Mekong discovery: Sa Dec and Vinh Long

THROUGH MEKONG DISCOVERY: SA DEC AND VINH LONG TOUR, YOU WILL EXPLORE

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Sa Dec – Cai Be (L, D)

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City and drive for the 3 hour deeper into the heart of the Delta, to the town of Sa Dec. This is a charming, typically authentic Mekong destination that seems to have been staying out of reach ofthe modernization that has changed much other parts of Vietnam.

Arrive in Sa Dec, visit the Kien An Cung pagoda, the most charming Buddhism structure in town before enjoying lunch in a literature former home of Huynh Thuy Le, the main character in the “Lover” novel by Marguerite Duras.

After lunch, cruise to Cai Be, along the way enjoy the landscapes and river life on the Mekong delta’s waterways. For a glimpse of the local life in the area, visit flower gardens as well as floating houses along a branch of the mighty Mekong. Pay a visit to a traditional mat weaving workshop where handicrafts women weaving cane grasses mats by hand.

Note: Alternatively there is another option to drive to Vinh Long and instead of doing the cruise on the river from Sa Dec. Board the boat in Vinh Long and cruise towards Cai Be. Reaching Vinh Long, take a visit at the brick factory, perhaps the biggest one in Mekong region. In this factory, they use rice husk to bake the bricks and terracotta products.

At the end of the day, check in for the night at The Mekong Riverside Resort & Spa which peacefully locates overlooking a branch of the Mekong River.

Overnight in Cai Be.

Day 2: Cai Be – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Early this morning get up as the sun’s first ray; take a boat trip to the chaotic but very fascinating Cai Be floating market, one of the most famous floating markets in the Mekong. On arrival at the market, see traders skillfully glide their boats on the waterways jammed with all others boats, many of boats have been living spaces for generations.

Cruise further through the market for 40 minutes to hidden area of the Mekong’s untouched corner. Disembark your boat and hop on a bike for a leisurely cycling trip along the roads winding through orchards and crossing over tiny bridges on the lush island. As alternative option for those who are not interested in cycling, take a ride on a Xe Loi (a trailer towed from the back of a bicycle, used only in the Mekong Delta). En route cycling, stop to visit a local market with arrays of strange local products.

Mid-morning, take a break and visit a local family’s orchard where hundreds tropical fruit trees are grown. Meet with the owner, a war veteran and he will be happy to guide you around his garden of tropical fruits and share stories of his life in the former war time.

The cycling journeys onward to a stunning house of over 100-year which is architecturally mixed between Vietnamese orient style and European one. Enjoy the Vietnamese southern food for a delicious lunch.

After lunch, wave goodbye to the family and return to Saigon, arriving the city in the late afternoon.

Please note that the bike distance can be changed according to your physical condition.

You might be interested in our Discovery of Mai Chau and Pu Luong, otherwise look for other interesting options in our Vietnam excursions travel style!