If you’re thinking of green sceneries, a relaxing time and interesting local lifestyles, think of the Mekong Delta. This area in Southern Vietnam is where the river, from its starting point far away in the Tibetan Plateau empties out here and into the South China Sea. Deemed as the rice bowl of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is home to a complex system of distributaries and is dotted with countless rice fields, fruit orchards, handicraft villages and floating markets. To understand the area better, an overnight cruise will do more than that; it’ll leave you with unforgettable memories of a fascinating and intriguing region.

Start your tour of Southern Vietnam with an enlightening experience in the country’s biggest city, Saigon. Bits and pieces of the East and West converge harmoniously together in one place. It is quite amazing to see churches, colonial buildings and European statues residing side by side with Oriental architecture, temples and culture. East truly meets West here in Ho Chi Minh City.

The journey to your Overnight Cruise on the Mekong is about two and a half hours by car. Keep in mind that the trip is also something in itself. You’ll see the buildings of the big city slowly fading into scenes of green rice fields, tropical forests and simple villages. Tons of Kodak moments here. And before you know it, you’re at the pier where your home for the night awaits. You’ll first cruise to Cai Be, a river/land hybrid town and home to one of the area’s most colorful and lively floating markets. Absorb the atmosphere, revel in its color and why not purchase a bargain or two while you’re here?

After your market experience, head on out and explore the Mekong’s various tributaries. Kick back and let the hypnotic and smooth rhythm of the Mekong relax you. Notice the verdant scenery of green jungles and rice fields and the occasional simple hut dotting the area. Next thing you know, dinner is served onboard. Continue admiring the area as you chow down on your delicious Vietnamese meal.

Rise and shine! How’s your Mekong morning? Start the new day off with a cruise to Cai Rang floating market, taking in the traditional sights such as rice barges, traditional shipyards and tropical fruits drying along the river banks along the way. The boat will then cruise back to the pier where a car will be waiting to take you back to Saigon.

See our Vietnam tours for more inspiring journeys into this fascinating country.

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