Most travelers planning a trip to the Mekong Delta reach a similar conclusion early on: they want to avoid the “tourist trap” reputation of My Tho. They seek something deeper, quieter, and more reflective of the “real” Southern Vietnam.

This search usually leads to two names: Ben Tre and Can Tho.

The challenge is that while both are located in the Delta, they offer fundamentally different experiences. Choosing between them isn’t about finding the “best” destination—it’s about matching the destination to the specific rhythm of your journey.

At a Glance: Ben Tre vs. Can Tho Comparison

Ben Tre: The “Cradle of Coconuts”

Ben Tre is often described as the “Green Soul” of the Mekong. Because it was historically difficult to reach (separated by wide rivers with no bridges until recently), it has preserved a sense of rural stillness that is harder to find elsewhere.

The Vibe: Intimate, lush, and agricultural. Life here happens under the canopy of millions of coconut palms.

The Experience: Ben Tre is best experienced through its narrow, shade-dappled canals. It is a place for:

• Slow sampan rides: Drifting down small creeks where the nipa palm leaves touch the water.
• Cycling: Riding through fruit orchards and coconut paths without the noise of engines.
• Local Crafts: Visiting small-scale family workshops where people make coconut candy, mats, and baskets by hand.

Efficiency: Ben Tre is significantly closer to Ho Chi Minh City than Can Tho (about a 2-hour drive). This makes it the perfect choice for a 2-day/1-night immersion that doesn’t feel rushed, or even a very high-quality full-day trip.

Can Tho: The “Western Capital”

Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta, acting as the economic and cultural hub of the region. It offers a much grander sense of scale.

The Vibe: Energetic and “majestic” This is where the Mekong River feels most powerful, with wide horizons and a bustling waterfront at Ninh Kieu Wharf.

The Experience: The primary draw is the Cai Rang Floating Market. Seeing hundreds of boats gathered at dawn to trade local produce is one of the most iconic images of Vietnam. Can Tho also offers higher-end boutique lodges and luxury stays (such as the Azerai) for those seeking “quiet luxury” in a river setting.

Can Tho is roughly a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Saigon. It requires a bit more commitment, but it rewards you with the most famous river trade spectacle in Southeast Asia.

The Floating Market Reality Check

This is the most important “trade-off” for travelers in 2026.

Can Tho still hosts a vibrant floating market, but timing is everything. It requires a 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM start to see it at its peak before the sun—and the larger tourist crowds—take over. It is a chaotic, colorful, and loud experience.

Ben Tre, on the other hand, has very little floating trade left. Modern bridges have moved most of the commerce to the roads.

• If your heart is set on seeing a “market on the water,” you must choose Can Tho.
• If you are more interested in “canal life,” gardens, and silence, Ben Tre will satisfy you more.

Logistics: How Much Time Do You Have?

• If you have 1 night: Ben Tre is usually the better choice. You spend less time in the car and more time on the water. You can leave Saigon at 8:00 AM and be in a sampan by 10:30 AM.
• If you have 2 nights: Can Tho becomes much more viable. A 2-night stay allows you to enjoy the city’s evening energy, visit the floating market at sunrise, and still have time to explore the deeper rural backwaters of the surrounding districts.

Craft Your Mekong Journey with Ginkgo Voyage

At Ginkgo Voyage, we often find that the best way to see the South is not to choose between these two, but to connect them. By moving from the intimate coconut groves of Ben Tre toward the grand river hub of Can Tho, you witness the full spectrum of the Delta’s evolution. This is why our Southern Vietnam Highlight 7-Day Tour is designed to take you deeper into the region, ensuring you don’t just “see” the Mekong, but understand its various layers.

For a broader overview of how these provinces connect with transport, seasons, and surrounding destinations, it helps to step back and explore the full Mekong Delta Travel Guide, where Ben Tre, Can Tho, and other lesser-known areas are placed into a clear planning framework.