My Tho Mekong Delta Cruise Port Guide: Tender Tips, Things to Do & What to Expect

Quick Take

Port Type

Scenic Tender Port – Mekong Delta

Best For

Travellers who want genuine rural Vietnam: narrow canals, floating markets, rice paddies, and local village life

Avoid If

You need a shopping hub, luxury facilities, or have mobility issues — infrastructure here is very basic

Walkability

Low. My Tho town itself is walkable in a limited area, but the real highlights require boat rides into the delta channels

Budget Fit

Very budget-friendly once ashore; most activities cost $5-20 USD

Good For Short Calls?

Yes, well suited to a half-day call — most canal excursions run 2-3 hours

Port Overview

My Tho sits at the top of the Mekong Delta about 70 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City and is the most common gateway stop for Mekong river cruise itineraries. River cruise ships — operated by lines like Viking, AmaWaterways, Uniworld, and Scenic — anchor midstream or at a dedicated pontoon, and passengers transfer ashore by small tender boats or local sampans. Budget 15-25 minutes each way for transfers, and factor that into every plan you make.

The port itself is not a purpose-built cruise terminal. You arrive at a basic riverside landing, and within minutes you are in a working Vietnamese town with a busy market, a riverside promenade, and fleets of small wooden boats for hire. The tourist infrastructure is genuinely light — this is not Halong Bay or Hoi An. That is its appeal.

The real reason to come ashore here is the delta itself: a labyrinth of channels, fruit orchards, coconut plantations, and village communities that exist mostly off the tourist trail. A canal boat ride through the islands is the single best use of your limited time. My Tho town, by contrast, is functional and pleasant but not a destination in itself.

Most river cruise lines pre-arrange guided excursions from this port, which is worth considering given the language barrier and the need to coordinate small-boat logistics quickly. Independent shore trips are possible but require more planning.

Is It Safe?

My Tho is a low-risk port for cruisers. Petty theft at busy markets is the main concern — keep phones and wallets in front pockets or a zipped bag. Avoid displaying expensive camera gear unnecessarily at the riverside landing where vendors and touts concentrate.

On canal boats, life jackets may or may not be provided and are often in poor condition. If you have concerns, raise them before the boat departs. River water is not clean — avoid contact if possible. The sun is intense year-round; sunscreen and a hat are not optional here.

Accessibility & Walkability

My Tho is challenging for passengers with mobility limitations. Tender boarding involves stepping between vessels on moving water, and assistance is limited. Canal boat seating is low and unstable. Onshore paths in the delta islands are often narrow dirt tracks or wooden plank walkways. The town promenade is flat and manageable for steady walkers, but wheelchair access across the broader port area is effectively not available. Discuss your needs with your cruise line before sailing — most reputable lines will advise honestly about what is and is not feasible.

Outside the Terminal

There is no formal terminal. You step off the tender onto a riverside landing or a floating pontoon and you are immediately in a working riverfront scene — vendors, boat operators, guides, and other passengers. It is busy, sometimes chaotic in the first few minutes, and smells strongly of the river. Touts offering canal rides will approach; if you have a pre-booked excursion, your guide will be holding a sign. If you are going independently, take a moment to orient before committing to anything.

Local Food & Drink

My Tho's street food scene is the highlight, not any restaurant. The town is famous for hu tieu My Tho — a lighter, cleaner version of the noodle soup found elsewhere in Vietnam, made with local dried shrimp and thin rice noodles. Find it at plastic-stool stalls near the central market for around $1-3 USD. Banh mi and fresh fruit are also readily available near the riverside.

Most river cruise lines serve meals onboard and excursions include a meal component — check your itinerary before eating ashore so you are not paying for a meal twice. If you do eat locally, stick to freshly cooked hot food and bottled water only.

Shopping

Shopping options in My Tho are limited and genuinely local rather than tourist-oriented. The central market sells dried goods, tropical fruits, and local snacks — coconut candy makes a practical, light souvenir. There are no dedicated craft markets or souvenir streets. If you are looking for lacquerware, silk, or Vietnamese handicrafts, save that for Ho Chi Minh City. Carry small Vietnamese dong notes for any market purchases — vendors rarely have change for large bills.

Money & Currency

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

USD Accepted?

Yes

Card Payments

Very limited. Most small vendors, boat operators, and market stalls are cash only.

ATMs

A few ATMs exist in My Tho town but are not reliably close to the landing. Withdraw cash before arriving or use ship facilities.

Tipping

Not mandatory but appreciated. VND 20,000-50,000 (roughly $1-2 USD) for a boat operator or guide is appropriate.

Notes

USD is widely accepted for tour payments and larger purchases. Carry small denominations in both VND and USD. Prices are low — you rarely need large amounts of cash.

Weather & Best Time

Best months

November to April (dry season) — lower humidity, less rain, more comfortable for canal boat tours

Avoid

May to October (wet season) — heavy afternoon rain and high humidity; canal tours still run but conditions are less pleasant

Temperature

28-35°C (82-95°F) year-round with very high humidity

Notes

There is no cool season in the Mekong Delta. Even in the dry season, midday heat is intense. Lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection are essential regardless of when you visit.

Airport Information

Airport

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City

Distance

Approximately 70-75 km from My Tho

Getting there

Private car or taxi transfer is the most practical option — around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Bus connections exist but are slow and not practical for flight schedules.

Notes

Most Mekong river cruise itineraries start or end in Ho Chi Minh City, not My Tho itself. If embarking or disembarking at My Tho, arrange a private transfer in advance — your cruise line can usually organise this.