Tien Giang Travel Guide

Tien Giang is a picturesque province in southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, famous for its floating markets, lush fruit orchards, peaceful countryside, and traditional Vietnamese culture. Located just 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Tien Giang is an easy day trip or weekend getaway, offering boat tours, delicious food, and stunning river scenery.

1. Best Time to Visit Tien Giang

Tien Giang has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round.

• Dry Season (December – April): Best time for sightseeing, boat tours, and exploring fruit orchards.
• Rainy Season (May – November): The landscape is lush and green, but expect occasional rain showers. Great for fewer crowds and lower prices.

Visit between June and August for the best tropical fruit season, when durian, mango, and longan are at their peak!

2. How to Get to Tien Giang

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): ~70 km (~1.5 – 2 hours by road)

By Bus:

• Buses from Mien Tay Bus Station (HCMC) to My Tho City (Tien Giang)
• Popular companies: Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), Mai Linh, Thinh Phat
• Ticket Price: 80,000 – 120,000 VND ($3–$5)
• Duration: ~2 hours

By Private Car or Motorbike:

• Best option for flexibility and scenic countryside routes.
• Motorbike rental in HCMC: ~150,000 – 200,000 VND/day.

By Boat (Mekong Delta Tour):

• Many Mekong River tours from Ho Chi Minh City include Tien Giang + Ben Tre day trips.

3. Getting Around Tien Giang

• Boat Tours – Best way to explore islands, floating markets, and canals.
• Motorbike Rental – Ideal for countryside adventures (~100,000 – 150,000 VND/day).
• Taxi/Grab – Available in My Tho City but limited in rural areas.
• Bicycle Rental – Great for exploring villages and fruit gardens (~50,000 VND/day).

4. Top Attractions in Tien Giang

River & Nature Attractions

• Thoi Son Island (Unicorn Island) – A must-visit island in the Mekong River, known for boat tours, bee farms, coconut candy workshops, and fruit orchards.
• Dragon, Phoenix & Turtle Islands – Scenic islands offering traditional music, fresh fruits, and handicraft villages.
• Rach Mieu Bridge – A stunning cable-stayed bridge connecting Tien Giang and Ben Tre.
• Dong Tam Snake Farm – One of Vietnam’s largest snake farms, home to rare snake species and medicinal research.

Historical & Cultural Sites

• Vinh Trang Pagoda – A beautiful 19th-century Buddhist temple with a mix of Vietnamese, Khmer, and French architecture.
• Cai Be Floating Market – A lively market on the Tien River, where boats sell fruits, vegetables, and local products (best visited early morning).
• Go Cong Beach – A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path beach with seafood shacks and a quiet atmosphere.
• Truc Lam Chanh Giac Zen Monastery – A serene Buddhist monastery with stunning lotus ponds.

Fruit Gardens & Local Experiences

• Cai Be Fruit Orchards – Walk through tropical fruit farms and enjoy fresh durian, rambutan, mango, and pomelo.
• Tan Phong Island – A quiet island known for traditional workshops and countryside bike tours.

5. Best Foods to Try in Tien Giang

Tien Giang is a food lover’s paradise, famous for freshwater seafood, tropical fruits, and Mekong-style dishes.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho (My Tho Rice Noodle Soup) – A flavorful noodle soup with pork, shrimp, and crispy fried shallots.
• Cá lóc nướng trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish) – Fresh fish grilled over open flames, wrapped in rice paper with herbs.
• Gỏi xoài khô cá lóc (Mango Salad with Dried Fish) – A refreshing mix of shredded mango, dried fish, and peanuts.
• Bánh giá Gò Công (Go Cong Crispy Pancake) – A crispy fried pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
• Chè bưởi (Pomelo Sweet Soup) – A refreshing coconut-based dessert made with pomelo pulp.

Best Places to Eat

• Hủ Tiếu Hồng Phát (My Tho) – Famous for My Tho-style noodle soup.
• Nhà Hàng Mekong Taste (Cai Be) – Great riverside restaurant with fresh seafood.
• Chợ Mỹ Tho (My Tho Market) – The best place for street food and local snacks.

6. Where to Stay in Tien Giang

Luxury Resorts ($50 – $100/night)

• The Island Lodge (My Tho) – A beautiful riverside retreat with a swimming pool.
• Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort (Cai Be) – Great for nature lovers, featuring bungalows on stilts.

Mid-Range Hotels ($20 – $50/night)

• Cuu Long Hotel – Centrally located in My Tho, great for exploring.
• Mekong Rustic Lodge – An eco-friendly stay in the countryside.

Budget Stays ($5 – $20/night)

• Homestays in Cai Be & Thoi Son Island – Stay with locals for an authentic experience.

7. Suggested 2-Day Tien Giang Itinerary

Day 1: River Adventures & Culture

• Morning: Boat Tour to Thoi Son Island (Traditional music, honey tea, fruit orchards)
• Afternoon: Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda & Dong Tam Snake Farm
• Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant in My Tho

Day 2: Floating Markets & Local Life

• Early Morning: Cai Be Floating Market (Sunrise Boat Tour)
• Late Morning: Explore Cai Be Fruit Gardens & Tan Phong Island
• Afternoon: Relax at Go Cong Beach & enjoy fresh seafood
• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

8. Travel Tips for Tien Giang

• Bring cash – Many rural areas don’t accept credit cards.
• Wear sunscreen & a hat – It gets hot, especially during boat tours.
• Try tropical fruits – They’re fresh and delicious, especially in summer.
• Visit floating markets early (5-7 AM) – That’s when they’re most active.
• Book boat tours with reputable operators – To avoid scams, ask your hotel or a trusted agency.

Tien Giang is one of the best places to experience the true beauty of the Mekong Delta. With floating markets, river tours, delicious food, and peaceful countryside, it’s an ideal escape from Ho Chi Minh City.