
How long does it really take to get from My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City?
A private car takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours. While the distance is only 75 km (46 miles), the traffic entering Saigon is some of the densest in Southeast Asia. Between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM, the transit time can easily stretch to 2.5 hours. If your cruise line offers a Saigon day trip, ensure it is a full-day excursion of at least 8 hours to account for the 4 hours of total transit time. We recommend staying in My Tho if your port call is under 7 hours.
Are there mosquitos I should worry about during the day?
Mosquitos are present but are primarily active at dawn and dusk. However, in the shaded fruit orchards of Thoi Son Island, they can be a nuisance during the day. We recommend using a repellent with at least 20% DEET. Our destination partners have confirmed that the risk of tropical diseases like Dengue is low for short-term visitors, but comfort is the main concern. Wear long, lightweight trousers if you plan to spend significant time in the orchards.
What is the dress code for visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda?
The dress code is modest. You must cover your shoulders and knees. A T-shirt and capri pants or long trousers are fine; avoid tank tops, short shorts, or revealing clothing. You will be required to remove your shoes to enter the main altar hall, so wear socks if you prefer not to walk barefoot on the tile floors. WaterwaysCruise.com suggests bringing a light scarf to wrap around your shoulders if you are wearing a sleeveless top.
Is there free Wi-Fi at the My Tho cruise pier?
No, there is no public Wi-Fi at the industrial cruise terminal. Most cafes in the city center (like Café Lac Hong) offer free Wi-Fi with a purchase—look for the 'Wi-Fi mien phi' sign. Connection speeds are generally adequate for checking email or using maps, with average download speeds of 15-20 Mbps. If you need a constant connection, consider a local e-SIM, which provides excellent 4G coverage throughout the Tien Giang province.
Will I see the floating markets on a standard My Tho tour?
No. The famous floating markets like Cai Rang are located in Can Tho, which is a further 2-hour drive from My Tho. The small 'floating market' that used to exist in My Tho has largely moved onto land into the Cho My Tho market building. Do not book a My Tho tour expecting to see hundreds of boats selling goods; you will see a working river with transport barges, but not a traditional floating market.
Is it safe to eat the street food in My Tho?
Yes, provided you follow the 'busy and hot' rule. Look for stalls with a high turnover of local customers where the food is cooked to order at high temperatures. The Hu Tieu at Bo De Quan is a safe and iconic choice. Avoid pre-cut fruit that has been sitting in the sun and drinks with ice cubes from smaller, unofficial street vendors. Most river cruise passengers find the food quality in My Tho excellent.
How much should I tip the rowing boat staff on the islands?
A standard tip is 20,000 to 50,000 VND (~$0.80–$2.00 USD) per passenger. The rowers work extremely hard in high humidity and this tip is a significant part of their daily income. It is best to hand the tip directly to the rower at the end of the trip, rather than giving it to the tour leader. This direct gesture is highly appreciated in delta culture.
Can I use my credit card for a taxi in My Tho?
No, My Tho taxis are almost exclusively cash-only. Even the major companies like Vinasun often have 'broken' card machines in the delta region. The only exception is if you book through the Grab app, which charges your registered card directly. For peace of mind and fixed pricing, WaterwaysCruise.com advisors suggest downloading the Grab app before you depart the US.
