Vinh Trang Pagoda
An old pagoda in My Tho whose façade blends Asian and European styles with carvings and ceramic mosaics. The grounds have large outdoor Buddha statues.
Thoi Son Islet
A large island in the Tien River opposite My Tho, with fruit orchards, water-coconut canals and traditional music. Reached by boat from My Tho tourist pier, usually with a sampan ride and horse cart.
Phung Islet
An islet on the Ben Tre side linked to the Coconut Religion of Nguyen Thanh Nam. You can have lunch, watch coconut candy being made and see the remaining Coconut Religion structures.
My Tho Market
The central market near the river, selling fruit, dried seafood and Mekong specialities. Try My Tho hu tieu noodles at the nearby stalls.
Rach Mieu Bridge
A cable-stayed bridge linking My Tho and Ben Tre over the Tien River and Thoi Son islet, with a panoramic view of the river and islands.
Cai Be Floating Market
A market on the Tien River at Cai Be, about 40 km from My Tho, trading farm produce. It is smaller than before, so go very early and combine it with nearby islets.
My Long rice paper village
Handmade rice paper kilns in Giong Trom (former Ben Tre), famous for coconut rice paper. Watch the paper being made and dried and buy at the kiln.
Ben Tre coconut candy workshops
Many workshops show how coconut candy is cooked, rolled and wrapped. A popular place to buy gifts on islet tours.
Lan Vuong eco-tourism area
An eco-tourism site in Ben Tre with coconut gardens, folk games and orchard activities. Good for families.
Dong Tam Snake Farm
A military-run snake and animal farm in Chau Thanh (former Tien Giang), with an exhibition and small zoo. On the road from My Tho back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
A reserve in Ba Tri, former Ben Tre, home to many storks and water birds. Arrive late in the afternoon to see the birds return to roost.
Map of the places
Request pickup or drop-off near the places listed in this guide. Staff confirm the accessible meeting point, travel date, vehicle and quote before booking.
Choose a place from the list to view its location on Google Maps. Use the Directions link on each place card to plan your journey.
Where to stay
We do not take commission from hotels. Room rates change with the season – please check directly.
Good to know
- Take the boat to the islets in the morning to avoid the harsh midday sun in the canals.
- Check whether the boat package includes the sampan, horse cart, fruit and music.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen; the small sampans have no roof.
- Coconut candy and rice crackers bought at the workshop are usually fresher than those at the pier.
- To see Cai Be floating market, be there before 7 am; the market is smaller than it used to be.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit My Tho – Ben Tre in one day?
Yes. Leave Ho Chi Minh City around 7 am, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, take the boat to the islets in the morning, have lunch there and return before the evening rush.
How much is the Phung islet ticket?
According to the site (updated December 2024), the gate ticket is 40,000 VND per adult and 20,000 VND for children 0.8–1.2 m tall; the boat from My Tho is extra.
Which provinces are My Tho and Ben Tre in now?
Since 1 July 2025 My Tho belongs to the new Dong Thap province (merged with former Tien Giang) and Ben Tre to the new Vinh Long province.
Should I choose Thoi Son or Phung islet?
Thoi Son is about orchards, sampan rides and traditional music; Phung islet adds the Coconut Religion relic. Many tours combine both in one session.
Real cars at the Car Rental Vietnam depot
Other destinations
Services and information for your trip
Choose a service: Car Rental with Driver.
Plan your journey: Tien Giang and Ben Tre Travel Guide.
Compare vehicles: 7-seat cars · 16-seat vans.