My Tho Vietnam Travel Guide from A to Z - What You Need to Know?

Overview

My Tho is not only renowned as the most important commercial center of Tien Giang province but also is the main gateway to the Mekong Delta. With a location on the northern bank of the Mekong, about 75km from Ho Chi Minh City, this town is really close to the largest city in Vietnam which means it has a huge potential for tourism. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that My Tho recently has become one of the most favorite day-trip destinations for a river life experience.

History of My Tho

When Qing Dynasty made entire Vietnam become its colony, Chinese refugees from Taiwan established My Tho. Thus, although the Chinese have virtually all gone, travelers can still find Chinese features existing in some architecture in My Tho.

In 17th century, My Tho was considered as the traditional gateway to the economic hub in Mekong Delta. In 1860s, when Vietnam was in French colonization, My Tho was more and more prosperous and popular, attracting a large numbers of migrants from Teochew and Minnan. After 300 years of establishment and development, My Tho is recognized as the first-grade urban area in the Mekong Delta in 2015. Travelers can also know more about My Tho in the past through the chapter “The Lesson” in the memoir “In Pharaoh’s Army: Memories of the Lost War” written by Tobias Wolff.

Best time to visit My Tho

My Tho Vietnam has typical weather of the South country with two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season lasts from May to November and often causes heavy rainfall with high humidity.

In spite of the downpour and the increasing water level in the floating season (from the beginning of July to the end of September), there are hardly any floods occur in this area. Apart from that, you can enjoy the local fresh fruits in June or July to come when various kinds of fruits in My Tho are in the blooming season.

Further Read: The Best Time for A Cruise on Mekong River

The dry season comes to the town from December to April. It makes the place more dry and convenient for travel purposes. Plus, the period from late January to March is the spring season (flower season) in My Tho so you can take this time to stroll around the town, immerse yourself in a pleasant atmosphere and witness the beauty of colorful flowers.

In short, the weather in My Tho Vietnam is not a big problem for planning your trip. You can visit it year-round and the best time to visit wonderful town is in the fruit blooming period and the floating season.

How to get around in My Tho

There are many ways for you to get around in My Tho. Due to its unique position, you can plan your trip to explore the mainland or experience the watery land and it depends a lot on your time and your budget to choose appropriate transports for the journey.

As mentioned above, My Tho is situated on the northern bank of the Mekong, which means the most common transport for tourists to travel here is the boat. If your time is limited, you can take a sampan or long-tail boat to have a wonderful day-tour trip. On the other hand, a voyage on our overnight Mekong river cruises is also regarded as one of the best ways to discover My Tho & the mighty Mekong River.

If you want to discover the inside beauty of the town, visit the most attractive destinations such as famous pagodas and temples, historical sites, taking public transportation is not a bad idea. The bus is cheap, easy to catch (there is a bus ride every 10 minutes) and you can also enjoy the view along the route. Otherwise, you can rent a bicycle, motorbike, private car. It is considered to be more convenient and more time-saving for your schedule.

Suggested Read: The Best Ways to Get from Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta

Where to stay in My Tho

Since the number of visitors coming to My Tho Vietnam has increased rapidly, the demand for places to stay in this region grows as well. There are many types of accommodations for you to choose, from luxury to lower standards, such as homestays, motels, hotels or resorts as well as Mekong river cruises from Vietnam to Cambodia. Depending on your preference and your budget, you can take a suitable option for your visit to My Tho.

A location in the city center is a perfect choice if enjoying its bustle and exciting life by night are what you want. If not, you can stay close to the tourist sites for more convenience or near the riverfront to immerse yourself in the picturesque setting of Mekong River. Here are some high-rated spots for your consideration:

• Happy Farm Tien Giang Home Stay: No. 35, Bac Xe hamlet, Thanh Phu commune, Huyen Chau Chau, Tien Giang. Room price: $ 23 / night.
• Mekong My Tho Hotel: No. 1A, 4.P Street, Tet Mau Than, Ward 4, My Tho City, Tien Giang. Room price: 41 $ / night.
• The Island Lodge Thoi Son: 390 Thoi Binh Hamlet, Thoi Son, Chau Thanh, Tien Giang. Room price: 164 $ / night
• Song Tien Hotel: No. 101 Trung Trac, Ward 1, My Tho, Tien Giang. Room price: $ 21 / night
• Minh Kieu Hotel: No. 2 Thu Khoa Huan, Ward 1, My Tho, Tien Giang. Room price: $ 13 / night.
• Rang Dong Hotel: No. 40 Le Thi Hong Gam, Ward 6, My Tho , Tien Giang. Room price: 11 $ / night.

The best restaurants in My Tho

Last but not least, it will become a big regret if you come to My Tho but don't have a chance to try all the specialties here. As the city is a combination of the Mekong Delta’s agricultural and aquatic, it is definitely a unique gastronomic place with incredible dishes.

Besides being an ideal travel destination, My Tho is where you can find plenty of exotic fruits as well as the best kinds of fruits in the Mekong Delta. Rambutan, Longan, Mango, Dragon fruit, Pineapple, Star Apple ... are regarded as must-try fruits when you come to My Tho. You can pay a visit to the My Tho fruit market to buy and enjoy these delicious fruits.

And what are other dishes you don't want to miss? Hu Tieu My Tho, Bun Goi Ga (Tamarind Broth with Rice Noodle), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crepe), Banh Cong (Fried Prawn Cake) and crab meat soup are the delicacies that should show up on your bucket list if you visit the town of My Tho. We assure that once you taste it, one bowl is never enough. Below are some famous restaurants in My Tho Vietnam for you:

• Cay Bo De RestaurantAdd: 32 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, My Tho
• Banh Xeo 46 RestaurantAdd: 11 Trung Trac Street, My Tho
• Duyen RestaurantAdd: 18 Thu Khoa Huan Street, My Tho

Things to see and do in My Tho

1. Vinh Trang Pagoda

Vinh Trang Pagoda or Vinh Trang Temple was built in 1849 in the area of 2,000m2 in My Phong village, My Tho city. Its structure has the combination of Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer and European architectural styles. Thus, you can find the splendid beauty, solemnity but purity at this pagoda. Right from the entrance gate there is a standing praying buddha. Travelers can also find the smiling sitting one and reclining one on premises when they come into the yard. These three statues are one of impressive images of this temple to many visitors. This fine mixed structure includes five buildings, two ornamental and 178 pillars adorned with impressive woodworks and sculptures, for instance, the set of eighteen Arhant made by several artists. Moreover, the lovely gardens packed with colorful flowers, bonsai and lotus pools around the temple create the nice view and the harmony with nature for this peaceful place.

2. Thoi Son Island

The largest of 4 islands in My Tho River is Thoi Son Island also known as Con Lan Island or Unicorn Island. It leaves strong impression on visitor by its beautiful landscapes, ancient house and special cuisine. Taking a boat ride to this island is the best option to catch the images of green tree, garden and enjoy the fresh and cool atmosphere. Moreover, visitors can enjoy local dishes, for example, fried fish dish. Paying a visit to the candy making factories and seeing the process to make coconut candy by the manual method absolutely is the best experience.

3. Local Markets

My Tho seems to gain the nice fame for its various exotic fruits. One place you can try almost the best kinds of fruits in Mekong Delta is My Tho fruits market. This market is not big but several fruits such as “king of fruits” -durian, longan, mango, dragon fruit are available for you to try. If you want to find something is new, different with pho but delicious you can come My Tho night market. This small market supplies you the new taste with street food such as “trung cut nuong” or glass noodle. In addition, you can take the motor boat to come to Cai Be floating market and get new experience with the market “floating on the river”.

4. Dong Tam Snake Farm

Located 12 km from My Tho city centre Dong Tam snake farm is the best place for those who want to gain more information about this animal. This farm has the big collection of not only different kinds of snakes but some other animals like bears, crocodile and turtles as well. Visitor will have the chance to the how people take the venom from snake which will be served for medicine and other uses. Moreover, information about the history of this farm and how to treat the snakebites are also given to travelers when they visit this place.

My Tho Vietnam is a worth visiting place where you can experience the local waterfront life on the Mekong. Do not miss it!

For more information about My Tho, the tour to My Tho and Mekong Delta as well as the luxury cruises to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, feel free to contact Top Mekong Cruises. We'd love to providing you with further details!