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My Tho Travel - Mekong River Attractions
My Tho (Vietnamese: Mỹ Tho) is the capital city and municipality of Tiền Giang Province, located in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. It has a population of approximately 160,000.
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My Tho was founded in the 1680s by Chinese refugees fleeing Taiwan when the general of the Qing Dynasty Shi Lang defeated the remnants of Southern Ming Dynasty in 1683. The area, at the time, was once part of the Khmer kingdom and it was annexed to Vietnam in the 18th century. The city is named after the River My Tho, which means Beautiful (My) Reed (Tho).
What to do in My Tho?
Boat trips are the highlight of a visit to Mytho. Usually, destinations include a coconut workshop, a honey bee farm and orchard gardens. If time allowed, should not miss Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful and well maintained sanctuary and Dong Tam snake farm, a center for breeding snakes producing venom for exportation.
Vinh Trang Pagoda
Built in 1849 and seriously damaged by French colonists in 1861 and a severe storm in 1904. On both occasions, practitioners restored the pagoda to its original splendor
According to locals, a monk named Minh Dan and an architect named Huynh Tri Phu traveled to Angkor Wat, Cambodia prior to building the pagoda for inspiration and eventually combined Khmer architecture with European styles for the pagoda. The pagoda is surrounded by gardens of ornamental trees, ancient trees and bonsai, creating a peaceful atmosphere and recognized as a national historical and cultural relic by the government.
Dong Tam Snake-Breeding Farm:
Far away 12km from My Tho City, is medicinal plant cultivation and the study and treatment of snake-bite. There is a snake-breeding zone with dozens of species to feed or even to play with. There are also crocodiles and other species of birds and animals on hand.
Travel tips for you:
Bring along camera, hat, sunscreen and insect repellant.
Floating Markets in Mekong
Floating markets are held every morning from 5:00 to about 11:00. Phung Hiep market is the biggest since it is located at the intersection of 7 major canals. It is also a photographer's delight because it can be seen above from a bridge. Cai Rang and Phong Dien are two other notable floating markets in the delta.
Mekong Fruit Orchards
The majority of Vietnam's fruits come from the many orchards of the Mekong Delta. On any given season, one can find a variety of tropical fruits that are produced by farmers of this region in the markets of Saigon, Hue, and Ha Noi.
Monkey bridges in Mekong
One of the most endearing sights in the Mekong Delta is a person making their way across one of the fascinating 'monkey bridges' (cau khi).
National Parks in Mekong Delta
Con Dao National Park is centred on an archipelago of 14 islands, the largest of which is Con Son. The topography of Con Son island is mountainous, and dominated by a granite ridge, which runs from south-west to north-east, sheltering the bays on both sides of the island from strong winds.
