Thoi Son Island: A Tropical Haven in My Tho, Tien Giang

Thoi Son Island, also known as Unicorn Island or Cồn Lân, is the largest of the four sacred islets (Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, Phoenix) along the Tien River in My Tho, Tien Giang. Spanning 1,200 hectares, this tropical oasis is renowned for its lush orchards, intricate canal systems, and vibrant cultural experiences, making it a must-visit for eco-tourists, foodies, and cultural enthusiasts. From savoring fresh fruits to enjoying traditional “Đờn Ca Tài Tử” music, Thoi Son offers an authentic taste of Mekong Delta life. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates eco-friendly tours to explore Thoi Son’s natural and cultural treasures while supporting local communities. Start your adventure—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Note

Tien Giang Province, with My Tho as its vibrant hub, now includes the former Dong Thap Province, enhancing its appeal as a premier eco-tourism destination. Upgraded infrastructure, including cycling paths and electric boat networks, supports sustainable visits to Thoi Son and My Tho’s attractions, aligning with the “Green Delta” initiative.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tour operator, dedicated to showcasing Vietnam’s natural and cultural gems. Our Thoi Son tours combine eco-friendly transport—bicycles and electric boats—with fruit tasting, cultural performances, and village visits, guided by local experts. Supporting Thoi Son’s farmers and artisans, we offer transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for an authentic, eco-conscious experience!

Located in Thoi Hoa Hamlet, Thoi Son Commune, My Tho City, Thoi Son Island is a lush, 1,200-hectare retreat along the Tien River, known for its fertile orchards and vibrant local life. Residents thrive on fruit farming (longan, sapodilla, mango), beekeeping, fishing, and crafting coconut candy, with tourism now a growing industry. The island’s intricate canals, lined with water coconut palms, and its Southern Vietnamese architecture, including ancient houses with yin-yang tiled roofs, create a picturesque setting. Tien Giang’s tropical climate—dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F)—ensures abundant harvests and scenic beauty year-round. Thoi Son’s blend of nature, culture, and sustainability makes it a top Mekong Delta destination.

1. Canal Boat Cruises

Glide through Thoi Son’s narrow canals on eco-friendly electric boats, passing water coconut palms and rural villages.

• Cost: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND) per boat (fits 4–6 people).

• Hours: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Scenic waterways, tranquil views, sustainable transport.

• Tips: Morning cruises offer cooler weather; included in our Thoi Son Eco-Tour ($70–$90).

2. Orchard Tours and Fruit Tasting

Explore Thoi Son’s orchards, picking and tasting VietGAP-certified longans, sapodillas, and mangoes straight from the trees.

• Cost: Entry $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Hours: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Fresh fruit tastings, farmer interactions, lush greenery.

• Tips: Visit during summer (May–August) for peak harvests; included in our Thoi Son Eco-Tour ($70–$90).

3. Đờn Ca Tài Tử Music Performances

Enjoy UNESCO-recognized “Đờn Ca Tài Tử” music, a traditional Southern Vietnamese art form, performed at homestays or cultural venues.

• Cost: $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND) per performance.

• Hours: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM daily, subject to schedule.

• Highlights: Cultural immersion, live music, fruit tasting during shows.

• Tips: Book in advance; included in our My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80).

4. Coconut Candy Workshops

Learn to make Thoi Son’s famous coconut candy at local workshops, tasting fresh candies and jams.

• Cost: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND) per workshop.

• Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Hands-on learning, sweet treats, local craftsmanship.

• Tips: Buy candies as souvenirs; included in our Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

5. Homestay Dining and Stays

Savor Mekong specialties like Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho or chuối quết dừa at homestays, or stay overnight for an immersive experience.

• Cost: Meals $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND); homestays $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

• Hours: Dining 8:00 AM–8:00 PM; check-in after 2:00 PM.

• Highlights: Authentic cuisine, rural hospitality, cozy accommodations.

• Tips: Try longan honey tea; included in our Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450).

From Ho Chi Minh City (70 km, ~1.5–2 hours)

1. By Bus and Ferry

   • Route: Take a bus from Mien Tay Bus Station (395 Kinh Duong Vuong, Binh Tan District) to My Tho, then a ferry from My Tho Tourist Wharf (8 Đ 30 Thang 4) to Thoi Son.

   • Cost: Bus $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); ferry $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND, 10 minutes).

   • Providers: Futa Bus (Tel: +84 1900 6067), Thanh Buoi.

   • Tips: Book via VeXeRe or Baolau; ferries run frequently.

2. By Car/Taxi and Ferry

   • Route: Follow National Highway 1A to My Tho, then ferry from My Tho Tourist Wharf.

   • Cost: Car/taxi $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND); ferry $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

   • Providers: Mai Linh Taxi (+84 2773 686 868), Grab app.

   • Tips: Ideal for groups; confirm wharf location.

3. By Motorbike and Ferry

   • Route: Follow Kinh Duong Vuong Street to National Highway 1A, then ferry from My Tho Tourist Wharf.

   • Cost: Rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND); fuel $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND); ferry $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

   • Providers: Mekong Moto Rentals, HCMC (+84 938 456 789).

   • Tips: Use offline maps (Maps.me); not for inexperienced riders.

From My Tho (3 km, ~10–15 minutes)

1. By Ferry

   • Route: From My Tho Tourist Wharf (8 Đ 30 Thang 4) to Thoi Son.

   • Cost: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

   • Tips: Ferries run every 15–30 minutes; confirm schedules at the wharf.

2. By Guided Tour (Recommended)

   • Cost: $70–$90/person for a day tour; $300–$450 for a 2–3 day Mekong Delta immersion.

   • Details: Includes ferry, boat tours, guide, and activities like fruit tasting or music performances.

   • Tour Option: Thoi Son Eco-Tour ($70–$90).

   • Tips: Book via Legend Travel Group for seamless travel.

• Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for boat cruises, cycling, and orchard visits; Tet (January–February, lunar calendar) features festive activities.

• Rainy Season (May–November): Lush greenery, abundant fruit harvests; enjoy 10–20% tour discounts.

• Tips: Visit in the morning (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) for cooler weather; book 3–4 weeks in advance for Tet. Check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

Pack for a sustainable island visit:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire for dry season; raincoat ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; sandals for orchards; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone or camera for photos; portable charger.

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for fruit or candy purchases, bamboo straw for sustainability.

Tip: Carry VND (50,000–200,000 notes) for ferry fees and vendors; use a waterproof backpack in rainy season.

• Ferry to Thoi Son: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) per person.

• Activities:

  • Canal boat cruises: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

  • Orchard tours: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Coconut candy workshops: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

  • Music performances: $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).

  • Bicycle rental: $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Dining: Meals at homestays or My Tho eateries: $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND); drinks $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Accommodation:

  • Homestays (e.g., Thoi Son Eco Homestay): $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

  • Hotels (e.g., Central Plaza Hotel My Tho): $20–$50/night (500,000–1,250,000 VND).

  • Resorts (e.g., Mekong Riverside Resort): $80–$150/night (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

• Transport to My Tho:

  • Bus from Ho Chi Minh City: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Taxi within My Tho: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost:

• Budget: $15–$35 (bus, ferry, homestay, meals).

• Mid-range: $35–$70 (guided tours, hotel, dining).

• Luxury: $100–$180 (resorts, private tours, upscale dining).

Tip: Use ATMs in My Tho for cash; carry small VND notes for ferries and vendors.

• Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222) 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for Tet or summer.

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season: Pack sunscreen; ideal for cycling and boat cruises.

  • Rainy Season: Bring waterproof gear; enjoy lush orchards.

• Sustainability: Support local farmers and artisans; use eco-transport like electric boats.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save My Tho Tourist Wharf as a landmark.

• Safety: Secure valuables on ferries; respect orchard boundaries.

• Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào” (hello); tip guides or performers $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Health: Stay hydrated ($0.50 or 12,500 VND per bottle); apply mosquito repellent near canals.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Tien Giang’s cultural and natural gems:

• Thoi Son Eco-Tour ($70–$90/person): Explore Thoi Son’s orchards, cruise canals, and enjoy “Đờn Ca Tài Tử” music. Includes ferry, boat transfers, tastings, guide.

• Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Savor Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho, coconut candy, and join craft workshops. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

• My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Visit Thoi Son, Vinh Trang Pagoda, and My Tho Night Market. Includes eco-transfers, lunch, guide.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450/person, 2–3 days): Explore Thoi Son, Cai Be Floating Market, and homestays ($10–$25/night). Includes meals, activities, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Get 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book via links around this page!

Thoi Son Island, or Unicorn Island, in My Tho, Tien Giang, is a tropical haven of orchards, canals, and cultural experiences, from fruit tasting to “Đờn Ca Tài Tử” performances. Its natural beauty and vibrant local life make it a Mekong Delta gem. Legend Travel Group’s Tien Giang Tours guide you through Thoi Son, ensuring a sustainable Tien Giang Travel experience that supports eco-friendly practices and local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today!
Ready to discover the magic of Thoi Son Island? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into My Tho’s tropical heart!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group