A motorbike is the delta’s most natural vehicle, and this tour, titled the Authentic Mekong Motorbike Tour, lets you ride as a passenger behind an experienced local guide through places that cars and buses cannot reach. The route follows narrow lanes between canals and orchards, crossing small bridges and passing houses, temples and workshops. Because the motorbike is quiet and quick, you can cover more ground than on a bicycle and still stop wherever something catches the eye: a village market, a brick kiln, a coconut candy workshop, a farmer harvesting fruit. The pace is gentle, the guide is usually a local with strong knowledge of the area, and the experience focuses on contact with people rather than monuments. It suits travellers who like variety and are comfortable on two wheels as passengers. For many, it is the best way to understand how the delta is connected: the roads, the water, the houses and the work all appear in a single day, and the wind on the ride is a welcome relief from the heat. A hearty lunch with a family adds warmth to the day.
How it works
The tour is guided, with a guide and a rider for each passenger, and starts from Can Tho. Helmets should be provided, and reputable operators brief you on safety before you start. Ask about the length of the route, whether lunch and entry fees are included, and whether raincoats are provided in the wet season. The operator also offers a bicycle version of the same route.
What to expect
The day mixes riding with walking stops. You might see a family-run workshop making rice paper or coconut sweets, a market where vendors sell fish and vegetables, a pagoda with quiet gardens and an orchard where you taste fruit. Roads vary from paved highways to dirt tracks, and speeds are moderate.
Travel is relaxed, with breaks for water and photographs. At lunch you will usually sit with a family and share a home-cooked meal of fish, vegetables, soup and rice, followed by fruit. Plan for heat, humidity and dust, particularly in the dry months.
Making the most of it
Wear long trousers, closed shoes and a light long-sleeved shirt that protects against sun and dust, and carry sunglasses and a scarf or buff. Keep bags small and secure. Tell the guide about any health issues or fears of riding, and speak up if you want to slow down or stop.
In the wet season, expect sudden showers and carry a light rain layer. The tour is not recommended for young children or travellers who find balance difficult on a pillion seat. For those who prefer self-powered travel, a bicycle tour covers similar ground more slowly.
Either way, the day offers an authentic view of the delta, and it ends with the satisfaction of having seen far more than the usual stops. Many guests find that the most memorable moments are unplanned: a roadside coconut stand, a wave from a schoolchild, a view across a flooded field.
Keep your phone ready but not glued to your hand, and let the guide choose the pace of the day. A relaxed mind matters as much as a good helmet, and it is the surest way to enjoy being carried along the delta’s ribbon of lanes.
What to expect
The experience
A guided day on a motorbike as a passenger, with village, workshop and market stops and a family lunch.
Best time
Dry months from December to April; early start to avoid heat.
How long
A full day.
Tips
Wear long trousers, closed shoes and a light long-sleeved shirt; bring sun protection.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adventurous travellers who want to cover more of the countryside.
- Families
- Best for teenagers; not suitable for small children.
- Couples
- Fun and memorable.
- Pair with
- A food tour in the evening.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Do I need to drive?+
No. You ride as a passenger behind a local guide.
Are helmets provided?+
They should be. Confirm with the operator and ask about safety briefings.
Is lunch included?+
Check when you book. A family lunch is a common part of the day.
What if it rains?+
Ask about raincoats and the weather policy, especially in the wet season.
Who should avoid this tour?+
Young children and anyone uncomfortable on a pillion seat should choose a bicycle or car tour.
