Located on the confluence of Tien River, My Tho is an engaging river city which has made it name to the world thanks to its lush green orchards, special noodle soups, floating markets, and distinctive cultural characteristics. Once setting foot in this tranquil land, tourists will never forget radiant smiles, simple and friendly lifestyle, and regional specialties of the warm-hearted locals.
My Tho is the provincial capital of Tien Giang Province, situated in the Mekong Delta Region. In the 17th century, My Tho together with Cu Lao Pho (Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province), were the largest commercial centers of the South Vietnam. Up to present, the city is still a busy trading area and also a center of culture, education, and tourism of Tien Giang Province.
When it comes to tourism activity, My Tho is most famous for day-trip boat tours, which allow tourists to explore the taste of river life. Making mention of the city’s most special delicacy, it will be a huge omission without mentioning “hủ tiếu” – a regional version of noodles, using different ingredients such as meat, fresh/ dried squid, beef, and so on.
River boat tour and a bowl of “hủ tiếu” aside, your trip to My Tho will not be completed without visiting its following well-known attractions:
Vinh Trang Pagoda: Vinh Trang Pagoda is located in Nguyen Trung Truc Street, 3 kilometers from the city center. This is not only the largest Buddhist temple in Tien Giang Province but also one of the best-known in South West Vietnam. Vinh Trang Pagoda is outstanding for the marriage of Asia and European architecture, including Vietnam, French, Roman, Thai, Khmer, and Cham. The pagoda was recognized as national cultural and historical relic, appealing a great deal of pilgrims, Buddhists, and travelers from all over the world.
Thoi Son Island: Thoi Son Island is situated in Chau Thanh District, which is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from My Tho City. The island appeals to visitors by its simplest things such as tiled-roof houses, bonsai tree gardens, little cozy restaurants, and lush orchards with many types of fruit-bearing trees. Visiting this island, travelers have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Don Ca Tai Tu – the traditional music of Southern Vietnam and try its local specialties such as coconut candy, a variety of tropical fruits, and Tai Tuong fried fish.
Dong Tam Snake Farm: About 9 kilometers from the city center, Dong Tam Snake Farm is considered as a Kingdom of Vietnam snake, with more than 400 species. This world of snake covers an area of approximately 30 hectares, where snakes can grow naturally without the impact of human life. Visiting Dong Tam Snake Farm, travellers can see various types of snake, from not-poisonous ones such as water snake and rat snake to extremely aggressive and even capable of spitting poison like copperheads and dendrophis.
See more other attractions around Ho Chi Minh city: Cao Dai Temple; Cu Chi tunnels; Nam Cat Tien National Park; Suoi Tien park; Dam Sen park; Dai Nam park; Can Gio Mangrove forest; Binh Quoi village; Cai Be Floating Market; Cai Rang floating market; Phong Dien floating market.