Mekong River Tour from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A Mekong River Tour from Ho Chi Minh City offers boat rides, floating markets, traditional crafts, and local cuisine, showcasing the vibrant culture and beauty of the delta. 1024
Coconut Candy Making Place: Ben Tre or nearby Thoi Son Island (Cồn Thới Sơn), part of the My Tho area
Boat Canal Area for the Boat Ride: In Cù lao Thới Sơn Island.
Date Picture Taken: November, 2024
I joined a Mekong River Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City, which included a two-hour minibus ride to the river. While I don’t recall the exact port used for the boat ride, it was near the My Tho area.
The Mekong River
The boat stopped at an island in the middle of the river, likely Cù Lao Thới Sơn. From the dock, we walked a short distance to a restaurant that had a few beekeeping racks.
The place served tea, and if you liked it, you could purchase some to take home.
Next, on the same island, we visited a place where various candies were made from coconuts.
Another spot we visited on the island was a café where they served a different type of tea, and singers performed songs for us in exchange for tips.
After the café, we took a short boat ride through narrow waterways lined with lush plants on both sides. At the end of the ride, they requested a tip.
The trip was one-way, with the boat driver returning to the starting point after dropping off passengers at the end to pick up the next group.
We passed through another restaurant on the way to where we ate our lunch.
After lunch, we boarded the boat and returned to the other side of the river where our journey had begun.
On this side of the river, we visited the Vinh Trang Pagoda.
The site featured a giant Laughing Buddha, the largest I had ever seen.
Vinh Trang Pagoda, located near My Tho in the Mekong Delta, is a historic Buddhist temple known for its unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, and European architectural styles. Built in the mid-19th century, the pagoda features expansive gardens, intricate carvings, and impressive statues.
The main temple structure is adorned with elaborate wood carvings, colorful mosaics, and decorative arches, showcasing a mix of cultural influences.
The temple is famous for its massive statues, including a Laughing Buddha, a Reclining Buddha, and a majestic Standing Buddha, symbolizing joy, peace, and compassion.
