4 days in the Mekong Delta: Saigon, Ben Tre, Can Tho and the floating market
4 days, 3 nights: Ho Chi Minh City (1N), Mekong Delta (2N). Best time to go: Best Nov–Apr dry season; May–Oct brings short afternoon downpours.
Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
- Independence Palace & Central Post Office · 2 h
- Ben Thanh Market · 1.5 h. Bargain; prices start high.
Local tip: Bargain; prices start high.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta · Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, Road ~2–3.5h
- Cai Rang floating market at sunrise · 3 h. Needs a night in Can Tho — the market winds down by 9am.
Local tip: Needs a night in Can Tho — the market winds down by 9am.
Day 3: Mekong Delta day trip (My Tho / Ben Tre)
Mekong Delta
- Mekong Delta day trip (My Tho / Ben Tre) · 9 h. Sampan canals, coconut candy and fruit orchards in one day from HCMC.
Local tip: Sampan canals, coconut candy and fruit orchards in one day from HCMC.
Day 4: Depart from Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Ho Chi Minh City (1 night): District 1. Walk to museums, markets and the river.
- Mekong Delta (2 nights): Can Tho riverside. Positioned for the sunrise floating market.