Thoi Son Island, also known as Unicorn Island, offers a peaceful haven in the Mekong Delta. The island’s lush orchards and serpentine rivers are reminiscent of the Southern Vietnamese way of life, culture, and tranquility.
Introduction To Thoi Son Island
Thoi Son Island, or Unicorn Island, is among the top destinations of the Mekong Delta region, located right at the core of the Tien River, which belongs to My Tho City of Tien Giang Province. This wonderful island is characterized by its orchards full of fruits, canals, and the impression of the natural beauty of the southern countryside. To get to the island, it only takes a short boat trip, and once on the island, you will be greeted by the fresh air, the sound of leaves waving, and the slow-motion pace of river life, a world away from the buzz of city life.
When you arrive at Thoi Son Island, you will be able to witness the genuine beauty of the Mekong Delta’s soul. Visitors can paddle small wooden boats down twisting canals with local people, eat tropical fruits in garden houses depending on the season, and listen to a form of folk music called Don Ca Tai Tu. There are also honey farms, coconut candy-making workshops, as well as rustic villages, and daily life on the island.
History Of Thoi Son Island
Along with peace, Thoi Son Island has an important place in Vietnam’s history. In the spring of 1785, it was a key base on the way to the national hero Nguyen Hue (later Emperor Quang Trung) to the Rach Gam – Xoai Mut battle. He achieved a victory in the battle against the invading Siamese troops.
Later, in the framework of the resistance war against the American armed forces, Thoi Son in the defence ring surrounding the Dong Tam base contributed to the glorious victory of Binh Duc. Today, Thoi Son Island not only attracts tourists with its tranquility, but is also an expression of the spirit and courage that has built the history of Vietnam.
Top 5 Iconic Attractions In Thoi Son Island
Thoi Son Island may be small, but it’s packed with experiences that fully reflect the charm of the Mekong Delta. You should find everything from enjoyable boat rides and traditional folk performances to scenic orchards and charming local people experiences throughout the area. Here is your must-visit top pick of attractions when touring around Thoi Son:
Thoi Son Ecotourism Area
This is the center of the island, where one can navigate shaded canals, local villages, and fruit gardens to experience tranquility, nature, and discovery.
Vinh Trang Pagoda
Conveniently, there is a famous pagoda nearby in the city of My Tho. It has a beautiful blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, and European architecture. This peaceful place can be a relaxing stop before or after your visit to Thoi Son.
Coconut Candy Workshop
You have to stop at this sweet experience on the island, where you can observe locals making traditional coconut candies by hand and taste some hot, delicious bites.
Honey Bee Farm
So popular with visitors to Thoi Son, this attraction provides the opportunity to learn about how bees are kept, have a honey tea, and enjoy some folk music while in the garden setting.
Fruit Orchards
The orchards are scattered throughout the island, where one can find a wonderful selection of tropical fruits like longan, rambutan, and pomelo – a charming place to get a taste of the sweetness of the Mekong.
5 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Thoi Son Island provides travelers with ideal opportunities to experience nature, rich culture, and the authentic daily life of the Mekong Delta. To unlock the beauty of the island and its local spirit, do not miss these unforgettable excursions.
Visit Thoi Son Island by Rowboat
One of the best ways to experience Thoi Son Island is in a rowboat along its narrow canals. Arriving from the river, you put your oars in the water and slide the boat under a shady canopy of nipa palm trees. Surrounded by rich green foliage, you will truly be immersed in the serenity of the Mekong Delta and enjoy the lush green scenery reflected in the still water. Local people thrive on the waterways of the Mekong, and observe how humans are intertwined in nature as you take part in this experience in Phu Quoc.
Go On A Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
For a more traditional experience, take a horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy the tranquil Thoi Son Island countryside. This relaxing ride will take you down rural roads filled with fruit trees and traditional wooden houses. It is a nostalgic experience that allows you to stop for a bit and enjoy the simple rhythm of a rural lifestyle.
Explore Traditional Handicraft Villages
You should not miss visiting the famous handicraft villages, as they are a must on your itinerary in Thoi Son Island, Mekong Delta. You can witness the production of coconut candy sweet specialty of Tien Giang, or you can visit the beekeeping villages where locals produce pure honey and royal jelly. Visitors can see beekeepers collect honey directly from the hives and sample fresh honey tea with dried fruit. Your visit to these villages will help you appreciate generations of creative and skillful talent from the islanders.
Roam Through Bountiful Fruit Gardens
Thoi Son Island is one of the regions with the largest fruit orchard areas in the Mekong Delta, so it has a very rich number of tropical gardens. Depending on the season, you can visit the gardens to pick and eat ripe fruits that are ready for savoring, such as rambutan, longan, pomelo, or star apple that grow naturally on their trees. Strolling through the orchards in their bright colors with their fresh smells is a great way to experience nature locally and savor the natural sweetness available.
Experience Local Don Ca Tai Tu Music
Before you leave Thoi Son Island, take the opportunity to enjoy a traditional performance of Don Ca Tai Tu – Southern Vietnam’s UNESCO Heritage-recognized art. Enjoying honey tea while sitting under a thatched roof or semi-covered area, listening to traditional instruments as they create beautiful sounds, creates a wonderful way to experience the region’s culture. This performance expresses the tenderness and poetry of the Mekong people while creating lasting impressions of warmth and hospitality for all visitors.
Entrance Fee
Most attractions in Thoi Son now use an all-inclusive price structure, but there are still a few where you pay separately for individual activities. Here is a quick price guide to help you know what to budget:
- Full experience ticket (which includes shows with traditional folk music, a honey tea tasting, fruit tasting, a horse-drawn carriage ride, a rowing boat trip, and a visit to a handicraft village): 200,000 – 300,000 VND/person
- Garden meal (the menu will vary, but will usually include local dishes/routes such as grilled snakehead fish, fish hotpot, or free-range chicken): 100,000 – 200,000 VND/person
- Folk games (this might be something like ditch fishing, hand-fishing, or balancing on a monkey bridge): about 100,000 VND/person
Tip: Costs fluctuate during holiday seasons for holiday group size and the price of included services. So booking your tour can save you money if prices fluctuate at your pier/tourist attraction and you plan for an extra cost.
Best Time To Visit Thoi Son Island
The Mekong Delta region has two seasons: namely, the dry season running from December to April and the rainy season running from May to November.
Each season has something special to offer. However, if you want to see the island experiencing its most colors, you should consider planning your trip between June and September. At that time, fruit trees are full of viable produce and the islands are green, as this is when you will be seeing the Mekong Delta in fullness.
How To Get To Thoi Son Island
Self-guided travel to Thoi Son Island is the perfect weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City, a place to relax, get some fresh air, and experience the colorful atmosphere of the Mekong Delta.
From Ho Chi Minh City To My Tho
It is about a 70 km distance from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho and takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on which type of transportation you choose. If you are traveling by motorbike or car, you just take the National Highway 1A and cross the Rach Mieu Bridge to get to the city. Here are some additional options:
- By bus: You can take a bus that leaves from the Mien Tay Bus Station with prices from 60,000-90,000 VND a trip. Buses you want to check for the trip will be Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, Thao Chau, etc.
- By private car: This is also recommended if you have a small group of 3-5 people. The cost will be between a round trip of 1,200,000-1,500,000 VND, plus the driver for that day.
From My Tho To Thoi Son Island
- By road: Cross the Rach Mieu Bridge, then turn right on the road to Thoi Son Island. This direction is quick and simple if you have a private mode of transportation.
- By boat: Go to the 30/4 Tourist Pier and buy a ticket on the boat to the island. Shared boat rides are 30,000 VND a person, and you can hire a private boat for 350,000-500,000 VND, depending on capacity and itinerary.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Thoi Son Island
Before visiting Thoi Son Island, it is wise to plan so that you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and engaging local cultures. Here are some basic travel suggestions to help facilitate a smooth and memorable visit:
- Consider planning your trip ahead of time so that you are able to book budget-friendly transportation and desired accommodation.
- Always ask and negotiate for pricing before buying anything or engaging in any local services.
- Make sure to bring along sunscreen, hats, and a light jacket if you are visiting in the dry season. In the rainy season, make sure to pack some kind of rain gear, such as a coat or umbrella.
- Pack along basic medicine such as pain relievers, fever reducers, and stomach medicine, and remedies for minor health incidents.
- Keep your camera or phone ready to document the pretty river scenery and the real form of rural life.
FAQs About Thoi Son Island
Thoi Son Island is a must-visit eco-tourism destination in the Mekong Delta, where guests can enjoy peaceful natural surroundings in a regional atmosphere. The following are some common questions and answers to help with the planning for a carefree and fun vacation.
Is there an entrance fee?
There are a handful of spots to visit on the island that charge a small entrance fee; however, most of the travel packages come with plenty to do. In general, a full tour with entertainment, such as a boat ride, fruit tasting, tropical fruits, and a folk show, not uncommon in the area, will usually cost between 200,000 and 300,000 VND per person.
Is Thoi Son Island family-friendly?
Yes, there is a variety of family-friendly activities for families with children. Activities are easy-going and may provide a little fun or an educational experience for small children with nature and experience life in a village. Children can ride on and off boats and will have the opportunity to explore with adults nearby, engaged, and supervised.
Final Thoughts: Is Thoi Son Island Worth Visiting?
Thoi Son Island is a destination that everyone should experience if they want to see the authentic Mekong Delta way of life. Visitors can be free, connect with nature, and find peace of mind on the rivers. The experience on Thoi Son Island will be better with Seni World because they will choreograph a variety of genuine moments and impactful experiences in the southern heart of the country.
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