My Tho is one of the main gateways to the Mekong Delta, sitting around 70 kilometres southwest of Saigon on the northern bank of the Tien River, one of the Mekong’s major branches. For many travellers, it provides the first real sense of the Delta after leaving the energy and traffic of the city behind.

The town has long been shaped by river trade, agriculture and movement between the waterways of southern Vietnam. It’s a busy provincial centre rather than a sleepy village, but the appeal lies in how quickly the landscape changes once you move from the town into the surrounding river islands, orchards and narrow canals.

From My Tho, boats head out across the broad river towards small islands with names such as Dragon Island, Unicorn Island, Turtle Island and Phoenix Island. These river islands are known for fruit gardens, coconut palms, honey farms, small workshops and local homes tucked into the greenery.

A typical visit may include a short cruise along the river, a smaller rowing boat journey through shaded canals, a taste of tropical fruit, or a stop at a family-run workshop producing coconut sweets or local handicrafts. It’s an easy introduction to the Delta, especially for travellers short on time or those beginning a Mekong cruise.

Nearby Vinh Trang Pagoda is one of the area’s most notable sights, with a colourful mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and Khmer-influenced architecture. Its large Buddha statues and peaceful gardens make it a worthwhile stop before or after time on the water.

My Tho is not the deepest or most remote part of the Mekong Delta, but it’s accessible, atmospheric and historically important as a river gateway. For cruise passengers, it makes a natural embarkation point, marking the moment when the holiday shifts from city streets to the slower rhythm of the Mekong.