My Tho is in Tien Giang province, which is the closest Mekong Delta province to Saigon and is a very popular destination for organized tours out of Saigon. The same-named provincial capital sits on the northern bank of the Mekong (Tien Giang) River and has a number of offshore islands that can be visited.
Best time to visit
The dry season starts from the beginning of November to the end of April. The rainy season starts from May to the end of October. June and July in particular have the highest rainfall of the year, but fortunately, the rains are short and often come in mid-afternoon.
Things to do in My Tho
1. Boat trips in My Tho
As with most destinations in the Mekong Delta, a boat trip is the best thing to do in My Tho. My Tho is located on the mighty Mekong River, which has several branches with smaller rivers, which are then connected to each other by different channels. With a motorized boat, you can travel great distances on the rivers and see a lot of the local river life, such as fishermen and boats that carry enormous amounts of fruit. Small traditional sampan boats row you through the smaller side channels through the palm forests.
2. Experience local life
Discovering local life can be perfectly combined with a boat trip. There are many small islands around My Tho that you can visit by boat. You can stop and walk around to meet the locals and learn about their daily life. Unicorn Island, for example, is a popular stop and there are more like Phoenix and Dragon Island. On the islands, you will find many fruit plantations for which the Mekong Delta is known.
3. Vinh Trang Pagoda
Vinh Trang Pagoda is the largest temple in Tien Giang province, only 5 km from My Tho, and was built in 1849. The pagoda brings together Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer, and European architecture and features various Buddha statues. Vinh Trang has some impressive features, such as the ornate gate, built by Hue craftsmen, and detailed woodwork inside. It is especially impressive if you can arrive when the monks are singing around 10:00 am, followed by drumming and a ceremony in the dining room.
4. Coconut Candy Traditional Village in My Tho
If you plan to visit Mekong Delta, a coconut candy village and a boat trip in small canals are also one of the most highlight things to do, see, eat and shop in Cai Be, Ben Tre, My Tho, Vinh Long.
