The heart of Mekong Delta

THROUGH THE HEART OF MEKONG DELTA TOUR, YOU WILL DISCOVER

Day 1 : Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Can Tho (L)

Depart from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City at 8AM and journey further south to the township of Cai Be to board your Mekong Queen, a traditionally built riverboat made from wooden frame bamboo and rattan roof. In the old days during Vietnam’s French colony period, these boats were essential means of transportation in Mekong Delta and flooding areas. And even nowadays, they still remain a handy means of reaching the Mekong delta’s isolated island communities.

Meet your Mekong Queen at the Cai Be jetty at 10AM, you will be welcomed with cold towels and a refreshing drink while your Mekong Queen sets off gliding for its leisurely cruise on the busy waterways. On the river, from your comfort sampan you will observe local life as it plays out on the river sides – the people, lush green landscapes – while your attentive crew serves you some more tea and fresh fruit of lady finger banana, rose apple. As your boat glides through Cai Be floating market where you will see houses cum boats from around regions selling their agricultural products. Along the boat cruise, we will stop to visit local industries making coconut candy, making rice wine, rice paper and other local products. Lunch will be served in a local family restaurant in the middle of a fruitful garden on the island. After that take a short ride across the mighty Mekong River to Vinh Long city where your private transfer is await for you and drive you even further south to reach the heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho city. Arrive your hotel in Can Tho in late afternoon.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 2 : Can Tho – Chau Doc (B, L)

Travel on a boat to Cai Rang town to visit the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s busiest floating market. Watch vendors hawking pumpkin, water melon from boats to boats. Then, transfer three hours to the frontier Chau Doc town, a colorful and sleepy town near the border line of Vietnam and Cambodia.

In the afternoon, transfer to Tra Su Mangrove Forest for a sampan cruise, this over 800 hectares Tra Su Mangrove is an important haven for fauna and flora. It is accessible all year around but the ideal time for visiting Tra Su is from September to early December when the water level is higher. Before arriving at the Tra Su forest, you visit a small village of ethnic Khmer, visit their pagoda to understand more about Buddhism practice in local community.

Overnight in Chau Doc.

Day 3 : Chau Doc and Countryside exploring (B, L)

The Mekong Delta is the Vietnam’s southern land with crisscross winding waterways, silted water canals, emerald paddy fields and bustling floating markets where people’s life and culture is dominant by the flows of Vietnam’s most fertile river. Today, cruise on small wooden boat to Chau Doc’s fascinating floating market to see river vendors and local farmers from the surrounding countryside transport fruits, vegetables and fish. Cruise past the floating fish farms to reach a local Cham Village, these people are one of the most fascinating ethnic minorities of Vietnam. Return to Chau Doc for tasty lunch.

In the afternoon, cycle out along quiet back roads to discover the authentic rural Mekong Delta at its best, ride your bike leisurely through villages where life has changed very little, journey through rice fields with friendly farmers and ploughing cows. Make random stops on the way and meet the locals and take some of the best views in Southern Vietnam. Return to hotel for relax or a well earned massage!

Overnight in Chau Doc.

Day 4 : Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Today, take a transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City where your tour to the Heart of the Delta ends.

You might be interested in our Halong Bay off the beaten track, otherwise look for other interesting options in our Vietnam cruise or Vietnam classic & culture travel style!