The sun rises over green waters, shining on many rivers. The air smells of sweet fruits and the rich Mekong. Birds sing and boats hum in the early morning. Welcome to the beautiful Mekong Delta, where each turn brings new sights.
Experience the captivating wonders of the Mekong Delta, a realm of winding waterways and lush fruit orchards. Taste the flavors of exotic fruits and Ben Tre’s coconut candies at a local factory. Cruise along meandering water channels, soaking in the picturesque surroundings. Engage with the vibrant energy of the bustling floating market, where local life unfolds before your eyes. Watch in awe as vendors skillfully navigate their boats, laden with fresh produce and local delicacies.
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Trip typePrivate tour - minimum 2 guests -
CountryVietnam
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Duration3 days, 2 nights
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Starting LocationHo Chi Minh City
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Ending LocationHo Chi Minh City/ Phnom Penh
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PriceEach trip is priced individually - trips differ in the number of people, selected hotels, and attractions.
- Air-conditioned car/van transfers
- Meals as specified in the program
- Entrance tickets to listed attractions
- Accommodations as indicated
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Personal expenses
- Additional drinks and meals
- Tips for services
- Visas to Vietnam
- Private insurance
- Other services not mentioned in the program
Experience Highlights
Discover the intricate process of crafting Ben Tre's famous coconut candy at a local workshop
Enjoy a peaceful ride on a traditional sampan boat and soak into the tranquil atmosphere of the Vietnamese countryside
Experience the daily life at a floating fish farm, where you'll witness local fishermen in action and gain insights into their traditional way of life
Experience the vibrant energy of Cai Rang floating market and enjoy delightful breakfast aboard a traditional boat in Can Tho
Discover the lush greenery of Tra Su's mangrove forest, home to diverse bird species
Participate in a unique ceremony to seek happiness and luck at the sacred site of Chau Doc
Day 1: TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFT IN BEN TRE
Our expedition to Mekong Delta starts in the morning at your hotel in Saigon. After a two-hour drive, we reach Ben Tre province, known as the Vietnamese capital of coconut and one of the most beautiful places in the Mekong Delta.
We then board our motorboat and begin one of the most scenic boat trips through the area. Firstly, we cruise along one of the Mekong branches and pay a visit to a floating fish farm. Then, our boat enters a smaller channel, covered with dense and tropical vegetation. After disembarking, we will go for a walk through the fruit orchards and the peaceful countryside.
From there, we commute by tuk-tuks to a coconut candy factory, where we get to taste a wide array of tropical fruits, such as jackfruit, pomelo, longan, and many more.
A TASTE OF FAMOUS ELEPHANT EAR FISH
In small oar-powered boats we will go to another part of the village, from where we will walk to lunch at a restaurant serving traditional Mekong Delta cuisine. You can try the famous "Elephant's Ear" fish, local freshwater shrimps and many other specialties. And after a filling meal, for the brave - a durian tasting.
PEACEFUL EVENING IN CAN THO
After lunch, we will take a large boat back to the marina, where we will get back to our car. Here, we then start our 3-hour drive to Can Tho. Upon arrival we will check in to a scenic Ecolodge, enjoy a dinner, and spend overnight in Can Tho.
Day 2: A FLOATING BREAKFAST
We will begin our day early at 6:00 A.M. by walking to the local pier. There we will board a boat and cruise to Cai Rang Floating Market.
This is where we can see what life on the water looks like and how the local people trade fruits and goods from boat to boat. We will also learn how to spot from a distance what goods are sold on each boat. Our breakfast, together with morning coffee and some tropical fruits, will be served on our boat. The best part is that all those treats will come to us by themselves!
Around 7:30 A.M., we will return to the hotel for a short rest and check out. You can also grab a "second breakfast" at the hotel restaurant.
TRA SU MANGROVE FOREST
We then leave Can Tho and set off for Chau Doc town with a stop at the stunning Tra Su Mangrove Forest.
In Tra Su forest, we will immerse ourselves in a landscape like no other on earth, listen to the intricate songs of the local birds, and gaze upon the sunbeams shining through the tall treetops. This location is also the home of a unique ecosystem with various special flora and fauna. Don't forget to bring your binoculars as the forest is a great spot for bird watching with all kinds of water bird species.
After these experiences, we will rest at one of our selected resorts in the area.
Day 3:
Option 1: A VISIT TO THE SPIRITUAL CHAU DOC
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Chau Doc, An Giang province, and visit the Temple of the Celestial Lady of the Realm. This is an extremely popular temple where worshippers ask for happiness and success for their business endeavors.
We will get familiar with the custom of offering sacrifices to the local deities and find out what "bringing back luck" means. We then leave Can Tho and set off for Chau Doc town with a stop at the stunning Tra Su Mangrove Forest.
Then it’s time for us to return to Saigon. On the way, we will stop at a local rest stop venue for a quick lunch.
Option 2: A TURN TO CAMBODIA
If you are thinking about visiting Cambodia, this is your chance! Since Cambodia is not too far from the Mekong Delta, you can extend the trip and visit Vietnam's amazing neighbor while you are already in the area.
We will leave the resort early in the morning and drop you off at the pier. Here, you'll board a speedboat bound for Phnom Penh, with a takeaway breakfast to fuel your journey. As the Mekong carries you across borders, you'll witness the ever-changing scenery of two nations. After a 5-6 hour river odyssey, you'll step into the bustling heart of Phnom Penh between 12:30 and 1:00 PM, ready to embark on your Cambodian adventure.
