Private Tour in Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

Avoid like the plague unless you like to be herded like cheap cattle

This trip was dismal and amongst the worst we ever experienced in any country. First, the car was small and uncomfortable for our family of 5. We were cramped and uncomfortable for the long car ride. We expected better transportation for a private tour. At the outset, we told Luc we didn't want to go to any factories. The very first stop was to a bamboo/silk factory store where they locked my family in a room to listen to sales pitches from underwear to household supplies. It was horrible and there was nothing cultural or production-related about the tour. The other stops including at the Mekong area was similarly touristy, where our guide Luc advised us on the amount of compulsory tip. Would have been better if he just paid these amounts and charged more for the tour. It was annoying and it felt scammy. The restaurant was rated a 4.1 on Google Reviews, we had a set menu lunch which gave my son diarrhea. We didn't do the temple part of the tour since we just wanted to return to our hotel. It was disappointing and depressing to be herded around like cattle. I don't think Luc controls the initially but for a private tour, it was extremely underwhelming and lacking.

Response from the operator: Dear Marissa, (Note: This is a duplicate review submitted for the exact same booking already reviewed on July 4th) Thank you for taking the time to share your review. We take all guest feedback seriously, though we are deeply saddened by your account of the day. Our guide, Luc, put his heart into caring for your family—especially ensuring your son with special needs was patiently supported, comfortable, and well-accommodated throughout the trip. We would like to clarify a few key facts for future travelers reading this review: Vehicle & Transportation: For your family group of 5, we provided a brand-new 2025 Toyota Innova MPV, a modern, spacious, and fully air-conditioned 8-seater vehicle. We regret if this did not meet your personal space expectations for a private tour. Cultural Activities Offered vs. Refused: Our itinerary is designed to showcase authentic local life. We arranged local electric car rides through Thoi Son Island as well as a traditional motorized rickshaw (Xe Lam / Tuk-tuk) ride in Ben Tre to explore rural villages. However, your family explicitly declined to participate in the Xe Lam ride. Local Cultural Workshops: As clearly stated in our official tour description, visits to traditional craft workshops (coconut candy, popped rice—which you mentioned you had never seen before—honey farming, bamboo, silk, a sampan boat ride, folk music performance, and seasonal tropical fruit tasting) are meant to demonstrate authentic local livelihoods. There is never any forced pressure to purchase items at any of these stops. Clarification on Tipping: Luc explicitly explained that tipping in Vietnam is 100% voluntary and only if you appreciate the service. The suggested gratuity of 20,000 VND (less than $0.85 USD) per person was intended directly for the local sampan rowers, motorboat captains, and traditional folk musicians (Đàn Ca Tài Tử) who performed for your family. This was purely a suggestion regarding local customs, not a fee charged by us. Skipped Vinh Trang Pagoda: Luc was eager to show you the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda as scheduled. However, we strictly respected your family’s explicit request to end the tour early and return to your hotel. Restaurant & Food Hygiene: Our partner restaurant, with whom we have proudly collaborated for over 15 years, serves freshly prepared local meals adhering strictly to food hygiene standards. We are truly sorry to hear your son felt unwell later that evening and hope he made a full recovery. Luc spent the entire day dedicated to providing patient and personalized care to your family. While we are disappointed that we could not satisfy your expectations, we wish your family all the best. Best regards, Saigon Foody Tour Team

via Viator

AVOID like plague

This private tour was the worst one we have ever booked on Viator. The car was small and uncomfortable for our family of 5. Expected better transportation for a private tour. The places they took us to were tourist traps, starting with a factory where you are forced to watch a sales presentation on bamboo fibers. You are literally in a room with harsh fluorescent lighting where you are forced to listen to the benefits of 15 products. We were taken here despite me telling Luc at the beginning of the tour that I did not want to go to any factories/tourist shopping locations. The other places they took us too were similarly scammy. Luc advised us on the amount of various "compulsory tips" we had to provide the various local people. Would have been better if they just took care of these fees/tips and charged more for the excursion because it is annoying to feel like you are constantly being nickeled and dimed. My son had diarrhea after eating at the local tourist trap restaurant (Nhà hàng Sông Nước Miền Tây) that got a 4.1 on Google for ripping off tourists. We skipped the temple and came back early. If you enjoy being on a touristy hamster wheel, this tour is for you. On a positive note, Luc spoke good English and was warm. I don't think he controls the itinerary so no blame to him. He tried his best given what he was working with.

Response from the operator: Dear Marissa, Thank you for taking the time to share your review. While we appreciate your kind words regarding Luc’s warm hospitality, good English, and dedication, we are deeply saddened by your account of the day. Our guide, Luc, put his heart into caring for your family—especially ensuring your son with special needs was patiently supported, comfortable, and well-accommodated throughout the trip. We would like to clarify a few key facts for future travelers reading this review: Vehicle & Transportation: For your family group of 5, we provided a brand-new 2025 Toyota Innova MPV, a modern, spacious, and fully air-conditioned 8-seater vehicle. We regret if this did not meet your personal space expectations for a private tour. Cultural Activities Offered vs. Refused: Our itinerary is designed to showcase authentic local life, including traditional sampan boat rides through small canals, listening to Southern folk music while tasting seasonal tropical fruits, and witnessing handmade popped rice and rice paper crafting (which you admitted you had never seen before). We also arranged electric car rides through Thoi Son Island and a traditional motorized rickshaw (Xe Lam / Tuk-tuk) ride in Ben Tre to explore rural villages. However, your family explicitly declined to participate in the Xe Lam ride. Local Cultural Workshops: As clearly stated in our official tour description, visits to family-run craft workshops (coconut candy, popped rice, honey farming, bamboo, and silk) are meant to demonstrate authentic local livelihoods. There is never any forced pressure to purchase items at any of these stops. Clarification on Tipping: Luc explicitly explained that tipping in Vietnam is 100% voluntary and only if you appreciate the service. The suggested gratuity of 20,000 VND (less than $0.85 USD) per person was intended directly for the local sampan rowers, motorboat captains, and traditional folk musicians (Đàn Ca Tài Tử) who performed for your family. This was purely a suggestion regarding local customs, not a fee charged by us. Skipped Vinh Trang Pagoda: Luc was eager to show you the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda as scheduled. However, we strictly respected your family’s explicit request to end the tour early and return to your hotel. Restaurant & Food Hygiene: Nhà hàng Sông Nước Miền Tây, with whom we have proudly collaborated for over 15 years, serves freshly prepared local meals adhering strictly to food hygiene standards. We are truly sorry to hear your son felt unwell later that evening and hope he made a full recovery. Luc spent the entire day dedicated to providing patient and personalized care to your family and your special son. While we are disappointed that we could not satisfy your expectations, we wish your family all the best. Best regards, Saigon Foody Tour Team

via Tripadvisor

Amazing day

We had an amazing experience with Luc, nothing was too much trouble. He made us feel very welcome and his English was fantastic. We were out for about 8 hours in total (3 hours of the day driving to/from Ho Chi Minh). We got taxi boats to the most beautiful restaurant with amazing food. Saw local folk music, ate local fruits, drank local tea, saw the workshops and honey bee farm. It was a day we will never forget - and we have booked for Luc to take us on a different trip tomorrow!

via Tripadvisor

What a great day!

What a great day. Luc out guide was great and very knowledgeable. The day consisted of many different activities, all of which were good. Lunch was fabulous too. Highly recommend.

via Viator

A great day trip

What a great day. Luc was a great guide and very knowledgeable. The trip was excellent and covered lots of different activities, all of which were good. Thanks to Luc for everything!

via Tripadvisor