Visit My Tho – Official My Tho Travel Guide
Planning a holiday to My Tho? Discover top reasons to go, best time to visit, tours and free itineraries, history and hidden gems with the official guide! Find out what to do, where to go, where to stay and what to eat in My Tho from the local travel experts who know it best. If you’re not able to visit just yet, plan ahead to make the most of your wish-lists.
By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Visitor Guide To Can Tho | Chau Doc | Soc Trang | Ben Tre | Cai Be | Vinh Long | My Tho | Tra Vinh | Sa Dec | Bac Lieu | Ca Mau | Hau Giang
Welcome to My Tho City
My Tho is not only renowned as the most important commercial center of Tien Giang province but also is the main gateway to the Mekong Delta. With a location on the northern bank of the Mekong, about 107km from Can Tho City, about 75km from Ho Chi Minh City, this town is really close to the largest city in Vietnam which means it has a huge potential for tourism although there is no floating market. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that My Tho recently has become one of the most favorite day-trip destinations for a river life experience. Tien Giang has a coastline of 32km, with relatively flat terrain. The provinces bordering Tien Giang are Long An, Ben Tre, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Top Reasons to Go
My Tho Coconut Canal and Sampan Ride
In My Tho, life is lived on the water. Rivers and canals wind through the region, and locals grow up paddling boats and travelling by ferry. Get a taste of this unique culture by taking a sampan to explore small canals and mangrove forests. Women typically row sampans sitting while skillfully navigating the currents and twists of each waterway. You also can explore the area very well by bicycle riding on narrow roads along small side canals. Many of the small shady canals, which branch off from the larger river arms, are hard to spot, because they are overgrown by lush greenery.
Mekong Delta Cruises
My Tho river or Tien river is the meeting point of the river tributaries of Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre. This town has many domestic and international cruises for tourists who are passionate about exploring nature and the majestic Mekong river. Mekong excursions can last for the day, overnight, or even cross-country between Vietnam and Cambodia and Laos. With the advantage of the mighty Mekong river, more and more tourists choose My Tho as the place to start the trip of a lifetime - the Mekong Delta expedition.
4 Stunning islets (Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix)
What makes a trip to My Tho worthwhile is not the town but the beautiful islands dotting the river. The 4 islets (Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix) are dedicated to agriculture, especially the growing of tropical fruits, which are shipped to markets in HCMC.
Vinh Trang pagoda
My Tho is a prominently Buddhist community and that's reflected in their temples with hot-spots like the Vinh Trang Pagoda and the Yin Buddhist Temple.
Getting here and around
As a central town of Tien Giang, My Tho is getting easier for everyone to get there and get around. It also means that traveling to the town won’t take much sweat, especially when you get here by public bus, car via the highway. We will break this down in detail, so check the information below to choose your best vehicle option.
Air travel: Currently, there aren’t any direct flights to Vinh Long. The nearest one is Tan Son Nhat intl airport and Tra Noc intl (Can Tho) airport.
Bus travel: From Ho Chi Minh city to My Tho. The best bus company for getting from Saigon to My Tho is the Futa Bus Lines company. You can catch a bus from the Western bus station (address: 395 Kinh Duong Vuong, An Lac Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City) with the time to travel to My Tho is 2 hours, to buy tickets or contact system of specialized vehicles running Saigon – My Tho route such as: Phuong Trang (futa bus lines), add in Saigon: 272 De Tham, District 1. Tel: (08) 38375570. Once you’ve arrived at the My Tho Bus Station, take a taxi to your My Tho accommodation. Or, if taking the Futa bus line, take the complimentary transportation van which goes to certain areas in 10 km distance. For your return trip, you can pre-book your tickets or have your accommodation help reserve the tickets for you.
Bus travel: From Can Tho to My Tho. Take the public bus as Futa bus line or Thanh Buoi bus line. Super easy to have a ticket. These buses are great and new and AC and depart from Can Tho to HCMC every 15 minutes. On the way, you just tell the driver to drop you off in My Tho. The bus ticket is about 120,000 VND.
Boat travel: Not a public boat yet.
Speed Boat travel: The speed boat from HCMC to My Tho is available as requested. It is costly because there is no group/public speed boat. You may pay for the charter speed boat.
Speed Boat travel: From Can Tho to My Tho. Not yet
Cruises: There are many overnight cruises from My Tho. My Tho (Tien) river is the meeting point of the river tributaries of the Mekong river. This town has many cruises for tourists who are passionate about exploring nature and the majestic Mekong river. Mekong excursions can last for the day, overnight, or even cross-country between Vietnam and Cambodia and Laos. With the advantage of the mighty Mekong river, more and more tourists choose My Tho as the place to start the trip of a lifetime - the Mekong Delta expedition.
Train travel: Not reopen yet.
Bicycle and motorcycle travel: While it’s possible to rent a motorbike to explore the delta, My Tho and the wonderful 4 islets, most visitors choose to utilize the free bicycles offered by most resorts and homestays. The roads are bumpy and occasionally muddy but the distances are relatively short. You’ll notice that many of the locals opt to travel by bike as well so you’ll be in good company. From HCMC you can find “Thanh Lam motorbike rental shop: Address at No.17C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, contact: 0902 840 361” or “Style Motorbikes motorbike rental shop: Address at No.42/24 Tran Dinh Xu Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, contact: 0915.139.796” and “Dragon Bikes motorbike rental shop: Address at No.182/5A De Tham Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, District 1, contact: 0909 283 280.
Ferry travel: Not yet.
Best time to Visit My Tho
My Tho welcomes you in any season all year round, each of which will certainly offer you specifically different types of pleasure and satisfaction. However, the best time to visit My Tho is from September to March. The weather is cool and pretty comfortable, so you can join any activity that you like.
Floating season (September – December): It is the best time to visit My Tho and the Mekong Delta region in general. You can go fishing in our traditional wooden boats, discover pristine nature and spend time in some orchards.
Rainy season (May – October): It is not a bad choice when traveling to My Tho during rainy seasons since the rains are short and will not affect your trip.
Dry season (January – April): It is hot and dry during this time, however, it is harvesting time here and you can enjoy fruit picking activities with the locals.
My Tho Tourist Attractions
4 Stunning islets (Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix)
Thoi Son islet or Unicorn islet is the largest of the four islands, with a total area of about 660ha and over 1,000 households, including more than 6,000 residents, of which more than 90% are engaged in agriculture. Many of the organized tours out of Ho Chi Minh City stop here for lunch and fruit sampling. Narrow canals allow boats to weave through its interior; gliding along these slender waterways, overhung by handsome water-palm fronds that interlock to form a cathedral-like roof, it’s easy to feel you’re charting new territory. Swooping, electric-blue kingfishers and sumptuously coloured butterflies add to the romance. Local tours do not always include lunch in the price, but all tours will stop somewhere you can get refreshment. Nowadays the tourism of the island is blooming, so that the locals can do some tourism service business and offer homestays or pubs to serve local foods or sell tropical fruits from the orchards.
Con Phung islet or Phoenix Islet is famed as the home of an offbeat religious sect set up three decades ago by the eccentric Coconut Monk, Ong Dao Dua, although there’s not much left to see from his era, and only the skeleton of the open-air complex he established remains. Amid its mesh of rusting staircases and platforms, you’ll spot the rocket-shaped elevator the monk had built to whisk him up to his private meditation platform. Elsewhere are nine dragon-entwined pillars, said to symbolize the Mekong’s nine tributaries and betraying a Cao Dai influence. The Coconut Monk’s story is told (in Vietnamese) on a magnificent urn, which he is said to have crafted himself out of shards of porcelain from France, Japan and China.
Tan Long islet or Dragon Islet. Beyond its chaotic shoreline of stilt houses and boatyards, Tan Long (Dragon Islet), the least frequently visited island, boasts bounteous sapodilla, coconut and banana plantations, as well as highly regarded longan orchards. As with the other islands, Tan Long is sparsely inhabited, by small communities of farmers and boat-builders.
Con Qui islet or Turtle Islet is the newest of the group, having been formed by sediment in the river then stabilized by planting mangroves, and is overflowing with longans, dragon fruit, mango, papaya, pineapple and jackfruit. There is a small, family-run coconut candy factory, just opposite here along the Ben Tre coastline, where you can watch the coconut being pressed and the extracted juice being mixed with sugar and heated, then dried and cut into bite-size pieces. You can buy a box to take home… Read more info & pictures
Vinh Trang Pagoda
Vinh Trang Pagoda was constructed in 1849 and has been the biggest Buddha pagoda in Tien Giang province, the most popular among My Tho tourist attractions. With a total area of 2,000m2, the pagoda combines all the specialities of Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer, and European styles in its architecture. In the yard, it features three huge Buddha statues, which are the standing Buddha, the Laughing Buddha, and the reclining Buddha. This fine mixed structure includes five buildings, two ornamental and 178 pillars adorned with impressive woodworks and sculptures, for instance, the set of eighteen Arhant made by several artists. Besides the impressive Buddha statues inside and outside of the pagoda, the gardens around the temple are gorgeous. Filled with bright flowers, bonsai, and lotus lakes, they boast a pleasant view and a sense of harmony with nature for this peaceful place. If you are a Buddhist or finding a truly relaxing experience to marvel at the splendid constructions, then visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda is your best thing to do in My Tho. On visiting the pagoda, you can take your time to walk around, get yourself some fresh air, take some photos of its marvellous structure, and pray for luck and happiness. It may not be the most dynamic activity but the one that allows you to recharge your mind after days of living in the bustling city. Top Tip: Add: on 60a Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ward 8; Open time: 9-11.30am & 1.30-5pm every day. No entrance fee… Read more info & pictures
My Tho Sampan Ride in Small Canals
Book My Tho Daily Tours:
My Tho Boat Tour & hand rowing sampan (with lunch)
My Tho Tour & Small Coconut Canals (no lunch)
My Tho Tour From Ho Chi Minh 1 Day (full day)
My Tho Tour From Can Tho 1 Day (full day)
My Tho tour from HCMC to CanTho 1 day
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com
My Tho hand-rowing sampan (small boat) is one of the authentic and traditional boats that the Mekong peoples used to have for the markets, floating markets, traveling around, loading goods and even for the wedding.
Sampan in My Tho can accommodate about 4 adults with the small size, and 8 adults with the bigger one… Read more info & pictures
Coconut Candy Traditional Village in My Tho
If you plan to visit Mekong Delta, coconut candy village and boat trip in small canals is also one of the most highlight things to do, see, eat and shop in Cai Be, Ben Tre, My Tho, Vinh Long.
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: One hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes, traditional candy, cakes, tea, coconut wine…
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes, boat, car, coach
Blog: /travel-guide-to-coconut-candy-village-small-canal-ben-tre-cai-be-vinh-long-my-tho/
Address: If you travel from Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit Cai Be coconut-processing village (112km). If you travel from Can Tho City, you can visit Vinh Long coconut-processing village (40km). If you travel from Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit Ben Tre coconut-processing village (90km). If you travel from Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit My Tho coconut-processing village (75km).
Added values: If you visit Ben Tre, Cai Be, My Tho, Vinh Long, don’t leave without trying the coconut candy. Good luck and bon appétit! And any traveller passing through the area should certainly not pass up the chance to witness its fascinating manufacturing process.
Vietnamese coconut candy is one of the most popular candies in Vietnam with its sweetness of sugar, as well as the fragrance and natural fatty taste of coconut. This is also an ideal souvenir for tourists traveling to Vietnam. According to the residents, Vietnam coconut candy first appeared in Mo Cay District, Ben Tre province of Mekong Delta in the 1930s. Initially known as Mo Cay candy, it was a homemade treat served to guests during festive seasons or the Tet holiday. Since 1970 it has become more well-known and been produced on a larger scale. Because of this, the specialty has gained popularity and become a staple in Ben Tre, My Tho Cai Be, Vinh Long visitors’ gift baskets.
Mekong Delta’s Coconut candy-making process. Coconut candy is relatively simple to make with widely available ingredients. Candy makers’ keen eyes ensure each component is of the highest quality. The three main ingredients are malt syrup, sugar, and coconut… Read more info & pictures
My Tho Boat Tour on the Mekong River
As a part of the Mekong Delta, My Tho, like other cities in the area, features idyllic river scenes that can be watched from a boat. The city is also next to the Mekong River; thus fostering the culture and lifestyle connected with it. Therefore, during the boat trip, you can admire evergreen plants and the airy atmosphere, and see the locals living with natural factors in harmony. That's why it is one of the best things to do in My Tho. Usually, a My Tho boat will take you from the local pier to four islands of the river: Long, Lan, Quy, Phung, representing the dragon, the unicorn, the turtle, and the Phoenix. Here, you can explore the cottage industry and tropical fruit orchards.
My Tho Cycling Tour
This is a favourite thing to do in My Tho, Mekong Delta. While biking or driving a scooter only induces panic and stress in Vietnam’s big cities, the bicycle is actually enjoyable in Vietnam’s small towns. Be sure to pin your hotel or homestay’s location on your map when you embark on your journey: there are a lot of twists and turns to these roads that could get you confused.
If you take a ferry to another island, don’t be worried if your Google Maps feature just shows a block of green, without mapping any actual roads. Just learn or write down the phrase “Phà ở đâu?” (Where is the ferry?) Show someone this and give them the name and address of your accommodation; that will probably get you where you need to be.
Dong Tam snake farm
Located 12 km from My Tho city centre, Dong Tam snake farm is the best place for those who want to gain more information about snakes. This is considered as the first museum of snakes in Vietnam. This farm has a big collection of not only 400 different kinds of snakes but also some other animals like bears, crocodiles and turtles as well. Visitors will have a chance to learn how people take the venom from snakes which will be served for medicine and other uses. Moreover, travelers are also provided with information on the history of the farm, as well as how to cure snakebites for survival skills. Top Tip: The open time is from 7 am to 5 pm, and the entrance fee is 30,000 VND per adult, 20,000 VND per child (from 6 to 12). Those under 6 can visit for free… Read more info & pictures
My Tho horse carriage
Coming to Thoi Son islet, you cannot miss the experience of sitting on a leisurely horse carriage ride on the winding roads. In the early years of the twentieth century, horse carriage was a popular means of transport in the South. Many documents recorded Saigon – Gia Dinh and some provinces such as Can Tho, Go Cong, My Tho, Ben Tre as the places where horse carriages were the most popular. Sitting on the carriage, you can enjoy the fresh air, seeing the peaceful countryside, while admiring the beauty of the gardens and local lives.
My Tho FarmStay
My Tho Fruit Garden
My Tho Tours and Free itineraries
As a local travel expert in My Tho, here is some options for your My Tho discovery:
Itinerary 1: My Tho Excursion from My Tho city center (full day)
Itinerary 2: My Tho Tour from HCMC 1 Day (full day)
Itinerary 3: Cu Chi Tunnel & My Tho Tour from HCMC 1 Day (full day)
Itinerary 4: My Tho Tour from Can Tho 1 Day (full day)
Itinerary 5: My Tho Ben Tre Homestay Tour from HCMC 2 Day (2 days, 1 night in Ben Tre)
Itinerary 6: My Tho & Can Tho Tour from HCMC (2 days, 1 night in Can Tho)
Book My Tho Daily Tours:
My Tho Boat Tour & hand rowing sampan (with lunch)
My Tho Tour & Small Coconut Canals (no lunch)
My Tho Tour From Ho Chi Minh 1 Day (full day)
My Tho Tour From Can Tho 1 Day (full day)
My Tho tour from HCMC to CanTho 1 day
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com
If you do not have much time left, it is easy to check out spots in one full day by boat or with bike or with motorbike and car. But there are much more than tourist sites like these in My Tho. Make sure you have more time to feel and explore more about the hidden gems and the culture, food, night life, wildlife and forest as well. Top tip: Stay in a homestay nearby, so you have more chances to visit it and surroundings. If you are looking for the package My Tho day tour with local, you can contact www.vemekong.com or Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559; email: hello@vemekong.com
My Tho Homestays and Hotels
Mekong My Tho hotel
Address: 1A Tet Mau Than street, Ward 4, My Tho.
Located in the convenient place in My Tho, Mekong My Tho is a good hotel for your trip to this beautiful land. From here, you can easily explore the beauty of My Tho from all corners. With a good location, you can easily access famous places in My Tho.
The Island Lodge Thoi Son
Address: 390 Ap Thoi Binh, Thoi Son, My Tho
Located in My Tho, The Island Lodge Thoi Son is a wonderful place to enjoy the beautiful city of My Tho and surroundings. It is about 10km from the city center, you will have a great stay to enjoy all the famous places and activities here.
Chuong Duong hotel
Address: 10, Road 30/4, My Tho
Located on an ideal place – center of My Tho, the hotel is designed for both traveling and business purposes. From this hotel, you can easily visit the bustling features of the city from every corner. As a paradise for leisure, the hotel will bring a complete change compared to other places in the city.
Happy Farm Tien Giang Homestay: No. 35, Bac Xe hamlet, Thanh Phu commune, Huyen Chau Chau, Tien Giang. Room price: $ 23 / night.
Song Tien Hotel: No. 101 Trung Trac, Ward 1, My Tho, Tien Giang. Room price: $ 21 / night
Minh Kieu Hotel: No. 2 Thu Khoa Huan, Ward 1, My Tho, Tien Giang. Room price: $ 13 / night.
Rang Dong Hotel: No. 40 Le Thi Hong Gam, Ward 6, My Tho , Tien Giang. Room price: 11 $ / night.
My Tho Markets, Shopping and Souvenirs
My Tho Market
Ticket:Free
Spend-time: One hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – Dusk
Food:Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: /my-tho-market/
Address:Nguyen Hue Street, Ward 1, My Tho City, Tien Giang.
Added values:
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from My Tho Market? Or maybe you found it too long a drive here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Phoenix Islet (12 km), Dong Tam snake farm (9 km), Dieu Hoa Temple (8 minutes), My Tho Cathedral (11 minutes), Vinh Trang Pagoda (5 minutes)… Read more info & pictures
My Tho Night Market
My Tho Food and Drink
My Tho coconut candy
Elephant Ear Fish (fried giant gourami)
The guests will be served a crispy and beautifully fried Elephant Ear Fish (Gourami), displayed majestically on wooden holders. A server helped us take the meat from the body, which we rolled into fresh spring rolls and enjoyed with the traditional fish-sauce-and-chilli combo.
Cay Bo De Restaurant (Vegetarian foods)
Here vegetarians can try a completely meat-free version of My Tho's vermicelli-noodle soup speciality, hu tieu My Tho. It's garnished with fresh herbs and served with a broth made from vegetarian stock. It's on a street with places serving meat versions of the dish and a few other vegetarian restaurants. Address: 24 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, hours: 8am-9pm, price: 15,000-24,000d
Banh Xeo 46 Restaurant (pancake)
Add: 11 Trung Trac Street, My Tho
Duyen Restaurant
Add: 18 Thu Khoa Huan Street, My Tho
Hu Tieu My Tho
The famous dish has a naturally sweet broth, soft noodles served with fresh vegetables and bean sprouts to make the flavor become stronger. The special thing to make the unique flavor for this special food is the ingredients that are only available in this province. Pig organs, bones or seafood are the main materials to be put into the bow. The fresh local vegetables and bean sprouts are added along with fried onion and pepper. All the essence of the food converged in the bowl of delicious noodles. It is incredible with the smell of spicy food. This dish is a must for those who ever come to visit Tien Giang. You can find hu tieu My Tho behind Nguyen Dinh Chieu school or heading to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, you can smell the taste hu tieu sa te. The local Hu Tieu 44 Restaurant on 44 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, phone: 0273-388 3044, hours: 8am-9pm, price: 25,000d… Read more info & pictures
My Tho rooftop bar & restaurant (Mekong Hotel)
If you want to enjoy food & drink in a nice place with a beautiful view, a rooftop cafe is an option for you. From the rooftop of Mekong Hotel, you can have a panorama view of both the city and river. You can walk down the street in the city in the evening to enjoy the atmosphere of this city.
Fried Sticky Rice
Find them: My Tho city.
Best time: Dusk-Dawn
Don’t miss: Fried Sticky Rice
Local’s pick: Fried Sticky Rice small restaurant
Tourist’s pick: Restaurant in My Tho
Blog: /fried-sticky-rice-my-tho/
Facts: With fried sticky rice, eat not only to be full, but to feel the work of the cook. Fried sticky rice is therefore not merely a dish, but a work of art.
As a sweet dish, fried sticky rice is then cut into small pieces, served with roasted chicken, fried chicken wings or grilled meat. Want to be less bored, diners can eat with cucumber or herbs. As many people have had the opportunity to stand next to the pan to watch fried sticky rice “just looking at it makes me want to try a piece”… Read more info & pictures
Grilled Snakehead Fish
This is a specialty dish of the South of Vietnam in general, and in Tien Giang in particular, with the outstanding taste of the food coming from special ingredients and unique method of cooking. The fish must be grilled evenly to be delicious, and is served with girdle cakes, fresh vegetables, rice vermicelli and cucumber. The sauce for this dish is also very simple with only salt mixed with chili and pepper or fish sauce mixed with chopped star fruit, lemon juice, sugar and chili.
Chuong Dong Restaurant
The Vietnamese seafood-focused dishes (ginger clams, fried fish, crab congee, shrimp cakes, spicy sea snails) at this busy restaurant are all good, with some passable Western dishes too, though what most people come for are the views across the river. Groups also come to be merry and sing, which is not so great for the attached hotel's guests. Address: 10, of 30 Thang 4 street, phone: 0273-388 2352, hours: 7am-11pm, price: 50,000-820,000d.
My Tho Hidden Gems
Dieu Hoa Temple
The Dieu Hoa temple has been a must-see destination due to its unique architecture and several cultural plus historical values. You may find the place quite tranquil and holy once getting here. Built-in 1913, the temple features design and decoration inspired by Buddhism, Confucianism, and the ancient Vietnamese style. Instead of the conventional style, it is built in the unique shape of a cross with many impressive artworks. Each artwork shows an aspect of Vietnamese culture. Besides, most tangible and intangible heritages of Tien Giang Province like paintings, sculptures, bao lam, bronze collection, bronze peaks, collections of worshiping weapons, and Chinese ceramic antiquities are displayed inside the temple. Therefore, you can learn more about history. Usually, it is recommended that you visit the temple with local friends to be well explained about the history and culture. Dieu Hoa Temple opens from 7 am to 6 pm every day. The temple lies right in the centre of My Tho, hence many kinds of vehicles are offered to bring you there. The entrance is free … Read more info & pictures
My Tho Cathedral
My Tho Cathedral is the third cathedral built by the My Tho family. The church is a great Western European-style architectural feat, with a height of 24 meters, a length of 53 meters, a width of more than 17 meters, the main chamber, and two side rooms. The dome is decorated with a variety of magnificent designs and motifs, and the building's fundamental structure is constructed in the shape of round pillars to support it. Coming here, you can take a walk around, get yourself some fresh air, plus pray for luck and happiness. As the cathedral was well designed, you can take some great photos for your travel collection. This modest church lies at no.32, Hung Vuong St., Ward 7, My Tho, My Tho Cathedral opens from 5.15 am to 5.45 pm every day, so you can drop by during the time to visit and attend the rituals … Read more info & pictures
Buu Lam Pagoda
Buu Lam is a historic pagoda situated in Ward 3 of the city and one of the well-known My Tho tourist attractions. The pagoda stands in the heart of the greenery, and it was constructed in 1803 with a foreign interior style on a 987 m2 area. Despite having been restored several times over more than 200 years, it still has its original architectural features and is divided into three sections: front, central chamber, and behind. When tourists enter the Central Chamber, they will find three skillfully carved dragon columns, five sets of Buu Lam, and numerous horizontal lacquered boards and red-lacquered parallel words trimmed in gold. The painting of ten dragons fighting for a pearl, as well as the painting of a peony blossom and a pheasant, are the most notable features. If you are into Vietnamese history and culture, you should spend some time visiting the pagoda. As it lies right in the city centre, travelling is not a problem. The open hour is from 6 am to 9 pm every day … Read more info & pictures
Lac Hong Park
Lac Hong Park is a beautiful small park, located along the Tien River, and the local’s favourite place for a walk, outdoor exercise, or having coffee while enjoying the evening breeze. After your day of travelling, you can drop by the park to relax and enjoy the peaceful daily life of the city. Sometimes, it is not visiting famous attractions but blending yourself in with the local life that is fascinating when you get to a new place. Besides, at the entrance of the park, there is a horizontal veranda, a statue of a patriotic insurgent leader, Nguyen Huu Huan. He is a heroic general who fought against the foreign invaders from the 19th century under the Nguyen Dynasty. Coming here with local friends, you can get to know more about this figure. Lac Hong Park lies on 30-4 street, ward 1, and is open for free all day round … Read more info & pictures
My Tho History and Culture
My Tho History
When the Qing Dynasty made the entire Vietnam become its colony, Chinese refugees from Taiwan established My Tho. Thus, although the Chinese have virtually all gone, travelers can still find Chinese features existing in some architecture in My Tho.
In the 17th century, My Tho was considered as the traditional gateway to the economic hub in the Mekong Delta. In1860s, when Vietnam was in French colonization, My Tho was more and more prosperous and popular, attracting a large number of migrants from Teochew and Minnan. At one point, a train route established a direct connection between HCMC and My Tho. Opened in 1885, the route was the first railway established in Vietnam. Unfortunately, during the 1960s, the railway was destroyed and never reestablished. After 300 years of establishment and development, My Tho is recognized as the first-grade urban area in the Mekong Delta in 2015. Travelers can also know more about My Tho in the past through the chapter “The Lesson” in the memoir “In Pharaoh’s Army: Memories of the Lost War” written by Tobias Wolff.
Don Ca Tai Tu folk music
The people of the Mekong Delta are known for their love of music. Don Ca Tai Tu, a Vietnamese style of folk opera originally from the Mekong Delta, is a mix of ballads and theatre accompanied by a musician playing a zither or, in modern renditions, a guitar. The amusing storylines are often set in Vietnam’s countryside and can be lighthearted, sorrowful, or both. Regardless of language barriers, it’s easy to enjoy Don Ca Tai Tu, thanks to expressive acting and melodious singing. My Tho gardens and homestays and Thoi Son Islet are some of the places that perform Don Ca Tai Tu music throughout the day and at dinner time.
My Tho Nightlife
My Tho Festivals, Sports and Outdoor Activities
My Tho Health and Safety
Dos and Don’ts for Your Trip to My Tho
Practical tips: Ways to save, Internet, Water, Learn a little Vietnamese and pro Tips
Ways to save:
Stay somewhere with free breakfast. Many budget hotels offer free breakfast to guests.
Eat street food. Food stalls are cheap and plentiful and are a great place to try regional specialities.
Travel by bicycle/motorbike. These two-wheeled bikes are among the cheapest ways to get around Can Tho and Mekong Delta region.
Stick to free attractions. If you’re really tight for cash, attractions such as markets cost nothing.
Can Tho group tours. If you want to see and learn as much as possible with your limited time.
Internet:
Free Wi-Fi can be found everywhere from hotels to coffee shops. If you are from the EU you should be able to use your own data plan too. Or contact the hotel for the sim card.
Water:
Tap water is supposed to be safe but I advise against drinking it. It’s just not worth the risk. My advice is to use bottled water and save yourself from unexpected stomach problems.
Learn a little Vietnamese:
Sure, you can get by with just speaking English, but trying to speak the local language opens you up to much more polite & meaningful interactions with people. Even if you are not perfect or you make a mistake, your effort is appreciated. At a bare minimum: Hello = xin chao (sin chow), yes = dạ vâng, no = không (khom), thank you = cám ơn (kahm uhn), I’m sorry = tôi xin lỗi (toy sin loy), no problem/you’re welcome = không có gì (khong koh zi), goodbye = tạm biệt (tarm byeet), I’m vegetarian = tôi ăn chay (toy an chayh), How much? = bao nhiêu? (baow nyew), spicy/hot (cay), Oh My God (ôi..choy...oi…).
Pro Tips:
You can stay in a homestay which is near the Mekong riverside, this will help you out. Then you can hire a scooter, car or bike and explore it by yourself.
If you plan to extend your travel to My Tho homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.
Visit My Tho or do any customized tours, please choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets and. Safety is a priority! Choose My Tho responsible tours which help you give back while traveling. It’s a cliché, but it’s true.
My Tho food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make My Tho cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Hu Tieu My Tho (a kind of noodle soup but it is really yummy), elephant ear fish, Snakehead Fish Rice Porridge, snake wine, coconut candy, Fried Sticky Rice...
Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.
Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to My Tho in the rainy season, as My Tho always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.
My Tho tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Coconut Candy Traditional Village & Small Canals, mighty Mekong river cruise, educational tour and community tour in My Tho, My Tho homestay 2D1N, My Tho Cycling Tours, Dong Tam Snake Farm, Vinh Trang Pagoda, 4 Stunning islets (Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix), My Tho Market, My Tho Cathedral, Buu Lam Pagoda, Dieu Hoa Temple.
Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in My Tho, Tien Giang province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!
“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.
Thank you
