Excursions to the Mekong Delta typically depart from either Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) or My Tho. If you’re on a tour from HCMC, you’ll likely stop in My Tho to visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda before embarking on a boat ride on the winding waterways of the Mekong. Tours typically stop at several islands, each of which is associated with a different product; delicacies that you’re likely to sample include dragon fruit, honey, and coconut.
From Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho is a 1-hour drive; nearly all day trips include convenient round-trip transfers from your hotel, which saves you the hassle of navigation. Otherwise, you can take a public bus from the Mien Tay bus station.
In order to avoid the worst of southern Vietnam’s monsoons, head to My Tho between December and April, when you’re least likely to get caught in a rainstorm.