What are the typical itinerary highlights for the first day starting in Ho Chi Minh City?

The day begins with visits to the city's architectural landmarks including the Reunification Palace with its preserved 1960s rooms Notre Dame Cathedral and the colonial-era Saigon Central Post Office. A lunch break often takes place at the Liberty Central Riverside Hotel before moving to the vibrant streets of Cholon (Chinatown) where visitors explore the local market and ornate Thien Hau temple. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Our guide was excellent in introducing us to the city's history while visiting these landmarks making the experience truly memorable." The day concludes with check-in at select hotels such as the Alagon Saigon Hotel or The Myst Dong Khoi before the Mekong Delta portion begins the following day.

What's the best time of year to start a Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City?

December through February offers the most pleasant conditions for Mekong Delta tours with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C and clear skies. These conditions create comfortable settings for outdoor activities including visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels and floating markets. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We visited in January and had perfect weather for boat rides and cycling through villages making the experience much more enjoyable." While tours run year-round the summer season from May to September brings heat and rain leading operators to modify schedules around weather patterns.

What accommodation options are available in Ho Chi Minh City before starting the Mekong Delta tour?

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City range from budget-friendly to luxury properties. The Myst Dong Khoi stands out for upscale stays while the Alagon Saigon Hotel serves mid-range travelers and Queen Ann Hotel fits budget needs. As confirmed by a TourRadar traveler: "The Alagon Saigon Hotel was perfectly located in District 1 making it easy to explore the city before our delta tour began." The properties cluster in District 1 putting guests near attractions and tour meeting points.

What are the most popular starting points within Ho Chi Minh City for Mekong Delta tours?

Tour departures concentrate in three main zones: the tourist hub near Ben Thanh Market in District 1 the waterfront area by Bach Dang Wharf and the hotel district along Dong Khoi Street. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our pick-up point at Liberty Central Riverside Hotel was convenient and the guide helped us locate it easily." Most operators provide hotel pickup across Districts 1 3 and 5.

How long should I plan to stay in Ho Chi Minh City before starting the Mekong Delta tour?

A 1-2 day stay in Ho Chi Minh City helps travelers adjust to local time and explore key sites like the War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh Market. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Having two days in Ho Chi Minh City before our delta tour gave us perfect orientation to Vietnamese culture and helped us appreciate the contrast between city and rural life." Popular packages such as the "Impressive Ho Chi Minh City 6 Days 5 Nights" build in time for city exploration.

What's included in the first day's meals when departing from Ho Chi Minh City?

Tour packages typically cover lunch at established venues like Liberty Central Riverside Hotel or local restaurants near Ben Thanh Market. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our first lunch in Ho Chi Minh City included delicious pho and fresh spring rolls perfect preparation for the local cuisine we'd experience in the delta." When booking through tour operators breakfast comes included at partner hotels such as Alagon Saigon Hotel or The Myst Dong Khoi.

Mekong Delta Tours from Ho Chi Minh City

An adventure starting in Ho Chi Minh City is a great way to see Mekong Delta. We have 79 tours that range from 3 days up to 15 days. The most popular time for tours from Ho Chi Minh City is March, which has the most tour departures.

10 best Mekong Delta tours from Ho Chi Minh City

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In-depth Cultural
Mekong Delta from Saigon to Phnom Penh 3 days
4.3 (21 traveler reviews)
"It was the best way for us to travel along Mekong River Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. Food was very good on this tour and the hotels were ok."
Nadine, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Can Tho, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Bravo Indochina Tours
From
US$359per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
Mekong Delta Tour 3 Days 2 Nights - Express Boat to Cambodia
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"We absolutely LOVED our 3-day Mekong Delta Tour. What impressed me the most was how well-organised everything was."
Craig, traveled in December
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Can Tho, Chau Doc,Phnom Penh+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Asia Pacific Travel
From
US$330per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Romance of Vietnam In 12 Days - Private Tour
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"A lovely country, lovely people and a rewarding trip with many highlights."
Stephen, traveled in December
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hanoi, Mai Chau,Halong Bay+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Mekong DeltaHalong Bay+1 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Realistic Asia
From
US$1,812per person
+$350 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Bicycle
Cycling Saigon/hcmc to Phnom Penh 5 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Absolutely fantastic from start to finish, wonderful experience."
Michael, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Tra Vinh, Can Tho, Cao Lanh, Chau Doc,Phnom Penh+1 more
Age Range
Ages 14+
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vietnam By Bike
From
US$898per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Classic Vietnam
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"We had a great time due in no small part to the efficient organisation of the Intrepid team. Tourism is increasing in Vietnam and that makes us part of a problem we noticed; over tourism."
William, traveled in November
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi,Ninh Binh,Halong Bay+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Mekong DeltaHalong Bay+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $3,020
US$2,416per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Mekong Delta Discovery Tour from Saigon to My Tho, Ben Tre, Can Tho & Chau Doc
5.0 (16 traveler reviews)
"From the fruit orchards of My Tho and the quiet canals in Ben Tre to the buzzing floating market in Can Tho, each day brought new discoveries."
Victor, traveled in May
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, My Tho, Cai Rang, Chau Doc
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
VietLong Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,299per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Motorcycle Ride
Best Vietnam Motorcycle Tour Deep Into Mekong Delta
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"This Mekong Delta trip was absolutely banging !! From set up on the net to completion of the trip."
Andrew, traveled in November
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Long An, My Tho, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh,Can Tho,Cai Rang,Rach Gia,Ha Tien,Chau Doc,Cao Lanh,Sa Dec+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-60
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
DNQ Travel
20% Off
From
US$999per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Bicycle
Amazing Rustic Mekong River By Bike & Boat 3 Days 2 Nights
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh,Cai Be+1 more
Age Range
Ages 7+
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vietnam By Bike
20% Off
From
US$529per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Discover Ho Chi Minh City 5 Days 4 Nights
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"It's rain and flooding but the people are so nice to help each other. I felt down twice but I am okay now."
Ngoc, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Mekong Delta, Cai Be, Can Tho
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Asia Pacific Travel
20% Off
From
US$450per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Bicycle
Fantastic Mekong Delta Cycling Tour 5 days
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The tour was beautifully organised, relaxed, scenic and full of fascinating stops that gave us a real glimpse into daily life in southern Vietnam."
Brenda, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Can Tho,Long Xuyen,Chau Doc,Cao Lanh,Cai Be+4 more
Age Range
Ages 14+
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vietnam By Bike
20% Off
From
US$879per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Bicycle
Cycling Mekong Delta in Vietnam 5 Days
4.9 (12 traveler reviews)
"The tour was an excellent experience. More attention could be given to bike set up."
Ross, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Tan An, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Can Tho,Chau Doc,Cao Lanh+2 more
Age Range
Ages 14+
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vietnam By Bike
20% Off
From
US$789per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
The Enchanting Mekong Delta 3 Days: Cai Be- Can Tho- Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The tour gave us the opportunity to experience the Mekong in such a way that we fell in love with it."
Brad, traveled in December
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Chau Doc
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Asia Pacific Travel
20% Off
From
US$190per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
HOT DEAL: 3 Days Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnel - Mekong Delta (Southern Vietnam)
4.9 (25 traveler reviews)
"This was a truly memorable and incredible day — something we'll never forget."
Bonyon, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Mekong Delta, Ben Tre, My Tho
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Indochina Today Travel
45% Off
From $205
US$113per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Mekong Delta Tour Speed Boat to Cambodia 3 Days
4.7 (5 traveler reviews)
"This tour was great value for the money. The Homestay accommodation was great."
Annabel, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Cai Rang, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Asia Focus Travel
50% Off
From $500
US$250per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
From Saigon to Phnom Penh: A Mekong Delta Adventure 3-Day
4.7 (22 traveler reviews)
"I highly encourage visitors to experience the life on the Mekong river. Thank you."
Nick, traveled in April
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Long, Can Tho, Cai Rang, Chau Doc,Vinh Xuong,Phnom Penh+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mekong DeltaSouthern Vietnam+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Legend Travel Group
20% Off
From $578
US$462per person
+$139 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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