Unicorn Island-The Lush Mekong Delta

📍 HCMC to Ben Tre (95 km): 2.5 hours Ben Tre to Thoi Son Island (20 km): 30 mins

Departure today at 08:30. Leave the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City behind and drive for 2.5 hours to Ben Tre, the island of coconuts’ in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Visit authentic cottage industries, meet friendly locals and taste traditional cuisine for a better insight into the beauty and culture of the Mekong Delta.

The discovery begins with a leisurely stroll through a local village, taking in the sights of charming houses and their well-manicured gardens. Board the boat, cruise through the smaller tributaries of Ben Tre province. Upon arriving at a coconut garden, take a chance to gather the fruit from the trees and drink their refreshing juice amidst the lush green surroundings. 

Return to the boat and continue cruising to a coconut workshop to see the processing and learn how every part of the nut is used. From there, hop onto a bicycle and ride around the village roads. Take a moment to appreciate the bucolic scenery when passing by the lush rice fields and bountiful vegetable gardens before getting back for the cruise to the other side of the river.

From there, board a sampan and paddle through the narrow canals around the island, appreciating the tranquility and lush landscapes of this part of the Delta. Afterwards, enjoy lush tropical fruits and honey tea in a garden and start a ride on the back of a xe loi, a local motorized cart, bouncing along back paths. 
Having worked up an appetite during the morning’s touring, take a break at a restaurant and enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch. 

Following the meal, take a leisurely walk past green gardens to the homes of locals to chat with family members. See them making either crispy rice paper, the most famous specialty of this village or the age-old process of rice wine making. 

Mid-afternoon, depart Ben Tre and transfer by road a short distance further to tranquil Thoi Son Island, otherwise known as Unicorn Island. The Island is located on the river in between My Tho and Ben Tre with modest homes nestled amongst the multitude of coconut palms, and locals who still predominantly grow tropical fruits such as longan, mango, pomelo, and banana. 

On arrival, transfer to an island lodge, a boutique property tucked away in between the fruit and palm trees on the banks of the river.
 
Overnight on Thoi Son Island.

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

📍 Thoi Son Island – Ho Chi Minh City (80 km): 110 minutes

After an early breakfast at the lodge, enjoy an active cycling experience. 

Start with a short relaxing boat ride on the vast Tien River, passing by some local fish farms on the water and observe this important waterway - the life-blood of the Mekong Delta. Arrive at a small disembarkation point and hop on a mountain bike to explore the area. 

Cycle through the lush coconut and cacao plantations on narrow roads and quiet un-sealed countryside pathways. Stop by a local cacao farmer’s house to see planting, harvesting, fermenting and drying processes before the cacao beans are sold.  

Continue a bike ride through lush coconut plantations and fruit orchards on the small shady tracks, stopping by a local pagoda for a short break to enjoy some refreshments. Cycle back to the starting point and transfer back by boat back to The Island Lodge. This excursion takes approx. 3 hours and the cycling route is about 8 kms but it may be challenging for some due to the unsealed paths and some rougher ‘off road’ terrain, especially if there are some muddy patches.  

Late morning return to the Lodge to freshen up and check out before departing back to Ho Chi Minh City. 

NOTE: An easier boat & cycle excursion is available on request with cycling distances ranging from 7km-13km visiting either Coconut Plantations or the Fish Farms. Alternatively, guests who would like a more leisurely morning may prefer to take a more leisurely walk or bicycle ride around the island at own pace, or instead relax and enjoy the facilities at the resort. For best arrangements discuss preferences for this morning in advance with the travel consultant, so the necessary services can be pre-reserved. Bicycle numbers and sizes are limited.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast