My Tho, a tranquil city on the Mekong Delta’s northern edge, offers a gentle introduction to the region’s lush landscapes and riverine culture. Begin with a boat tour along the Tien River, where stilt houses and fruit orchards fringe the waterways. Stop at Thoi Son Island, known for its coconut candy workshops and beekeeping farms, and sample tropical fruits like jackfruit and rambutan in shaded orchards.
Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a striking Buddhist temple blending Vietnamese, Khmer, and French architectural styles, set amid sprawling gardens with bonsai trees and lotus ponds. For a taste of local life, explore the Cai Be Floating Market (a short drive away), where vendors sell pineapples, pumpkins, and flowers from their boats—a vibrant tradition slowly fading in the modern era.
My Tho’s cuisine highlights delta flavors: try hu tieu My Tho (noodle soup with pork and shrimp) or banh xeo (crispy rice pancakes filled with beansprouts and herbs). The city’s compact size and relaxed pace make it ideal for travelers seeking authenticity without the crowds. As you glide past coconut-lined canals and wave to smiling farmers, My Tho reveals the Mekong’s timeless charm.
