My Tho Travel

My Tho was founded in the 1680s by Chinese refugees fleeing Taiwan when the general of the Qing Dynasty Shi Lang defeated the remnants of Southern Ming Dynasty in 1683. 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).

What to do in My Tho?

Boat trips are the highlight of a visit to Mytho. Usually, destinations include a coconut workshop, a honey bee farm and orchard gardens. If time allowed, should not miss Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful and well maintained sanctuary and Dong Tam snake farm, a center for breeding snakes producing venom for exportation.

Vinh Trang Pagoda

Built in 1849 and seriously damaged by French colonists in 1861 and a severe storm in 1904. On both occasions, practitioners restored the pagoda to its original splendor

According to locals, a monk named Minh Dan and an architect named Huynh Tri Phu traveled to Angkor Wat, Cambodia prior to building the pagoda for inspiration and eventually combined Khmer architecture with European styles for the pagoda. The pagoda is surrounded by gardens of ornamental trees, ancient trees and bonsai, creating a peaceful atmosphere and recognized as a national historical and cultural relic by the government.

Dong Tam Snake-Breeding Farm:

Far away 12km from My Tho City, is medicinal plant cultivation and the study and treatment of snake-bite. There is a snake-breeding zone with dozens of species to feed or even to play with. There are also crocodiles and other species of birds and animals on hand.

Travel tips for you:

Bring along camera, hat, sunscreen and insect repellant.