Mỹ Tho

A charming riverside town in the Mekong Delta known for coconut candy, small islands, and local boat tours. A good base for exploring the delta with a more intimate, less touristy atmosphere than Cần Thơ.

Things to do

• Mekong Delta Island Boat Tour — Take a guided boat tour to nearby islands like Thới Sơn or Phong Điền to see coconut processing, tropical orchards, and local fish farms.
• Coconut Candy Factory Visit — Watch artisans make Mỹ Tho's famous coconut candy by hand, a sweet specialty that makes an ideal souvenir.
• Vinh Trang Pagoda — Explore this ornate 19th-century Buddhist temple with French colonial architecture and peaceful gardens.
• Mỹ Tho Central Market — Wander through the bustling wet market early morning to see fresh produce, live fish, and local ingredients unique to the delta.
• Sunset Cruises on Tiền River — Take an evening boat ride along the Tiền River to watch the sunset and see local fishermen casting their nets.
• Cái Bè Floating Market — Visit this working floating market across the river where vendors trade fruits and goods from boats at dawn.

Food to try

• Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice) — A local staple of fragrant broken rice served with grilled pork chop, egg, and pickled vegetables, eaten at any time of day.
• Bánh Mỳ Mỹ Tho — Local banh mi featuring crusty baguette filled with pâté, Vietnamese cold cuts, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables from delta markets.
• Coconut Candy (Kẹo Dừa) — Sweet chewy candy made from fresh coconut pulp, a signature product of Mỹ Tho that has been made here for generations.
• Chuối Chiên (Fried Banana) — Light, crispy fried banana slices, often dusted with sugar and sesame, sold as a popular street snack throughout town.
• Cá Kho Tộ (Braised Fish in Clay Pot) — Fresh Mekong fish braised slowly in caramel and fish sauce, creating a rich, savory depth characteristic of delta cooking.
• Canh Chua (Sour Soup) — Tangy tamarind-based soup with fresh river fish, pineapple, and local vegetables, reflecting the delta's abundance of produce.

Local customs & good to know

• Boat Culture Etiquette — Respect the boatman's navigation and avoid sudden movements; wear a hat or bring sunscreen as the sun reflects intensely off the water.
• River Town Pace — Life in Mỹ Tho moves slowly and revolves around the river; plan activities around dawn and early morning when markets and activity peak.
• Bargaining at Markets — Expect to negotiate prices at the central market and with street vendors, especially if buying multiple items or returning regularly.
• Buddhist Respect — Remove shoes and dress modestly when visiting temples like Vinh Trang; avoid loud behavior in these sacred spaces.