My Tho lies along the Tien River at the edge of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, where waterways shape both movement and daily life. Founded in the late 17th century, the city developed as a trading port linking inland agricultural regions with the coast. Its history reflects layers of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese influence, visible in temples, markets, and long-established neighborhoods.

The surrounding landscape is defined by water and cultivation. Canals branch off from the river into orchards, rice fields, and coconut groves, creating a setting where boats remain as important as roads. The flat terrain and slow-moving waterways give the region a sense of continuity, with seasonal flooding and harvests setting the local rhythm.

My Tho has a relaxed, practical atmosphere. Markets, river traffic, and family-run businesses shape the pace of the city, while its role as a gateway to the delta keeps it outward-looking.