Located in the center of the lush Mekong Delta in Vietnam, My Tho is a mesmerizing location that skillfully combines culture, history, and scenic beauty. Known as the gateway to the Mekong River, this bustling riverside city offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant life of the Delta. My Tho is more than just a starting point for boat tours—it’s a destination rich with experiences that cater to history enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking an authentic slice of Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re drawn by its cultural heritage, its culinary delights, or the warmth of its people, My Tho promises a journey filled with discovery and wonder.
Population: Approximately 230,000 in 2022.
Economy: My Tho's economy thrives on agriculture, particularly fruit and fish farming. It also benefits from tourism and local markets, contributing to its vibrant and growing economic landscape.
Landmarks: Famous for Thoi Son Island, Vinh Trang Pagoda, and Mekong River.
Vietnam
My Tho’s history is as rich and diverse as the Mekong Delta itself. Founded in the late 17th century, My Tho has long been a strategic location due to its proximity to the Mekong River. This waterway has been a lifeline for the region, supporting trade, agriculture, and daily life for centuries. Over the years, My Tho has seen the influence of various cultures, including Chinese, Khmer, and French, each leaving its mark on the city’s architecture, traditions, and way of life. The presence of these diverse cultural influences has shaped My Tho into a city where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
The population of the city is a mixture of many ethnic groups, with tiny populations of Chinese, Khmer, and Cham people living with the majority of Kinh (Vietnamese). The citizens of My Tho are known for their warmth and hospitality, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Many locals engage in agriculture, fishing, and trade, with a strong connection to the Mekong River, which plays a central role in their daily lives and traditions.
My Tho at night - © Vietnam Tourism
My Tho offers a variety of attractions that cater to diverse interests, making it a must-visit destination in the Mekong Delta.
Beyond the well-trodden paths, My Tho hides several lesser-known attractions that offer unique and authentic experiences.
Interested in exploring more hidden gems across the Mekong Delta? Learn about Vinh Long, a popular place for adventurous tourists, here.
Vinh Trang Pagoda - © Vietnam Tourism
My Tho is a culinary gem in the Mekong Delta, offering an array of local dishes that reflect the rich agricultural and cultural heritage of the region.
Ca Kho To (Vietnamese Braised Fish) - © Cơm Niêu Như Ngọc
My Tho’s festivals are a vibrant reflection of its cultural heritage, offering visitors a chance to experience the city’s traditions firsthand.
In addition to the larger festivals, My Tho hosts several smaller celebrations that provide insight into the local culture.
Each floating market has its own unique features and interesting vendors. Read more about Cho Gao, one of the places that is well-known for its floating markets, here.
Floating Market Gathering - © Vietnam Tourism
Shopping in My Tho offers an authentic experience, with bustling markets full of local flavor and unique finds.
Mekong River Boat Tours - © BenTreOnline
My Tho, located in the Mekong Delta, experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct dry and rainy seasons. Understanding these seasonal changes can help you arrange your visit so that you get the most out of it.
The dry season is a favourable time to visit many regions in southern Vietnam, such as Cai Be and My Tho. Learn more about Cai Be here.
Wet Season in My Tho - © VOV
Getting to My Tho
Getting Around My Tho
Travel to My Tho and experience all the magnificence of this land - © Vietnam Finance Magazine
My Tho is well-equipped with ATMs that accept major international cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, and are conveniently located outside banks, shopping centers, and markets. Many mid-range to high-end hotels also offer ATM services for guests. For banking needs and currency exchange, several banks are available in the city. Currency exchange services are readily accessible at banks and authorized counters, with US dollars being widely accepted.
Tucked away in the heart of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, Sepilok is a paradise for eco-travelers. This small settlement, only 25 kilometers from Sandakan, has become world-famous for its Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Here, visitors can witness endangered orangutans learning to live wild again. Beyond the orangutans, Sepilok offers rich rainforest landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a strong commitment to eco-tourism.
Population: Sepilok is a small town. The population here is not documented.
Economy: Sepilok’s economy thrives mainly on eco-tourism and conservation efforts. Beyond tourism, the surrounding region supports agriculture, particularly palm oil plantations and small-scale farming.
Landmarks: Famous for the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC).
Penang, Malaysia’s famed “Pearl of the Orient,” is where heritage, flavors, and coastal beauty meet. This island state blends centuries of history with a vibrant present, creating a destination that charms both first-time visitors and returning travelers. From the UNESCO-listed streets of George Town to golden beaches, bustling night markets, and a street food culture celebrated worldwide, Penang offers a journey through time, taste, and tradition.
Population: Approximately 1.77 million in 2020.
Economy: Penang’s economy is driven by electronics manufacturing, shipping, and trade, earning the nickname “Silicon Valley of the East.” The state is also a thriving hub for tourism. Beyond industry and tourism, Penang has a growing services sector, including finance, healthcare, and education, making it a well-rounded and resilient economy.
Landmarks: Famous for the Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill, and the Penang National Park.
Hide away in the gentle hills of Tochigi Prefecture, Mashiko is more than a stop on a map, it’s a living gallery of clay, craft, and community. Known worldwide for its Mashiko-yaki pottery, this charming rural town draws travelers seeking hands-on creativity and a slower pace of life. Here, kiln smoke curls into blue skies, and artisan shops spill treasures onto narrow streets. Only a few hours from Tokyo, Mashiko offers the perfect escape for lovers of traditional Japanese culture, authentic local food, and countryside landscapes.
Population: Approximately 22,000 in 2020.
Economy: Mashiko’s economy thrives on its renowned pottery industry, attracting both domestic and international buyers. Tourism plays a vital role, fueled by pottery fairs, local crafts, and cultural events.
Landmarks: Famous for the Mashiko Pottery Museum, Pottery Street, and the Saimyoji Temple.
Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go feels like a scene from an old Japanese folktale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, wooden homes with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snow. Here, each season paints the village in new colors: spring blossoms, green summer paddies, golden autumn leaves, and glistening winter snow.
Population: Approximately 60,000 in 2020.
Economy: Shirakawa-go’s economy blends heritage preservation with sustainable tourism. While agriculture, especially rice farming, remains part of local life, tourism is now the main economic driver.
Landmarks: Famous for Ogimachi Village, Wada House, and Shiroyama Viewpoint.
Fuji-shi, or Fuji City, is a vibrant gateway to Japan’s most iconic peak, Mount Fuji. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, this coastal city blends scenic beauty with rich traditions. From its bustling streets to the peaceful banks of the Fuji River, every corner offers a postcard-worthy view of the mountain. Just an hour from Tokyo by train, Fuji-shi is ideal for travelers seeking authentic Japanese city life with nature close at hand.
Population: Approximately 245,000 in 2019.
Economy: Fuji-shi is a major hub in Shizuoka Prefecture’s manufacturing sector, known for its paper and pulp production. The city also benefits from the logistics and transport industries due to its location along the Tōkaidō corridor.. Fishing at Tagonoura Port, tea production in nearby plantations, and tourism linked to Mount Fuji further diversify the local economy.
Landmarks: Famous for Mount Fuji viewing points, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, and Tanuki Lake.
Nestled in the far west of An Giang Province, Châu Đốc is where the Hậu River bends toward the Cambodian border. This riverside city is a blend of cultures, faiths, and flavors. Here, Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese communities live side by side, shaping a rich tapestry of daily life. For travelers, Châu Đốc offers more than stunning river views. It’s a city of floating markets, sacred temples, and bustling border trade.
Population: Approximately 100,000 in 2019.
Economy: Chau Doc’s economy thrives on cross-border trade, aquaculture, and agriculture, especially rice and fish farming. Tourism also plays a key role, fueled by its cultural diversity and proximity to Cambodia.
Landmarks: Famous for the Sam Mountain, Ba Chua Xu Temple, and the Chau Doc Floating Market.