My Tho

Mỹ Tho is the capital city of Tiền Giang Province and the primary gateway to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City, situated approximately 70 km to the south on the northern bank of the Tiền River. As the first delta city that travellers encounter when heading southwest from HCMC, Mỹ Tho has developed a bustling tourism infrastructure centered around riverboat tours to the nearby islands. The city's riverside promenade, dotted with towering palm trees and statues, offers a pleasant contrast to the chaotic energy of Saigon.

Founded in the 1680s by Vietnamese settlers migrating south, Mỹ Tho grew into a significant trading port under Nguyễn lords and later the French colonial administration. The city was named after the Mỹ Tho River, and its character remains intimately tied to the waterways — sampans, cargo boats, and ferries are the lifeblood of local commerce. Today the economy blends tourism, fishing, and agriculture, with the surrounding countryside producing vast quantities of tropical fruit.

The climate follows the Mekong Delta pattern: a dry season from December to April with temperatures around 28–33°C, and a wet season from May to November with heavy but brief afternoon downpours. The best time to visit is during the dry months when boat tours run smoothly. The city centre is compact and walkable, with most hotels, restaurants, and the waterfront concentrated along Đại lộ 30/4 and the riverside park.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, about 75 km away. From the airport, take a taxi or Grab to the Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station in District 6, then board a bus to Mỹ Tho. A direct taxi from the airport to Mỹ Tho costs around 800,000–1,000,000 dong.

By Train

By Car / Road

Regular buses depart from Bến xe Miền Tây (Mien Tay Bus Station) in Ho Chi Minh City from 05:00 to 18:00. Express buses cost about 60,000 dong and take 2 hours; local buses cost around 33,000 dong and take 3 hours. The journey follows National Highway 1A. From the bus station to the city centre, a motorbike taxi costs approximately 10,000 dong.

The city centre is compact and most attractions are within walking distance of the riverside. Motorbike taxis (xe ôm) are plentiful and cheap for short trips. Grab ride-hailing is widely available. The main boat piers for island tours are on Trưng Trắc Street along the waterfront.

• Vinh Trang Pagoda — A large Buddhist temple set in expansive gardens in Mỹ Phong Commune. The architecture blends Asian and European styles, making it one of the most visually striking pagodas in the Mekong Delta. Open daily, free entry.

• Royal Mausoleums (Lăng Hoàng Gia) — Located in Long Hưng, Gò Công town (about 35 km from Mỹ Tho). This complex includes the tomb of 19th-century duke Phạm Đăng Hưng, blending Western, Chinese, and Huế imperial architecture. Open 07:30–18:30.

• Mỹ Tho Market — A bustling riverside market selling fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local snacks. A great spot for photography and people-watching.

• River Islands boat tour — The classic Mỹ Tho experience. Tour boats visit the four islets (Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, Phoenix) on the Tiền River, with stops at coconut candy workshops, fruit orchards, and honey-bee farms. The official rate is around USD25 per person; local touts and an old man on a bicycle near the waterfront may offer tours for as low as USD10 for two.

• Cai Be Floating Market — Located 35 km west along the Tiền River, this market operates from 05:00 to 18:00 with the busiest hours at dawn. Boats laden with fruits and produce gather at the river junction. Arrange a boat trip from Mỹ Tho's waterfront.

• Dong Tam Snake-Breeding Farm — A research and breeding centre where snakes are raised for venom extraction and medicinal purposes. The facility also houses crocodiles and exotic birds. Located in Đồng Tâm, about 10 km from Mỹ Tho.

Mỹ Tho is famous for hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho, a pork-and-shrimp rice noodle soup with a clear, sweet broth distinct from its Saigon counterpart. Local specialties include sour soup with dried fish, field crabs, and elephant ear fish (cá tai tượng). For adventurous eaters, southern field mouse and Đồng Tháp eels are also traditional. Notable restaurants include Chuong Duong Restaurant (10, 30/4 St) and Cuu Long Restaurant (28, 30/4 St).

Fresh coconut water and sugarcane juice are sold by street vendors along the waterfront. Local cafés serve robust Vietnamese cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk). Bottled water is advised for travellers with sensitive stomachs.

• Budget: Minh Tai — clean, renovated rooms with fan or air-con, 150,000–210,000 dong. Rang Dong — basic rooms from 150,000 dong (two locations on 30/4 St).
• Mid-range: Song Tien Hotel (101 Trưng Trắc St) — friendly staff and decent rooms with air-con and Wi-Fi, 300,000 dong. Minh Quan — clean, quiet rooms with cable TV and Wi-Fi, 550,000 dong.
• Upscale / heritage: Chuong Duong Hotel (10, 30/4 St) — a long-standing hotel in a central location on the main thoroughfare.

Mỹ Tho Market is the best place for tropical fruits, coconut candy, and dried seafood. The coconut candy produced on the river islands makes an excellent souvenir. Bargaining is expected at the market; start at about half the quoted price.

• Cai Be (35 km west) — A colourful floating market and old French-era houses in Đông Hòa Hiệp commune
• Ben Tre — Cross the river into Bến Tre province for banana candy workshops and quieter cacao plantations
• Vinh Long (60 km southwest) — A less touristy delta town with its own floating market and fruit orchards
• Can Tho (110 km southwest) — The largest city in the Mekong Delta, home to the famous Cái Răng floating market
• Ho Chi Minh City (70 km north) — Return to Vietnam's economic capital for international connections and urban energy