Hosting four major rivers and many canals, Tien Giang is also bordered by the South China Sea. Mainly agricultural, the province provides the country with delicious fish and fruits (Hoa Loc mangos, Co Co pomelos, and Tan Phoc pineapples) as well as rice.
The capital of the province is My Tho, which has several attractive sites: Vinh Trang pagoda and its precious wood statues, My Tho church, and a lively central market. The city is a good launching point for excursions on the river and boat tours head to Tan Long (‘dragon’) and Thoi Son (‘unicorn’) islets, both of which enjoy prosperous fruit plantations.
My Tho was linked with Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1881 via the first railway line in Indochina, but the line was quickly abandoned. Nowadays the city provides good accommodation (on Trung Trac street mainly) and restaurants (near Bao Dinh canal).
Attractions in Tien Giang include Dong Thap Muoi area, Dong Tam snake farm (not far from My Thp) and Cai Be floating market. Ap Bac staged the first communist victory over the Republican Vietnamese troops. Special dishes to be tasted while staying in Tien Giang include: hu thieu my tho (rice noodles) and ear elephant fish.
Tien Giang is easily accessible by road and water transportation. Tourists usually arrive here on daytrips from Ho Chi Minh City.