Southern Vietnam Essence:
A 3-Day Saigon & Mekong Experience

Delve into the captivating contrasts of Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta.

Trip Type

Private tour - minimum 2 guests
Duration

3 Days
Starting Location

Phu Quoc
Ending location

Phu Quoc
Country

Vietnam
Price

Each trip is priced individually - trips differ in the number of people, selected hotels, and attractions

South Vietnam cityscape and countryside awaits

Explore Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam's largest metropolis just an hour away from Phu Quoc Island. In this 3-day itinerary, blend in the city's dynamic charm with local markets, iconic food, and scooter rides. Then, savor the tranquil beauty of charming Mekong Delta, discover local specialties, countryside life, and its role as Vietnam's rice bowl.

What's included

Transfer by air-conditioned car/van
All meals indicated in the program
Entrance tickets to the listed attractions
Accommodations in the indicated places
Local English-speaking tour guide

What's not included

Flight tickets (quoted separately)
Personal expenses
Additional drinks and meals
Tips for services
Visas to Vietnam
Private insurance
Other services that are not included in the program

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Experience Highlights

Discover hidden markets and shrines in the maze of crowded alleyways
See the old colonial part of Saigon, admiring the Palace of Independence, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office
Go on a motorbike night tour and experience the local city life
Cruise the majestic Mekong River and learn what a floating fish farm looks like
Visit a coconut workshop and get to know all the different coconut products
Unwind at a cozy homestay and indulge in delicious specialties such as elephant ear fish or banh xeo

ITINERARY

Day 1

GOOD MORNING SAIGON

Our guide will pick you up at Tan Son Nhat Airport and take you to the hotel to drop off the luggage. We highly recommend selecting the morning flight (VN1820 PQC – SGN 08:40 – 10:00) to make the most of your time in Ho Chi Minh City.

We will then dive deep into a wet market right in the city center. With tiny alleyways filled with endless stalls and stores, this is the perfect place to see a slice of life and local customs. We will start the adventure with a flavorful bowl of bun thit nuong – grilled pork served with rice noodles and fresh herbs, served at a tiny food stall.

Then, we will go deeper into these small alleys, learn what vendors are selling, and how they spend their days.

HISTORICAL ENCOUNTERS

Our next destination is a place covered in history: the Secret Bunker, a testament to guerilla warfare. Proceed to the War Remnants Museum, where thousands of artifacts present the Vietnamese resilience during the infamous Vietnam War. On the way to the museum, we will pause at the Thich Quang Duc Monument and hear about the story of his self-immolation during the early stage of the war.

To clear the atmosphere, we will then stroll along the city center and admire the old colonial buildings, including the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office.

From here, we will take you back to your hotel for a short rest before our evening adventure.

SAIGON NIGHTLIFE

As dusk falls, Saigon atmosphere becomes even more lively and vibrant. Let our motorbike drivers take you on an exciting ride through the busy traffic flow. Try the best Saigonese snacks and drinks and see how the locals spend their evenings. Our knowledgeable drivers will share with you insights into their daily lives. To top it all off, we will reach the Saigon riverbank, to marvel at the breathtaking panorama of the city center against the night sky. For more details on this motorbike program, you can check out this page.

Day 2

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

It's time to venture into the serene Mekong Delta - one of the most important agricultural hubs of Vietnam. The area boasts breathtaking riverscape, bountiful plantations, and of course, amazing culinary heritage. After a 2-hour transfer from Saigon, we will start with a cruise along the Mekong River, learn what a floating fish farm is, and listen to stories about this river region.

MEKONG DELTA EXCLUSIVE

Once we disembark, we’ll explore the countryside with a walk through the lush orchards. We will then ride a tuk-tuk through the countryside and stop at a coconut workshop to learn about all the coconut handicrafts and specialties.

Here, we will also present to you some seasonal delights of Southeast Asian exotic fruit collection, from jackfruit, rambutan, logan, and many other treasures!

Next up, get ready for a sampan cruise along the tiny canals. We will also take a leisurely walk around the village and have lunch at our favorite riverside restaurant. Today’s lunch features a great lineup of local produces: elephant ear fish and succulent freshwater shrimps. Have you ever tried the legendary durian? We will prepare it for you as well, so worry not.

OVERNIGHT AT BROTHER SY'S HOMESTAY

We will ride a tuk tuk to a cozy homestay to spend the night. Upon arrival, you'll have some downtime to refresh and rejuvenate before we dive into a culinary exploration. We will partly prepare dinner by ourselves, mastering the art of crafting three authentic dishes from the Mekong Delta region. Get ready for a hands-on experience!

Day 3

IN THE LAND OF CHOCOLATE

Channel your inner peace with a relaxing morning at the charming homestay. Should you wish to explore, hop on a bicycle for a short ride through the local village to immerse yourself in the community's way of life. Post-breakfast, at approximately 09:30 AM, we'll bid farewell to our homestay and venture to a local chocolate factory. Here, you'll uncover the art of chocolate crafting, from cocoa bean drying to the final molding of delectable treats.

LUNCH AND DEPARTURE

Our next stop will be a local diner, where you can savor hu tieu noodles – a beloved regional soup specialty. After the satisfying meal, it’s time to wrap up our journey as we make our way back to Ho Chi Minh City and return to Phu Quoc.

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