My Tho is a charming city located in the Tiền Giang province in the Mekong Delta. More than its stunning natural beauty, the city has become a hub for its vibrant and bustling marketplaces, beckoning tourists from across the globe. Most tourists from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho make a detour and quick stop at My Tho to soak in the vibrant culture of the South of Vietnam. It also holds high regard for being a city that thrives in education, economics and technology. While you are there, one of the main attractions is the floating market, which is perfect for buying small trinkets and fresh produce.
5 Places To Visit In My Tho
Following reaching My Tho, it is time for you to jot down the list of places to visit and have a rewarding experience in each of these spots.
1. Vinh Trang Temple
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Start exploring the city of My Tho by visiting the Vinh Trang Temple, a spiritual escape. This architectural gem dates back to the 19th century and blends Chinese and Vietnamese architectural styles. As you enter the temple, you are greeted with serene courtyards, well-maintained lawns, and ornate pagodas. The temple complex also boasts a series of intricately designed statues depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.
Location: My An Hamlet, My Phong, My Tho City, Tien Giang, Vietnam
Timings: 6:30 am to 7:00 pm
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2. Cai Be Floating Market
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Another one of the top attractions in My Tho that you need to add to your itinerary is the Cai Be Floating Market. As you hop on a boat, the nearby vendors and the colourful spread of items on the ships add to a pretty unique experience. As you explore the items being sold by vendors, each one of them shouts their wares, and the locals stock up on their daily necessities. You can buy exotic fruits or local food delicacies like pho.
Location: Cai Be, Cai Be District, Tien Giang, Vietnam
Timings: Open 24 hours
3. Dong Tam Snake Farm
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As intimidating as it sounds, walking down to the Dong Tam Snake Farm is another must-visit spot while you are in My Tho, Vietnam. Learn about the fascinating diversity of snakes native to Vietnam, including pythons, cobras, and vipers. Witness thrilling snake shows performed by skilled professionals and gain insights into the medicinal properties of certain snake venoms. If you dislike reptiles, especially snakes, skip this one.
Location: 972W+QM8, Bình Đức, Châu Thành, Tiền Giang, Vietnam
Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
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4. Coconut Candy Making Village
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The traditional art of making coconut candy has somehow gotten lost in the fast pace of technology. But, if you want to step back and witness this art in real time, some of the local villages near My Tho offer you that experience. From grating fresh coconut to boiling the mixture and shaping the final product, you get to be part of each step of the candy-making process. Once done, sample the candy you made, and you will surely want to pack quite a few hundred.
Location: Mo Cay district, Ben Tre province
Timings: Open 24 hours
5. Tho Quan Coconut Forest
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While already on the topic of coconuts, don’t miss out on one of the top attractions in My Tho, which is the Tho Quan Coconut Forest. You can hire a traditional sampan boat to reach the forest and witness the rows of coconut and palm trees that line the vicinity of the area. Also, besides trying some coconut water, stop by the local farms to try a spoon or two of local honey.
Location: Cam Thanh Village, Hoi An 560000, Vietnam
Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
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5 Things To Do In My Tho
As you immerse yourself in the local Vietnamese culture, there are many things to do in My Tho. Here’s a quick breakdown of a few:
1. Boat Trip On The Mekong River
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Experiencing a boat trip on the Mekong River is necessary in My Tho. Navigate through a labyrinth of canals, past floating houses and verdant rice paddies. Witness the local way of life unfold, from fishing activities to traditional boat-making techniques. You can also stop at one of the local villages to witness the art of making coconut candies.
2. Cycling Adventure Through The Countryside
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The countryside of My Tho is often left unexplored. While most tourists spend their time exploring city life, you must take an offbeat route and cycle through the countryside inside. Pedal through scenic rice paddies, quaint villages, and fruit orchards. Take a break at a local homestay, interact with friendly residents, and learn about their way of life.
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3. Explore Culinary Delights
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You can’t miss out on trying the local dishes when visiting a new country or country. Savour the taste of dishes like elephant ear fish, goi cuon, and canh chua. Also, try other Vietnamese staples like banh xeo and hoa qua mi. If time permits, visit the local My Tho night market to try local delicacies, including the various street food options.
4. Kayaking Through The Canals
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For a unique perspective of My Tho’s waterways, embark on a kayaking adventure through the intricate network of canals. Navigate through serene landscapes, past lush vegetation and floating houses. It is a great experience for tourists who are done exploring city life and want to reconnect with the calmness and beauty of nature.
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5. Cooking Class
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If you are particularly fond of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and have always wanted to make the dishes yourself, you can learn how to make them. My Tho has traditional cooking classes run by the locals. You will need to inquire about them ahead of time, secure your spot in the class, and learn about some of the local dishes. Most cooking classes are hands-on and practical and involve buying produce and cooking with fresh ingredients.
Best Time To Visit My Tho Vietnam
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Like most of Vietnam, My Tho is ideal to visit during the early summer season from May to June or during the winter months from November to March.
Monsoon season, albeit less crowded, can rain on your parade and obstruct the seamless sightseeing experiences that you likely had planned for your trip. So, it’s better to avoid it between July and November.
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How To Get To My Tho?
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As discussed, most tourists prefer visiting My Tho on their way to Can Tho from Ho Chi Minh City. There is a small bus station in My Tho, located around 3 km from the central city, where public buses from nearby spots like Ho Chi Minh City are accessible.
Depending on your starting point, you can take advantage of this affordable mode of transportation. Buses and taxis are also available if you are travelling from Can Tho to My Tho.
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My Tho, a captivating gem in the Mekong Delta, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and delicious culinary experiences. Whether you seek adventure on the Mekong River, serenity amidst rice paddies, or a glimpse into local life, My Tho promises an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your bags, embrace the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality, and embark on your journey to discover the magic of My Tho on your next big trip to Vietnam.
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Cover Image Credit: Daniel Berthold for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About My Tho
What are some local customs in My Tho I should be aware of?
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. It's considered respectful to remove shoes before entering temples and pagodas. When greeting locals, a slight bow or a friendly nod is appropriate.
What are some souvenirs I can buy in My Tho?
Popular souvenirs from My Tho include handcrafted silk products, lacquerware, coconut candies, and dried fruits.
What is the currency used in My Tho?
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency in My Tho. Ensure that you carry cash with you for easy transactions in the countryside.
What language is spoken in My Tho?
The majority of the locals converse in Vietnamese. However, don’t worry because English is predominantly spoken for the ease of the tourists.
What local dishes should I try in My Tho?
Must-try dishes in My Tho include Hu Tieu My Tho, Banh Xeo, and tropical fruits from local orchards.
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