Tien Giang is home to three distinct ecological zones: lush river gardens, mangrove forests, and the Đồng Tháp Mười wetland. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, Tien Giang serves as a vital link connecting Ho Chi Minh City with the southwestern provinces, making it an increasingly attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Geography & Administrative Divisions

Located at the gateway to the Mekong Delta, Tien Giang stretches 120 kilometers along the northern bank of the Tien River to where it flows into the East Sea.

Tien Giang also lies “in between” two major economic hubs—Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. It is about 70 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City and 90 km northeast of Can Tho via National Highway 1. Thanks to this strategic location, Tien Giang has become a key trade center of the Mekong Delta and an important transit point connecting Ho Chi Minh City with the southwestern region.

Here are some key geographical and administrative facts about Tien Giang:

Total area: approximately 2,511 km²

Population: around 1.76 million people 

Topography: mainly low-lying terrain with river systems, fruit orchards, and mangrove forests

Borders: shares boundaries with Long An (north), Ben Tre (south), Dong Thap (west), and Ho Chi Minh City (northeast)

Region: Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam

Administratively, Tien Giang includes:

1 provincial city: My Tho (provincial capital)

2 towns: Cai Lay Town, Go Cong Town

8 districts: Cai Be, Cai Lay, Chau Thanh, Tan Phuoc, Cho Gao, Go Cong Tay, Go Cong Dong, Tan Phu Dong

Note: District names and boundaries may change due to administrative adjustments. Refer to the most recent official map for accurate updates.

Climate & Best Time To Visit

Like most other provinces in Southern Vietnam, Tien Giang has two main seasons: the dry season (from December to April of the following year) and the rainy season (the remaining months).

Tien Giang experiences relatively high average temperatures and a hot climate year-round. The annual average temperature ranges from 27°C to 28°C.

For the best travel experience, you should visit Tien Giang during the dry season from June to September. This is the peak fruit harvest season in the Mekong Delta, making it ideal for orchard tours and countryside adventures.

Top Attractions & Natural Wonders

Thoi Son Islet—A Tropical Oasis On The Mekong

The Mekong Delta is famous for its “Four Sacred Islets” (Tu Linh), named after four mythical creatures: Dragon (Long), Qilin (Lan), Turtle (Quy), and Phoenix (Phung). Among them, Tien Giang is home to two: Long and Lan (while Quy and Phung belong to Ben Tre province).

First, be sure to stop by Thoi Son Islet, also known as Lan Islet. Covering more than 1,200 hectares, it is the largest of the four sacred islets. Here, you can explore lush fruit orchards and take part in rural-style activities such as rowing a traditional sampan, crossing monkey bridges, listening to don ca tai tu (Southern folk music), and enjoying local specialties.

Next is Long Islet, known for its aquaculture rafts and boat-repair workshops. Although Long Islet is smaller in size compared to the other destinations, it remains a fascinating place in Tien Giang to discover the authentic riverside lifestyle and savor freshly picked tropical fruits.

Cai Be Floating Market—Bustling River Life Experience

A trip to the Mekong Delta wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its iconic floating markets. Did you know that Cai Be Floating Market is always listed among the top attractions in Tien Giang? Try waking up early, hopping on a boat to the market, savoring a hot bowl of bun rieu (crab noodle soup), sipping a glass of iced milk coffee, and watching the sunrise over the river. What could be better?

Thanks to its location at the junction of three rivers—where Tien Giang, Vinh Long, and Ben Tre meet—Cai Be Floating Market may not be as large as Cai Rang Market in Can Tho, but it offers an impressive variety of local treats, especially fruits. Here, you can easily find specialties like Lo Ren star apples, rambutan, tangerines, oranges, Tan Lap pineapples, and a wide selection of handmade candies and jams.

Vinh Trang Pagoda—A Blend Of East And West

In Tien Giang, Vinh Trang Pagoda is renowned for its ancient architecture, built in the early 19th century with a unique combination of Eastern and Western styles. It is also the largest pagoda in the province. Inside the main halls, the pagoda houses over 60 precious Buddha statues, but the most striking features are the giant outdoor statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and the Laughing Buddha.

Beyond admiring its architectural beauty, visitors will find a sense of peace in the tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by the soothing scent of trees and greenery.

Dong Tam Snake Farm—Vietnam’s Unique Reptile Center

Established in 1967 and covering an area of 30 hectares, Dong Tam Snake Farm is home to thousands of snakes and medicinal plants (mainly traditional herbal remedies). Its primary purpose is to raise snakes and produce specialized antivenom serum. According to the farm’s statistics, it provides emergency treatment for around 1,000 venomous snakebite cases each year.

During your visit, you’ll have the chance to witness over 50 rare snake species preserved in the farm’s museum—which holds the Vietnam Guinness Record as the country’s largest snake museum. You’ll also learn about medicinal herbs and the processes of cultivation and propagation for medical use.

Note: For your safety, be sure to follow the staff’s instructions while exploring the farm!

Tan Thanh Beach—Where The Sea Meets The Border

Tan Thanh Beach boasts a mysterious black hue, setting it apart from the sparkling golden sands and blue waters of beaches like Nha Trang and Da Nang. Early morning is the best time to experience the beach’s unique beauty and breathe in its fresh, invigorating air. However, if you can’t make it in the morning, sunset offers another wonderful moment to enjoy the scenery.

A visit to Tân Thành Beach also gives you the chance to savor fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, squid, and especially the famous clams that the area is known for.

Dong Hoa Hiep Ancient Village—Echoes Of The Past

Alongside Duong Lam Ancient Village (Hanoi) and Phuoc Tich Village (Hue), Dong Hoa Hiep is considered one of the most beautiful ancient villages in Vietnam. With over 200 years of history, preservation, and development, the village now has 36 traditional houses, 7 of which have been officially recognized as heritage structures.

What makes Dong Hoa Hiep truly special is the unique architectural style—an open, Southern Vietnamese design harmoniously blended with Western influences. Between the houses are lush fruit gardens. If you visit between January and May, you can combine sightseeing with hands-on fruit harvesting for a delightful rural experience.

Cuisine & Local Specialties

If you have the chance to visit Tien Giang, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its famous attractions nestled in the charming riverlands—and be sure to treat yourself to the province’s delicious local specialties that leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

My Tho Hu Tieu

Hu Tieu My Tho is a renowned specialty of Tien Giang, loved across Vietnam. The noodles are made from rice, featuring a translucent appearance and a pleasantly chewy texture when blanched—not mushy or overly soft. A typical bowl includes pork bones, minced meat, pork offal or seafood, all soaked in a generous amount of flavorful broth. Toppings like garlic chives, lettuce, and bean sprouts are layered on top, then finished with a sprinkle of fried shallots and ground pepper for a well-rounded taste.

The “soul” of this dish lies in its broth. It is simmered from pork leg bones with a bit of dried squid to enhance the natural sweetness. All these elements come together in harmony, forming the signature flavor that defines this iconic noodle soup.

Sour Shrimp Noodle Soup (Bun Goi Gia)

Bun Goi Gia is one of the most enticing dishes from Tien Giang, leaving a lasting impression on diners with its distinctive blend of shrimp, tamarind, and fermented soybean sauce. A typical bowl includes rice vermicelli, shrimp, fresh tiny prawns or pork ribs, pork belly, blanched bean sprouts, and an assortment of herbs such as water spinach, banana blossom, and garlic chives. A key highlight is the dipping sauce made from pure fermented linh fish sauce.

The broth is simmered from pork bones, shrimp, and pork belly, resulting in a rich, flavorful base. As you enjoy the dish, you’ll taste the perfect balance of savory broth, the gentle tartness of tamarind, and the richness of peanuts, shrimp, and pork—all harmoniously blended in this southern specialty.

Snakehead Fish Porridge With Bitter Herbs

Snakehead Fish Congee with Bitter Herbs is a humble yet iconic dish of the Mekong Delta, known for its refreshing and cold-relieving properties. The best version uses field-raised snakehead fish—small in size but firm and flavorful. The rice for this congee must be moderately glutinous, naturally sweet, and aromatic. Unlike plain porridge, the rice is not washed or cooked right away; instead, it’s dry-roasted in a pan until golden and fragrant.

During cooking, the fish is simmered together with the congee, allowing the broth to absorb its sweetness and aroma. Once perfectly seasoned, the dish is finished with thinly sliced The dish includes shallots, scallions, coriander, and a generous side of rau dang (bitter herbs). Although the herb may taste bitter on its own, when eaten with the congee, it reveals a wonderfully fragrant and subtly sweet flavor.

Tan Phong Rice Snails

Rice Snails from Tan Phong are a renowned specialty of Cai Lay District. These snails are large, with green shells and plump, flavorful meat. After being harvested from the Tan Phong waterways, they are most commonly boiled and served with a dipping sauce, lime, chili, and a touch of ginger to add warmth and remove any fishy odor. This simple dish is a favorite among local youth in Tien Giang.

Freshly boiled snails have a beautiful golden hue, rich flavor, and sweet and slightly crunchy texture. Besides boiling, Tan Phong rice snails can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as stir-fried with garlic, braised in coconut milk, or roasted with butter.

Banh Va (Giong Market Specialty)

Giong Market, the former name of today’s Vinh Binh Town Market in Go Cong Tay District, is known for its signature dish: banh va (also called banh gia), a flavorful fried snack that captures the essence of the Mekong Delta. This crispy delight is made from a perfect blend of rice flour, shrimp, bean sprouts, and fragrant peanuts, creating a rich and savory taste.

In addition to the traditional version, locals have created vegetarian variations filled with ingredients like peanuts, straw mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms. Banh va can be enjoyed with either fish sauce or soy sauce, making it a delicious treat suitable for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

My Tho Sugarcane Juice With Coconut Milk

This one is a famous refreshing drink from My Tho, Tien Giang, Vietnam. It blends the naturally sweet taste of fresh sugarcane juice with the rich creaminess of coconut milk. This drink is often served with toppings like jelly, jackfruit, roasted peanuts, and shredded coconut, offering a deliciously tropical twist.

Lo Ren Star Apples

The Lò Rèn star apple season lasts from around September to April of the following year. These fruits are famous for their large, round shape and the way they dangle appealingly from the branches when fully ripe. When you cut open a star apple, a milky white sap oozes out, revealing thick flesh with few small seeds, a gentle fragrance, and a naturally sweet, refreshing flavor. Many visitors to Chau Thanh District (Tien Giang) often buy these star apples as gifts for their family and friends.

The Spirit Of Tien Giang: People, Festivals, And Heritage

The people of Tien Giang are known for their sincerity, generosity, and warm-hearted hospitality—traits that reflect the true spirit of the Mekong Delta. Life here flows gently like the rivers that nourish the land, and locals live in close harmony with nature. Whether welcoming you with a smile or sharing stories over a cup of tea, they embody the charm of authentic southern Vietnam. Many proudly say that Tien Giang people are the “quintessential Mekong Delta folks

Festivals In Tien Giang

Festival culture in Tien Giang is rich and diverse, encompassing both traditional spiritual and religious ceremonies as well as festivals tied to local craft villages. These events are not only opportunities for locals to express reverence and honor their ancestors but also serve as platforms to promote cultural values, attract visitors, and boost the local economy.

Notable festivals in Tien Giang include

Ky Yen Festival: Usually held at communal houses and temples, this festival allows locals to pray for favorable weather, peace, and prosperity, while honoring the gods and founding ancestors.

Nghinh Ong Festival: Celebrated in coastal areas, this festival reflects fishermen’s deep respect for the whale (referred to as “Ong”), believed to be a guardian deity of the sea, and is held to pray for abundant and safe fishing seasons.

Commemorative Festivals for the Battles of Ap Bac, Rach Gam–Xoai Mut, and the Southern Uprising (Nam Ky Khoi Nghia): These festivals hold historical significance, paying tribute to national heroes and marking important milestones in Vietnam’s fight for independence.

Quan Thanh De Quan Festival: Dedicated to Guan Yu (Quan Cong), a revered general in Chinese history, this festival expresses admiration and respect for his loyalty, courage, and martial prowess.

Death Anniversary of National Heroes valedictorian Huan and Truong Dinh: Held to honor the legacy of local heroes who made significant sacrifices for their homeland and the nation.

Traditional Craft Villages In Tien Giang

My Tho Rice Noodle, Cake, and Vermicelli Village: With a history of over 100 years, this village in My Phong Commune specializes in silky, chewy rice noodles made from Gò Cát rice. Visitors can observe and try the noodle-making process and enjoy a hot bowl of authentic Hu Tieu My Tho.

Cai Be Rice Paper and Milk Pop-Rice Cake Village: Located in Cai Be Town, this village is known for its crispy banh phong sua (milk pop-rice cakes). Travelers can watch the traditional production process, participate hands-on, and sample freshly made treats.

Long Dinh Mat Weaving Village: Since 1954, locals in Long Dinh Commune have been weaving durable, beautiful mats. Tourists can explore the peaceful village life and learn about each step in the mat-making process.

Go Cong Ancestral Cabinet Craft Village: Famous for intricately carved ancestral altars (tu tho), this village in Go Cong Town preserves artistic and spiritual traditions passed down for generations.

Go Cong Fermented Shrimp Paste Village: Known for mam tom cha, a savory fermented shrimp paste once served in royal courts, this village offers visitors a taste of Tien Giang’s culinary pride through a centuries-old preparation method.

How To Get To Tien Giang From Ho Chi Minh City

From Ho Chi Minh City, it is recommended to depart from the Western Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Tay). One-way ticket prices range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND, depending on the bus company, vehicle type, and destination. The journey to My Tho takes around two hours. Given its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, travelers may also choose to ride a motorbike or drive their own car.

For getting around locally, motorbikes, private cars, and taxis offer flexible transportation options. Motorbike rentals typically cost 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day.

Where To Stay In Tien Giang

Tien Giang primarily offers accommodations in My Tho City and Go Cong Town.

In My Tho, travelers can choose from hotels to guesthouses with prices ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND per night. There are also reasonably priced options in Go Cong City, with nightly rates usually falling between 150,000 and 300,000 VND.

Hotels located in the city center of My Tho—especially along 30/4, Ap Bac, and Tet Mau Than streets—are ideal for those wanting to experience the vibrant local nightlife and street food scene.

Conclusion—Your Sweet Escape To Tien Giang

A visit to Tien Giang brings you into the true rhythm of the Mekong Delta—where rice fields ripple in the breeze, tropical fruit orchards stretch to the horizon, rivers wind past peaceful islets, and the sea beckons beyond. Above all, it’s a chance to connect with the warm-hearted, generous people of the South, whose sincerity adds soul to the land. Together, they paint a colorful, unforgettable picture of Tien Giang—one that stays with every traveler long after the journey ends.

>>> Ultimate Travel Guide to Tien Giang

>>> Top 5 Most Beautiful Floating Markets In The Mekong Delta