3-Day Mekong Delta Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Mekong Delta tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaMekong Delta travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Mekong Delta, incl. Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh

  The route spans 7 cities across Vietnam and Cambodia. First day connects My Tho to Can Tho via Ben Tre. Second day covers Cai Rang floating market to Chau Doc. Final day includes 5-hour speedboat journey to Phnom Penh via Song Tien Border.

  

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  • Day 1

    Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho

    Leave your Ho Chi Minh City hotel at 8 AM for a 2-hour drive to My Tho. Start at Vinh Trang Pagoda before taking a boat to see stilt houses and fruit plantations. Stop for lunch at Tortoise Islet. Next up is Ben Tre's An Khanh area where you'll take a sampan ride under water coconut trees. You'll want mosquito repellent and light clothing since the delta gets hot and humid. Once in Can Tho check into your hotel and visit the night market if you're up for it.

    
  • Day 2

    Can Tho to Chau Doc

    Get an early start to see Cai Rang floating market before 7 AM when it's most active. You'll see local vendors calling out and selling their goods between boats. As one visitor mentioned: "Getting in and out of the boats was often difficult but we always had help." After the market watch how Vietnamese vermicelli soup is made and try walking across a "monkey bridge" made from bamboo. In the afternoon take a small boat through Tra Su Sanctuary near Chau Doc to spot water birds. If time permits go up Sam Mountain to catch the sunset before heading to your Chau Doc hotel.

    
  • Day 3

    Chau Doc to Phnom Penh

    Start at 7 AM for your border crossing into Cambodia. The express boat takes about 5 hours and gets to Phnom Penh around 12:30-1:00 PM. Remember you'll need to get your Cambodia visa at the border since e-visas don't work for water entry. Bring USD cash for the visa and extra for border costs. The boat seats are basic wooden benches so bringing a cushion is a good idea as suggested by previous travelers.

    

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• 3 Days in Mekong Delta, incl. Can Tho and Chau Doc

  Mekong Delta highlights include Cai Be, Can Tho, and Chau Doc. Visitors explore 6 major sites including Tra Su Forest and Go Thap archaeological area. Package includes 2 nights' accommodation and all meals for around $200.

  

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  • Day 1

    Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho via Cai Be

    Your hotel pickup starts at 7:30 AM to avoid Ho Chi Minh City's morning traffic. You'll drive about 2.5 hours to Cai Be. Take a small boat on the Tien River to explore the waterways. Visit the fruit orchards in the morning when it's cooler and vendors are busy. Make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen since the delta sun is strong even in winter. Money tip: Bring small Vietnamese dong bills when visiting the family coconut candy workshops. The prices are better than city shops and you'll be helping local families directly.

    
  • Day 2

    Can Tho to Chau Doc

    Wake up at 5:30 AM to reach Cai Rang Floating Market by 6:00 AM. This is when the market is busiest - it usually finishes around 9 AM as temperatures rise. Visit Munir Ansay Pagoda next but remember to dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. The trip to Tra Su Forest takes about 2 hours. Plan to arrive around 4 PM for good lighting and fewer mosquitos. Bring insect repellent anyway. The mangrove boat ride is relaxing but you might get splashed so protect your camera with a waterproof bag.

    
  • Day 3

    Chau Doc to Ho Chi Minh City

    Get up early to see the floating villages before it gets hot. Include a stop at the Cham Village - as one visitor said: "Watching the traditional silk weaving techniques and learning about the Muslim Cham community was a highlight of our delta experience." For Hang Temple on Sam Mountain wear good shoes. The path can be slippery especially during rainy season from May to October. The return drive to Ho Chi Minh City is about 6 hours. Leave in the morning to avoid evening traffic from 4-7 PM. Pack some snacks and water for the journey.

    

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• 3 Day Mekong Delta Itinerary, incl. Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh

  The route covers 5 cities across 2 countries, starting at My Tho's Vinh Trang pagoda, followed by Can Tho's Cai Rang floating market, and Chau Doc's Tra Su Forest. Guests stay at Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel and Chau Pho Hotel before reaching Phnom Penh via speedboat.

  

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  • Day 1

    Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho

    Leave Ho Chi Minh City early for a 1.5-hour drive to My Tho on Highway 1. You'll pass through scenic rice paddies before arriving at Vinh Trang pagoda. Take a motorboat through Bao Dinh canal and spend the morning island-hopping to see local cottage industries. Bring light layers since the boat rides can get breezy. After lunch you'll enjoy a 30-minute bike tour through village paths. The bikes are provided but check the brakes before you start. Your day ends with a peaceful sampan ride under water coconut trees to Can Tho where you'll spend the night.

    
  • Day 2

    Can Tho to Chau Doc

    Get up early at 5:30 AM to see Cai Rang floating market in full swing. One visitor shared: "Watching the morning market boats trading fresh produce was fascinating - bring your camera but keep it protected from water spray." You'll explore small canals and see how rice noodles are made before heading to Chau Doc. In the afternoon visit Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and glide through forest waterways to spot storks and cranes. Remember to apply mosquito repellent and pack binoculars if you have them.

    
  • Day 3

    Chau Doc to Phnom Penh

    The morning speedboat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh takes about 5 hours including immigration stops. Bring your Cambodia visa payment in US dollars to speed up the border crossing. You'll arrive at Sisowath tourist dock around 2 PM. A recent traveler noted: "The border crossing was straightforward with a guide helping, much easier than doing it alone."

    

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