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My Tho is the capital city of Tien Giang province, located on the northern banks of the Mekong river and is the closest town in the Delta area to Ho Chi Minh City, about 70km. Due to its proximity to Saigon, My Tho was the traditional gateway to the Mekong Delta. In the 17th century, the city had become one of the biggest commercial hubs in today's Southern Vietnam.

My Tho was founded in 1680s by the Chinese refugees and the area, at the time, was once part of the Khmer kingdom and it was annexed to Vietnam in the 18th century. The city is named after the River My Tho, which means Beautiful (My) Reed (Tho).

In the centre of the town close to the river, there is a large market that sells just about anything that can be eaten or is used in day to day business. Around the Mytho area, you will find a maze of small canals that can be explored on one of the many organised boat tours. You can book the tours in Mytho or book a day trip from Saigon. Other places to visit are the longan plantations on Dragon Island and the Dong Tam Snake Farm.